Attractions and Places To See in Studland And Godlingston Heath National Nature Reserve - Top 3

Formerly an "anvil" shape with a flat top, in 1970 it fell on one end and one side, leaving the top at an angle of about 45°.

Dogs permitted off lead on beach and dunes between 1st October and 31st March. Must be on lead between April and September.

Godlingston Heath is a significant area of lowland heathland located near the village of Studland in Dorset, England. It is a key part of the larger Studland and Godlingston Heath National Nature Reserve, and more recently, has been incorporated into the UK's first "super" nature reserve, the Purbeck Heaths National Nature Reserve. A Fragment of a Vanishing Landscape Lowland heathland is a rare and threatened habitat in the UK, with a significant amount having been lost over the past two centuries. Godlingston Heath is one of the largest and most important remaining tracts of this habitat. It's not a "natural" landscape in the sense of a primeval forest; its current form is the result of thousands of years of human activity, including woodland clearance for farming and the use of the land for grazing and fuel. This has created an acidic, nutrient-poor soil that is perfect for the specialized plant life found there. A Haven for Wildlife Godlingston Heath is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its remarkable biodiversity. The mosaic of dry and wet heath, acid grassland, and small patches of woodland provides a home for a wide variety of species, many of which are rare or endangered. It is particularly renowned for being a stronghold for all six of the UK's native reptile species: Sand lizard: This is a particularly important site for the sand lizard, which is one of the UK's rarest reptiles. Smooth snake: This elusive and rare reptile also thrives in the heathland environment. Common lizard Slow worm Grass snake Adder

also known as the "Devil's Anvil," is a large, distinctive sandstone block located on a conical hill on Godlingston Heath near the village of Studland in south Dorset, England. This impressive rock, weighing approximately 400 tonnes, is a popular landmark and a local curiosity. Local legends offer a more dramatic explanation for the rock's existence. The most famous myth says the Devil, standing on The Needles on the Isle of Wight, hurled the massive rock with the intention of hitting Corfe Castle, Bindon Abbey, or Salisbury Cathedral. However, his aim was poor, and the rock landed short of its target, where it now sits. Before it toppled over in 1970, the rock had a flat top and an anvil-like shape, which led to its nickname "the Devil's Anvil." Some folklore also suggests that the rock was a holy stone or a Druidical altar.

Yep, its a big rock, but worth the hike and views.

Godlingston Heath is located above the village of Studland and provides spellbinding views of Studland Bay. It's known for the mysterious Agglestone, a huge, 400-tonne sandstone formation that's pretty hard to miss in the heart of the heath. There's wildlife to spot too: keep your eyes peeled for Dartford Warblers and sand lizards in the bushy gorse. Bear in mind that the heathland can be muddy after wet weather.

The mysterious Agglestone Rock is an iron-rich, 400-tonne, sandstone rock formation nestled at the heart of Godlingston Heath. It's not known exactly how it came to stand in its current location and is shrouded in myths and legend. One story goes that it was hurled across from the Isle of Wight's Needles by the Devil. This explains the name Agglestone, which may mean 'Devil's Anvil'. It's also thought to have been a Druid's altar.

Plenty of good trails, making up a particularly scenic part of the National Cycle Network route 2, with some fine views over Poole Harbour.