Published on Tuesday 11 November 2025
Three large green spaces are set to be revitalised for nature and community use - with councillors to discuss proposals next month.
The sites - Erlin Farm, Millhams Mead, and Solent Meads - have been earmarked for green space enhancements that ensure improved access to nature for residents.
Under new plans, BCP Council is hoping to improve these spaces by generating biodiversity net gain (BNG) units: retaining nature investment locally rather than losing it to other areas of the country.
The proposals would see green spaces retained at the heart of communities whilst improving access to nature for residents as well as supporting species to thrive in their surroundings.
Bolstering access to nature, by considering alternative uses for sites, is why Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole has been declared the country’s first ever Nature Towns - and these plans represent a strengthening of that commitment to residents.
Cllr Andy Hadley, portfolio holder for climate response, environment and energy at BCP Council, said: “These proposals will ensure more people have access to the stunning natural surroundings and all the benefits of a high-quality, inclusive green space.
“We have incredible green spaces across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole - all playing a vital role in the health and wellbeing of our residents - and we continue to invest in keeping them at the heart of our communities for generations to come.
“As we move forward with these proposals, we’ll be engaging with residents directly to create a new vision for the future of these three sites.”
When developers build, they must replace the lost habitat value of their projects. If they can't do this on-site, they can buy BNG units which fund nature improvements elsewhere. This ensures that biodiversity is protected or improved overall.
Since February 2024, it is estimated that approximately £180,000 which could have been invested in BCP green spaces has gone to other areas in the country as BCP doesn’t currently have a local supply of BNG units available.
By turning Erlin Farm, Millhams Mead and Solent Meads into habitat banks, BCP Council can keep funding local and invest it in better green spaces for nature and people.
Under these proposals to improve the three sites, enhancements would support local nature to thrive and makes access to green spaces more inclusive for the BCP community - there are no plans for housing or any other form of mass development.
The proposals will be discussed by councillors at next month’s Cabinet meeting; all future plans are subject to the usual planning and approval processes.