CHRISTCHURCH residents have thrown their weight behind plans for the management of St Catherine’s Hill and Town Common.

After years of hard work and campaigning by residents a draft plan was released earlier this year for consultation.

More than 180 people responded to the consultation.

In 2003, the Herpetological Conservation Trust HCT put forward proposals to fell 15,000 trees.

While the plans created a backlash from residents determined to halt the move, the HCT said the measure would reclaim the heathland area for rare lizards and snakes and preserve an internationally important wildlife site.

But after years of tense talks, proposals on how best to manage the site were finally published this year.

Chair of the steering group, Cllr Sue Spittle, said: “The public responses are a vital part of the plan’s preparation and will help improve the eventual plan.

“We are very grateful for everyone's thoughtful comments. Both the quantity and the quality of the responses indicate how important this place is to people – for many it is part of their daily lives.”

There was broad support for the plan, including management of habitats, monitoring of hydrology, grazing, responsible dog walking, cycle use and car parking.