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Address

Sandy Lane
Christchurch
BH23 2NL

Facilities

  • parking

There’s a small car park at the bottom of St Catherine's Hill Lane/Marsh Lane and on roads in the surrounding area.

Useful information

St Catherine's Hill is to the north of Christchurch and is bordered by Town Common Nature Reserve and the Wessex Way.

The hill’s 35ha of heathland and coniferous forest is home to many important wildlife species. As well as wildlife watching, it’s a popular area for dog walking, hiking, cycling and horse riding.

The site forms part of a larger area of sensitive heathland that is jointly by the us and the RSPB, Dorset Wildlife Trust and The Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust. Urban Heaths Partnership also provide supplementary wardens for the site.

The Friends of St Catherine's Hill run a full programme of events relating to the site.

Habitat

Heathland and coniferous forest.

Look out for:

  • Dartford warblers
  • sand lizards
  • smooth snake
  • adders
  • nightjars
  • hobbies
  • grayling
  • silver-studded blue
  • scarce chaser
  • white-legged damselfly

Site designations

Site of Special Scientific Interest and Local Nature Reserve.

Accessibility

Steep slopes, paths either gravel or sand.

Make sure you follow the rules in our nature reserves.

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