Chewton Bunny - Site of Nature Conservation Interest
Chewton Bunny Nature Reserve 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.
A bunny is a local name of unknown origin, for such a valley (equivalent to a Chine in Dorset or Glen in Scotland). The site is designated as a Site of Nature Conservation Interest and is rich in woodland wildlife, including a number of Ancient Natural Woodland Indicator species. The mill house in the centre of the site (now a private residence) previously used a waterwheel in the Brook to mill grain and the cover given by the site made it a convenient smuggling route for contraband in the past. At the north end of the site the Brook also passes under the first ever reinforced concrete bridge.
There are currently opportunities for volunteers to be part of a county-wide research study at Chewton Bunny Nature Reserve. The study will run throughout the summer and will feed back information on visitor habits to the Dorset Heathland Interim Planning Framework. This Framework aims to mitigate against the damaging pressures of development on Dorset's heathland. If you would like more information please contact Becky Johnson on 01202 495985 or email rjohnson@christchurchandeastdorset.gov.uk.
Owner: Christchurch Borough Council
Grid reference: SZ217933
Managed by: Christchurch Countryside Service
Nearest town: Christchurch/Highcliffe
Size(Ha): 5.5 ha
Nearest bus stop: Wilts & Dorset route 121 / 123 - A337 Lymington Road, near junction with Waterford Road
Nearest train station: Hinton Admiral
Habitats: Broadleaved Woodland, brook
Look out for: Opposite-leaved golden saxifrage, wood anemone, nuthatch, woodpeckers, dog's mercury
Parking: Cliff top car park off Wharnecliffe Road, Highcliffe
Accessibility: Footpath along steep sided valley - generally level and resurfaced in 2011. One flight of steps forms an optional route. Surface is gravel. No gates. Large car park on cliff top.
Facilities: Two seats, cliff top café by car park with public toilets. Viewpoint towards sea in lower part of site. Cycle rack available at Mill Lane entrance.
How to get there:
Park in municipal cliff-top car park (pay and display) on Wharnecliffe Road. Bus routes 121, 123.
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Name: Christchurch Countryside Service
Email: countryside.service@christchurch.gov.uk
Tel: 01425 272479
Fax: 01425 272479
Full details for Christchurch Countryside Service
