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.

Owner: Christchurch Borough Council

Grid reference: SZ 217 933

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: Woodland, brook

Look out for: Opposite leaved golden saxifrage, wood anemone, nuthatch, wood peckers, dog's mercury

Parking: Cliff top car park off Waterford Road, Highcliffe

Accessibility: Footpath along steep sided valley - generally level but sleeper style steps in places. Surface is gravel. No gates. Large car park on cliff top.

Facilities: One seat, cliff top café by car park with public toilets. View point towards sea in lower part of site.