The original name of Twynham, meaning “settlement between two rivers” was replaced when the priory was constructed in 1094 and the town became Christchurch. Being situated between the Stour and Avon rivers during Saxon times the harbour was one of the most important in Britain but this declined through the ages as it became inaccessible to larger vessels. It was due to the harbour and location of the town that many battles have raged in the area, not least between smugglers and exise men!
A walk through the centre of Christchurch in Dorset reveals its history around every corner including the magnificent priory and the ducking stool! The town became part of Dorset in 1974 and is the most easterly borough in the county having been established since 650 AD.
Important industry in the past has included fusee chains, used in watch making and clocks. In 1847 the railway arrived and in 1903 a power station was built to power trams. In 1934 an airfield by Somerford road produced aircraft for the war effort which is now a large industrial estate and another airfield was opened in 1941 called Hurn which served many transatlantic destinations before London Heathrow! Between 1941 and 1942 the Bailey Bridge was developed at Christchurch Barracks which is now both a retail and housing development.
From the 18th century onwards a lot of housing has been built around Christchurch linking it to both Bournemouth and Highcliffe but the rivers have enabled nature reserves to be formed and large green areas to be established.
Because of the location on the rivers, Christchurch will attract the normal array of pests as water is needed by most for survival and provides a natural highway for both insects and mammals, so some form of pest control may be needed. Rodents including Mice and Rats will always be able to forage for food and lodgings along waterways and as the town is located along the route it provides ideal opportunities. Problems will arise when high water levels are experienced during tidal phases when Mice and Rats will seek out shelter in properties close by.
Wasps and other insects will all follow the river courses and will actively seek out accommodation close by along with birds including pigeons and seagulls. Ants will always be an ongoing problem due to the texture of the soil locally. Moles will migrate from nearby farmland to road verges and exposed gardens depending on food levels available and seasonal traits. Rabbits will also be attracted to larger gardens to feast on shrubs and plants carefully planted.
With limited pockets of woodland available, Squirrels will quickly adapt to living in either domestic or commercial properties. The master of adaptation, the Fox will definitely be at home with plentiful supplies of food readily available and lots of quieter and secluded places to set up a home and family. Interaction between wild and domestic animals often leads to an increase in the outbreak of Fleas in particular areas, so vigilance is always required with pets.
If you have a problem with Ants, Fleas, Rats, Mice, Rabbirs, Squirrels, Birds, Moles, Wasps or you need help with wasp control or wasp removal or pest prevention or have a pest control problem in and around Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Ringwood, Verwood or any BH postcode area call No-Nonsense Pest Control : 01202 523469 or 07708 944620 or e-mail nononsensepestcontrol@yahoo.co.uk.