April 2025
Poole BID and Dorset Wildlife Trust Join Forces to Create Wildlife-Friendly Spaces in Poole
Poole BID is proud to partner with Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) to enhance green spaces in the town, creating more sustainable and wildlife-friendly environments. As part of this initiative, the traditional seasonal flowers in Poole’s three-tier planters are being replaced with perennials, offering long-term benefits for pollinators and urban biodiversity.
While there are other three-tier planters throughout the area receiving perennial plantings, clusters of three x three-tier planters have been specifically created in key locations near Custom House Bistro and the Lord Nelson Pub, both on the Quay, and Guildhall Gardens next to the Guildhall, to qualify for the Wildlife Friendly Space Award from Dorset Wildlife Trust. This recognition highlights Poole BID’s commitment to supporting urban wildlife and promoting sustainable gardening practices.
Dorset Wildlife Trust is funding the planting in the clusters of three-tier pedestal planters in these key locations, while Poole BID is funding the remaining planters throughout the town and ensuring they are all maintained year-round. This collaboration ensures that the town’s green spaces not only look attractive but also provide valuable habitats for wildlife.
“This project is a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate how town centre spaces can be transformed to support biodiversity,” said Anona Dawson spokesperson for Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Wilder Communities Office. “By incorporating peat-free compost, pollinator-friendly perennial plants, and features such as insect hotels and water sources, Poole Town’s planters will provide vital micro habitats serve as vital pockets of for nature, encouraging both residents and businesses to take action for wildlife. We would also like to thank South-Western Railways match funding us from their Customer and Community Improvement Fund, to work with communities surrounding Poole and Hamworthy stations as well as near the old Railway line to Corfe Mullen.”
Poole BID is equally enthusiastic about the partnership. “We are delighted to collaborate with Dorset Wildlife Trust to create greener, more sustainable spaces in Poole. These wildlife-friendly planters not only enhance the beauty of our town but also provide essential habitats for pollinators and other wildlife. We hope this initiative will inspire others to embrace sustainable planting and contribute to a greener future,” said Wendy King, Poole BID Communications and Operations Manager.
With the addition of the Wildlife Friendly Space Award plaques, Poole BID and Dorset Wildlife Trust aim to showcase best practices in urban gardening, encouraging more businesses and residents to consider wildlife-friendly initiatives in their own spaces.
