Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Adventures

Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), designated in 1981, covers approximately 93,500 acres across Dorset, Hampshire, and Wiltshire in southern England. This protected landscape features gently rolling chalk downlands, ancient woodlands, steep escarpments, and fertile valleys that combine to support a diverse range of flora and fauna. It is rich in historical and archaeological sites, including Neolithic long barrows, Iron Age hillforts, and medieval settlements, reflecting millennia of human activity. The landscape is characterized by managed farmland, coppiced woodlands, and chalk grasslands, habitats important for rare chalk-loving wildflowers, butterflies, and bird species. Outdoor recreation is centered on hiking, cycling, horseback riding, and wildlife watching, with several long-distance trails like the Cranborne Chase Way offering access to charming villages, historic churches, and ancient monuments. Notable landmarks include the prehistoric earthworks of Knowlton Circles, the scenic escarpment at Melbury Hill, and the historic Mere, a natural lake providing habitats for waterfowl. Cranborne Chase offers a tranquil experience away from urban centers, appealing to visitors interested in heritage, nature, and rural landscapes. Its mix of accessible public footpaths through farmland and woodland make it ideal for day hikes and country rambles. Additionally, the area supports local farming communities that contribute to the landscape’s upkeep through traditional agricultural practices, helping sustain its ecological and cultural value.