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!
Christchurch Conservation volunteer group
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.
Two benches have been placed on St Catherine's Hill by BCP Countryside Officers Robin Harley and Jamie Palmer and Heathland Mitigation Warden Lisa Sharp. One was donated by FSCH and the other by Jumpers & St Catherine's Hill Residents Association.
Lisa Sharp with Sue Fotheringham (former Chair of JSCHRA
and member of FSCH).
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:
Useful Contacts:
| Mel Gibbons, Chair, Friends of St Catherine's Hill send email | ||
| Christchurch Landscape and Countryside Team | ||
Lisa Sharp , Heathland Mitigation Warden Steamer Point. send email | ||
Sarah West , Heathland Mitigation Warden Steamer Point. send email | ||
Robin Harley , Area Manager Countryside Officer send email | ||
| James Palmer, Lead Countryside Officer 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 | |
