We would urge everyone to have a read of the council's plan for new homes and employment land and make your voice heard (deadline 13th October).

The following areas identified are direct neighbours of Cannon Hill.

LA/COLE/004,017,033 Farmland at Pilford including the field used for events.

LA/COLE/014 Farmland North of the A31

LA/COLE/002 Farmland South of the A31

LA/COLE/006 Farmland South of the A31

We have spoken to two of the land owners who have not been consulted and were understandably upset about the situation.

You can read more and have your say here -​

https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/dorset-council-local-plan-options-consultation-2025

09:30 Wednesday 24th & 09:00 Sunday 28th September 

With the harvesting operation in full swing in Cannon Hill North, we felt it was prudent to focus on another of our sites for a while.
Elford Heath is our heathland restoration project which we begun in 2019 returning failed conifer plantation back to the scare lowland heathland habitat it would have been 100 years ago.

We will be for both sessions this month and Saturday 11th October at least.

Elford Heath is a short walk from the parking areas on Uddens Drive (North of the A31).
Either following the main forest road track or the Castleman trailway where you can join the main track near the solar farm.
We will be based on the main track between the open areas (Elford Heath).
///promotes.copiers.bandstand
​Wednesday's group task will consist of cutting any regenerating Birch, Rhododendron and maybe pulling some bracken on the previously cleared areas.
On Sunday we will be in the same location, finishing anything left from Wednesday and starting to clear a new area.
We will prepare bonfire site for October (October will also be the start of our sausage sandwiches at lunch time ;-).

Not been before, then the following may be helpful -
The times above are when we aim to get on site, however we appreciate some people like a lie-in and others like to get home for lunch. You are welcome to come and go as you like, but please check in and out with a task leader.
The end time can depend on the weather and energy levels, but is usually around 2pm-3pm.
Hot drinks and biscuits provided on weekend tasks, but feel free to bring lunch etc. 
Gloves, tools and training also supplied as always.
If you are under 16, you are very welcome, but please bring an adult along, even if they just watch / drink tea ;-) 

Please get in touch if you have any queries.

Andy
07984 843192

After the success of last month, we are going to have another session on the dry heath area of the mire in Cannon Hill Mire.
Improving the habitat for reptiles, by pulling more bracken and cutting some of the Birch regen.
There is also some Rhododendron to cut in the adjoining woodland for those that prefer that. 

We will be based near the "dog splash platform" on the main track ///exulted.resolved.sensitive

Not been before, then the following may be helpful -
The hours above are when we plan to be on site, however we appreciate some people like a lie-in and other like to get home for lunch. You are welcome to come and go as you like, but please check in and out with a task leader.
Hot drinks and biscuits provided, but feel free to bring lunch etc. 
Gloves, tools and training also supplied as always.
If you are under 16, you are very welcome, but please bring an adult along, even if they just watch / drink tea ;-) 

Please get in touch if you have any queries.

Andy
07984 843192


FUTURE DATES - 

Wed 24/09/2025
Sun 28/09/2025
Sat 11/10/2025
Sun 26/10/2025
Wed 29/10/2025
Sat 08/11/2025
Sun 23/11/2025
Wed 26/11/2025
Sat 06/12/2025
Wed 17/12/2025
Sun 21/12/2025
Sat 03/01/2026
Sun 18/01/2026
Wed 28/01/2026
Sat 31/01/2026
Sun 15/02/2026
Wed 25/02/2026
Sat 28/02/2026
Sun 15/03/2026
Wed 25/03/2026
Sat 28/03/2026