Many animals roam the open heath, including cows used in conservation grazing. Their natural feeding behaviours help to keep vegetation in check, creating a habitat for reptiles and ground-nesting birds. Can you see any animal tracks? Who do they belong to?
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As you walk to the next hub, see if you can spot some of these plants on or near the path on the way.
Common cudweed
Despite the name, this weird alien-looking plant is increasingly uncommon. It likes disturbed ground, like pathways. By walking here, you're helping to maintain its habitat!
Dodder
Looking like a dropped pile of red fishing line, this is actually a parasitic plant. From a seed, it must quickly grab onto a host plant, from which it gathers its nutrients.
Common centaury
These lovely pink flowers are a common site around Dorset, where it can be often found in dry grassy areas.
Sand Spurrey
Though tiny, once you spot the sand spurrey, you might start noticing them everywhere in dry, sandy soils.
