| Coordinates: | 50.748, -1.965 |
|---|---|
| OS grid ref: | SZ 02 94 |
| Dialling code: | 01202 (Bournemouth) |
Canford Heath (electoral ward) sits within the unitary authority of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole in south‑west Dorset and covers the large suburban estate and the adjoining open heathland that gives the area its name. The heath itself is one of the larger fragments of lowland heath in the region, home to protected habitats and species such as dune and heathland flora, sand lizards and nightjars, and parts are designated for nature conservation.
The ward is largely residential - much of it developed in the 1960s and 70s - with a mix of private and social housing, local shops, schools and community facilities, and many residents commuting into nearby Poole and Bournemouth. It has seen occasional planning controversies over balancing housing needs with protection of the heath, which has shaped local politics and active conservation campaigning.