Helping Poole Park to flourish with people and nature at its heart

Green space improvements at Poole Park are set to bring communities closer to nature, improve accessibility, and create new opportunities for wildlife to thrive.

Building on the park’s nationally recognised Green Flag status – and Green Heritage Site Accreditation – the improvements will help make one of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole’s most-loved parks even greener, more welcoming, and more vibrant for everyone to enjoy.

Work focuses on strengthening the connection between people and nature while celebrating the park’s unique landscape and heritage.

This will include:

• New trees planted around the freshwater lake to provide additional shade
• Attractive new waterside gardens featuring a mix of planting designed to support pollinators, improve biodiversity and provide a burst of year-round colour
• A wildlife-themed artful bench with sensory play features inspired by local nature
• Improved accessibility through upgraded crossing points, shallower ramps and smoother surfacing

Cllr Andy Hadley, BCP Council’s portfolio holder for parks, said:

“These plans build on Poole Park’s prestigious Green Flag status and will help create even more opportunities for communities to enjoy nature, spend time outdoors, and experience the park’s stunning surroundings.

“By planting more trees, creating wildlife-friendly habitats, and improving accessibility, we’re helping people and nature to flourish together, building on our accreditation as the UK’s first Nature Towns.

“The park will remain accessible by all means. Importantly, its role as a natural green space will be strengthened.

“Poole Park is a beautiful place and, above anything, it is a park and a community green space: these improvements will enhance its reputation as one of the best parks – regionally and, with Green Flag status, nationally as well.”

A key part of the project will see the space between Whitecliff Gate and Middle Gate transformed into a more welcoming and people-focused space.

The area that is closed to through traffic will be resurfaced and enhanced, improving the experience for walking, wheeling and cycling while opening it up for greater enjoyment by park users.

These works will result in no changes to parking provision. Visitors will continue to be able to access the park by car, public transport, on foot, and by bike.

Works are scheduled to begin on 5 October 2026 and will be delivered by BCP Council’s Parks team. The environmental improvements have been funded through an external grant.