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It is the River Frome which marks the boundary to the North of the Isle of Purbeck and which separates Wareham,
which lies on the Northern side of the river, from the isle itself.
 The river flows west, past Ridge, down to Poole harbour. In Saxon times Wareham was an important
port and trading centre and North Bridge - over the River Piddle on the Northern side of Wareham - is a Sheduled
Ancient Monument. As time passed by the River Frome silted up and Poole became the main port in the area. The smaller
River Piddle was more commonly used for angling and fishing rights can be traced back to King Alfred when they
were probably exercised as they are today.
Recreational activities along the River Frome are more varied. Recently the path of the south side of the river
has been developed so that the walk to Ridge (10 minutes) is more accessible. If you prefer you can catch the boat
which does the trip to and from Poole. Moorings are available and licences can be obtained from the Environment
Agency who have long term agreements with Ridge Wharf Yacht Centre and Redcliffe Yacht Club.
Fishing is popular on the River Frome as well as the Piddle. Coarse fishing witha rod and line is allowed for
holders of a national Agency licence and access to the riverside is possible by the public rights of way or with
permission from those who own large parts of the area.
There is a limited right of navigation up to the tidal mark at which point the river is privately owned and
right of access is denied. In the limited area that can be used boats can be hired.
THE WAREHAM ROYALTY
 The beds of the Rivers Frome and Piddle are managed by The Wareham Royalty. When Wessex Water was divided
in 1989 the National Rivers Authority acquired the Wareham Royalty Fishery most of which lies within the water
meadows, Poole Harbour, the Moors and the River Frome’s sites of special scientific interest.
The Royalty includes one of the largest areas of permanent grassland on the Southcoast and is of importance
for wintering and breeding birds which find the reed and scrub an ideal habitat for Cetti’s warblers and bearded
tits.
As might be expected there is a wide range of fish in the river with sea trout, brown trout, Atlantic Salmon
and the threatened lamprey. More commonly to be found are eels, roach, dace, perch, flounder and bass.
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