Conservation Task
2024-12-17 10:00 - 13:00 UTC
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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Drop in Birding Session at Sturt Pond
2024-12-21 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-01-18 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-02-15 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-03-15 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-04-19 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-05-17 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-06-21 10:00 - 12:00
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
2025-01-04 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-03-01 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-04-05 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-05-03 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-06-07 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-07-05 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
2025-01-16 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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Creeks and Saltmarsh Boat Trip
2025-01-22 09:00 - 10:30, 2025-02-18 09:00 - 10:30
SOLD OUT

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. Booking requests can be made using the form below, after which you will be contacted by the organiser for payment.

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

Ticket Prices to cover costs only:

MCV Members £15 Non-MCV Members £20

More Details

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Event *Date *Wednesday 22nd January 2025 (trip 56)Tuesday 18th February 2025 (trip 57)Friday 21st March 2025 (trip 58)Number of Seats Seats are for: *MembersNon MembersMixed - please enter details in Message Box belowName *FirstLastEmail *Contact number *Comment or MessageSend

Youth Birding Trip

Nature Walk
2025-01-22 10:00 - 12:00
Birds at Normandy Marsh

Meeting Point: Maiden Lane, Lymington or the Bridge Car Park by 9:40 for car sharing.

Leader: Julie Hallows

January can be quite cold and windy, but Normandy lagoon is a bit sheltered within the salterns.

Don’t forget your binoculars if you have them, as you never know what might turn up!

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 date.

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

Please complete form if you need a lift or can help with car sharing.

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

Drop in Birding Session at Keyhaven
2025-02-01 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.

Drop in Birding Session at Keyhaven

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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Nature Walk
2025-02-18 10:00 - 12:00
Studland Common

Meeting Point: Gate 12 Pless Road, opposite Westminster Road

Leader: David Horne

Open to everyone, and new members are especially welcome.

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

Creeks and Saltmarsh Boat Trip
2025-03-21 09:00 - 11:30
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. Booking requests can be made using the form below, after which you will be contacted by the organiser for payment.

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

Ticket Prices to cover costs only:

MCV Members £15 Non-MCV Members £20

More Details

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Event *Date *Wednesday 22nd January 2025 (trip 56)Tuesday 18th February 2025 (trip 57)Friday 21st March 2025 (trip 58)Number of Seats Seats are for: *MembersNon MembersMixed - please enter details in Message Box belowName *FirstLastEmail *Contact number *Comment or MessageSend

Youth Birding Trip

2025-POSTER-CREEKS-and-SALTMARSH-EXTRA-WINTER-TRIP-2025-58

Nature Walk
2025-03-27 10:00 - 12:00
Note: Change of Venue

Birds at Normandy Marsh

Meeting Point: Maiden Lane, Lymington at 10:00 or the Bridge Car Park by 9:40 for car sharing.

Leader: Gill Watson

Don’t forget your binoculars if you have them, as you never know what might turn up!

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
2025-04-16 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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Nature Walk
2025-04-23 10:00 - 12:00
Lower Pleasure Grounds

Meeting place: Old Bridge, opposite Lucerne Road

Leader: David Horne

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

Visit to Brownsea Island
2025-05-12 10:30 - 16:00
Leader: Gill Watson

We will take the ferry over to Brownsea Island at 10.45, returning to Poole on the 15.00 ferry giving us about 4 hours on the island

We have reserved 25 places which will allocated on a first come first served basis. After which you will be put on a waiting list and contacted first if we repeat the event.

The ferry will cost £14.50 per person. If you are a National Trust member, then entry onto the island is free, but non members will pay £11 each in addition to the ferry fare.

There are 2 options for travel: – the 0854 train from New Milton to Poole with a 15 minute walk from the station to Poole Quay – make your own way to Poole and meet the group at Poole Quay at 1030

I do hope many of you will be able to join us on this trip, going a little further afield to enjoy the birdlife, wildlife and flora of this unique place

If you would like to reserve a place, please complete the form on this page, stating the following in the comments box:

Number of places:Names :Special access requirements: Y/NMobile number:Train or own transport?Are you a National Trust Member? Y/N

More details of the day will be sent to those registered nearer the time.

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

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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Nature Walk
2025-05-20 10:00 - 12:00
Keyhaven Sea Wall

Meeting Point: Keyhaven Observatory

Leaders: David Horne

Unfortunately Wendy Thomas is unable to lead a wild flower walk and we wish her well.

Wendy and Mary have been surveying and monitoring wildflowers around the parish for a number of years. The meeting point will be determined by what’s flowering at the time.

Open to everyone, 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
2025-06-19 10:00 - 12:00
Coastal Path Hordle Cliff

Meeting Point: Hordle Cliff Car Park

Leader: David Horne

We plan to walk along the cliff top towards Barton.

Don’t forget water and your binoculars if you have them, as you never know what might turn up! Please wear appropriate footwear for current weather conditions.

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 date.

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
2025-06-26 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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