A Kinson website devoted to old Kinson and modern Kinson
Kinson Review of 2007
Enjoying local history through Communigate
Isaac Gulliver
Old Maps of Kinson and the surrounding district
Unusual sunsets in Kinson
Kinson Astronomy Photo diary
Kinson Wild Flowers Botany & Blooms picture diary
Kinson Common Wild Orchids
Mr. Archibald Hedge Hog`s column
Looking around the historic Kinson Church
About this website
Kinson Common, Local Nature Reserve, SSSI, SACs site
Kinson Smugglers
Kinson & Kinson Common, 1066 to modern times
Kinson Local Astronomy monthly
Poems about Kinson
History of Kinson in Dorset
Natural history files for Kinson, Longham, Millhams, Turbary
A Naturalist`s Millennium & Kinson Nature Diaries
Kinson Heritage buildings
Kinson Common Virtual Tour
Local Views
Glimpses of Old Kinson
Monthly Nature Diary for Kinson
Butterflies
Moonfleet mono photo gallery
Moonfleet colour photo gallery
Moonfleet cartoon photo gallery
Nature Gallery
Kinson Seasons
Insects and Spiders
All named areas of Kinson Common
Kinson Walks 2008-2009
Cuckoo Woods
Kinson News 2008
Moonfleet Wild Birds Photo Gallery
Guestbook
Which of these places do you like to visit in Kinson?
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MOONFLEET OF KINSON
 | Welcome to the Kinson website which offers superb free detailed information about Kinson, Kinson, Kinson, Kinson! We are proud to cover many Kinson topics including the following:-
Kinson Astronomy
Kinson & Kinson Common 1066 to modern times
Kinson Church
Kinson Common Local Nature Reserve
Kinson Common Virtual Tour
Kinson Common Wild Orchids
Kinson Heritage buildings
Kinson Maps
Kinson Monthly Nature Diary
Kinson Natural History Files
Kinson Old and Modern
Kinson Poems
Kinson Smugglers
Kinson Sunsets
Kinson Walks
Kinson News
If there is a Kinson topic we have not yet covered, please contact us as we are very keen to ensure that this Kinson website is truly devoted to an older and modern Kinson.
One of our stated aims is to be a top Kinson website for the benefit of the Kinson Community whom we are pleased and proud to serve.
(To 28th October 2008: 92,586 combined hits for all web pages featured on our Kinson website.) |
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About us
 | Our successful local venture started in 2003 and we have been connected with the Kinson area for over 38 years.
As a community-based organisation we are recognised by Bournemouth Council,the Youth Outreach project, local groups and other organisations.
Our continued aim is to inform and to stimulate interest in Kinson and the surrounding area. We also enjoy researching local history and natural history , sharing our knowledge with others of all age groups. Activities involving the local community will continue in 2008.
As well as continually updating our website with information about an older and more modern Kinson, we also devote time to undertaking occasional walks and astronomy evenings. The latter activity is subject to the weather.
Occasionally, we are asked to undertake illustrated talks for local groups, guilds and societies.
Our website contains over 30 sections and we cover many topics which we have tried to make as wide-ranging and interesting as possible.
We know that many of you have greatly enjoyed looking at the Moonfleet galleries and especially those dealing with Isaac Gulliver and Kinson smugglers.
In 2008, we intend to do our very best to maintain your interest throughout this year.
Thank you for taking the time to view our website today. |
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The Kinson Common Local Nature Reserve
 | If you are looking for a complete A- Z on the Kinson Common, this section is definitely for you.
It also includes Kinson photographs, Kinson maps old and modern, also Kinson Common historical research, relating to the 1700`s and 1800`s, carried out in 2005 and 2006. Recent research focussed on researching the history of the Kinson Common side-stream, also the generally lower water table, with possible longer terms effects upon flora and fauna.
Our Kinson Common checklists are set out in an easy to follow manner. Our wild flower list is also set out in family order and totals 387 entries (2008). New discovery, Orange Hawkweed, added to the list on 30th June, 2008.
