Conservation Task
2024-05-02 09:30 - 12:30, 2024-06-18 09:00 UTC
Organiser: Adrian Palmer

Meeting Point: to be advised

Task: to be advised

Every effort will be made to keep to this date, but changes can occur due to weather, logistics, to suit other involved parties or to avoid conflicting events. Generally an email will be sent to volunteers a week in advance with location and details of the task. It is possible that additional sessions will be added , including at weekends if there is time critical, or backlog of tasks to complete.

If you would like to join the list please fill in our contact form.

Tasks are generally planned with the parish council, and wherever possible have a conservation theme. Most tasks are conservation management or maintenance and vary from lighter clearance work e.g. footpaths, bramble, rhododendron and hazel coppice, to heavier work like drainage, revetment or footpaths. Occasionally we do get opportunities to enhance or even create habitat for flora and fauna.

Volunteers should wear gloves and sturdy footwear, safety glasses and long trousers recommended. Bring waterproofs, sunscreen and insect repellent as appropriate and bring your own water/refreshments.

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Conservation Task
2024-09-12 10:00 - 12:30
Organiser: Adrian Palmer

Meeting Point: Footpath just upstream from Milford Bridge opposite the avenue of bamboo.

Task: Clear invasive bamboo on the banks of the Danestream

If there are any volunteers who did not respond to email, but can attend this task we are meeting at 10am on the footpath just upstream from Milford Bridge opposite the avenue of bamboo. Please bring a smile as you enjoy two hours in late summer sunshine, protective gloves and footwear and of course fluids

Every effort will be made to keep to this date, but changes can occur due to weather, logistics, to suit other involved parties or to avoid conflicting events. Generally an email will be sent to volunteers a week in advance with location and details of the task. It is possible that additional sessions will be added , including at weekends if there is time critical, or backlog of tasks to complete.

If you would like to join the list please fill in our contact form.

Tasks are generally planned with the parish council, and wherever possible have a conservation theme. Most tasks are conservation management or maintenance and vary from lighter clearance work e.g. footpaths, bramble, rhododendron and hazel coppice, to heavier work like drainage, revetment or footpaths. Occasionally we do get opportunities to enhance or even create habitat for flora and fauna.

Volunteers should wear gloves and sturdy footwear, safety glasses and long trousers recommended. Bring waterproofs, sunscreen and insect repellent as appropriate and bring your own water/refreshments.

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Conservation Task
2024-12-17 10:00 - 13:00
Organiser: Adrian Palmer

Meeting Point: Keyhaven Bird Observatory

Task: This session will focus on various maintenance tasks at the MCV Keyhaven observatory including repairs to decking, cutting back hedges and relocating bird feeders with additional protection in an attempt to dissuade squirrels and rats from plundering the feed.

Every effort will be made to keep to this date, but changes can occur due to weather, logistics, to suit other involved parties or to avoid conflicting events. Generally an email will be sent to volunteers a week in advance with location and details of the task. It is possible that additional sessions will be added , including at weekends if there is time critical, or backlog of tasks to complete.

If you would like to join the list please fill in our contact form.

Tasks are generally planned with the parish council, and wherever possible have a conservation theme. Most tasks are conservation management or maintenance and vary from lighter clearance work e.g. footpaths, bramble, rhododendron and hazel coppice, to heavier work like drainage, revetment or footpaths. Occasionally we do get opportunities to enhance or even create habitat for flora and fauna.

Volunteers should wear gloves and sturdy footwear, safety glasses and long trousers recommended. Bring waterproofs, sunscreen and insect repellent as appropriate and bring your own water/refreshments.

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Conservation Task
2025-01-16 10:00 - 13:00
Organiser: Adrian Palmer

Meeting Point: Community Orchard

Task: For this session we return to the Community Orchard where we will meet as normal at around 10am, weather permitting. Tasks will include maintenance of the perimeter hedges of the existing orchard, cutting back etc., as well as further works in the area prepared in October and November for extending the orchard, prior to planting new trees next month. This will include more work to the hedging and levelling out some of the ‘mounds’ in that area. Again, volunteers will be able participate at their own level of comfort. Please do not forget as always protective gloves, suitable footwear and drinks

Every effort will be made to keep to this date, but changes can occur due to weather, logistics, to suit other involved parties or to avoid conflicting events. Generally an email will be sent to volunteers a week in advance with location and details of the task. It is possible that additional sessions will be added , including at weekends if there is time critical, or backlog of tasks to complete.

If you would like to join the list please fill in our contact form.

