Branksome Dene Chine in Bournemouth enjoys a history that stretches back centuries - here's a brief history.

Historically the area was wild heathland and avoided by travellers due to its reputation as a smuggler's haven.

There's evidence of large-scale smuggling operations in the area, with Branksome Beach being a favoured landing spot.

The Bruce family, who owned the estate in the early 1800s, transformed the area by planting pine trees, giving the chine its character.

They named the estate Branksome Park, inspired by Sir Walter Scott's poem.

Bournemouth Echo: Branksome Dene Chine.

Charles Packe, a later owner, built a mansion named Branksome Tower - which no longer stands - and employed a Scottish architect to design a rustic bridge across the chine. Some believe this to be the bridge from which a young Winston Churchill fell in 1893, although many would argue that it was Alum Chine.

The Branksome Park estate was gradually developed in the late 1800s and early 1900s, while ownership of the chine passed to Poole Council in 1895.

The chine's appearance has changed over time.

Bournemouth Echo: Branksome Dene Chine.

Originally known as Branksome Lakes due to its series of shallow pools and waterfalls, it was remodelled and restored in the 1930s.

Floodlighting was installed at some point, and the area has remained a popular spot for locals and visitors.