We were pleased to hear of a reliable report concerning the recording of a Wheatear in Spring 2007. This species was first recorded around 1976 by the late Mr. Cecil Pepin and references to this species appearing at Poole Lane Heights was fully recognised in Bournemouth`s original Management plan (1983) for the Kinson Common.
Equally pleasing is the fact that a Hobby was recorded during a Borough Countryside guided walk on the 12th May 2007 at Kinson Common. Previously recorded on the Common by Mr. Mike Stewart on the 7th June, 1988. First recorded on the Kinson Common in 1979. It was good to see both species returning to the Kinson Common.
In one of our most comprehensive and detailed sections within our website, we take you on a journey and retrace the story of human involvement with this unique area of Kinson which began as a community almost half a million years ago and which still florishes today.
We journey through the Ages of Stone, Bronze and Iron which have all provided evidence of Kinson`s rich archaeological heritage and it was the Saxons who eventually set down the essential roots and founded a village which still lives on in the hearts and minds of a great many people who live in Kinson today.
As you will see, many other Ages are also covered, even the recent and the present
Having visited this site and been associated with this area for over 30 years, we would be pleased to try and answer any natural history or local history questions you may have.
Our "All named areas of Kinson Common" section also contains useful natural history information about the Common.
OUR AUTUMN VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE KINSON COMMON IS INTENDED AS A GENERAL GUIDE, TO SHOW WHAT CAN BE OBSERVED ON THIS IMPORTANT LOCAL NATURE RESERVE. |
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Astronomy evenings
 | If you are interested in viewing the night sky on an occasional basis, please contact our website.
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In the Frame!
 | | Adders in north Bournemouth on a memorable day in 2008. Over a period of time we managed to record and photograph a number of them. On every occasion we treated them with the greatest of respect and found them challenging to photograph. |
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A Spectacular Sunset
 | Kinson Sunset in Autumn.
Just like the ever changing Sun, the Moonfleet web pages are being continually updated to cover topical interests.
More photographs are featured in our Unusual sunsets in Kinson section of our website. |
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Spiders
 | These are a few examples of the spiders we have photographed locally.
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Moonfleet of Kinson butterflies
 | Many interesting local species are featured in our Butterflies section.
We love to photograph them and, although sometimes very challenging to do so, patience is always well rewarded. |
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Kinson Walks - Autumn 2008 to Winter 2009
 | | With over 30 years of local knowledge and experience, we are continuing to offer Kinson walks to both public and private organisations. If you carry your own public liability insurance, we would be pleased to hear from you. |
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Seasons
 | An Autumn morning in Pelhams Park, Kinson.
This section plots the four seasons of the year.We hope that you will enjoy looking at the photographs, and will consider sending us your own photos, as we would be pleased to display them on this website. |
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Shetland cattle grazing on the Kinson Common in 2008
 | We were pleased to observe the Shetland cattle during an evening Brownie walk on 26th June, 2008. Our featured photograph was taken on 30th June on Poole Lane Heights and the cattle have been grazed intermittently this year.
200 years ago, present day Kinson Common would have been known as Howe Farm with the tenants living at the Dolphin Inn now known as Gulliver`s Tavern. Latest researches also reveal interesting information about those far off days.
Animal values then (of those connected with the Kinson Common) were as follows: cow £3, heifer £3.50, sow £2.20, small pig £1 and sheep 37.5p each. Horses (mares) used around Howe Farm were valued (depending upon age) at between £7-£8. Colts were valued at c£2.63 and probably an old horse, as low as £1!
Some of the more recent and earlier changes over a long time period reduced the acreage of what was Howe Farm from over 100 acres to around the present day acreage of 40, a 60% reduction overall from when it was originally an economically sustainable arable farming unit.
Over 200 years ago, home grown and stored commodities were worth as follows: barley £15, hay £5, oats £4.20, peas £2 and wheat £14. Barley stored in a granary was valued at £11.25. The figures quoted form part of a property and contents inventory worth over £500 and excludes land values associated with the acreage of the Kinson Common which was owned by and rented from the Canford Estate at £60 per annum.
