Wick, Bournemouth

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Wick
Wick shown within Dorset
OS grid reference	SZ155921
Unitary authority	Bournemouth
Ceremonial county	Dorset
Region	South West
Constituent country	England
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Post town	BOURNEMOUTH
Postcode district	BH6
Dialling code	01202
Police	Dorset
Fire	Dorset
Ambulance	South Western
European Parliament	South West England
UK Parliament	Bournemouth East
List of places: UK • England • Dorset

Coordinates: 50°43′41″N 1°46′48″W / 50.728, -1.78

Wick is a village on the southern bank of the River Stour just before it enters Christchurch Harbour. Although only just half a mile away from Christchurch Priory, the village is in the borough of Bournemouth, the town centre of which is 4.5 miles away.

Before modern Bournemouth existed, the area used to be known as the Liberty of Westover.

Wick today retains much of its historic character, including some very old timber framed buildings.

Wick Fields are an important part of the Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The meadows have not been improved for agriculture and are therefore regarded as ‘ancient grassland’, rich in flowering plants and rushes. An increase of birds has been reported here, including the rare Dartford Warbler and the Cetti's Warbler. Other birds include the Song Thrush, Skylark, Kestrel, Barn Owl and Little Owl. The Otter is seen here occasionally, as is the now 'uncommon' Water Vole. A herd of Galloway cattle graze the land; these cattle are ideally suited to the harsh conditions of the coast and estuary and help to manage the land, as was done in ancient times.

Current attractions include the Wick Ferry across the River Stour, a playpark and the famous goalposts, which helped launch the careers of many professionals such as former England internationals Adam Lucas and Thomas Sini.