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Description
Starting and ending in the historic town of Wareham, this easy going circular birding walk, also known as The Two Rivers Walk along the bank River Frome overlooking reedbed, marshland, fresh water pools to Swineham Gravel Pit. Along this section in spring & summer you will often hear a burst of song from a (Ευρωπαϊκό) Ψευταηδόνι , be seranaded by a Καλαμοποταμίδα / Σχοινοποταμίδα or the repetative call of a Δεντροφυλλοσκόπος . In Autumn and winter this is replaced by the cry of a (Ευρασιατική) Τουρλίδα , the peewit of (Ευρωπαϊκή) Καλημάνα or the honks & cackle of Geese. In Spring and Autumn the floodfields attract a variety of waders such as Μαχητής , (Ευρωπαϊκή) Λιμόζα , Δασότρυγγας , (Κοινό) Μπεκατσίνι , Ποταμοσφυριχτής and rarer species like Θωρακωτή Σκαλίδρα , (Κοινή) Νανοσκαλίδρα or Σταχτιά Νανοσκαλίδρα .
The Gravel Pit holds a variety of wildfowl, especially in winter with Πρασινοκέφαλη Πάπια , Μαυροκέφαλη Πάπια , (Κοινή) Φαλαρίδα , Καπακλής , and Σκουφοβουτηχτάρι . The reedbed at the back of the pit is also a staging post for (Ευρασιατικός) Ήταυρος in March.
Swineham point overlooks a reedbed, saltmarsh and has extended views over the Wareham Channel & Arne Moor. From this viwpoint you have a great chance to see Καλαμόκιρκος , Δεντρογέρακο , Πετρίτης , Νανογέρακο , Ψαραετός , Χειμωνόκιρκος and (Ευρωπαϊκός) Θαλασσαετός . But do listen out for the unmistakable ching ching call of Μουστακαλής in the reedbed.
The footpath then continues around the gravel pit into the Lower Piddle Valley, which are a series of flood fields. Please see Birdingplace https://www.birdingplaces.eu/en/birdingplaces/united-kingdom/lower-piddle-valley-flood-fields
Once you leave the floodfields the footpath takes you through a small area of woodland where you can see a wide variety of birds such as Μαυροσκούφης , Πυροβασιλίσκος , Δεντροτσοπανάκος and Βουνοδεντροβάτης .
Then it's just a gentle stroll back to the town of Wareham.
Details
Access
Swineham is located directly east of the town of Wareham. The town has a train station and also regular bus service (#40) from Poole / Swanage.
Park in one of the Wareham car parks or safely in the street. For the start of the walk go down East Street to the Old Town Walls (now grass banks). From here walk along East Walls and take the footpath at the corner of East walls and the graveyard. Follow this path to a small wooden walkway to the River Frome. Then just continue following the river all the way to Swineham.
At the end of the walk continue along North Bestwall Rd to East Street, where you will be back at the starting point of the walk.
The walk is approximately 6 - 7km long and allow at least 2.5 hours to walk all the way around.
Terrain and Habitat
Wetland , Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , Moors/heathland , River , Lake , ReedbedsConditions
Flat , Slippery , Wet , High water possible , Open landscapeCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Winter , Summer , Spring , AutumnRoute
Paved road , Narrow trailDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
FootBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
Should you wish to cut the walk short, turn off just before the Gravel Pit at the Swineham Tidal Flap. Go through the small wooden gate and follow the track to the road. Follow the road West, past Curlews cottage, the rugby pitches and back to the town walls / start of the walk.