There’s plenty to catch up on this week, from a growing community effort to save Upton Heath to the announcement of new town council elections this May. We’ve also got updates on food waste collections, road closures to be aware of, and new plans that could bring a nursery to Broadstone and an ultra-fast EV charging hub to Ringwood Road.

As always, we’ve rounded up the best events happening this weekend, plus a bit of local trivia and a great local success story to finish.

Let’s get into it.

PooleNow is now proudly sponsored by Bournemouth One, the local radio station bringing you music, news and travel updates across Dorset. Listen whilst you read!

Last week, we reported on plans to auction off 110 acres of heathland near Upton, and the response to the news from the community has been immediate.

Dorset Wildlife Trust has launched an urgent appeal to raise £500,000 to buy the site and secure it as part of the wider Upton Heath nature reserve.

The stakes are high. The land not only sits at the heart of the heath, but also comes with historic permission for mineral extraction, meaning it could be at risk if sold to the wrong buyer.

The good news is more than £58,000 has been raised so far by over 1,000 supporters, but more is still needed.

Upton Heath is home to rare and protected wildlife, including all six native British reptile species: the adder, grass snake, smooth snake, slowworm, viviparous lizard and sand lizard.

The Trust says this is a rare and time-critical opportunity to protect the landscape for future generations.

If you’d like to support the campaign, you can donate here:
https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/appeals/save-upton-heath

Residents in Poole, Broadstone and Bournemouth will head to the polls on Thursday 7 May to vote in brand-new town council elections.

These new councils were approved following last year’s community governance review and are designed to give local areas a stronger voice on issues like high streets, events and local priorities.

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm, and you’ll need valid photo ID to vote in person.

If you’re not yet registered, you’ll need to do so by Monday 20 April to take part. You can also apply for a postal or proxy vote if needed.

👉 We’ve also been running a survey over the past couple of weeks to find out what really matters to local people ahead of the elections. If you haven’t filled it in yet, please do, it only takes a minute and helps highlight the key issues for our area.
Fill in the survey using this link

The ward boundaries are new for the Town Councils and slightly different to the ones for BCP, so check your ward here and click the tick box button on the left that says “Parish Wards”.

With some polling stations changed this time around, it’s also worth double-checking your poll card before heading out.

A huge congratulations to Mark Bennett from Patisserie Mark Bennett, who has achieved an incredible result at the International Salon Culinaire competition.

Mark didn’t just win, he dominated, taking home four gold medals across all four categories he entered.

His winning creations included intricate sugar work, wedding cakes and a standout birthday cake, which also earned him the coveted Best of Class award.

Well done Mark!

A new planning application could see the Broadstone Conservative Club transformed into a children’s day nursery.

The proposal, would change the use of the building on Tudor Road from a social club into a nursery, with no external alterations planned.

The application highlights a growing demand for nursery places in the area, suggesting the change would help meet a real local need.

If approved, the plans would give the building a new lease of life after the club was closed at the end of March.

A new start-up programme designed to help turn business ideas into reality is launching in Poole next month.

Run by Evolve Advisory, the Ignite programme is a one-day intensive workshop taking place on Friday 15 May, aimed at aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage founders.

Limited to just 16 participants, the course will cover everything from business planning and marketing to finance, branding and legal basics, all for £99.

The focus isn’t just on learning, but also on building connections, with organisers highlighting the importance of having a strong support network in the early stages of starting a business.

If you’ve been thinking about starting something of your own, this could be a great place to begin.

Find out more

Plans have been submitted to create a major new electric vehicle charging hub on Ringwood Road near Halfords.

The proposal comes from Fastned, a European company with more than 400 charging stations already operating across countries including the Netherlands, Germany and France. The company is now expanding into the UK, with a mission to build a network of 1,000 fast-charging stations powered by 100% renewable energy.

The Poole site would replace M Cars, a car and van sales site, introducing 12 ultra-rapid charging bays capable of charging multiple vehicles at once.

