Unveiling of new Holes Bay information panels © Sally Welbourn (L-R Brian Bleese, DWT, Simon Cripps DWT Chief Executive, Nigel Webb, DWT Chairman, Bev Lagden Great Heath Access Officer, Richard Lacey, Poole Harbour Commissioners Chairman, Cllr Xena Dion.)
Poole Harbour Commissioners, Borough of Poole and Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) launched the Holes Bay Nature Park in Poole yesterday (5 March).
The nature park is a new initiative to bring together landowners, local communities and local businesses to enjoy and help to look after this very special place. It will bring local people closer to nature and ensure the habitat is managed for the benefit of the huge variety of wildlife in the area.
DWT chief executive, Simon Cripps, said, “Holes Bay is a fabulous wildlife area at the commercial heart of Poole. The park will consist of nature reserves, specialist bird sensitive areas and newly designated shellfish refuges to help protect wildlife. It also includes footpaths, cycle tracks, Upton Country Park, marinas and boat moorings, which means that local communities and visitors can also enjoy the natural environment.”
King Rag worm © Alexander Semenov
Internationally important birds are present in huge numbers in autumn, winter and spring at Holes Bay. Redshanks, which are ‘amber’ status (a species of European Concern) also frequent the area. The mud found at Holes Bay supports over 80 species, including fish and the king rag worm. Rare orchid species such as the marsh club rush and biting stonecrop also thrive there.
Councillor Xena Dion, Borough of Poole, said: “Holes Bay is a valuable habitat for wildlife, supporting significant populations of over-wintering birds such as avocets, black-tailed godwits, shelducks and wigeon. The council is committed to managing Poole’s natural environments responsibly and we look forward to working with partner organisations to preserve Holes Bay Nature Park as a legacy for future generations to enjoy.”
Commenting on the new nature park, Poole Harbour Commissioners’ Chief Executive, Jim Stewart added: “As guardians of Poole Harbour, conservation is an interest we take very seriously. We feel it is important to work closely with local people in order to protect the natural environment for future generations. This location is a stunning part of Poole Harbour and it is great to see a number of local organisations working together to make it more accessible for the public.”
This fantastic opportunity to create a network of protected land and habitat has been made possible by the acquisition of land through the Great Heath Living Landscape Project, funded by HLF. The organisations involved with the Holes Bay Nature Park are hoping to involve other landowners and stakeholders in this exciting new initiative.
