A strategy to protect Dorset’s greenspaces and boost wildlife across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole has been approved by BCP Council’s Cabinet.
The Local Nature Recovery Strategy, developed in partnership with Dorset Council, will guide efforts to restore and protect nature across the county over the next decade. It focuses on creating spaces for nature that are bigger, better and more connected.
The strategy identifies dozens of priority species, including nightjars and natterjack toads, with actions for a dozen key habitat areas such as heathlands, rivers and wetlands. A new delivery group will now work with local communities and partners to put the plans into action from 2026.
Councillor Andy Hadley, Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Energy and Environment, said the collaboration behind the strategy “has been superb and will be the key to delivering real success.” He added that the strategy represents “a call to action for positive change” to protect nature in both rural and urban areas.
More than seventy organisations, including Dorset Wildlife Trust, Dorset Local Nature Partnership and Public Health Dorset, contributed to the plan. Existing projects already supporting nature recovery include restoring more than 37 hectares of peatland at Canford Heath nature reserve, improving habitats and reducing wildfire risks.
BCP Council manages 2,500 hectares of greenspace, 170 play spaces and 19 sites of special scientific interest. By working together with partners, the Council aims to protect these areas for generations to come.
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