Protect Mudeford Sandbank

‘Hengistbury Head is a site of international importance in terms of its archaeology and is scheduled as an Ancient Monument. Declared a Local Nature Reserve in 1990, the head and its surroundings form part of the Christchurch Harbour Site of Special Scientific Interest. It is also a Special Area of Conservation, Special Protection Area, an Environmentally Sensitive Area and a Site of Nature Conservation Interest. The name “Hengistbury Head” refers to the immediate area; the elevated portion is called Warren Hill.

Historically part of Christchurch, Mudeford Sandbank was sold to Bournemouth Borough Council in 1935. Opposite the Sandbank is the Haven, that almost encloses Christchurch Harbour, leaving the water within the harbour to exit through a narrow channel known as The Run.

Formed by sand and shingle brought around Hengistbury Head by longshore drift and pushed towards the shore by waves from the east, the Sandbank is the most mobile of Dorset’s geographical features. Mudeford Sandbank can be reached on foot or land train from the main part of Bournemouth Bay, or by ferry from Mudeford Quay.