PURBECK beauty spot the Blue Pool is set to attract hundreds of visitors again this winter.
The attraction based at Wareham will once again host its special Illuminate nighttime event which sees the reserve lit up.
The event proved very popular when it made its debut last year but the site has drawn visitors for decades.
Here we look at what the Blue Pool is and why it's so popular.
What's at the Blue Pool?
The Blue Pool Nature Reserve is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
The main attraction is a pool which is surrounded by 25 acres of protected heath, woodland and gorse and is also home to a cafe, gift shop and museum.
Animals, plants and insects thrive within the pool grounds and throughout the estate including Dartford Warblers and rare green sand lizards.
Read more: It's back! Dorset beauty spot to host winter light spectacular again
What's Blue Pool's history?
The nature reserve and tearooms form part of privately-owned Furzebrook Estate which traces its history back nearly 400 years.
The tearooms opened its doors to the public in 1935.
In 1985, the site was declared a site of special scientific interest.
The site closed in September 2020, following the death of proprietor Jennifer Barnard, aged 91.
Ms Barnard, whose father bought the former clay pit in 1935, had operated the nature reserve site for about 70 years.
In a statement posted at the time on Facebook, Blue Pool said: "Jennifer Barnard dedicated her life to The Blue Pool and surrounding Furzebrook Estate – she had a lifelong passion for this magical place."
It reopened at the end of March 2021 under the new ownership of Matthew and Julie Jones.
What makes Blue Pool so special?
The star attraction is the pool which is a former clay-pit, dug by hand and abandoned in the early 19th Century, which subsequently filled with rainwater.
The pool's waters can appear green or turquoise due to suspension of clay particles.
The colour phenomenon is caused by light diffracting from minuscule particles of clay suspended in the water.
Photos by Cenk Albayrak-Touye
What are the illuminations?
Illuminate is a trail through the woodland and around the lake which is also lit-up.
Visitors can enjoy 1km of professionally staged illuminations, lighting the meandering woodland trails.
The Blue Pool will be teaming up once again with OT Event Technicians to create the event.
What's new this year?
New for this year, will be waterside lights set to music as well as additional musical sections of woodland trail.
How long is it on for?
The spectacle will take place on selected dates between January 19 and March 5, 2023.
The event closes at 8pm with last entry onto the light trail 30 minutes before closing.
How much are tickets?
Tickets start from £7.26.
They are available at www.bluepooltearooms.co.uk and Eventbrite.
Entry is free for annual members of The Blue Pool. Email info@thebluepool.co.uk to book in advance.
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