Comprehensive and updated records of the Kinson Common are also featured in our Natural History files section and you are welcome to download this information too for your own personal enjoyment.
ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED WITHIN THE MOONFLEET OF KINSON WEBSITE CAN BE COPIED FOR PERSONAL ENJOYMENT. IF YOU INTEND TO PUBLISH ANY INFORMATION, ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE SOURCE WOULD BE APPRECIATED.
MOONFLEET OF KINSON IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONTENT OF EXTERNAL WEBSITES. |
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Our Insects & Spiders section
 | These are a few of the many to be found in Kinson and other areas locally.
When ever we go on local walks we always carry our camera with us.
Larger photographs are featured in our Insects and Spiders section. |
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The Longham waterworks
 | Water water everywhere and not a drop to drink.
(Autumn.) |
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Mr. Jack Hargreaves
 | | Many still remember the days when Jack was a visitor to the Waterworks, filming his Out of Town programmes. |
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Kinson Wild Flowers Botany & Blooms picture diary
 | Pyramidal Orchid on Kinson Common in July 1984.
Since 1988 we have counted over 14,700 orchids on the Kinson Common. Heath Spotted orchids represent 52%, Southern Marsh 43% and Early Marsh 5%.
If we laid every orchid end-to-end, they would cover a distance of 2.58 miles. The 2008 orchid count would extend over 395 metres.
At present, around 90% are within access to the public with the remaining 10% located in more difficult terrain such as bogland.
In 2008, the second highest count ever since official recordings began in the 1980`s, Heath Spotted orchids account for over 76%, Southern Marsh 22% and Early Marsh almost 2% of the overall number of orchids existing on the Kinson Common.
Our Kinson Wild Flowers Botany & Blooms picture diary features detailed information about many of the species we have photographed.
THIS SECTION AND THE KINSON COMMON WILD ORCHIDS PAGES HAVE BEEN UPDATED, SUMMER 2008.
NEW INFORMATION ADDED TO OUR ORCHIDS PAGES ON THE 15TH AUGUST 2008. |
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November Photo feature: A time to remember
 | This month we are honoured to feature some of the memorials in St. Andrew`s Church in Kinson which commemorate those in old Kinson and modern Kinson who sacrificed their yesterdays for our tomorrows.
We are very fortunate also to have so many other records, features and buildings in the Kinson village area to remind us of our rich heritage locally.
Each month we intend to display more photographs of the areas covered by Moonfleet of Kinson and look forward to featuring more of them in 2008 and 2009. |
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St. Andrew`s Church in Kinson
 | We have recently updated our Looking around the historic Kinson Church section of our website. This section now includes details of the faculty to restore the church in 1894 and its re-opening in Kinson in 1895.
Our photograph features two phases in the long and interesting history of St Andrew`s, in Millhams Road, Kinson. |
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The Dorset Stour
 | | A view from Longham bridge in Autumn. |
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A sidestream by Longham bridge
 | | An Autumn scene by the Ringwood Road at Longham. |
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Kinson maps
 | This is our latest drawing of an older Kinson when Isaac Gulliver owned and lived in the Wimborne Road property numbered 168.
Included also, are many field names and the site of the Dolphin Public house, known now as Gulliver`s Tavern.
This year, we will be adding more information to our Maps section.
We have already drawn many local areas and you are welcome to download and enjoy them.
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Kinson Smugglers
 | Our section about Kinson smugglers was recently updated and two more maps were added.
This is the tombstone of Robert Trotman, a smuggler who died on the 24th March, 1765 and was buried in the north side of St. Andrew`s churchyard in Kinson.
As late as 1868, it was said, " the inhabitants of Kinson were, till within the last thirty years, famous as smugglers. The top of the church tower and the inside of a large old altar tomb opposite the south door, were favourite places for hiding contraband goods." |
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Back in the olden days
 | | A man enjoys a rest while out on a bike ride near Kinson Road, East Howe, Bournemouth. |
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Local Views
 | Updated photographs of Kinson and the surrounding area now featured in this section of our website.
The featured photograph is of the ancient Kitcher`s Mead by Millhams bridge in Kinson. |
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Millhams Mead
 | The small area of land at the bottom left of our map is marked "Millhams" (originally Mill Hams).
With the passing of time (at least two centures), this name has been applied to the whole of the area surrounding it. |
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Meet Mr. Woody
 | | He`s just popped in to collect his November 2008 starmap and to look at our latest Kinson Local Astronomy Monthly page. |
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Kinson Review of 2007
 | | We have devoted a special section to what was another memorable year for us. |
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Modern Millhams Mead
 | We will continue to enjoy exploring Millhams Mead in 2008 and we are delighted the area is supported by the recently formed Millhams Meaders.
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Down in the paddock
 | | Two mischief makers out for a stroll at Millhams Mead. |
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Spindlewood bridge near Cudnell woods
 | | One of our favourite local scenes in Autumn. |
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The Millhams Splash
 | This local scene was painted before the 1900`s. Long before a German Kaiser became stuck here and a brick bridge was built.
Millhams stream appears to have been shallower then and there was also a small wooden crossing in the same area. |
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Cuckoo Woods in central Kinson
 | This area supports a wealth of flora and fauna and is well worth visiting during the Autumn.
A recently constructed footpath leads from Brook Road to the woods. |
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Meet Sebastian
 | | He`s one of the characters of Cuckoo Woods. |
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In the heart of Kinson village
 | | This is a scene dating to the 1950`s. We do receive many requests to publish more Old Kinson photos and we promise to rectify this in 2008. |
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Kinson School 1874
 | | This is a glimpse of the time when the original school stood on the ground which eventually became the Kinson Village Green. |
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Holt Lodge - home of Charles Bennett, Olympic Champion of 1900
 | Long demolished, this property once fronting the Wimborne Road in central Kinson, was the home of Charles Bennett, Olympic champion.
The second Olympic Games of the modern era took place in Paris in 1900.
Events in which Charles Bennett successfully competed include:
1500m
1. Charles Bennett GBR 4:06,2 (gold)
2. Henri Deloge FRA 4:06,6
3. John Bray USA 4:07,2
4000m Steeplechase
1. John Rimmer GBR 12:58,4
2. Charles Bennett GBR 12:58,6 (silver)
3. Sydney Robinson GBR 12:58,8
5000m Team
1. Great Britain (gold)
2. France
Charles was buried in St. Andrew`s churchyard (Elev 17m, SZ06731 BNG 96876) and the photograph was given to us by a family member. (Inset added by us.)
Inscriptions in the Kinson churchyard read: In loving memory of Charles Bennett who died 13th Dec 1948 aged 78 years. Also of his beloved wife Sarah Lena who died 13th Feb 1950 aged 75 years. "Until the Day Break." |
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The busy Wimborne Road in central Kinson
 | An early 20th century view. Kinson Cottage or House where Isaac Gulliver lived in 1815 is shown on the right. The wall on the left belonged to Eglington House.
In the distance is a glimpse of Holt Lodge, where
Olympic champion Charles Bennett once lived.
And of course, there is only one car to be seen. How times have changed!
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Monthly Nature Diary for Kinson
 | Monthly Nature Diary for Kinson 2008
We regularly update this section of our website and you are welcome to download this information.
Areas including Longham and Millhams are also featured on a monthly basis.
We have also added Kinson wild bird recordings dating from the 1st January to 16th November 2008.
Interesting wildlife and natural history sightings in November:
Buzzard hunting low over Pepin`s Pond, Kinson Common (1st am).
2 Shetland cattle grazing at the western end of Poole Lane Heights, Kinson Common (1st am).
Green Woodpeckers active around Central Sallows and Great Oaks, Kinson Common (1st am).
Male catkins well developed on Hazel at Great Oaks, Kinson Common (1st).
Glistening Inkcaps by the waterfall at Kinson Common (1st).