Tasks are generally planned with the parish council, and wherever possible have a conservation theme. Most tasks are conservation management or maintenance and vary from lighter clearance work e.g. footpaths, bramble, rhododendron and hazel coppice, to heavier work like drainage, revetment or footpaths. Occasionally we do get opportunities to enhance or even create habitat for flora and fauna.

Volunteers should wear gloves and sturdy footwear, safety glasses and long trousers recommended. Bring waterproofs, sunscreen and insect repellent as appropriate and bring your own water/refreshments.

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Conservation Task
2025-02-05 10:00 - 13:00
Organiser: Adrian Palmer

Meeting Point: Community Orchard

Task: Stump removal, Tree planting and clearance

Including:

Removing 2 or 3 stumps still protruding above ground level following our previous clearance sessions

Assisting with the planting of 6 or 7 fruit trees in the extended orchard. I understand that some of the tree sponsors will also be in attendance.

Clearance of unwanted growth around the base of existing trees and surrounding in bark.

If we have sufficient volunteers (and time) it is planned to install a more weather resilient path from the Pleasure Grounds onto the Common in the vicinity of the ‘Milford spring’. The work planned for next week will be the installation of timber edging boards for the path. No moving or laying of scalpings!

I think we have a range of tasks that should enable volunteers to participate at their own level of comfort. Please do not forget as always protective gloves, footwear and drinks.

Every effort will be made to keep to this date, but changes can occur due to weather, logistics, to suit other involved parties or to avoid conflicting events. Generally an email will be sent to volunteers a week in advance with location and details of the task. It is possible that additional sessions will be added , including at weekends if there is time critical, or backlog of tasks to complete.

If you would like to join the list please fill in our contact form.

Tasks are generally planned with the parish council, and wherever possible have a conservation theme. Most tasks are conservation management or maintenance and vary from lighter clearance work e.g. footpaths, bramble, rhododendron and hazel coppice, to heavier work like drainage, revetment or footpaths. Occasionally we do get opportunities to enhance or even create habitat for flora and fauna.

Volunteers should wear gloves and sturdy footwear, safety glasses and long trousers recommended. Bring waterproofs, sunscreen and insect repellent as appropriate and bring your own water/refreshments.

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Conservation Task
2025-04-16 10:00 - 13:00
Organiser: Adrian Palmer

Meeting Point: Community Meadow

Task: As many of you will be aware, the Parish Council has, with the donations of local residents, been able to purchase the area of Community Meadow that was owned by Friends of Christchurch Priory. In January, MCV offered our initial thoughts on how the site is managed going forward with the objective of providing not only a community amenity but also enhanced biodiversity opportunities. Following a Parish Council meeting last month the first steps were agreed to determine what is within the site over this year before developing a management plan. It is planned that some initial clearance work is undertaken on Wednesday that will not disturb nesting birds. This includes;

Removing the boundary fence between the Community Garden and Meadow

Removal of low hanging branches of selected trees to provide better access into the ‘hidden’ areas of the site

Breaking up and levelling of the soil ‘humps’ across the site.

Cutting back exposed blackthorn whips from recent mowing

Clearance of low density brambles under a tree where it is clear that it is not nesting habitat.

Preparatory work for extending hedge alongside property that borders the meadow.

Please do not forget your drinks and wear suitable footwear (and headgear if the sun is still shining), gloves and for volunteers who prefer to engage in the lighter cutting back tasks, your favourite pair of secateurs.

Every effort will be made to keep to this date, but changes can occur due to weather, logistics, to suit other involved parties or to avoid conflicting events. Generally an email will be sent to volunteers a week in advance with location and details of the task. It is possible that additional sessions will be added , including at weekends if there is time critical, or backlog of tasks to complete.

If you would like to join the list please fill in our contact form.

Tasks are generally planned with the parish council, and wherever possible have a conservation theme. Most tasks are conservation management or maintenance and vary from lighter clearance work e.g. footpaths, bramble, rhododendron and hazel coppice, to heavier work like drainage, revetment or footpaths. Occasionally we do get opportunities to enhance or even create habitat for flora and fauna.

Volunteers should wear gloves and sturdy footwear, safety glasses and long trousers recommended. Bring waterproofs, sunscreen and insect repellent as appropriate and bring your own water/refreshments.

