Milford Conservation Volunteers

Drop in Birding Session at Sturt Pond
2025-08-16 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-09-20 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-10-18 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-11-15 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-12-20 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-02-21 10:00 - 12:00 UTC
This is a drop in birding session open to everyone. It is held on 3rd Saturday of every month, from 10 am – 12 noon, at Sturt Pond Bird Hide.

Local bird experts are available to help identify birds and answer questions.

Scopes and binoculars are available to use.

Everyone welcome, so why not come along and see what’s happening today?

Details of venue here

You may also like to Drop In at Keyhaven Observatory on 1st Saturday of the month.

Drop in Birding Session at Keyhaven
2025-09-06 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-10-04 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-11-01 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-12-06 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-01-03 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-02-07 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-03-07 10:00 - 12:00
Drop in Birding Session at Keyhaven

This is a drop in birding session open to everyone. It is held on 1st Saturday of every month, from 10 am – 12 noon, at Keyhaven Bird Observatory.

Local bird experts are available to help identify birds and answer questions.

Scopes and binoculars are available to use.

Everyone welcome, so why not come along and see what’s happening today?

Details of venue here

You may also like to Drop In at Sturt pond on 3rd Saturday of the month.

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.

Nature Walk
2025-09-24 10:00 - 12:00
Meeting Point: Keyhaven Observatory

Leader: Gill Watson

Walk along the sea wall towards Lymington

Don’t forget your binoculars!

Open to everyone, and new members are especially welcome.

Please wear clothing and footwear appropriate for the weather conditions. Bring water and sunscreen as required.

Note Any changes to the walk details will be published here, so check back here to confirm. We also try to send an email reminder to members shortly before the walk is due to take place.

Either fill in the form so that we know to expect you, or just turn up on the day.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Event *Name *FirstLastEmail *Contact numberComment or Message *Send

Nature Walk
2025-10-21 10:00 - 12:00
Meeting Point: Downton Lakes

Leader: Gill Watson

Open to everyone, and new members are especially welcome.

Please wear clothing and footwear appropriate for the weather conditions. Bring water and sunscreen as required.

Note Any changes to the walk details will be published here, so check back here to confirm. We also try to send an email reminder to members shortly before the walk is due to take place.

Either fill in the form so that we know to expect you, or just turn up on the day.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Event *Name *FirstLastEmail *Contact numberComment or Message *Send

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.

Add to calendar

Google Calendar

iCalendar

Outlook 365

Outlook Live

Nature Walk
2025-11-17 10:00 - 12:00
Meeting Point: Keyhaven Observatory

Leader: Gill Watson

Open to everyone, and new members are especially welcome.

Please wear clothing and footwear appropriate for the weather conditions. Bring water and sunscreen as required.

Note Any changes to the walk details will be published here, so check back here to confirm. We also try to send an email reminder to members shortly before the walk is due to take place.

Either fill in the form so that we know to expect you, or just turn up on the day.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Event *Name *FirstLastEmail *Contact numberComment or Message *Send

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.

Add to calendar

Google Calendar

iCalendar

Outlook 365

Outlook Live

Nature Walk
2025-12-10 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-02-18 10:00 - 12:00
Meeting Point: Sturt Pond Bird Hide

Leader: Gill Watson

Open to everyone, and new members are especially welcome.

Please wear clothing and footwear appropriate for the weather conditions. Bring water and sunscreen as required.

Note Any changes to the walk details will be published here, so check back here to confirm. We also try to send an email reminder to members shortly before the walk is due to take place.

Either fill in the form so that we know to expect you, or just turn up on the day.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Event *Name *FirstLastEmail *Contact numberComment or Message *Send

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.

Add to calendar

Google Calendar

iCalendar

Outlook 365

Outlook Live

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
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.

Add to calendar

Google Calendar

iCalendar

Outlook 365

Outlook Live

Creeks & Saltmarsh Boat Trip
2026-01-24 09:00 - 22:30, 2026-02-24 09:00 - 22:30
This is a boat trip around Keyhaven Creeks and Saltmarsh, led by bird expert, Keith Metcalf.

Space is limited so pre-booking is essential and payment needs to be received to confirm booking. Please contact Keith using the details in the poster.

Meet at Keyhaven Hurst Castle Ferry Pontoon 5 minutes before departure.

Ticket Prices to cover costs only:

MCV Members £16Non-MCV Members £21

C-and-S-TRIP-62-63-POSTER-2026

Nature Walk
2026-01-26 10:00 - 12:00
Meeting Point: Milford Pleasure Grounds bridge

Leader: David Horne

We will meet at 10am at the Milford Pleasure Grounds bridge and head up to Studland Common and Sharvells Copse

The bridge is located almost opposite Lucerne Road just up from the carpark near the Thai restaurant in the village

Open to everyone, and new members are especially welcome.

Please wear clothing and footwear appropriate for the weather conditions. Bring water and sunscreen as required.

Note Any changes to the walk details will be published here, so check back here to confirm. We also try to send an email reminder to members shortly before the walk is due to take place.

Either fill in the form so that we know to expect you, or just turn up on the day.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Event *Name *FirstLastEmail *Contact numberComment or Message *Send
