A new viewing platform has opened at the pond in Queen’s Park, Bournemouth, giving residents and visitors better access to the park’s natural surroundings.
The platform, made from recycled plastic designed to look like wood, replaces the previous structure and offers a more sustainable option that reduces waste and supports a greener environment.
Funding for the project was secured through the Community Infrastructure Levy after a joint bid by the Queen’s Park and Charminster Neighbourhood Forum, with the support of Councillors Alasdair Keddie and Sharon Carr-Brown.
Councillor Keddie said the result highlights how effective local partnerships can be. He added: “The new platform not only enhances the visitor experience but also reflects our commitment to sustainability and improving access to green spaces.”
The pond, currently at full water capacity, provides a valuable habitat for birds including the Little Egret, Heron, Mallard ducks and breeding moorhens, as well as dragonflies and smaller species vital to the food chain.
Councillor Andy Hadley, Portfolio Holder for Environment, said that enhancing the pond’s biodiversity helps strengthen community ties and supports the Nature Towns project, which aims to connect green spaces for both people and wildlife.
BCP Council and the Neighbourhood Forum are now exploring funding for winter maintenance work to help preserve the pond’s ecosystem, including dredging and clearing ditches to improve water flow and protect habitats year-round.
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