Stanpit
| Stanpit | |
|---|---|
 Stanpit
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| Stanpit shown within Dorset | |
| OS grid reference | SZ1792 |
| District | |
| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | CHRISTCHURCH |
| Postcode district | BH23 |
| Dialling code | 01202 |
| Police | Dorset |
| Fire | Dorset and Wiltshire |
| Ambulance | South Western |
| EU Parliament | South West England |
| UK Parliament | |
Stanpit is a historic village in the borough of Christchurch, Dorset, in southern England. It is located along the southern boundary of current day Mudeford. The Stanpit road connects from the end of the original Mudeford road through to Purewell Cross.
The village is mentioned in the Domesday Book (1086) as Stanpeta meaning 2 estates with meadows. On Isaac Taylor's 1759 map of Hampshire it is marked as Stampit.
During the 19th-century, the area became known for smuggling and the nearby fishing village of Mudeford was the scene of a battle between smugglers and revenue men. The local Scout hut, situated on Stanpit recreation ground is named Orestes after the Royal Navy cutter which took part. The recreation ground is also the site of an annual bonfire and firework event, commemorating the gunpowder plot. It takes place on or around 5 November and includes competitions and refreshments with the proceeds benefitting local youth organisations.
Along part of the south west side of Stanpit road is Stanpit Marsh. It was formed as the result of action and deposition of material from the rivers Stour and Avon as they meet with the salt water within Christchurch Harbour. The site is owned by Christchurch Borough Council and managed by Christchurch Countryside Service. The area known as Stanpit Marsh is a mixture of habitats including areas of salt marsh, reed beds, freshwater marsh, gravel estuarine banks and sandy scrub. Together with Grimbury Marsh, it forms one of the largest areas of salt marsh in the county. The highest point of the marsh is an ancient grass covered sand dune named Crouch Hill. It stands 5 metres above sea level. To the east of Crouch hill lies Blackberry Point. In the past this was a small island within the Harbour known locally as Horseshoe Island. Today it has become firmly attached to the marsh.
Stanpit Marsh is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and an important nature reserve of about 65 hectares (160 acres), combining both freshwater and saltwater habitats. There are over 300 species of plants growing there and 14 of them are considered to be nationally rare and endangered. It is used by 312 species of bird, a few of which breed there. Many others are migratory and use the marsh as an important staging point. In 2001 a successful breeding program for Natterjack Toads was established.
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Wikipedia