The hub would feature distinctive solar-panel canopies, designed to provide shelter while generating renewable energy, alongside a small unmanned amenity unit, landscaping and signage.

Are you a business in the local area? Do you want to reach out to a highly engaged local community? Want to support us so that we can keep running our free local newsletter? Get in touch!

A one acre plot overlooking a nature reserve and with some incredible period décor that you need to check out! 👉 View the property

Last week’s quiz was all about Canford Cliffs Play Park, which 32% of readers correctly identified used to be Tennis Courts. As you can see in the picture below the picture below the trees have grown a lot since this photo was taken, however the houses behind are still the same. Well done if you got it right! Good luck with today’s question!

Drivers across Poole should be aware of several road closures starting this week as part of BCP Council’s asphalt preservation programme.

These works help extend the life of roads by applying a protective layer to the surface — but they will mean temporary disruption.

Here’s what you need to know:

Rossmore Leisure Centre will remain open throughout, with temporary access routes in place.

Access to local businesses will also be maintained, although drivers are advised to plan ahead and allow extra time for journeys.

Food waste collections are finally rolling out across Poole this week, with weekly collections starting from 6 April.

The expansion means more than 100,000 additional households across Poole and Bournemouth can now recycle their food waste, bringing the whole BCP area in line with a simpler, consistent system.

However, ahead of the launch, we asked readers if they had received their food waste bins and 39 readers from across Poole told us they still hadn’t received theirs.

If you’re in the same situation, it’s worth contacting the council to make sure you’re ready to take part.

Coastal Cruises Poole is launching a brand-new experience called Sailing With Dinosaurs, running on 9th and 10th May with multiple sailings throughout the day.

This isn’t your usual harbour cruise. The 70-minute adventure transforms the boat into a fully interactive dinosaur experience, complete with games, challenges and plenty of surprises along the way.

The fun starts before you even step onboard, with a giant dinosaur greeting visitors on the quay. Once aboard, families will discover baby dinosaurs have made their way onto the boat and it’s up to newly recruited “Dino Rangers” to help keep them safe.

A big part of the experience is Ranger Academy, where kids (and grown-ups!) can get involved in high-energy activities, teamwork challenges and imaginative play as they train to become fully qualified Dino Rangers.

With a mix of storytelling, hands-on fun and stunning views of the harbour, it’s shaping up to be one of the most unique family events of the season.

Sailings run at 10am, 11:45am, 1:30pm and 3:15pm

Find out more and book here:
www.coastalcruisespoole.co.uk/sailing-with-dinosaurs

Dino Eggsplorers Family Trail, Upton Country Park, 10am to 4pm
A dinosaur-themed adventure trail with games, surprises and a prize at the end. No booking required.

Create at Upton Country Park, Upton Country Park, sessions from 10am
Drop-in or book a creative session with crafts, pottery painting and more for all ages.

Bournemouth Arts Club Annual Exhibition, Upton Country Park, 10am to 4pm
A free exhibition showcasing contemporary art from local artists.

Tales from Acorn Wood, Lighthouse Poole, 1.30pm
A magical stage adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s stories, packed with puppetry, songs and interactive fun for younger audiences.

Bike Nights on Poole Quay, Poole Quay, from 5.30pm
A popular weekly meet returns with bikes, great food and a lively evening atmosphere by the harbour.

Poole Plugged and Unplugged, The Portsmouth Hoy, Poole Quay, 8pm
Open mic night welcoming musicians of all styles. Free drink for performers and a chance to land a future gig.

Quiz Night, The Goods Yard, 8pm
Gather your team for a fun quiz night. Max 6 per team and plenty of prizes up for grabs.

Tales from Acorn Wood, Lighthouse Poole, 10.30am and 1.30pm
A charming interactive show bringing beloved children’s stories to life for all ages.

