During June, we recently visited Christchurch in Dorset and enjoyed exploring the nearby surroundings. We discovered the stunning nature reserve at Hengistbury Head just by chance. We had crossed the river Stour via the ferry from the main green in the town, not really knowing what was beyond there.
We followed the pathways across meadows and marshland by the river and they were teeming with wildlife - bees, butterflies, wildflowers and beautiful scenery and birdsong. The hedgerows were full of wildflowers: wild honeysuckle, wild roses, cow parsely, buttercups, clover, campian and even a few bluebells scattered here and there. The paths seemed to stretch for miles and headed in all directions. We chose to head over the heathland towards the beach and then the foliage changed to sandy grasses, swathes of bright pink sea thrift and vivid yellow birdsfoot and gorse.
Back towards Christchurch there's a pretty tea garden, in June it's teaming with cottage garden flowers - including rambling roses, lupins and foxgloves with beautiful views down the river.
Another day we took the ferry across from Mudeford Quay to the spit below the headland that separates the sea from the harbour there and this time seeing the famous beach huts. Again, there were many stunning coastal views, scenery and much wildlife with sea kale on the beach and the cries of gulls, ferns and more tumbling hedgerows.
Then it was time to head home, but stopping en route in the heart of the New Forest for a ramble amongst the wild ponies, busy streams and glorious countryside. It's a natural garden to behold with acres and acres of woodlands, heathlands, peace and tranquility - it's only the countryside you can hear. A buzz of a bee, hum of an insect, the birdsong and the trickle of a stream above the silence. Rhodedendrens with their huge pink flower heads were in full flower too.
We had a lunch stop before home at the White Buck Inn at Burley, where there's a decent menu, good service and a pretty beer garden. We had our cocker spaniel, Ted with us and dogs were allowed in the garden and bar areas, so he was happy, especially when he was brought treats and a bowl of water!
Hengistbury Head
Mudeford Spit
Tuckton Tearooms
The New Forest
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