Published on Monday 06 October 2025
Image: Natterjack toad, Credit: BCP Countryside Team
BCP Council’s Cabinet has endorsed a strategy that will lead the way for nature recovery across Dorset.
The newly-endorsed Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) commits to protecting greenspaces for generations to come - ensuring wildlife can thrive throughout Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
From nightjars to natterjack toads, dozens of species that make Dorset’s natural surroundings their home have been identified as priorities to reverse the decline in their local populations. A delivery group will be formed to work with local communities and find ways to support nature, with the strategy aims of creating more space for nature that is bigger, better and more connected.
It also highlights key actions for a dozen priority areas - covering everything from heathlands to rivers, lakes and wetlands - which will be delivered in partnership to enhance greenspaces, and access to nature, across Dorset.
BCP Council's Cabinet endorsed the strategy at a meeting on 1 October; Natural England and Dorset Council will discuss it in the coming months, with a view to publishing the final strategy in the winter.
Existing projects to reverse the decline in nature includes working with Dorset Peat Partnership to restore more than 37 hectares of land - the same size as 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.
Cllr Andy Hadley, Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Energy and Environment at BCP Council, said: “The collaboration that lies behind this new strategy has been superb and will be the key to delivering real success.
“Nature recovery, and reversing decline, is vitally important in both rural and urban areas and the strategy we’ve endorsed represents a call to action for positive change.
“Our fantastic greenspaces team work brilliantly to maintain and restore our vast natural spaces and this strategy, and working with partners, will ensure we can go even further in protecting nature and wildlife."
Dorset's LNRS has been created alongside Dorset Council to set out a clear vision for nature recovery over the next 10 years across the county.
Representatives from more than 70 organizations - including Dorset Local Nature Partnership, Dorset Wildlife Trust, and Public Health Dorset - have all contributed to the formation of the strategy highlighting the truly collaborative approach to nature recovery. This will now be taken forward from 2026 with a new delivery group, ensuring the aims and activities of the strategy are put into action.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole boasts 2,500 hectares of greenspaces, more than 170 play spaces, and 19 sites of special scientific interest - by working with partners the Council will be able to deliver sustainable change that protects these natural areas.