Wick, Bournemouth

Wick is a village on the southern bank of the River Stour just before it enters Christchurch Harbour. Although only 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. As to the village of Wick, this clearly derives from the Old English "wic", meaning "dairy farm".

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.