Useful Information Heathland Code Safe Cycling A
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Walking & Cycling A Green Corridor Heathland Code The Bourne Valley Greenways The Stream • When cycling on heaths, only use bridleways or paths Greenways are largely car-free, off-road routes connecting The Bourne Stream flows where cycling is permitted. people to facilities, open spaces and countryside within through the valley between Poole Greenway and around our towns. They are for shared use by walkers, and Bournemouth - from open • Keep to main tracks so as not to damage or disturb cyclists and (where practical and possible) horseriders. heathland at Canford Heath, plants and wildlife, especially during nesting season through industrial and residential (March to August). By working together to develop new greenway routes across areas, to Bournemouth’s gardens both Bournemouth and Poole we hope to make cycling and and into the sea at the Pier. • Be aware of basking reptiles and avoid harming or walking easier for people of all ages and offer a safe and disturbing them. attractive alternative to the car. The stream and the habitats it passes through provide valuable • Be aware of other users, grazing animals and wildlife Health homes for wildlife. The stream is when cycling and keep pets under control when walking. Walking or cycling on local notable for its small population of journeys not only reduces the water voles which have undergone • Take dog mess and litter home as it is detrimental to the volume of cars on the road, but a dramatic decline nationally. Listen out for a loud ‘plop’ as heathland and is a health risk to wildlife and other users. also allows you to make better they jump into the water! use of nearby open spaces • Heathlands are dry habitats – do not start fires! and take some exercise. It is Many of the in-stream ponds are home to numerous estimated that only 30% of the species and populations of dragonfly, some of them quite population is physically active rare. Some of these, as well as enough to benefit their health. reptiles and birds usually found near the stream or heathland, Bournemouth & Poole Getting out and about in the have been known to turn up in open air can reduce anxiety and people’s gardens and ponds. promote a feeling of well-being; just 30 minutes of walking or cycling every day (the current national recommendation) can The Gardens improve your health and fitness levels dramatically. So next The English Heritage Grade II* time you need to pop to the shops or get to work, don’t just sit listed Gardens were created in in your car - take a stroll or hop on your bike! the 19th Century . The Lower Safe Cycling Gardens are renowned for The Existing Route their floral bedding displays • Check your cycle is in good working order before a and attractions. The Upper and The Bourne Valley runs continuously for 6.5km between journey and remember to take a repair kit. Central Gardens include many Bournemouth Town Centre and the open countryside of trees, shrubs and herbaceous perennials from around the Useful Information Canford Heath, north of Poole, taking in Talbot Heath and • Wear bright clothes – fluorescent in the day, world and are more peaceful, providing areas for quiet Bourne Bottom. reflective at night. contemplation away from the bustle of the town. Bournemouth Borough Council The Greenway follows a picturesque green corridor with • Carry cycle lights. Parks and Gardens 01202 437812 open spaces for play and relaxation, delightfully crafted Sustainable Transport 01202 451194 The boardwalk in the Upper gardens, nature reserves and beautiful heathland. This route • If wearing a cycle helmet, check it fits snugly and is Gardens runs through a managed www.bournemouth.gov.uk/visitors serves a large population and offers a quiet, safe and tranquil securely fastened. wildflower meadow, with Ragged alternative to the surrounding busy roads. Robin, Cuckoo Flower and • On narrow roads, cycle in single file and be ready for Marsh Orchid. Beyond are the The route is waymarked with a fast traffic. Borough of Poole Coy Pond Gardens which attract G symbol and it takes about Walking routes / cycle maps 01202 262066 many species of bird including 30 minutes to cycle from • Take care when crossing main roads. wildfowl, both on Coy Pond and www.boroughofpoole.com Alderney to Bournemouth’s the new ponds at the top end of Town Centre. • Give way to pedestrians on shared-use paths. We can give you help to read the gardens. or understand this information • Use a cycle bell to inform other users of your presence. The Heathland 01202 262521 The Future Dorset’s heathlands and many of the species that live A huge amount of work has been • Observe the rules of the Highway Code. on them are both nationally and internationally important boroughofpoole.com/accessibility carried out to make this route a reality, but there is still and protected. The heathland sites along the route of the scope for more to be done. Perhaps the most important Greenway are home to 6 species of UK reptiles. Heathland www.gettingabout.info thing is that people know that the route is there to be birds such as the Stonechat and rare Dartford Warbler can used. If you are local to and interested in this route and its Traveline be seen, as well as some rare dragonflies. 0871 2002233 www.travelinesw.com development, you may wish to get involved in an established group such as ‘Friends of Coy Pond’ or become involved Heathlands are very fragile habitats and the wildlife that The ‘Stream, Heath and Woodland Walk’ includes a stretch of in developing a ‘Friends of Central & Upper Gardens’. the Greenway from the Town Hall, through the Central and Upper lives on them can be greatly affected by inappropriate The views of local people can shape the way the route is Gardens and past Coy Pond. You can pick up a copy of the leaflet activities. Please follow the heathland code... from the Bournemouth Town Hall reception. developed in the future..