Poole | Posted on October 15th, 2026 | return to news

Expansion plans for Upton Country Park

Proposals are on the table to add the adjacent Upton Park Farm to the park with new paths, landscaping, seating and habitat improvements.

Upton Country Park could become much larger. The lease of the adjacent Upton Park Farm has been surrendered by the previous tenant and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) councillors are discussing proposals to add the land to the park.

The plans would see large areas of former farmland transformed into publicly accessible green space. New paths, landscaping, seating, signage and habitat enhancements would all be installed.

The upgrades would make the park more accessible, while improving the natural environment that species such as owls, various bats and woodpeckers call home.

Funding for the improvements will come from developer contributions intended to reduce recreational pressures on nearby heathland and sensitive habitats by creating improved green spaces.

If approved, residents would benefit from: new paths, benches, signage and landscaping; enhanced wildlife habitats; improved walking, wheeling and cycling routes; better connections between communities and the park, strengthening links to existing routes around Holes Bay and Hamworthy.

Cllr Andy Hadley, BCP Council’s portfolio holder for parks, said: “Upton Country Park is one of our most valued public spaces, and this change helps it continue to thrive for years to come.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to open up more green space for residents, improve access to nature and create richer habitats for wildlife.

“By bringing these former farm fields into the wider Country Park, we can deliver more of what people already love about Upton whilst protecting and enhancing it for future generations.

“The proposals strike a balance between improving visitor experience, supporting biodiversity and creating a sustainable future for the park.”

Smaller areas of the site comprising the farmhouse, cottages, and immediate gardens would be sold through a public auction.

Any future owner would need to bring forward proposals through the usual planning process – and the existing ‘heathland protection zone’ would remain in place, meaning no increase in the number of dwellings.

Cllr Millie Earl, leader of BCP Council, said: “Protections like this help prevent more houses being built – with a ‘planning presumption’ against any increased development.

“This effectively means that prospective purchasers should only be able to redevelop the existing dwellings in situ or replace them with the same number of properties – any proposals would need planning permission.

“It’s important to note: these proposals do not represent a route to mass development, and selling the properties enables us to expand access to nature, strengthening wildlife habitats, and investing in the long-term future of Upton Country Park.”