MORE than four miles of paths into Parley Common have been improved as part of works to allow members of the public better access to the heathland.

The work has been completed at the Site of Special Scientific Interest in East Dorset so as to give walkers, cyclists and horse riders the chance to explore the countryside with ease, while still protecting wildlife.

The site, which is managed by the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust, is part of the Great Heath project.

Improvement work has already been completed to more than four of the public routes.

A new bridleway has been installed and new waymarking and vegetation clearance has allowed room for horses and cyclists to turn around without damaging precious habitat.

All six species of reptile can be found on Dorset heaths, including the UK’s rarest lizard, the sand lizard.

The Great Heath Project access officer, Bev Lagden, said: “We are so pleased that Parley Common now has an all-year accessible bridleway.

"As part of the new access plan there will always be an alternative route for riders, walkers and cyclists to use in the summer when reptiles are basking and laying eggs and rare birds such as the Dartford Warbler are nesting on the ground, to ensure continued protection of their habitat.

"This is a great example of a project where both wildlife and people can benefit and we’d like to thank everyone who helped make it happen.”

Resident Stephanie Stanton said she will be regularly using the new bridleway with her horse Bob.

"Without bridleways like this I wouldn’t be able to ride my horse as the roads in Dorset are too busy and dangerous," she said.

"Here, it’s safe, the other users are very respectful and I love being surrounded by the beautiful heathland.”

Further work is also planned for interpretation and information boards on the main entrances to the site.

For more information, visit dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/The_Great_Heath_sites.html