Millhams Mead
In the North of Bournemouth, Millhams Mead has transformed from local tip, to a beautiful nature reserve
From humble beginnings as a local tip to a beautiful local nature reserve, Millhams Mead is just to the north of Kinson and adjacent to the River Stour with habitats including mature woodland, grassland and scrub, Millhams Mead is a popular spot for wildlife and walkers alike.

The list of plants and animals that make this reserve home is impressive. Some of the plant names are impressive too, such as the corky-fruited water dropwort!

Millhams Mead has around 200 species of flowering plants - including both the bee and pyramid orchids, 24 species of butterflies and almost 50 species of birds have been recorded as either visiting or living here.

Visitor Information
The area was a rubbish tip in the 1960s and 70s but its history is more interesting the further back you go.
A famous smuggler, Isaac Gulliver, moved to the area in 1870 and there’s a trail named after him that you can follow which leads you round the countryside surrounding Millhams Mead, starting at St.Andrew's church.

You can pick up a copy of the Gulliver’s Trail guide at local libraries or get in touch with us to request one. There are also guided walks throughout the year.
Take a look at our on-site information board for more details.
Accessibility
If you are a wheelchair user visiting Millhams Mead you’ll need a radar key to open some of the gates. Speak to our team to find out more.
Getting there
Use our map to find out where Millhams Mead and our other parks and nature reserves are. If you’d like to find out more about how we care for our natural spaces read our management plan.