Milford Conservation Volunteers

Drop in Birding Session at Sturt Pond
2025-04-19 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-03-15 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-02-15 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-01-18 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-12-21 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-11-16 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-10-19 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.

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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Drop in Birding Session at Keyhaven
2025-04-05 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-03-01 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-01-04 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-12-07 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-11-02 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.

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

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
2025-02-18 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
2025-02-18 09:00 - 10:30, 2025-01-22 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

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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Outlook 365

Outlook Live

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

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

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.

Add to calendar

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iCalendar

Outlook 365

Outlook Live

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.

Add to calendar

Google Calendar

iCalendar

Outlook 365

Outlook Live

Creeks and Saltmarsh Boat Trip
2024-12-09 09:00 - 10:30, 2024-11-22 09:00 - 10:30, 2024-10-10 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 *Thursday, 10th October 2023 (trip 53)Frinday 22nd November 2023 (trip 54)Monday 9th December 2023 (trip 55)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
2024-11-28 10:00 - 12:00
Sturt Pond Bird Hide to The Pans Observatory

Meeting Point: Sturt Pond Bird Hide

Leader: Keith Metcalf

Wrap up warm and bring your binoculars as you walk along the seawall from Milford to Keyhaven to see what birds are visiting.

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

Great Coastal Bird Watch
2024-11-01 13:00 - 15:00
At Sturt Pond Bird Hide

Bird Aware Solent are organising a pop up event at the sturt pond bird hide.

For full details of this and other events see their website

Great Coastal Bird Watch
2024-10-26 10:00 - 11:00
Each year, Bird Aware Solent organise a one-hour coastal birdwatch which anyone can join.

I shall be organising an event on behalf of Wings on Saturday 26th October from 10am till 11am.

See attached poster for full details.

If you would like to join me, I shall bring down all the equipment needed to set up and to help with Bird ID to passers by.

Feel free to invite family, children, grandchildren and friends to come down for an hour to Cut Bridge (or somewhere safe near there) where we can record what we see.

If you can let me know if you are likely to come, that would be helpful so we bring sufficient equipment.

Hope to see you there.

Keith Metcalf

Nature Walk
2024-10-22 10:00 - 12:00
Keyhaven Coastal Path

Meeting Point: Keyhaven Bird Observatory

Leader: David Horne

The plan is to walk up the coastal path past fishtail lagoon and back down the ancient highway.

Don’t forget 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
