Did you know, that as well a leading conservation projects across the village, the Milford on Sea Conservation Volunteers (MCV) also run regular free Nature Walks for all, Birding Sessions for all experiences and ages, as well as other nature events throughout the year.
Sturt Pond to Keyhaven Coastal Path
17th July 2024: 10.30am to 12.30pm.
Studland Common
The Nature Walks are hosted by an experienced guide, who will take you to various places around the village to discover the nature that abounds nearby. All ages and families welcome.
Don’t forget your binoculars if you have them, as you never know what might turn up!
Ideal for all ages, and newcomers are especially welcome.
To book, and for more information: www.milfordconservation.org/events
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Twice monthly Drop in Birding Sessions
The drop in birding sessions are free and open to everyone of any age or experience.
Local bird experts are available to help identify birds and answer any questions. Scopes and binoculars are available to use, and over 120 species of birds have been recorded in recent times.
Everyone of any age is welcome, and it is also a great way to introduce kids to the world of birds, so why not pop in and see what you can discover?
Free Drop in Birding Session: Keyhaven Observatory
1st Saturday of every month at Keyhaven Observatory: 10am to 12noon.
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The Keyhaven Observatory exists through the generosity of the J & D Edgar Ltd. family with assistance from Simeon Morgan Farming, MCV has been given an occupancy licence for a redundant farm building (old pumping station) at the westernmost end of the Ancient Highway. The brick-building has been converted into a small Bird Observatory looking up The Pans and across to the lower Avon Water. The Pans has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its gatherings of winter wildfowl.
Directions to Keyhaven Observatory: From Milford village, turn left at the bottom of the green towards Keyhaven. Pass the Keyhaven War Memorial green on your left and The Gun Inn on your right. Turn left into the NFDC car park. Pay and park and walk towards the track that leads round the northern part of the quay towards the coastal footpath and Iley Lane. After about four hundred metres, you will see the Bird Observatory gate and Welcome sign on your left. For location, please click here.
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Free Drop in Birding Session: Sturt Pond Bird Hide
3rd Saturday of every month at Sturt Pond Bird Hide: 10am to 12noon.
Sturt Pond is a haven for swans, ducks, Brent geese, mallard, teal, shelduck & grebes. Two wooden bridges cross the stream which runs from Sturt Pond to the salt marshes. The bird hide is a hidden sanctuary to observe Keyhaven nature reserve.
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Sturt Pond Bird Hide is open to the public every day from 9am to 5pm, or dusk if earlier. (Locked at night.)
Directions to Sturt Pond Bird Hide: The bird hide is located immediately behind the Lighthouse restaurant on the Hurst beach side. The bird hide can be found at the end of the concealed metal gated path between the Lighthouse restaurant and the black council sheds.
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Conservation Task
Tuesday 18th June 2024: 9am
The Conservation 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.
If you would like to join in with the Conservation Task Team please fill in the contact form at www.milfordconservation.org/contact-us, you will then get details of the tasks to take place.
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Creeks & Saltmarsh Winter Birding Trips
Each month during the winter, from October to March, there are sailings from Keyhaven Hurst Marine Ferry Pontoon for an enjoyable boat trip around the creeks, channels and saltmarshes of Keyhaven.
If you are lucky, these trips can also involve a close up encounter with seals.
The trips are led by Keith Metcalf, a bird expert, and experienced nature & wildlife guide.
Space is limited, so pre-booking is essential. A small charge applies to cover costs.
Creeks & Saltmarsh Winter Birding Trips 2024
- Thursday 10th October 2024: Departing at 9am sharp
- Friday 22nd November 2024: Departing at 9am sharp
- Monday 9th December 2024: Departing at 9am sharp
Winter 2024 Birding Trips can now be booked with Keith Metcalf at:
About Milford Conservation Volunteers (MCV)
Milford on Sea Conservation Volunteers are a group of local people who are dedicated to conserving and improving the wildlife and environment within the Milford on Sea and Keyhaven parish. MCV volunteers have regular tasks groups for logging, scrub clearance, balsam pulling and such like.
In 2020, MCV members were honoured to receive the country’s highest accolade for a voluntary group, the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, which is equivalent to an MBE.
New volunteers, young and old are always welcome.
MCV also run other events related to local nature such as:
- Birding for Beginner Sessions on 1st & 3rd Saturday each month.
- Guided local Nature Walks are held on a monthly basis.
- Creeks and Saltmarsh Boat Trip each month. Sailing from Keyhaven Hurst Ferry Pontoon. This is a boat trip around Keyhaven Creeks and Saltmarsh, led by a bird expert. Held each month during winter (October to March).
- Conservation Tasks
To see details of all MCV events, please click here.
Milford Conservation Volunteers (MCV)
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