Canford Heath East

Canford Heath East is the eastern part of the Canford Heath ward in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, covering residential streets that back directly onto a large area of heathland. Housing ranges from post-war terraces to more recent developments, with local shops, a community centre and primary schools serving day-to-day needs. Public transport links connect the neighbourhood with Poole town centre and other parts of the conurbation, and you can often see commuters and school runs using the same routes that edge the heath.

The heath itself is a significant area of lowland heath with a mix of heather, gorse, acid grassland and small wet hollows. It has protected status for its habitat and supports reptile species such as the sand lizard and smooth snake, and a number of specialist plants in the wetter hollows. Paths and rides cross the heath and are used by walkers and dog owners; conservation groups and the council manage parts of the site to maintain the open habitat where these species survive.