Christchurch Borough Council has a countryside service which manages 20 sites in the borough including the following.

• Chewton Bunny - Site of Nature Conservation Interest

  Chewton Bunny is an ancient wooded river valley which forms the county boundary between Dorset and Hampshire. The Walkford Brook flows through the site, entering a culvert and eventually flowing out to sea.

• Grove Copse

  Grove Copse is a small nature reserve that is situated to the west of Christchurch Borough, within the St Catherine's Ward. The area is comprised mainly of mature oak woodland habitat, with an understorey of hazel, birch and holly. Rhododendron, previously dominating has been gradually removed from the site.

• Mude Valley

  An urban wildlife corridor made up of Mudeford and Peregrine Woods and designated as a Site of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI). The Mude Valley is situated to the east of the borough, following the course of the river Mude from Somerford to the north and Mudeford to the south.

• Nea Meadows Local Nature Reserve

  A wildlife rich, former parkland site, situated close to the village of Highcliffe.

• Purewell Meadows Local Nature Reserve

  A series of unimproved wet meadows lying within the River Avon floodplain. Part SSSI, this 14 hectare site is divided into two distinct areas, forming both an important public green space for local residents and a more secluded area rich in wildlife.

• St Catherine's Hill

  St Catherine's Hill is a 35 hectare area of heathland and coniferous forest. It is located to the north of Christchurch and is bordered by Town Common Nature Reserve and the Wessex Way (A338). The Hill is home to a large number of important wildlife species and is highly designated.

• Stanpit Marsh Local Nature Reserve

  Stanpit Marsh is situated on the north side of Christchurch Harbour, just below the confluence of the rivers Avon and Stour. The 65 hectare site has an unusual combination of habitats including salt marsh with creeks and salt pans, reed beds, freshwater marsh, gravel estuarine banks and sandy scrub.

• Steamer Point Local Nature Reserve

  A cliff top woodland nature reserve and the home of the Countryside Service. Steamer Point is a 24 acre cliff top designated local nature reserve (LNR) that is situated between Highcliffe Castle and Friar's Cliff on the Christchurch coastline. It is comprised of woodland and aquatic habitats and supports a wide variety of flora and fauna.

• Name: Christchurch Countryside Service
  Email: countryside.service@christchurch.gov.uk
  Tel: 01425 272479
  Fax: 01425 272479
  Full details for Christchurch Countryside Service