Moors Valley Country Park is situated in the wide flood plain of the Moors and Crane Rivers.  The land which now forms the Country Park was originally two dairy farms. It was purchased in two phases in the 1980's and developed to create a countryside recreation facility for the increasing population of East Dorset.  Although it is mainly a leisure park with a miniature railway, golf course and play areas, the Park is also a good wildlife site with many rare and interesting plants and animals.  Moors Valley is owned by East Dorset District Council in conjunction with the Forestry Commission, and covers over 400 hectares (1,000 acres). It is a good example of how a busy visitor site can co-exist with prime wildlife habitats despite the potential conflicts.

SECTION 1: MOUND TO BRIDGE  (Length 775 m).

Starting on the mound over the railway line next to the adventure playground, the walk crosses the grassy events area to the Moors Lake outflow and continues along the footpath around the lake's western bank.  The bird life all along this section is varied, ranging from Reed Buntings, Reed Warblers and Sedge Warblers along the lake side, to Tufted Ducks, Great Crested Grebes and occasional Ruddy Ducks on the lake itself.  The Moors River is also used by Otters which have fairly frequently been sighted.  Twenty-three species of dragonfly and damselfly have been recorded at Moors Valley and this section of river and lake is good for many species, notably the Banded Demoiselle and Brown Hawker.Turn left after the bridge over the Lake's inflow and then left again at the sign pointing to the driving range and Blodwell Family Trail.  Section 1 ends on the bridge over the Moors River. 

SECTION 2: BRIDGE TO SEAT  (Length 525 m).

Following the Blodwell Family Trail, the section passes through semi-improved grassland, Willow woodland and alongside old hedgerows and scrub.  Continue on the path from the bridge along the grassland edge and over the boardwalk through the wet woodland.  With Birch scrub on the right and hedgerow to the left, the section finishes at the seat on the right near to a mature Oak tree just past the interpretation board depicting "Grassland".These areas of dense scrub are good habitats for warblers, with numerous Chiffchaffs, Blackcaps, Willow Warblers and Garden Warblers.  Nightingales are regularly heard singing, but their breeding status has not been ascertained.  A coppicing regime has begun to maintain the mosaic of different ages and densities of scrub, which will also hopefully maintain the bird variety.

SECTION 3: OAK TREE TO KNEE-HIGH POST  (Length 150 m).

This section goes through Birch scrub, unimproved wet grassland and woodland edge.  The next two sections are quite difficult to follow and it is easy to become disorientated.  Please follow the red topped marker pegs and use the map.Next to the Oak is a hidden path cut through the regenerating Birch scrub.  Follow this narrow path as it twists around until the scrub opens out.  Turn right and walk towards another mature Oak tree.  Turn right just after the tree and, following the red topped pegs, carry on into another open glade.  Veer diagonally left and continue through  the narrow birch path into another open glade.  Follow the red pegs across this glade and turn left following another birch path.  Turn right heading towards the woodland and, following the red topped pegs, walk through the wood to a white peg.  This peg marks the end of the section.

SECTION 4: POST TO END OF BOARDWALK  (Length 200 m).

This section is in many ways the most interesting.  It is an area of wet heath, grassland and scrub with many notable plants such as Sneezewort, Marsh Gentian, Petty Whin, Creeping Willow, Marsh Orchid, Bog Myrtle and Devilsbit Scabious.  A good colony of Marsh Fritillaries is present and has been increasing in recent years.  Green Hairstreaks and Marbled Whites are quite numerous here.  The dyke and ditches and seepages support interesting dragonfly species such as Four Spotted Chaser, Small Red and Scarce Blue-tailed damselfly.  The Gorse and Birch scrub is good for warblers and is favoured by Whitethroats and Yellowhammers.  Also beware of Adders!Turn left at the white post and follow the strimmed path along its length until the laid footpath is reached.  Turn right here and continue over the boardwalk.  The section ends at the end of this boardwalk.

SECTION 5: BOARDWALK TO WOODLAND END  (Length 200 m).

This section skirts the golf course's second fairway and green and contains woodland edge on one side and semi-improved grassland on the other.  Beware of golfers and golf balls!  Turn right after the boardwalk and follow the woodland edge through the rough.  The golf course rough is good for Marbled Whites, Green-veined Whites, Browns and Skippers.  Follow the woodland to the left.  The section ends at the tip of the woodland at the point where the third fairway is reached.

SECTION 6: WOODLAND END TO BRIDGE (Length 350 m).

Part of this section, along woodland edge and wet grassland, through woodland and over the golf course, is rough.  Follow the woodland edge keeping the wood to the right and grassland to the left.The sheltered woodland edge is suited to Peacocks, Small Tortoiseshell and Red Admirals.  They are usually seen in large numbers on the Bramble.  Turn left upon entering the Withy Bed and walk through this woodland.  The woodland has many ancient woodland plants such as Wood Speedwell, Wood Sorrel, Violets and Primroses, hence its unofficial name of "Primrose Wood".  Sightings of Silver-washed Fritillary have occurred recently and Purple Hairstreaks are still waiting to be discovered!  Upon reaching the third fairway, walk around the back of the tee to the bridge over the river.  Beware of golfers and golf balls!  The bridge is the end point of Section 6.

SECTION 7: BRIDGE TO GOLF CAR PARK  (Length 410 m).

Wet unimproved species-rich grassland, woodland edge and improved/semi-improved rough grassland comprise this last section of the walk.  Carry on over the bridge and leave the road keeping the Alder trees to the right, wade through the tall grassland along the strimmed path walking straight to the woodland.  This wet grassland is botanically rich similarly to Section 4.  The orchids during spring are especially numerous and this area hosts fairly large Marsh Fritillary colonies.  Light autumn grazing has just been introduced which hopefully will benefit these as well as other flora and fauna.  As before, beware of Adders!Follow the wood edge around to the right and continue along towards the golf car park keeping the golf rough and scrub to the left and the practice range area to the right.  The walk finishes at the fence around the golf car park.  Follow the road back to the Visitor Centre, or catch the train!