Wood Pigeons present on the short sward of Poole Lane Meadows, Kinson Common (1st am).
Jackdaws and other corvids active on rooftops near Kinson Village Green in central Kinson (1st am).
Autumn morning dog walk on Kinson Common ruined by a dog attack by an unsupervised large canine (2nd am).
Black headed Gulls and a Herring Gull active over central Kinson (3rd am).
Forsythia flowering in a Wimborne Road garden close to central Kinson (4th).
23 Jackdaws investigating the rooftops around central Kinson (5th am).
Grey Wagtail foraging around the margins of Pepin`s Pond, Kinson Common (7th am).
Grey Squirrel family scurrying around in Gover`s Glade, Kinson Common (7th am).
Holly stand with ripe berries, Great Oaks, Kinson Common (8th).
Flowering White dead-nettle on a bankside, Great Oaks, Kinson Common (8th).
5 Shetland cattle grazing on the south-side of Central Bog, Kinson Common (9th).
Green Woodpecker tapping on an oak trunk in Blanchard`s Copse, Kinson Common (9th).
Pepin`s Pond, Kinson Common very high with recent signs of overflowing through an outlet channel (11th am).
Pied Wagtails feeding at ground level around 5 Shetland cattle grazing on the south-facing lower region of Poole Lane Heights, Kinson Common (11th am).
Lesser Periwinkle flowering at Glenmeadows, Kinson Common (16th).
Bramble in full bloom at Poole Lane Sallows, Kinson Common (16th).
5 Shetland cattle grazing together at the western end of Central Bog, Kinson Common (16th am).
Mallard activity around the margins of a swollen and heavily clogged Pepin`s Pond, Kinson Common (16th am). |
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Down at the riverside
 | | A Greylag Goose meets a Canada Goose, downstream of Longham bridge, Autumn 2008. |
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Roe deer
 | | We have named her Rosy and we occasionally see her on our local walks in Kinson. |
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Barn owl
 | | There is a haunting quality about them,especially when they emerge through the mist while hunting over meadowland near water. |
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Cudnell wood
 | This ancient woodland, in the background of our photograph, is specifically mentioned by name in a legal agreement between Richard Barns and Sir Thomas Webb of Great Canford, dated the 5th March, 1754.
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Kestrel in Kinson
 | | Our commonest local falcon is also present at Longham, Millhams Mead and the Kinson Common. |
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Meet Kipper
 | | A very special little friend of ours who enjoys her daily walks around Kinson. |
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Isaac Gulliver
 | This section, we know, has created much interest in the past year or so. We will do our very best in 2007 to ensure that this interest continues.
We leave it to the historians among you to decide which Gulliver we feature in our photograph. |
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Rose hips in Kinson
 | | Extremely beautiful, especially when adorned with frost. |
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Greenfinch in Kinson
 | | All species of finches have bred very successfully in the Kinson area in 2008. |
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Looking for Roe deer in November
 | Although very secretive, this species is well distributed in the Kinson area.
Tracks were found and deer were observed during October 2008.
We feature a Kinson roe deer doe we photographed in a Kinson meadow this Autumn. |
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Pale Butterworts in Kinson
 | 2007 proved to be the best year ever for recording Pale Butterworts on the Kinson Common. At the present time they have a range of 48.4 metres in an important bogland. Back in 2006, during the drought, they were extremely scarce.
In 2008, excellent numbers have been recorded. Our featured photograph with insets was taken on 8th June, 2008. |
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Kinson Buzzard
 | | A familiar daily sight in all corners of Kinson in Autumn. |
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Moonfleet Wild Birds Photo Gallery
 | Our Moonfleet of Kinson Ornithology project continues during the Autumn of 2008.
Our main focus will be to record as many species of wild birds which reside in or visit the Kinson area and to feature them on our website.
We hope that the featured photographs within our Moonfleet Wild Birds Photo Gallery will stimulate interest and encourage you and many others to delve deeper into this fascinating branch of nature.
From time to time we will also be updating species information and images displayed. (Updated: 26th September 2008.)
