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17 Dec 98

Upton Country Park Management Plan

Upton Country Park is one of Poole's most important parks, attracting over 200,000 visitors a year. Since it opened in 1976 it has a developed a range of facilities, attractions and events, whilst maintaining the atmosphere of a country estate. The Borough of Poole's Culture and Leisure Committee has recently approved an outline Management Plan for the Park for public consultation. The Plan has been prepared with the assistance of the Friends of Upton Country Park, the Park's own volunteer group, and will shape the development of the Park over the next ten years.

The Council is seeking the views of the public and interested organisations on the future of the Park.

Cllr Andrew Muspratt said: "The fundamental aim of the proposed plan is for the estate to be managed to preserve and enhance its landscape value, wildlife and historical interest associated with its history as the Country Estate of one of Poole's merchant families. As part of this it is intended that all developments for recreational and educational use will be related to, and compatible, with these qualities. We hope due to the popularity of the estate, many people will take the opportunity to give us their views on the proposed plan and contribute to the future development of the park".

Key proposals on which comments are sought include:

· The need to improve the vehicle entrance to the Park and the main car park
· The introduction of modest car park charges, with a discount available to regular users through the Friends of Upton Country Park.
· Improvements to the Countryside Heritage Centre.
· The re-creation of a garden in the walled garden.
· The creation of an Environmental Resource Centre for schools and other groups.
· The management of Holes Bay as a Local Nature Reserve.
· The provision of play equipment.

The Council's Head of Leisure Services, David Neudegg said: "This is an important point in the history of the Park. It has grown in popularity in recent years and additional investment is necessary in key facilities if the current level of use is to be sustained and the full potential of the Park is to be realised."

A leaflet on the proposals and a feed back questionnaire are available from the Countryside Heritage Centre at the Park (closed on Mondays), from local libraries and from Borough of Poole, Leisure Services on tel: (01202) 261339.

Nick Woods, Countryside Services Manager, tel 01202 261334, Justine Hawkes, Countryside Warden, tel 01202 672625