The River Stour is a significant waterway in Dorset, running for about 61 miles from its source near Stourhead in Wiltshire to where it flows into Christchurch Harbour and meets the English Channel. Along its route, it passes through a number of towns and villages such as Gillingham, Blandford Forum, and Wimborne Minster, shaping both the landscape and the communities it touches.
Despite sharing its name with several other rivers in England, the Dorset Stour is known for its calm, winding character. Its banks are lined with green floodplains, woodland, and pastureland, which provide a home to an array of wildlife. It’s not uncommon to spot kingfishers, herons, or even otters along the river, making it a favourite spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers.