Published on Friday 22 November 2024
Upton Country Park is pleased to announce the successful completion of the first phase of the Discovery Project.
This transformative initiative was made possible by the Parks for People Programme supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund, alongside additional funding from BCP Council and the Friends of Upton Country Park.
The £2.3m project celebrates the heritage of Upton Country Park by restoring, conserving and interpreting the historical features and landscapes.
It has created a more accessible, sustainable and vibrant attraction that will engage new and existing visitors through stimulating opportunities for learning, participation and inclusive interpretation.
The 108-hectare Upton Country Park is owned and managed by BCP Council and includes a 200-year-old Grade II* Georgian-style mansion house, formal gardens, parkland, woodland, tenanted agricultural land and borders an internationally recognised shoreline.
The Discovery Project, which started in February 2020, was an ambitious undertaking to provide a long-term legacy for Upton Country Park across three main themes – heritage, people and landscapes.
Cllr Richard Herrett, Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations, said: “Upton Country Park is an amazing attraction much loved by residents and visitors to the area and we are thrilled with the results of the Discovery Project.
“I love that it is open until dusk every day all year round, the fantastic events, the amazing grounds and biodiversity and of course all the exciting outdoor child-friendly activities.
“These remarkable improvements to Upton Country Park have not only made it more accessible but have also helped us celebrate and share its rich history and natural beauty with a wider audience.”
Stuart McLeod, Director of England - London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We are thrilled to celebrate the completion of the Discovery project at Upton Country Park in Dorset. Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, a £1.58million Parks for People grant has enhanced natural and heritage assets and will enable a wider range of people to access its stunning grounds. This ambitious makeover ensures Upton Country Park will be enjoyed by visitors and its local community for many years to come.”
Upton Country Park’s historic views have been reinstated, reconnecting the house with its unique shoreline setting, while boosting biodiversity through wildflower meadows and nectar-rich borders. Improved drainage has also revitalised key horticultural areas, benefiting surrounding trees and shrubs.
Visitors of all ages can now explore new and restored pathways, enhanced shoreline trails, and "The Lookout" bird hide overlooking Holes Bay Nature Park, an internationally recognised Ramsar and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Heritage assets such as the Stable Yard and Kennels have been carefully renovated, while the Pleasure Grounds benefit from new infrastructure.
Community engagement at Upton Country Park has surged through volunteering opportunities and initiatives. This includes the schools programme which has welcomed over 2,000 pupils, as well as Conservation and Employability courses with the Dorset Combined Youth Justice Service and Living Well courses run with BCP Skills & Learning.
Upton Country Park Volunteer, Frances said: “The new Volunteer Facility is a great addition. It offers fantastic amenities that make us feel truly valued and appreciated. It has also created a strong sense of community among volunteers.”
Focus group feedback and results from an online survey highlight the strong impact of the project on people’s enjoyment and connection to the park. Visitors reported a marked improvement in their overall experience, with 91% of survey respondents noting a positive difference in their enjoyment.
A regular visitor said: “Upton Country Park has been in my heart since I was a child. I hadn't visited for a few years, and I was really impressed with the improvements. The new pathways have made it accessible for everyone. The Walled Garden is so peaceful, and I sat and enjoyed my lunch surrounded by beautiful flowers and the bees. Definitely worth a visit.”
The completion of the first phase of the Discovery Project marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Upton Country Park. With its renewed facilities, enriched heritage, and enhanced visitor experience, the Country Park is now positioned to continue growing as a much-loved community destination.