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Conservation Task
2025-05-13 10:00 - 13:00
Organiser: Adrian Palmer

Meeting Point:

Task: We plan to return to a task started earlier this year, completing the path past the ‘Milford spring’ from the Pleasure Grounds to Studland Common. The location is shown on the attached map and we are aiming to meet there with the PC team at 10.00 am. We will assist the PC team spreading scalpings between the previously installed edge boards. Obviously this is a more physical task. For anyone who wishes to attend and undertake a ‘lighter’ task there are a number of trees on the common where it would be desirable to cut back brambles around the base of trees, particularly in areas used by local residents and visitors.

The weather forecast for next Tuesday is currently sunny and warm, so please do not forget your drinks and protection from the sun, in addition to suitable footwear and gloves. For volunteers who prefer to engage in the lighter cutting back task, bring your favourite pair of secateurs, although loppers will be available.

Every effort will be made to keep to this date, but changes can occur due to weather, logistics, to suit other involved parties or to avoid conflicting events. Generally an email will be sent to volunteers a week in advance with location and details of the task. It is possible that additional sessions will be added , including at weekends if there is time critical, or backlog of tasks to complete.

If you would like to join the list please fill in our contact form.

Tasks are generally planned with the parish council, and wherever possible have a conservation theme. Most tasks are conservation management or maintenance and vary from lighter clearance work e.g. footpaths, bramble, rhododendron and hazel coppice, to heavier work like drainage, revetment or footpaths. Occasionally we do get opportunities to enhance or even create habitat for flora and fauna.

Volunteers should wear gloves and sturdy footwear, safety glasses and long trousers recommended. Bring waterproofs, sunscreen and insect repellent as appropriate and bring your own water/refreshments.

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Conservation Task
2025-06-26 10:00 - 13:00
Organiser: Adrian Palmer

Meeting Point: Keyhaven Observatory

Task: Maintenance at Keyhaven Observatory

We are going to concentrate on MCV ‘assets’ and undertake maintenance at the Keyhaven Observatory. The primary task will be to paint all the exposed wooden railings and platform with a preservative, following some light preparation work as required. Some localised trimming of hedges/brambles may be required to gain access. David Horne will acquire the preservative, brushes and sandpaper and we will meet at the usual time of 10.00am at the Observatory.

The weather forecast for Thursday is currently OK, slight chance of showers overnight and early morning, but reasonably warm, good weather for the task in hand. In addition to fluids, sun protection etc., please bring your own gloves and overalls. We do have some gloves in the store, but inevitably they may not be the sizes and/or quantity that we may need.

Every effort will be made to keep to this date, but changes can occur due to weather, logistics, to suit other involved parties or to avoid conflicting events. Generally an email will be sent to volunteers a week in advance with location and details of the task. It is possible that additional sessions will be added , including at weekends if there is time critical, or backlog of tasks to complete.

If you would like to join the list please fill in our contact form.

Tasks are generally planned with the parish council, and wherever possible have a conservation theme. Most tasks are conservation management or maintenance and vary from lighter clearance work e.g. footpaths, bramble, rhododendron and hazel coppice, to heavier work like drainage, revetment or footpaths. Occasionally we do get opportunities to enhance or even create habitat for flora and fauna.

Volunteers should wear gloves and sturdy footwear, safety glasses and long trousers recommended. Bring waterproofs, sunscreen and insect repellent as appropriate and bring your own water/refreshments.

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Conservation Task
2025-07-22 10:00 - 13:00
Organiser: Adrian Palmer

Meeting Point: Milford Bridge

Task: Himalayan Balsam Pulling

This session will focus on Himalayan Balsam (HB) pulling in, and on the banks of the Danestream. We will meet at Milford Bridge on the High Street at the bottom of the Pleasure Grounds. There is significant areas of HB on the Old Mill land and we would then work our way upstream. We ideally need one or two ‘spotters’ on the bank to work with our HB ‘guru’, David Horne, and hopefully one other who will working in the stream. Waders will be provided and no tools are needed as the HB can be removed by hand.

Again, depending on numbers, as we work upstream there are areas of vegetation that restrict the effective width/height of the path and we would like to tackle these, particulalrly where the path is already quite narrow.

Please bring your own gloves and secateurs (if you wish to cut back vegetation) as well as drinks, sun protection etc. All other tools we may need will be provided..

I look forward to seeing volunteers on Tuesday. As a reminder future dates for this year are shown here. Please note the date change in August for which there will be a separate communication next week.

Tuesday 22nd July

Tuesday 12th August

Tuesday 16th September

Wednesday 29th October

Tuesday 18th November

Wednesday 10th December

Every effort will be made to keep to this date, but changes can occur due to weather, logistics, to suit other involved parties or to avoid conflicting events. Generally an email will be sent to volunteers a week in advance with location and details of the task. It is possible that additional sessions will be added , including at weekends if there is time critical, or backlog of tasks to complete.

