Christchurch Harbour Ornithological Group, inevitably known as CHOG, is an independent organisation and registered charity, which is dedicated to recording, promoting and conserving the wildlife of the Christchurch Harbour area. The late Frank Clafton’s ‘attempted Ornithological Survey’ in 1956 inspired the formation of CHOG, and ever since the group has systematically recorded and studied the Harbour’s birds and other wildlife. CHOG records contribute to the Dorset Bird Report as well as local and national recording projects.

As well as making a positive contribution to local conservation, CHOG members benefit from:

• A free copy of the annual bird report, The Birds of Christchurch Harbour, which is over 120 pages and contains many colour photographs
• 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, 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’s 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, conservation activities and projects

CHOG achieves these objectives by pursuing three outline strategies:

• Advising and liaising with landowners, outside organisations and individuals on conservation activities, issues and projects
• Acting as a point of consultation and opinion-former on matters affecting Harbour conservation 
• Continuing to grow membership, as a greater number of members gives us a greater ‘voice’ in conservation matters

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 will be 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.