Grove Copse
Information on Grove Copse in Christchurch, including woodland wildlife and location.
Grove Copse is a small nature reserve located in the west of the borough, close to St Catherine's Hill. The site is comprised mainly of mature oak woodland habitat, with an understorey of hazel, birch and holly. Rhododendron, previously dominating is being gradually removed to give space for native trees and shrubs.
Grove Copse
The site was formerly part of Grove Farm. The farmhouse today exists as a private residence next to the site. This site has historically been referred to as 'Bluebell Wood' although only small patches of bluebells remain. Despite the small size, the site is important for local wildlife, particularly woodland birds and is managed with the aim of maintaining and improving it as a wildlife habitat. The Grove Copse Management Plan gives further information.
| Nearest town: |
Christchurch |
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| Grid reference: |
SZ139945
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| Nearest postcode: |
BH23 2PE
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| Nearest train station: |
Christchurch
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| Nearest bus stop: |
River Way, near junction with Stour Way
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| Parking: |
On road parking on Hurn Way or Stour Way
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| Accessibility: |
Gates are 1.2m wide. Terrain is flat and soft ground. One wooden bench.
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| Habitat: |
Broadleaved woodland
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| Look out for: |
Rooks, jackdaws, woodpeckers, nuthatch, Red Admiral and Speckled Wood butterflies and foxes
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| Dogs allowed? |
Yes but under close control
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| Size: |
1.45 ha
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| What to do? |
A pleasant wooded open space to walk and relax in. It is a small site but worth including as part of a visit to the nearby St Catherine's Hill
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