A PRIZED and popular beauty spot in Christchurch will continue to get the "great care and attention it deserves", BCP Council has pledged.

After a fire ravaged wildlife and land at St Catherine's Hill earlier this month, the council has reaffirmed their commitment to the ecologically rich beauty spot.

This year, the important plan for the continued management of St Catherine's Hill runs out.

The current version, which came into action in 2012, was drawn-up by St Catherine’s Hill and Town Common management plan steering group under the former Christchurch Borough Council administration.

But it runs out at the end of 2022.

The land is highly valued because of the nature, conservation, geologial and archaeological interests.

Covering 162 hectares - 400 acres - the heathland and woodland is known as Town Common SSSI.

The current plan covers issues including ecology, unauthorised fires, byelaws and access, management of woodland, flytipping and horseriding. 

It also looks at finances, wardening and community involvement.

The site is jointly managed by BCP Council, the RSPB, Dorset Wildlife Trust and The Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust. Urban Heaths Partnership also provide wardens for the site. 

Heath fires have broken out at the site over the years. The last earlier this month, devastated a lot of wildlife. The cause has not yet been confirmed.

Councillor Mark Anderson, portfolio Holder for environment and place said: “We are blessed to have so many wonderful green spaces within the local area and St Catherine’s Hill is highly valued for its significant nature, geology and archaeological interest.

"While the current St Catherine’s Hill Management plan expires at the end of this year, it does set principles for a 25-year vision. This will be assessed for review within the context of our wider plans. When it is re-written or updated, it will be discussed with stakeholders and made publicly available.

"St Catherine’s Hill is an important recreational resource for the local and wider community, and we will continue to ensure the great care and attention it deserves continues now and in the future.”