Christchurch

Christchurch has a diverse range of habitats, from saltmarsh and heathland to woodland and grassland.

Dorset Countryside manages Throop Island in Christchurch.

Christchurch Borough Council has a countryside service which manages 17 sites in the borough including:

Chewton Bunny SNCI
An ancient wooded valley, the River Chew forming the county boundary between Dorset and Hampshire. The ravine provided a convenient landing place for smugglers and route for contraband. The millhouse in the middle of the site (now a private residence) use a waterwheel to mill grain. The lower part of the river prior to entering the sea is now under a culvert. At the north end of the site the river passes under the first ever reinforced concrete bridge.
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.