Cranborne Chase

Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty encompasses 983 square kilometers of chalk downland straddling the Dorset-Wiltshire-Hampshire border in southern England. This ancient landscape features rolling hills, dense woodlands, archaeological sites, and traditional farmland. The chalk plateau is dissected by river valleys, creating a varied topography. Cranborne Chase has a strong historical identity as a royal hunting ground from medieval times through the 17th century, leaving a legacy of woodland and restricted access that inadvertently preserved the landscape. Flower-rich chalk grasslands support specialized plant communities and insects, while the extensive woodlands provide habitat for deer and woodland birds.

Cranborne Chase served as a royal hunting forest from the Norman Conquest through the 1800s, with special laws protecting deer and restricting settlement. This preserved much of the landscape from agricultural intensification that transformed surrounding areas. Disafforestation in 1830 opened the chase to more intensive farming and settlement. Archaeological richness includes Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments, Roman sites, and medieval villages. The landscape's special character and biodiversity led to AONB designation in 1983. Conservation efforts work to maintain the mosaic of habitats created by centuries of varied land use.

Cranborne Chase has no single visitor center but information is available online and at local tourism offices in surrounding towns. Country lanes and quiet roads allow exploration by car or bicycle. An extensive public rights of way network provides walking access, though large private estates mean access is more limited than some AONBs. Small villages including Cranborne, Sixpenny Handley, and Tollard Royal offer accommodation and services. The area attracts visitors seeking quiet countryside, walking, and historical sites. The low level of tourist infrastructure preserves the tranquil, unspoiled character.

Chalk grassland conservation requires appropriate grazing management to maintain botanical diversity, with support for farmers maintaining traditional livestock systems. Woodland management balances commercial forestry with biodiversity conservation, maintaining diverse age structures and native species. Archaeological heritage protection ensures ancient monuments are preserved while allowing appropriate access. The area faces challenges from agricultural intensification, development pressure, and changing rural economies. Agri-environment schemes incentivize conservation farming practices. Community engagement builds local support for landscape protection while promoting sustainable rural livelihoods and carefully managed tourism.