Sika Cycle Trail

 

The Sika Cycle Trail runs for 7 miles around Wareham Forest. Its southern point links to the Northport Greenway thereby providing a safe, off-road route from the town of Wareham to the forest. The trail follows tracked routes through the forest and heath. It is generally flat with a couple of inclines, and is suitable for cyclists of all ages and abilities. Simply follow the numbered posts around the route.

How to get there:

Sika Cycle Trail can be started from Sika Trail in Wareham Forest which is part of Dorset Woodlands. Wareham is the nearest town or village.

Take the Bere Regis road from Wareham. Travel for about 1 mile, as you leave the outskirts of Wareham look for the sign to the Sika Trail Car Park on the right-hand side. Trail starts from the car park., The Sika Cycle Trail can also be accessed from Northport at the northern end of Wareham.

OS Grid Reference: SY900920

Mammals: The Sika Cycle Trail takes its name from the sika deer found in this forest and throughout the county.
Roe deer also live in the forest. We have information about Roe deer

Birds: Excellent site for heathland birds. Good populations of woodlark, Dartford warbler, nightjar and stonechat on the heath and in forest clearings.
Hobbys are also regularly encountered over the heath hawking for dragonflies.
Pine trees support good numbers of crossbills, especially in the winter. We have information about Nightjar and Woodlark

Insects and reptiles: Wareham Forest supports all 6 species of British reptile.
Heathland areas also host good numbers of dragonflies and butterflies such as the silver-studded blue. We have information about Adder

Habitats: Wareham Forest contains a mosaic of landscapes and there has been much work of late aimed at returning the forest to its former glory. Enjoy vast tracks of open heath with scattered trees as well as maturing pine woodland and a bog of international importance. We have information about Pinewood, Lowland heath and Lowland bog