Christchurch Visitor Guide 2013 - Visit Dorset

secret
Stanpit Marsh (SSSI/LNR), an
award-winning 65-hectare site, is
situated on the north side of the
harbour, just below the confluence of
the rivers Avon and Stour, and has an
unusual combination of habitats
including saltmarsh, reed-beds,
freshwater marsh and over 300 species
of birds and 400 species of plants, many
of which are endangered.
Environmentally friendly features of the
new Information Centre include wind
and solar power, a filtered water supply
from rainwater and a composting toilet,
which won the centre the award.
Nearby, the once-famous Tutton’s
Well was renowned for its constant
supply of pure water fed by underground
springs which was said to have medicinal
virtues, especially for the eyes, and was
hawked around the country as the
Christchurch Elixir (www.tuttons-well.
org.uk).
St Catherine's Hill Nature Reserve
Did you know
● Award-winning Steamer Point
Information Centre was the first
public building in Dorset to fit
solar panels.
● Stanpit Marsh won Gold Award
and was overall winner in South
and South East England in Bloom
2012 – Best Conservation Area.
● St Catherine's Hill is home to all
six of Britain's native reptiles.
www.visitchristchurch.info
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