VISITOR CENTRE

Bournemouth has had ambitions for a visitor centre at Hengistbury Head for more than 20 years. At present the area attracts over 800,000 visitors each year and the challenge is to provide a ‘gateway’ to Hengistbury Head that will provide information about the wildlife, archaeology, geology and local history. By sharing the uniqueness of the headland with a wide audience in a managed and sustainable way we can raise the awareness and understanding of our visitors about this special and fascinating place.

A visitor centre will offer opportunities to see first hand the internationally important archaeology, including the artefacts (currently in storage) which were excavated in the 20th century.

A centre will also offer opportunities for all to understand and conserve the natural environment of Hengistbury Head and beyond by being a base for the community to access the archives, carry out research and to take part in volunteering on the nature reserve. At the present time (2007) drawings are being produced for a barn conversion which will include a main gallery area for exhibits and displays together with rooms for the community and schools to use. The grounds adjacent to the barn will be enhanced to make way for ponds, a weather station and to offer opportunities to study birds, small mammals and insects and views of the Galloway cattle.