Upton Country Park SANG (Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace)
Borough of Poole is growing and has to accommodate 10,000 new homes between 2006 and 2026.
We all need outdoor space for health and wellbeing and therefore there is a national requirement that developments of over 50 dwellings should either improve existing local greenspace or provide extra open space provision. Alongside this there is also a statutory obligation to conserve natural habitats and species.
In Poole we are very lucky to live amongst large areas of greenspace which provide important and much needed habitat for many internationally protected wildlife species, such as Smooth Snakes and Dartford Warblers (find out more about what to see on the heathland here, http://www.poole.gov.uk/environment/countryside/heathland-what-to-see/?locale=en). These areas, such as the heathlands, are nationally protected areas of interest and therefore as a local authority we are required to actively work to prevent these protected areas being damaged.
In order to provide space for health and wellbeing and also mitigate the impact of developments due to the increased footfall, Borough of Poole has agreed to create a Sustainable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG). It must meet a range of standards and features as agreed by Natural England who are the government’s adviser for the natural environment in England.
‘Creation of alternative green space in the area to the north-west of Poole conurbation, providing a large off site green-space site with good parking and a range of routes, and therefore replicating the attractiveness of the heaths for recreation. This site should be of a suitable size and design to attract people from the development location. At least 30ha would be necessary to provide a range of routes and accommodate a typical dog-walk of c.2.5km.’
In total, approximately 30 hectares (75 acres) of farmland next to Upton Country Park is being converted into new public open space for everyone to enjoy.
Photo: © Upland Country Park
The Urban Heaths Partnership (UHP) work with Borough of Poole to protect and enhance the Dorset heathlands. UHP aim to alleviate urban pressures on the Dorset heaths brought about by new residential development in the area and this is achieved through a combination of wardening, an inclusive education programme, access management and fire risk assessment and Heath Management. There are several strands of Monitoring to establish baseline data and to gauge success of work and projects, such as the Upton Country Park SANG. UHP also includes the Dorset Dogs campaign which champions positive management for people with dogs in town, coast & countryside and promotes responsible dog ownership.
In January 2015 phase 1 of the SANG opened to the public providing 12ha (30 acres) of open space as an extension to Upton Country Park. This area is designated ‘Dogs off lead’ and includes a new Dog Training Area and small car park to encourage quick dog walking visits. New grassland, woodland and water meadow provides a variety of habitats for visitors to experience and makes this an attractive place for dog walkers and park visitors alike.
The remaining 18ha will be delivered in a phased approach over the next few years, as housing development progresses. The next phase of the SANG is currently under construction and will open up a further 6 hectares (nearly 15 acres) of new parkland overlooking the wetlands of Holes Bay and the internationally important Poole Harbour site. Changing this land from farmland to informal open space will help with the Nitrogen Reduction in Poole Harbour programme which aims to reduce the growth of algal mats in the harbour, improving habitats and food available for wading birds protected under European law. It will include, new views of Holes Bay, a network of paths, wildlife watching areas and a place where families can access and enjoy the water. Catering for all users new tracks will connect up with the Hole Bay cycle route providing better cycling links to Poole and Hamworthy.
Find out more here: www.poole.gov.uk/Twitter - @BoroughofPoolewww.uptoncountrypark.com/expansion-plans.html