Dan posted an update
a year ago (edited)
Stephen’s Stone Verwood Dorset
Early January 2025
Forest plantations are ideal spots for hammock camping thanks to plenty of perfectly spaced trees. In my experience, commercial tree plantations are a little more tricky for tent camping – the uneven, debris-covered ground often presents a challenge to find a suitable spot.
I only explored a small section of this nature reserve, which borders other forested areas as well as Moors’ Valley Country Park and Forest.
From what I saw of the area, the forests were mainly commercial tree plantations, with a few groups of native trees here and there.
All the woodlands in the area I visited, were located on higher ground which sloped down to the low-lying areas. These low-lying areas that surrounded the woodland were really boggy, due to the amount of rain we have had recently. This made some places inaccessible and difficult to navigate.
As night fell, I had to settle quickly and found a fantastic flat, bowl-like area free from debris. Tucked just off a small forest path and a little way from the main track, it was as good a spot as I had hoped to find.
Coordinates:
GPS: SU 08908 10867
Google Map: 50°53’49.8″N 1°52’29.0″W
What3words: ///louder.chatters.measuring
Getting there:
I arrived by car and parked along St Stephen’s Lane which had two points of entry onto the nature reserve.
There are also plenty of other roads around the nature reserve that offer plenty of parking, with many having access points on to the nature reserve.
Heads up:
Good phone and internet signal.
I only saw a few dog walkers as I entered in the late afternoon and left in the early morning. I saw no one in the area as it was getting dark.
The evening was a bit noisy with planes and helicopters passing overhead, but once night time, the area was quiet.
#tent #wildcamp #verwood #dorset #stephensstone
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A few more images of the area
