A small nature reserve near to St Catherine's Hill.  

Formerly part of Grove Farm, Grove Copse is mainly mature oak woodland with an understorey of hazel, birch and holly.  

This site has historically been known as Bluebell Wood, although only small patches of bluebells remain.  

Despite being only 1.45 ha, the site is important for local wildlife, particularly woodland birds. Grove Copse is managed with the aim of maintaining and improving its wildlife habitat.  

Getting there 

Nearest town

Christchurch 

Grid reference

SZ139945 

Nearest postcode

BH23 2PE 

Nearest train station

Christchurch 

Nearest bus stop

River Way, near junction with Stour Way.

Parking  

There’s on-road parking on Hurn Way or Stour Way. 

Accessibility  

Gates at Grove Copse gates are 1.2m wide. The terrain is flat with soft ground and there’s one wooden bench on which to rest.

Dogs  

Dogs are allowed but must be under close control.  

Habitat  

Broadleaved woodland 

Look out for  

Foxes, rooks, jackdaws, woodpeckers, nuthatch, red admiral and speckled wood butterflies.

What to do  

There’s a pleasant wooded open space in which to walk and relax. It’s a small site but worth including as part of a visit to the nearby St Catherine's Hill.