If you would like to join the list please fill in our contact form.

Tasks are generally planned with the parish council, and wherever possible have a conservation theme. Most tasks are conservation management or maintenance and vary from lighter clearance work e.g. footpaths, bramble, rhododendron and hazel coppice, to heavier work like drainage, revetment or footpaths. Occasionally we do get opportunities to enhance or even create habitat for flora and fauna.

Volunteers should wear gloves and sturdy footwear, safety glasses and long trousers recommended. Bring waterproofs, sunscreen and insect repellent as appropriate and bring your own water/refreshments.

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Conservation Task
2025-08-12 10:00 - 13:00
Organiser: Adrian Palmer

Meeting Point: Churchyard Entrance See map below

Task: Clearing entrance to meadow and laying paving

As we head into the end of the summer and autumn we will have more sessions in the Community Meadow and this month, we will be focussing on improving accessibility at the entrance from the church yard (blue arrow on map) and from Dacres Walk/Knowland Drive (red arrow). This will involve at the church yard entrance, cutting back overhanging shrubs/tree branches and removal of posts that inhibit access by pushchairs and wheelchairs. At the Dacres Walk entrance, the plan is to level off the short length of rough ground from the footpath to the gate and lay 6 or 8 paving slabs.

The weather forecast for Tuesday is for warm sunshine, so please bring fluids and protection from the sun as well as suitable gloves and footwear.

Every effort will be made to keep to this date, but changes can occur due to weather, logistics, to suit other involved parties or to avoid conflicting events. Generally an email will be sent to volunteers a week in advance with location and details of the task. It is possible that additional sessions will be added , including at weekends if there is time critical, or backlog of tasks to complete.

If you would like to join the list please fill in our contact form.

Tasks are generally planned with the parish council, and wherever possible have a conservation theme. Most tasks are conservation management or maintenance and vary from lighter clearance work e.g. footpaths, bramble, rhododendron and hazel coppice, to heavier work like drainage, revetment or footpaths. Occasionally we do get opportunities to enhance or even create habitat for flora and fauna.

Volunteers should wear gloves and sturdy footwear, safety glasses and long trousers recommended. Bring waterproofs, sunscreen and insect repellent as appropriate and bring your own water/refreshments.

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Conservation Task
2025-09-16 10:00 - 13:00
Organiser: Adrian Palmer

Meeting Point: Barnes Lane Recreation Ground

Task: Shrub and Tree Clearance

Before we head back to the Community Meadow, Pleasure Grounds and Studland Common in the period through to next spring, next Tuesday, we will be returning to Barnes Lane Recreation Ground. The task will continue on shrub and tree clearance along the southern boundary of the recreation ground that was started with the Parish Council and local residents on a very hot day in June 2024. The task will involve cutting back and disposal of vegetation and volunteers can choose between lighter or heavier activities to suit themselves.

We will meet as normal at around 10.00 am at the recreation ground. The weather forecast for Tuesday is currently dry, but after the rain of the last week or so, the ground will be wet and possibly slippery underfoot, so appropriate footwear should be worn, along with protective gloves. Whilst it should not be as warm as last month’s session, please do not forget your fluids.

Conservation Task
2025-10-29 10:00 - 13:00
Organiser: Adrian Palmer

Meeting Point: Community Meadow

Task: To undertake tasks focussed on maintenance and the longer term management of the meadow.

The tasks will include,

Construction of a three section compost bin from timber pallets,

Planting two commemorative trees, if available. If they are not, I am hoping we will be able to dig the ground for tree pits where they are intended to be located.

Hedgerow trimming and shaping, and

Positioning logs no longer required in the MCV log store as stools under the meadow holm oaks.

We will meet as normal at around 10.00 am at the Community Meadow which can be accessed from the churchyard or the end of Knowland Drive/Dacres Walk. The weather forecast for Wednesday is for possible light showers, so the ground may be wet and possibly slippery underfoot, so appropriate footwear should be worn. Protective gloves and a drink are also recommended.

I look forward to seeing volunteers on Wednesday.

Every effort will be made to keep to this date, but changes can occur due to weather, logistics, to suit other involved parties or to avoid conflicting events. Generally an email will be sent to volunteers a week in advance with location and details of the task. It is possible that additional sessions will be added , including at weekends if there is time critical, or backlog of tasks to complete.

If you would like to join the list please fill in our contact form.

