Hatchards Copse
Hatchards Copse is a remnant of a once extensive woodland habitat that at one time belonged to the Friar Estate. Bordered to the west by the river Moors and the grassland of Friars Fields to the east this small site is especially pleasant in spring with the first flush of new growth on the Hazel.
Well used by local people as a pleasant place to walk the circular route goes through Hazel stands of differing ages.
Owner: East Dorset District Council
Managed by: East Dorset Countryside Management Service
Grid reference: SU 075 031
Nearest town: West Moors
Size (Ha): 5.5 Ha
Nearest bus stop: bus stops on Station Road, Wilts and Dorset bus route numbers X36, 134, 135
Nearest train station: Poole (11 miles)
Habitats:
Oak woodland with ancient woodland status with underlying hazel copse bordered by wet meadows, grass fields and a number of hedgerows and ditches
Look out for: Spring flowers such as primrose
Parking: parking is available in the car park next to the Bowls club
Accessibility: un-surfaced narrow paths
Facilities: dog bins at main entrances to site
How to get there:
From West Moors village centre,follow Station Road north, and turn left onto Bond Avenue (also signposted Fryers Playing Fields). Turn left into car park.
From Three-Legged Cross direction, follow signs for West Moors (B3072), and as you approach West Moors village, turn right onto Bond Avenue (also signposted Fryers Playing Fields). Turn left into the car park.
Management plan:
Future management of Hatchards Copse will continue to provide access for local people, whilst improving the woodland habitat. A coppice management regime is in place to coppice and layering sections of hazel in order to provide a more varied structure and improve the habitat for insects, birds and small mammals.
If you would like to find out more about future management plans for Hatchards Copse, please contact Matt Reeks at Moors Valley Country Park on 01425 470721, or e-mail mreeks@eastdorset.gov.uk
