Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council has shared its pioneering work to integrate nature into urban communities and improve residents' lives.
Council-led green initiatives enhance public health, tackle inequality, support economic growth and strengthen our area's climate resilience.
Last Monday, Hilary McGrady, Director General of the National Trust, Marian Spain, chief executive of Natural England, and Eilish McGuinness, chief executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, visited the BCP area to learn about the three towns' green transformations.
They met with Cllr Millie Earl, leader of BCP Council, and Cabinet Members including Cllr Andy Hadley, who has responsibility for the environment.
At Hengistbury Head, a Site of Special Scientific Interest and scheduled ancient monument with stunning views of the conurbation, they celebrated the impact of a decade of pioneering work for people, nature and heritage across BCP.
This led to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole becoming the first accredited Nature Towns in 2025, recognising the council's leadership and expertise that is being shared nationwide.
Nature Towns and Cities is a UK initiative founded by the National Trust, Natural England and The National Lottery Heritage Fund to bring nature and green spaces to urban areas for everyoneโs benefit.
Cllr Millie Earl, Leader of BCP Council, said: "Iโm always really proud to show off our amazing natural environment and share the positive impact that Lottery investment has had for people and nature here.
"Access to quality natural spaces is so important for health and wellbeing and helps bring communities together. Providing space for nature to thrive and connecting residents to nature is a key part of BCP Councilโs Shared
Vision, and Iโm grateful for our outstanding teams, volunteers and partners who have worked collaboratively to be recognised as the first accredited Nature Town - itโs a huge achievement."
Cllr Andy Hadley said: "The experience of BCP is being used all over the country.
"We're sharing how we're making our green spaces work, how we're funding them, and some of the innovative work we're doing with communities and partners across the area.
"Time outside in nature is really beneficial for mental health. We're trying to improve connections for people with the green spaces that we've got: the coastal nature park, the Stour Valley and our community parks across the conurbation, and thinking about those on a large scale across the landscape.
"We're working to re-green the areas that have the least tree cover, getting people in touch with nature and supporting Nature Recovery works across the area."
A Nature Towns and Cities spokesperson said: "It was inspiring to see first-hand the ambition, commitment and partnership working that has made Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole official Nature Towns.
"From coastal landscapes to local parks and community-led projects, BCP is showing how people, places and communities benefit when nature is embedded into everyday life. Not only is this great for local communities in Dorset, but itโs also providing inspiration for others weโre working with across the UK through Nature Towns and Cities."
As a conurbation of Nature Towns, BCP Council is working to transform 14 urban parks for people and nature alongside its charity partner, The Parks Foundation.
The Green Heart Parks project improves biodiversity, encouraging residents to engage with nature on their doorsteps and boosting accessibility.
New community cafes have also opened at Redhill Park and Boscombe Chine Gardens in Bournemouth and Alexandra Park in Poole.
Other measures, such as street tree planting, are being targeted in areas that have reduced access to green spaces, smaller gardens and less mobility.
And the council is investing more than ยฃ4.6 million in improving around 120 play areas across the BCP area, including major refurbishments at Hamworthy Park and Kings Park.
