The Project

Seventy-five acres of farmland adjacent to Upton Country Park has been converted into additional open space over the past a five years, providing a large new SANG for local residents and park visitors. As Poole grows to accommodate 10,000 new homes between 2006 and 2026, the planning process identified that a major new ‘Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace’ (SANG) should be created to provide recreational opportunities and reduce visitor pressure on sensitive heathland habitats within existing internationally important nature sites.

The project introduced new facilities including a new SANG 24-car car park, many new circular walks and better access through the woodland and along the Holes Bay shoreline, a fenced dog training area, connection of new tracks to the Holes Bay cycling network, new signage and finger post waymarking, a large wildflower meadow and new bridges and stepping stones across the streams.

The final phase of the new open space was opened up to the public over the weekend of 25th July 2020. With breathtaking views of both Holes Bay Nature Reserve and Grove Woods there are many new pathways for visitors to explore, creating a wonderful open space with off-lead areas for dog walkers, a dog recall & training enclosure and small ‘play pen’, along with the popular stepping stones and dog splash area at the stream.

With the help of Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) student volunteers and Woodland Trust, 48 new trees and 6,500 young whips were hand planted across the new meadows and to the south of the estate; species include Rowan, Hornbeam, Lime and Field Maple. Gaps in historic hedgerows were re-planted; once established they will provide important habitat corridors, offering protection and feeding grounds for our wildlife.

The SANG also includes new bins by the picnic area and dog play pen, noticeboards, gates and signage.

Poole Harbour and the wetland of Holes Bay are internationally important sites which provide habitat and food for wading birds protected under European law. Therefore, as a local authority, BCP Council is legally required to plan for the protection of these areas and move recreational use away from the shoreline. Sea levels are rising and coast realignment will submerge many coastal paths in the area in the future. The new footpaths will provide access along the Holes Bay shoreline into the future.

This project was led by BCP Council’s Greenspace Development Team, overseen by the Upton Country Park Team to ensure the additional open space fit seamlessly into the Park estate.