Latest News

Welcome!

'The Friends of St Catherines Hill ' was set up in 2009 by a group of enthusiastic and like-minded people to encourage a love and appreciation of our local Nature Reserve and SSSI (site of special scientific interest) St Catherines Hill.

We are a friendly group dedicated to help the protection and enjoyment of this special area and we run a varied programme of events each year about aspects of the Hill from its natural history to human history and archaeology. There are also opportunities to help with practical conservation on the Hill with BCP's Countryside Team.

Cost is only £3 per person per year with Members paying a reduced cost of only £2 for most events, as well as access to any Members-only events.

We try to keep costs low to encourage as many people as possible to learn about and appreciate this lovely place. Please do join us!

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Christchurch Conservation volunteer group

Upcoming volunteer events at all sites

TUESDAY 5th December

St Catherines Hill-
Pine pulling and Christmas tree cutting
Meeting at Orford Close, Christchurch. BH23 2SZ. (W3W: zeal.haystack.vine)

Christchurch volunteers meet every Tuesday.

The sites include:

Steamer Point Nature Reserve
Stanpit Marsh Nature Reserve
St Catherine's Hill Nature Reserve
Mude Valley Nature Reserve.

To get in touch about volunteering at a nature reserve in Christchurch
please email countryside@bcpcouncil.gov.uk.

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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,   Chair, Friends of St Catherine's Hill   send email
	Christchurch Landscape and Countryside Team	Facebook
	Lisa Sharp ,   Heathland Mitigation Warden   Steamer Point.   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