Priors Hill Copse
Visit http://www.growingnative.co.uk/friends%20of%20priors%20hill.htm for more information
Priors Hill Copse is located at the north of Butlocks Heath and the south of Old Netley, within Hound Parish (grid reference 468092) and can be accessed via The Grove in Butlocks Heath.
Hound Parish Council owns 3.88 hectares of the Copse, the remainder being shared by private owners and the Castle Angling Club, which owns the section including the reservoir.
Priors Hill Copse is designated as an ancient semi-natural woodland and a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation. (SINC)
Wildlife
White Admiral and Holly Blue butterflies have been seen at the Copse and bats roost in the woodland. In the spring, bluebells grow in the less densely covered areas of the Copse. Bilberries and blackberries also grow, together with wood anemones and stitchwort.
Volunteers Needed !
Hound Parish Council is looking to work in partnership with Eastleigh Borough Council , British Trust for Conservation Volunteers(BTCV) and the Hampshire & isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, to manage Priors Hill Copse as an ongoing project.
The Copse has become very overgrown with holly in recent years and Hound Parish Council is asking for volunteers to help manage the growth. Coppicing the holly will mean that the mature oaks, rowan and birch trees will benefit from increased light and warmth and can thrive in a natural environment.
View Larger Map