Trees Outside Woodland planting project in BCP

Published 02 January 2026

The Project

The project aims to increase the tree canopy cover across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP), in open spaces and on nature reserves.

BCP Council’s Urban Forest Strategy challenges that by 2050, ‘Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole will be home to a sustainable urban forest delivering benefits to people and wildlife in every neighbourhood, according to its character and needs. Trees and woodlands, regardless of ownership, will be managed in balance with our valuable open heathland habitats as a critical infrastructure and a positive investment underpinning healthy lives in a nature-rich setting’.

The team have secured a grant of £37,500 for planting hedges and trees from The Tree Council’s Trees Outside Woodland Fund. The fund supports the delivery of the Government’s Environmental Improvement Plan goal to increase England’s overall tree canopy from 14.5% to 16.5% of total land area by 2050.

Planting will be varied, from standard trees for the orchard and for the shelterbelt, to whips for the hedgerows. The hedgerows will all be double-rowed for maximum thickness, which will be beneficial for wildlife. Native and climate-resilient species will be carefully selected based on site specific conditions and ecological value. Where possible biodegradable tree guards and stakes made from sustainable, recyclable materials will be first choice.

The Trees Outside Woodland planting project in BCP will deliver environmental and social benefits across the conurbation, fostering community engagement and promoting sustainable practices. Local residents and volunteer groups will be engaged in tree planting days to promote environmental awareness, community cohesion and mental wellbeing.

Planned planting sites include:

Woodland Walk, Boscombe

  • Woodland Walk, Boscombe: 100m of hedge planting
  • Erlin Farm, Muscliff: 500m of hedge and an orchard to be planted
  • Stour Valley grazing area: 200 trees planted as a shelter belt for the grazing animals
  • Throop SANG: 70m of hedge planting
  • Two Riversmeet SANG: 100m of hedge planting
  • Hengistbury Head: 600m of hedge planting
  • Moore Avenue park: 4 individual trees
  • Baiter Recreation Ground: 100m of hedge planting and some individual trees.

Planting will be led by the Ranger team and involve volunteer groups, community groups and hopefully local businesses. It is also hoped that those same local volunteers and community groups will be trained and supported to take ownership of ongoing maintenance.

Project details

Budget £37,500
Funding The Tree Council’s Trees Outside Woodland Fund
Project Lead BCP Council’s Countryside Team
E. greenspaces@bcpcouncil.gov.uk