St Catherine's Hill Nature Reserve

About

St Catherine's Hill is a 35 hectare area of heathland and coniferous forest. It is located to the north of Christchurch and is bordered by Town Common Nature Reserve and the Wessex Way (A338). The Hill is home to a large number of important wildlife species including the Dartford Warbler and the sand lizard and is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), RAMSAR, Special Area of Conservation (cSAC) and Special Protection Area (SPA).

At 163ft (53 metres) above sea level, St Catherine's Hill is the highest area of Christchurch and also boasts some of the most spectacular views.

The site forms part of a larger area of sensitive heathland that is jointly managed for nature conservation by Christchurch Countryside Service, RSPB, Dorset Wildlife Trust and The Herpetological Conservation Trust (HCT).