Charity, Ferndown | Posted on August 7th, 2026 | return to news

High Sheriff walks Dorset county line to raise awareness of county lines

As part of stage three of the High Sheriff’s walk along her county’s boundary, she set out from Christchurch and hiked to Ferndown on 6 August.

Dr Helena Conibear DL, the High Sheriff of Dorset has challenged herself to walk the entire 216-mile boundary of Dorset to raise awareness of county lines and child exploitation and raise money for charity. The distance between Christchurch and Ferndown was completed on 6 August.

Helena was accompanied by other walkers and representatives of local clubs and societies as well as the town clerk of Ferndown Town Council. The group was met by Ferndown Mayor, Cllr Lawrence Wilson and Deputy Mayor, Cllr Simon Cable at the town’s boundary at around 3.25pm after setting off in the morning from Christchurch Quay. The feat concluded with a reception at the Barrington Centre in Ferndown.

Representing the Crown in matters of law and order across the county, the High Sheriff is a ceremonial royal officer appointed for a one-year term which is unpaid and dates back to before the Norman Conquest.

County lines involve criminal networks using young people to move and sell drugs across the country. The youngsters are often groomed through gaming platforms and social media.

Helena told Dorset View: “My theme for the year is youth opportunity and for me one of the worst things or what affects the life chances of young people more than anything is getting involved in drugs or what we call county lines at a young age.”

The first leg of Helena’s walk started in June from Charmouth and the last leg will be completed at Lyme Regis in the autumn. If you would like to join the High Sheriff on her journey visit https://www.facebook.com/dorsethighsheriff for more details. You can donate to Helena’s JustGiving or Crowdfunder site to support the vital work of keeping young people safe across Dorset.