Stour & Allen Vale

The Stour & Allen Vale ward encompasses a rural expanse in northeast Dorset, characterised by a landscape of gentle river valleys and mixed farmland. The area is defined by the waterways of the River Stour and its tributary, the Allen, which shape the low-lying meadows and pastures. Settlement is primarily in small, scattered villages and hamlets, with agriculture forming the central economic activity. The geography fosters a quiet, agricultural character away from major urban centres.

A notable local landmark is the historic Sturminster Newton Mill, a working watermill on the River Stour that continues to produce flour. The ward's network of quiet lanes and public footpaths follows the contours of the valleys, connecting settlements like Stour Provost and Todber. This creates a cohesive, though sparsely populated, community oriented around the land and its traditional farming rhythms.