Published on Friday 18 July 2025
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole’s ambitions to deliver even more improved, and better connected green space for everyone have seen the area recognised as the UK’s first official Nature Towns.
The scheme, run by Natural England, National Trust, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, recognises the work of local authorities committed to improving access to nature and greenspaces.
Our three towns boast 2,500 hectares of natural greenspaces, more than 170 play spaces, and 19 sites of special scientific interest - and we’re working with our partners to ensure these can all be enjoyed for generations to come.
This accreditation recognises BCP Council’s commitment, alongside those partners, to improving the lives of residents through accessible and inclusive greenspaces. It is hoped that this recognition will help secure future investment to allow us to continue enriching our beautiful natural spaces - particularly in wards with less greenspace and fewer trees.
Cllr Andy Hadley, portfolio holder for climate response, energy and environment at BCP Council, said: “It is fantastic to see our ambitions and innovation recognised at a national level - particularly as we continue to invest in improving access to nature for all our residents - and receiving this recognition will help us to do just that.
“We have incredible greenspaces across our three towns and it is so important that we protect them for future generations.
“Our parks operations and countryside teams work brilliantly to maintain and restore our vast natural spaces and this accreditation is a well-deserved recognition of that.”
BCP Council is committed to creating multi-functional greenspaces that can be enjoyed by entire communities - from community parks with cafes, to allotments and smaller garden spaces.
We are seeking to improve and enhance our natural environment – whether that’s using goats and cows to help our conservation grazing on cliffs and heaths, or opportunities for urban street greening, and everything in between.
We’re determined to strengthen nature recovery and our green travel networks; at Woodland Walk, near Boscombe Overcliff Drive we are creating a tranquil tree-lined walk nestled in nature by upgrading the footpath, installing carved wooden benches, and facilitating blossom trees and wildflower meadows.
And, earlier this year, we worked with Dorset Peat Partnership to restore more than 37 hectares of land - the equivalent of 53 football pitches - at Canford Heath nature reserve. The vital work restored critical peatlands to the area: improving the habitat for nature and reducing the risk of urban wildfires.
Since 2021, the Council has worked alongside The Parks Foundation to put the greenspaces back at the heart of our towns by transforming 14 urban parks for people and nature.
The accreditation panel highlighted our partnership with The Parks Foundation charity as ‘an excellent example of collaborative working’ and showcased ‘innovative thinking… to maximise benefits for nature and people’.
John Hanson, Chief Executive Officer of The Parks Foundation, said: “Our charity brings people and nature together. We work in more than 20 local parks across the conurbation, including 14 urban parks where we have worked on a collaborative project alongside BCP Council to put greenspaces at the heart of our towns and transform these spaces for the benefit of wildlife and the community.”
Oliver Harmar, Chief Officer, Strategy at Natural England said “Nature helps us to improve our mental and physical wellbeing, mitigate the impacts of climate change and drive green growth through the creation of spaces for people to connect with nature, making better places for people to live, work and invest.
“We’re delighted to be able to award Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole their collective status as the first UK Nature Towns today, recognising BCP Council's commitment with their partners to transform life for their communities through providing more and better nature and green space.”