Milford Conservation Volunteers

Drop in Birding Session at Sturt Pond
2025-10-18 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-09-20 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-08-16 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-07-19 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-06-21 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-05-17 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-04-19 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-03-15 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
2025-10-04 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-09-06 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-08-02 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-07-05 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-06-07 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-05-03 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-04-05 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-03-01 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.

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.

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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
2025-08-12 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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Nature Walk
2025-07-23 10:00 - 12:00
Butterflies on Studland Common

Meeting Point: Gate 12 Pless Road, opposite Westminster Road

Leaders: Tani Read & Helen Duckett

This will be a walk to look at the butterflies across Studland Common which is always a very popular walk for members

The very dry summer has meant that the peak variety and numbers of butterflies has passed, but we are still hopeful of good sightings if the weather stays fine

In the event of rain, the walk will be cancelled as the butterflies will be unlikely to make an appearance, so fingers crossed for sunshine!!

Tani and Helen regularly walk this butterfly transect at Studland Common for Butterfly Conservation records. If the weather conditions are not right for butterflies, this walk may be postponed so please check you emails on Wednesday morning, we will send out an email if plans change

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
2025-07-22 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
2025-06-26 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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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

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

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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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.

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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

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
2025-03-27 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
