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.

The area comprises a variety of natural habitats including woodland, grassland, the river and associated wetlands. It includes amenity areas and is surrounded by extensive urban development. The site was granted SNCI status in January 2000.

The first recorded use of this site is thought to have been by monks who were then based at the site of the former Somerford Grange. It is suggested that a pond on the site was used for the farming of carp.

The diversity of habitats within a relatively small area has resulted in a rich variety of plant communities. The presence of a range of water features benefits a number of groups, particularly invertebrates such as dragonflies and damselflies. Butterflies are also well represented and over 47 species of birds have been recorded for the site. The river itself contains a rich variety of aquatic invertebrates and supports many fish species. The angling pond is leased Mudeford Wood Angling Club (day tickets available) and contains a wide selection of coarse fish, including Perch, Bream and Common Carp.

Grid reference: SZ 183 930

Owner: Christchurch Borough Council

Managed by: Christchurch Countryside Service

Nearest town: Christchurch

Size(Ha): 17.5

Angling Rights: £340 pa ( 2009 - 2010)

Nearest bus stop:

Wilts & Dorset route m2 / Yellow Buses route 1c - Somerford Road, near junction with Newlands Road Wilts & Dorset route 121 - De Havilland Road, near junction with Curlew Road / The Runway, near junction Brabazon Drive

Nearest train station: Christchurch / Hinton Admiral

Habitats: Woodland, grassland, river and associated wetlands

Look out for: Bearded Couch, Short Fruited Willowherb, Intermediate Polypody, Cyperus Sedge, Clustered Clover, Suffocated Clover, Banded Demoiselle, Scarce Chaser, White Letter Hairstreak, Song Thrush, Bullfinch, Stone Loach, Bullhead, Lamprey, Eel and Trout.

Parking: Mudeford Wood Community Centre, Pipers Drive

Accessibility: Largely flat terrain, paths mainly gravel based, including cycle track/greenway which run for much of length of site

Facilities: Toilets within Community Centre when open. Basic seating close to community centre. Fit point on adjacent recreation ground.