Tasks are generally planned with the parish council, and wherever possible have a conservation theme. Most tasks are conservation management or maintenance and vary from lighter clearance work e.g. footpaths, bramble, rhododendron and hazel coppice, to heavier work like drainage, revetment or footpaths. Occasionally we do get opportunities to enhance or even create habitat for flora and fauna.

Volunteers should wear gloves and sturdy footwear, safety glasses and long trousers recommended. Bring waterproofs, sunscreen and insect repellent as appropriate and bring your own water/refreshments.

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Conservation Task
2025-11-18 10:00 - 13:00
Organiser: Adrian Palmer

Meeting Point: The cul-de-sac end of Grebe Close

Task: Foot path renovation

We have agreed with the PC to complete laying scalpings to complete a weatherproof footpath connection between Sturt Pond Close and Grebe Close. The scalpings will be delivered to the cul-de-sac end of Grebe Close next to the path, which will also be our meeting point. No other tasks are proposed for this session. We will meet around 10 am as normal. Please do not forget to bring protective gloves and suitable footwear.

Every effort will be made to keep to this date, but changes can occur due to weather, logistics, to suit other involved parties or to avoid conflicting events. Generally an email will be sent to volunteers a week in advance with location and details of the task. It is possible that additional sessions will be added , including at weekends if there is time critical, or backlog of tasks to complete.

If you would like to join the list please fill in our contact form.

Tasks are generally planned with the parish council, and wherever possible have a conservation theme. Most tasks are conservation management or maintenance and vary from lighter clearance work e.g. footpaths, bramble, rhododendron and hazel coppice, to heavier work like drainage, revetment or footpaths. Occasionally we do get opportunities to enhance or even create habitat for flora and fauna.

Volunteers should wear gloves and sturdy footwear, safety glasses and long trousers recommended. Bring waterproofs, sunscreen and insect repellent as appropriate and bring your own water/refreshments.

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Conservation Task
2025-12-10 10:00 - 13:00
Organiser: Adrian Palmer

Meeting Point: Milford Bridge (High Street/Park Lane)

Task: Tidying pathways in Pleasure Grounds

The focus will be on some of the tasks noted during a walkover in October. We will be working our way through the Pleasure Grounds removing any sapling sycamore, willow, bay or rhododendron encountered near the path. We will also check and clean out any nest boxes and also note locations requiring drainage maintenance, and new/additional timber shuttering in the spring/summer. Please as always wear appropriate footwear, it may be wet and slippery in places, and protective gloves. If you have your own pair of secateurs you can bring along that would be useful.

Every effort will be made to keep to this date, but changes can occur due to weather, logistics, to suit other involved parties or to avoid conflicting events. Generally an email will be sent to volunteers a week in advance with location and details of the task. It is possible that additional sessions will be added , including at weekends if there is time critical, or backlog of tasks to complete.

If you would like to join the list please fill in our contact form.

Tasks are generally planned with the parish council, and wherever possible have a conservation theme. Most tasks are conservation management or maintenance and vary from lighter clearance work e.g. footpaths, bramble, rhododendron and hazel coppice, to heavier work like drainage, revetment or footpaths. Occasionally we do get opportunities to enhance or even create habitat for flora and fauna.

Volunteers should wear gloves and sturdy footwear, safety glasses and long trousers recommended. Bring waterproofs, sunscreen and insect repellent as appropriate and bring your own water/refreshments.

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Conservation Task
2026-01-22 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-02-03 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-02-10 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-03-05 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-03-11 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-04-21 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-05-28 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-06-18 10:00 - 13:00 and 6 more dates
Organiser: Adrian Palmer

Meeting Point: To be confirmed nearer the time

Task: To be confirmed nearer the time

Every effort will be made to keep to this date, but changes can occur due to weather, logistics, to suit other involved parties or to avoid conflicting events. Generally an email will be sent to volunteers a week in advance with location and details of the task. It is possible that additional sessions will be added , including at weekends if there is time critical, or backlog of tasks to complete.

If you would like to join the list please fill in our contact form.

Tasks are generally planned with the parish council, and wherever possible have a conservation theme. Most tasks are conservation management or maintenance and vary from lighter clearance work e.g. footpaths, bramble, rhododendron and hazel coppice, to heavier work like drainage, revetment or footpaths. Occasionally we do get opportunities to enhance or even create habitat for flora and fauna.

Volunteers should wear gloves and sturdy footwear, safety glasses and long trousers recommended. Bring waterproofs, sunscreen and insect repellent as appropriate and bring your own water/refreshments.

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