Updated 5 Feb 2008

A 5-mile walk near Wimborne in Dorset

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Eye Bridge sign

    By the side of Eye Bridge, the National Trust has erected a very informative sign entitled "The River Stour". The layout and pictures below have been taken from a single photo taken by the author this morning.

THE RIVER STOUR

    Welcome to Eyebridge on the River Stour, a place of timeless landscapes and abundant wildlife. The surfaced riverside path is specially designed for wheelchairs and buggies. More able visitors can extend their walk by following the circular route shown on the map. For the sake of wheelchair users and to help conserve wildlife, dog owners are asked to always to clean up after their dogs. Please use the bags and disposal bins provided. The living waterway. The slow-flowing water and fertile banks provide food, shelter and nest sites for a variety of wildlife. The otter is one of the rare creatures which is increasing here. Some of the riverside meadows are traditionally maged without chemicals, attracting many wild flowers, butterflies and animals. Ancient landscapes.
    The landscape here has changed little over the centuries. Many of the thatched cottages, fields and hedgerows date back to medieval times. Upstream, the path crosses the route of a Roman road, whilst downstream you can see the twin towers of Winborne Minster. The riverside pathway. The surfaced pathway, viewpoints and seating were kindly funded through a Biffaward, as well as donations from the East Dorset Centre for National Trust Members, the Camping and Caravanning Club, and the Land army Association.

    The National Trust. The National Trust is a conservation charity. We need your help to protect beautiful and historic places such as this. For information contact The National Trust, Kingston Lacy Estate, Hillbutts, Winborne, Dorset BH21 4DS Tel 01202 886649 Special events and visits for less able visitors can be arranged through the Countryside Wardens on 01202 840630 Waterside wildlife Plants. River banks: Marsh marigold, yellow flag iris, purple loosestrife, bulrush, water mint, water forget-me-not. Meadows: Ragged robin, meadow sweet, cuckoo flower. Birds. Riverside: Kingfisher, grey heron, mute swan and summer visitors such as the reed warbler, sedge warbler, reed bunting. Wet meadows: Snipe, redshank, curlew.
    Insects. Butterflies: Orange tip, peacock, clouded yellow. Dragonflies and damselflies: Brown hawker, white-legged damselfly Fish. Trout, roach, perch, dace, chub, pike, minnow, eel. Mammals.
    Otter: Look for tracks and listen for its loud chirping cries. Water vole: Look for its tracks and listen for the distinctive 'plop' as it dives into the water.