Ham Common, Dorset

[1] Located on the north west shores of Poole Harbour, it is predominantly a heathland site but includes many other habitats including waste ground, mixed woodland, and a freshwater lake (Hamworthy Lake).

Parking for the site can be found at Hamworthy Beach with access to the waterside for kayaking etc., or above the common from Napier Road.

On 17 October 2003 Ham Common 'twinned' with Fleet Pond Local Nature Reserve in Hampshire.

[citation needed] Birds inhabiting the reserve include the avocet, grey phalarope, osprey, Dartford warbler, yellow-browed warbler, serin, black-throated diver, hobby, peregrine falcon, wryneck, hoopoe and nightjar.

[citation needed] Butterflies inhabiting the reserve include the long-tailed blue, European swallowtail, purple hairstreak, grayling, silver-washed fritillary, dark green fritillary, brown argus and silver-studded blue.