Bournemouth University Undergraduate Open Day, Bournemouth University, 10am to 4pm
Explore courses, meet students and staff, and get a feel for university life.

Live Music Hugh Budden, The Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 8.30pm to 10.30pm
Enjoy a relaxed evening of live music at this popular local pub.

The Mexico Mission!, Lighthouse Poole, 2pm
A fun and interactive family theatre show where you become art detectives solving a mystery inspired by Frida Kahlo.

Bubble Fest, Ashdown Leisure Centre, Canford Heath, various times
A unique bubble-themed festival with shows, circus skills, foam party finale and plenty of family fun.

TRIGOCOMEDY, The Bermuda Triangle, 7pm to 10pm
A night of stand-up comedy featuring a full line-up of acts in an intimate setting.

Bubble Fest, Ashdown Leisure Centre, Canford Heath, various times
A full day of bubble shows, performances and family entertainment.

Time Hop, Lighthouse Poole, 7pm
A dance spectacular from local students showcasing a range of styles and eras.

Harry Enfield and No Chums, Lighthouse Poole, 7.30pm
An evening with the legendary comedian reflecting on 40 years of iconic characters and comedy.

Studio Jazz Built on Bach Neil Cowley Trio, Lighthouse Poole, 7.45pm
A unique jazz performance exploring the influence of Bach through improvisation and storytelling.

Hayao Miyazaki’s Dreams, St Peter’s Church, Bournemouth, 7.30pm
A live concert celebrating the music from iconic Studio Ghibli films.

Comedy at Rockwater with Tom Ward and Friends, Rockwater Branksome, 8pm to 10.30pm
A lively comedy night featuring award-winning acts and a seaside setting. Book tickets https://www.rockwater.uk/village/whats-on/

Live Music All Funked Up, The Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 9pm to 11pm
A high-energy live set guaranteed to get the weekend started.

Live Music The Scanners, The Bricklayers, 9pm
A night of classic rock covers from a wide range of legendary artists.

Après Provence Launch Party, Rick Stein Sandbanks, 4pm to 7pm
Live DJ set and the first 100 guests receive a complimentary glass of rosé.

Poetry Reading Group, Poole Library, 8am to 5pm
A relaxed shared reading session for poetry lovers to listen, discuss and connect.

Funny Boiler Kidz Comedy Show, Poole Museum, 11am to 11.45am
A fun, family-friendly comedy show with interactive jokes and plenty of laughs.

Exhibition on Screen Turner and Constable, Lighthouse Poole, 12.30pm
A documentary exploring the lives and rivalry of two of Britain’s greatest painters.

Time Hop, Lighthouse Poole, 2.30pm and 7pm
A vibrant dance showcase from talented local performers.

Build Float Save A Family Lifeboat Adventure, Poole Museum, 10.30am to 11.30am and 1pm to 2pm
Hands-on family workshop exploring the science behind lifeboats. £7.50 per child.

The Music of John Williams vs Hans Zimmer, St Peter’s Church, Poole, 6.45pm and 9.15pm
A live orchestral performance featuring iconic film scores from two legendary composers.

Guns 2 Roses Live, The Swan Inn, Poole Quay, evening
A top tribute act performing classic Guns N’ Roses hits with support from local band Glory Box. Get tickets from the venue

Coastal Comedy April 2026, Lighthouse Poole, 8pm
A triple bill of stand-up comedy featuring headline act Jake Lambert.

Live Music Ain’t Misbehavin’, The Goods Yard, 9pm to 11pm
Part of the Yard Party series bringing great live music and atmosphere.

Swing Squad Bournemouth Bandstand Jazz Session, Lower Gardens Bournemouth, 2pm to 3.45pm
A fresh and energetic teen jazz band bringing live music to the bandstand.

Mark Randlesome, The Tap & Grape, Broadstone, from 6pm
Mark performs a fantastic mix of classic rock and modern favourites perfect for a Sunday night out.

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