Cranborne
CRANBORNE: Private airstrip?
NOTES: Approaching Cranborne from the south on the B3078 in April 2009 I saw a Cessna 172 taking-off about a mile or so to the east, fairly close to Edmonsham village. The speed and flight profile could have suited a slow low pass of course. Cranborne itself is 11nm SSW of Salisbury and maps show an historic house/stately home situated between Cranborne and Edmonsham and such sites often have, and/or had, a suitable landing ground.
This said, a good look at Google Earth (image date 2014) did not reveal an obviously 'prepared' strip in the area. However, there is no harm in asking questions and possibly somebody can kindly offer some advice. And of course, being a tad mischievous, when it comes to defining a flying site, there is very little difference between a place where an aircraft actually lands and a very low pass! As I understand it, permission has to be granted for both.
Then, somewhat amazing I think, in 2023 Mr Graham Frost told me, (he being a great friend of this 'Guide'), that an airstrip does exist nearby, but from around 2012. See below.
CRANBORNE: Private airstrip
Note: The first three pictures were obtained from Google Earth ©. The area view is from my Google Earth © derived database.
Location: Just W of the B3078, just SW of Cranborne village, about 8nm NW of Ringwood town centre.
Runway: 12/30 930 hard?
Note: Usually, for a location such as this, I would describe it as being grass. But, the pictures appear to show it is not. So, what is it? Looks like hard compacted earth?
NOTES: This is a most unusual location in a few ways. For a private strip, a runway as long as 930 metres usually indicates it can be used by pretty serious twin types. I can see no evidence of a hangar, so presumably no aircraft is based here. Also, I can see nothing indicating a parking area. Perhaps visitors are few and far between, so they park on the runway?
As always in this 'Guide', if anybody can kindly offer advice and information, this will be much appreciated.
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