What we do Conservation Our reserves Hamworthy Fuel Depot Size: 3.14 hectares Ownership: ARC Designation: SSSI, SAC, SPA, Ramsar Restrictions: Strictly no public access, dangerous site. Emergency Access: Lake drive Grid ref: SY 98394 90629 Hamworthy fuel depot is a great example of undisturbed dry heath and part of the larger Hamworthy Common which is popular with holiday makers for its scenicviews. The Reserve Hamworthy fuel depot is a small piece of dry heath which is is unsuitable for public access. The reserve was once a re-fuelling depot for flying boats from around the 1930’s up to World War Two. During this period the large underground fuel storage reservoir located at the western end of the site took a direct hit from an attacking German bomber. What to see It remains a sanctuary for all six native reptile species : The sand lizard, common lizard, slow-worm, grass snake, smooth snake and adder. The site is located in the north west corner of Poole Bay, separated from it bya large freshwater lake which is host to over twenty three species of insect including the red-eyed damselfly, which makes the area ideal for supporting a population of common frogs and toads and palmate newts. The area is also used as a temporary stop off point for many different migrant species of bird including the Dartford warbler, hobby and nightjar. Manage Cookie Preferences