With planned improvements now largely complete, attention has turned towards the creation of a Woodland Walk management plan and Local Nature Reserve (LNR) designation, helping guide future maintenance, improvements and long-term protection. Meantime, The Parks Foundation volunteers continue their makeover of the ‘Green Tin Shed’ (their volunteer hub) at the southern end of Woodland Walk.

Come and see for yourself!

65 individual improvements, including:

Carved wooden sculptures & benches • gate restoration • entrance signage • upgraded footpaths • resurfaced entrance • hedge, blossom tree, and wildflower meadow planting •  bird & bat boxes incl. a bird box camera  • tree management • a raised wildlife pond, sensory garden & nature trail • new signage • improved lighting • events and activities.

Early progress included new stonework and freshly painted gates at the main entrance, and the installation of  beautifully sculpted benches and a stunning new ‘Tree of Life’ sculpture at the meeting place at the southerly end of Woodland Walk; carved by the talented chainsaw sculptor Tom ‘Carver’ Harvey, and featuring a tawny owl, the sculpture is crafted from a 120-year-old oak tree.

During the summer of 2025 a raised wildlife pond was built, and planted up with native species. Non-native shrubs were cleared behind the bowls club, making way for woodland species, and new trees planted to enhance biodiversity. At the Christchurch Road entrance, broken tarmac was replaced with eco-friendly gravel and new planting beds created, planted out by volunteer groups. And Tom Harvey returned to sculpt a woodpecker in a tree stump. In September Tom delivered the welcome sign sculpture for the Boscombe Overcliff Drive end of Woodland Walk, while The Parks Foundation volunteers installed bird and bat information signs.

Work continued through the winter, with the addition of playful places, sensory planting around the wildlife pond, a nature trail, a composting area for volunteers, a bird box camera, lighting in the trees at the north entrance, and lots of native bulb & wildflower planting. 

With planned improvements now largely complete, attention has turned towards the creation of a Woodland Walk management plan and Local Nature Reserve (LNR) designation, helping guide future maintenance, improvements and long-term protection. Meantime, The Parks Foundation volunteers continue their makeover of the ‘Green Tin Shed’ (their volunteer hub) at the southern end of Woodland Walk .

Some progress highlights, April – December 2025

The beautifully carved wooden benches and sculptures (large & small) you see along the Woodland Walk are the work of Tom ‘Carver’ Harvey, who transforms wind-fallen wood into meaningful art using chainsaws and chisels

Woodland Walk now stands as a greener, safer and more engaging destination, supporting biodiversity, wellbeing and community life in Boscombe for years to come.

A well-used, well-maintained space helps create a calmer, safer environment where people feel comfortable spending time. We hope you’ll take the time to explore Woodland Walk next time you are in the area, and discover its delights for yourself.

Welcome signage has been installed at key access points, with additional information panels on birds, bats & other local wildlife

Part of the Better Boscombe / Bournemouth Towns Fund programme