Welcome! ( You are Visitor number 91892 )

First established in 2008 this group has an interest in all matters related to St Catherine's Hill, Christchurch, Dorset.

This group has an active committee which meets regularly and produces a varied programme of events. New members are always welcome.

CHECK OUT OUR EVENTS PROGRAMME FOR 2022

Committee vacancy
Do you have any spare time to take on the role of Membership Secretary for the FSCH? It is not an onerous task,you would not have to attend every committee meeting, Mel Gibbons our Chairman would be happy to go through what the post involves with anyone interested.

Practical conservation tasks
There are regular opportunities to get more involved in the practical management of the site, usually on a Thursday or at weekends between September and May.
Work normally involves the cutting back of scrub using hand tools. Please contact Robin Harley to join the conservation volunteer mailing list.

Are you a friend?
Receive events programme and attend events for less, by becoming a member. Membership only costs £3 per adult. Please contact the chairman or see the Membership page for further details.

    
Cyclists using paths which are out of bounds for cycling are causing disturbance to wildlife such as ground nesting birds and reptile breeding areas, as well as erosion and the formation of extra unwanted pathways. There are signs around the area to say where cycling is not allowed.
Please, if you cycle, keep to the main tracks only, Dudmoor Farm Rd (the old railway line) and the main track along the top from St Catherine's Lane, and observe all no cycling signs.

Update on the implementation of the Management Plan - February 2016
Felling Blocks - 2015/2016
Heathland Restoration work at Dudmoor Farm - February 2016
Management works at the Christchurch Gun Club site - February 2016

April 2015

On Tuesday 31st March large areas of the beautiful heathland at Town Common and St Catherine’s Hill, Dorset were destroyed by fire.
It is estimated more than 70 hectares of this wonderful and internationally important habitat has been lost.
The area will take many years to recover.

See latest updates on Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Facebook page

More photos can be viewed here

January 2015

  Press Release - Heavy horses used for tree work at St Catherine's Hill

     

Management Works Winter 2014/15       Map of St Catherine's Hill

Useful Contacts:

	Mel Gibbons,   Chairman, Friends of St Catherine's Hill   send email
	Christchurch Landscape and Countryside Team	website
	Robin Harley,   Countryside Officer (Conservation)   Community & Open Spaces   send email
	James Palmer,   Countryside Officer (Conservation)   Community & Open Spaces   send email
	Gary Powell, Dorset office Senior Reserves Manager,   Amphibian and Reptile Conservation   send email   Volunteering for Arc	01202 391319 website
	Club Secretary,   Christchurch Gun Club   send email	website
	Forestry Commission	website
	Natural England	website
	Dorset Police (North Christchurch Beat)   send email	101 (incident line) Website