page_title: Upton Heath
section_title: Nature Reserve
hierarchical_section_title: Upton Heath / Nature Reserve
caption_attribution_description: English: Upton Heath looking towards Poole Harbour, Dorset
context_page_description: Upton Heath is one of the largest remaining fragments of a heath that once stretched across central southern England from Dorchester to Christchurch and beyond. Today it is confined to an area immediately west of Poole, much of which is protected. From the Heath there are views across Poole Harbour, Corfe Castle and the Isle of Purbeck.
context_section_description: Much of the area has been designated as the Upton Heath Nature Reserve and is largely managed by the Dorset Wildlife Trust. It is wild, wet and generally unsuitable for building which is why it was not developed as Poole expanded. However abandoned sand pits and clay pits reflect its historic use for the pottery and brick making industries.
  In June 2011, one third of the heath was devastated by what one source described as the "worst fire at Upton Heath for 35 years". Local people had to evacuate their homes and 200 firefighters were engaged as the fire spread rapidly over a square kilometre. Dorset Wildlife Trust said that the fire had happened at the peak of the bird and reptile breeding season and had put wildlife development back 25 years. Two men believed to be responsible for starting the fire were being sought by police and the Crimestoppers offered a reward.
  In the aftermath of the Upton Heath Fire, an organisation called Heathwatch was formed with local people volunteering to act as wardens. Two men, wanted by police, were arrested as a result of the initiative.
caption: Upton Heath looking towards Poole Harbour
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