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Published on Monday 20 December 2021

The next stage of work on The Discovery Project at Poole’s Upton Country Park will get underway in early 2022 with three important projects contributing to the main thrust of the £1.9 million Parks for People programme awarded, jointly by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund.

The New Year will see the commencement of work on a major part of the project. The Welcome Centre, designed to be a modern and dynamic facility, will be located in the car park creating a gateway to the Country Park and a real sense of arrival. It will be a place for people to meet, plan their visit, uncover the fascinating history of the former Upton Estate and perhaps sign up to become a much-valued volunteer. The opening of this fabulous new building is expected to be in the autumn of 2022.

Reinstating historic views and vistas will also commence, reconnecting the Grade II* Listed Georgian Mansion House with its unique Holes Bay shoreline. With support from Historic England, Natural England, The National Trust, Dorset Wildlife Trust and Birds of Poole Harbour, work will begin in January to remove invasive trees, such as White Poplar, while simultaneously enhancing the environment for older trees and local wildlife. Specimen oaks, some of which are thought to be more than 400 years old, still frame the original views from the House.

A woodland management technique known as halo thinning will be deployed, cutting away excess vegetation under the canopy to provide space for the older trees to flourish and promotes a more nutrient rich woodland habitat. Meanwhile another conservation technique, crown lifting, facilitates increased clearance between ground level and lower branches of the trees, allowing more light to penetrate the ground encouraging wildflower growth and preserving the beautiful lush canopy of the oaks and other native species of tree. This work enhances the extensive tree and wildflower planting that has taken place in recent years, including the addition in 2021 of 13 new Oak trees, a Giant Redwood, and a Blue Atlas Cedar.

The third element of the Discovery Project being introduced in the next few months is a shoreline Bird Hide offering views of Holes Bay and opportunities to spot internationally significant bird species feeding around Poole Harbour. Vegetation clearance will take place in January ahead of the nesting season ready for installation of the bird hide in April.

Councillor Mark Anderson, Portfolio Holder for Environment& Place at BCP Council, says "We are delighted that work on this vital environmental and development project at Upton Country Park is continuing apace. The Discovery Project has been made possible by the generosity of players of The National Lottery and will augment and enrich the experience of visitors to one of the top attractions and important green spaces in the BCP region."

The team at Upton Country Park are working very closely with the Friends of Upton Country Park, The National Lottery Heritage Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund in the execution and management of The Discovery Project. Equally, BCP Council’s involvement is crucial in this visionary project, complementing as it does, The Council’s Big Plan for the whole conurbation and in particular the rejuvenation of Poole, the home of Upton Country Park. The investment from the Big Plan will deliver a vibrant attractive and sustainable mix of businesses, culture, and green spaces to the heart of Poole, enhancing the beauty and splendour of Poole Harbour.

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