CHOG is a charitable organisation dedicated to the restoration of nature and all wildlife, in and around the Christchurch Harbour area. 

The late Frank Clafton’s ‘attempted Ornithological Survey’ in 1956 inspired the formation of the Christchurch Harbour Ornithological Group and ever since, the group has systematically recorded and studied birds and other wildlife. Nowadays, with an average annual subscribed membership of over 800, CHOG is a respected and influential voice in the local community.

Although the original focus of the group was recording birds, the core objectives now include that activity within the wider remit of initiating, facilitating, advising on and providing funding for nature restoration projects, in partnerships with local landowners, statutory bodies and other stakeholders.

As well as making a positive contribution to nature restoration, CHOG members benefit from:

• A free copy of the annual wildlife report, The Birds of Christchurch Harbour, which is over 150 pages in full colour
• e-Newsletters published at least three times a year
• Free access to indoor meetings
• Free attendance at outdoor meetings
• Access to the members-only resource CHOG Online

Objectives

CHOG is primarily a conservation group. It advises the major landowners on the management of Christchurch Harbour and surrounding areas, with Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP) directly and with Bournemouth Water via South West Lakes Trust, and has made significant contributions to the site management plans.

The CHOG Strategic Plan includes three main objectives:

• To record, through observation and ringing, the birds and other wildlife of Christchurch Harbour and its adjacent areas
• To engage with the local community and relevant stakeholders to increase awareness of wildlife
• To participate in, and offer advice on, nature and wildlife restoration activities and projects

CHOG achieves these objectives by pursuing three outline strategies:

• Continuing to grow membership, as a greater number of members gives us a greater ‘voice’ in conservation matters
• Advising and liaising with landowners, outside organisations and individuals on nature restoration/conservation activities, issues and projects to achieve their environmental targets
• Acting as a point of consultation and an opinion-former on matters affecting local area nature restoration

Membership

Over the years, the annual report ‘The Birds of Christchurch Harbour’ has become more comprehensive and of higher quality.  Since 2020, members have been encouraged to consider opting for a digital PDF version. From the 2022 annual report onwards, this ‘green’ report has been enriched with multiple links to additional relevant information. If you are a member and wish to switch to the ‘green’ version for future years, please contact the Report Editor.

Throughout the year, CHOG runs a varied selection of outdoor meetings, which are friendly and inclusive. Additionally, during the winter months, there is an indoor meetings programme of illustrated talks, usually at St. Nicholas Church Hall, Broadway, Hengistbury Head, BH6 4EP. Full details of these activities can be found on this website.

The easiest way to join CHOG is online or contact the Membership Administrator.

To see what our members have told us about the value of CHOG membership click here.

CHOG is registered as a charity with HMRC – Ref: 1185330.