Parks News

Heathland Restoration at Queen's Park

This winter, work will begin on an exciting new project to improve the wildlife habitats of Queen's Park.  The aim of the project is to balance the needs of golf and wildlife, and also to make the park a more attractive place for visitors.  Projects will include the restoration of heathland, a wild flower trail and the composting of grass cuttings.

Lowland heath is found on nutrient poor soils and once covered much of East Dorset.  Little heathland remains in the Bournemouth area due to urban development.  Queen's Park is situated on common land that before the golf course was built was mostly heathland.  A number of species depend on lowland heath including the Smooth Snake, Dartford Warbler and numerous specialist invertebrates.

Ten areas have been identified around the golf course where rough grassland can be converted into a heather dominated sward.  As the course is situated on old heathland, in many areas the cessation of mowing will be enough to encourage the growth of heather.  Areas with a deep thatch will need to be scarified to stimulate buried heather seed.  In smoe areas tree thinning and scrub removal will be necessary to reduce shade and allow the heather to thrive.

If the project is successful, the golf course will be eligible for recognition under the National Environmental Certification Scheme set up through English Nature and the English Golf Union.

Volunteers are needed to work alongside golf course staff to ensure the success of this project.  If you would like to help, please contact me alison.smithees@bournemouth.gov.uk

Wildlife Surveys: Surveys of birds, butterflies and plants will be taking place at Iford Meadows and Sheepwash from April.

Volunteers : Volunteers are wanted to help with wildlife surveys and environmental projects at Iford and Sheepwash, and also at Strouden Park.