New species will be added, as and when photographed.
Just as our subjects roam free, giving us many hours of enjoyment, please download the featured photographs on the same basis and enjoy them yourselves. |
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Three-spined Stickleback in Kinson
 | | Recorded and photographed on Kinson Common in 2008. |
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Frosted grasses in Kinson
 | | A crispy coating of frost adds a new dimension to mellow grasses in Autumn. |
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Green Woodpecker in Kinson
 | | One of our favourite Kinson residents of the Autumn season. |
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Enjoying the Kinson sunshine
 | | 4 foxes sunbathing at Glenmeadows, Kinson Common in 2008. |
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Angle Shades moth in Kinson
 | | A very common species which can be observed during Autumn. |
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Fly Agaric in Kinson
 | | The best known Kinson fungus, occuring close to birch trees, especially near the Kinson heathland. Very poisonous. |
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Amethyst Deceiver in Kinson
 | | A distinctive and very attractive fungi, sometimes found on the fringes of the Kinson heathland during Autumn. |
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Kinson Common Heath Spotted Orchids 2008
 | Overall 10.66% increase on the previous year. Highest species count since official recordings began.
Although emerging later than usual, stable on south-side of the bogland. 54% increase on the north-side of the same region.
7% increase in Gover`s Glade. 25% increase in Dragonfly Hollow on previous year but still 30% down on regional count of 2006.
First found on 7th March growing at between 5mm to 15mm tall. First flowering on 14th May. Tallest plant measured at 630mm. |
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Kinson Common Early Marsh Orchids 2008
 | 13th highest count since official recordings began. 27% decrease on previous year.
Flowerings smaller in 2008 with some young minute developing plants found to ensure succession in the future. Highest count of 99 in 2004, lowest count was 8 in 1995.
First found on 20th April. First Flowering on 18th May. Tallest plant measured at 183mm.
Following researches, those found on Kinson Common are reputed to be a subspecies known as Pulchella. |
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Kinson Common Southern Marsh Orchids 2008
 | 6th highest count since official recordings began. Almost a 7% overall increase on the 2007 count. Still 69% down on 2006 species count.
Stable in Poole Lane Meadows with no signs of increasing at present. Failed to show in one bogland region, florished hidden in another and increased 50% in the southern region of the same terrain.
At present only 31% remain of the all-time high recordings of 2006. It is likely to take several decades to fully recover again.
First found on 7th March. First flowering on 19th May. Tallest plant measured at 735mm. |
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Looking for Butterflies in November 2008
 | We feature a Red Admiral, a common Kinson butterfly during the Autumn.
Speckled Woods and a few Whites can sometimes also be observed on favourable days in the Kinson area.
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A touch of class in Kinson
 | | Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera). Photographed locally by us during the Summer (2008). |
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Another orchid species discovery in Kinson
 | | Pyramidal Orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis). Photographed locally this Summer (2008). |
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Winter Moths in Kinson
 | This common Kinson species can be observed from October to February. Wingless females sit on tree trunks, especially oaks, attracting males soon after dusk each evening.
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Dog attack on Kinson Common
 | WE feature Snowy who required immediate veterinary treatment after he was savagely attacked by an unleaded and large unsupervised dog on Kinson Common on Sunday morning, 2nd November, 2008.
Lucky for us that we did not have him on a lead being led by one of our young grand children with whom he has enjoyed many a morning scamper locally.
Recently we were very concerned to learn of reports about an alleged savage attack by a canine on the Shetland cattle who were subsequently removed from the site for treatment and recuperation.
One also has to ask the question whether Kinson Common really is a safe place to walk, especially with a dog these days? Judging by the events of 2008, Kinson Common is not going to be our first choice of a dog-walking venue in the near future.
It will certainly take some considerable time for Snowy to feel that all aspects of the Promote, Protect and Preserve theme of Kinson Common fully apply to him.
Certainly, this autumn and forthcoming winter, there needs to be more groundwork of a different kind to make the Common safer for daily visitors and not just local wildlife abounding there! |
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