Annotated birds-eye view of key areas around the HSA
Drone shot November 2025 – HSA Fields 2 and 3
Drone shot November 2025 – HSA Fields 4 and 5 (including green buffer zone)
Drone shot November 2025 – HSA Field 1
Opening in Spring 2027, the Heathland Support Area (HSA) will provide accessible green space for the local community, particularly dog walkers, while enhancing biodiversity and delivering important public health benefits.
The Heathland Support Area is approximately 12 hectares of open space, created to help reduce recreational pressure on Talbot Heath SSSI that may otherwise arise from the Innovation Quarter and Hospital development.
Approved in 2024, the HSA will serve as an alternative recreational area for local residents, offering accessible green space while supporting nature conservation and wellbeing.
The management of the site will be overseen by a Liaison Group, to be established in 2026, bringing together both experts and local residents to guide its future management.
More information about Heathlands in BCP and Dorset can be found on BCPs Heathland Mitigation page.
10 Key Facts about the Heathland Support Area
Purpose:
The HSA aims to reduce pressure on Talbot Heath’s SSSI (site of special scientific interest) by providing a recreational area with buffer zones. It’s purely designed for use by people living within walking distance, and not to attract people from further afield.
Size:
The HSA covers approximately 12 hectares (30 acres).
Public Access:
It will be open to the public, offering a varied landscape including fenced grassland for dog walking.
Ecological Enhancements:
Improvements include wildflower sowing, wet grassland creation, new hedgerows, tree planting, and creating habitats for invertebrates (e.g. log piles and bug hotels).
Wildlife Protection:
The plan focuses on creating habitats and forage grounds for bats, birds (including nightjars), and reptiles, with restricted access to sensitive areas.
Fire Prevention:
A fire prevention management plan has been developed collaboratively with Dorset Fire and Rescue Service to protect the heath and surrounding houses.
Health Benefits:
The HSA aims to improve public health by providing additional green space for local residents.
Monitoring:
Habitat condition and effectiveness will be monitored in years 1, 3, and 5, with reviews by Talbot Village Trust and the Heathland Support Area Liaison Group.
Fencing and Gates:
The area will be fully enclosed with a new secure perimeter fence, and new gates will be installed allowing year round access for local residents.
Long-Term Commitment:
The HSA will be maintained for the lifetime of the Innovation Quarter, ensuring its sustainability and ongoing benefits.
The Liaison Group and Citizens' Assembly
As part of the planning agreement for the Heathland Support Area, Talbot Village Trust is required to establish a Liaison Group to help guide its ongoing management. To contribute to this, we’re inviting randomly selected local residents to be part of a Citizens’ Assembly. The Assembly will learn about the Heathland Support Area, discuss the issues involved and make recommendations to the Liaison Group. The Citizens’ Assembly will nominate two residents to join the Liaison Group, creating a direct and ongoing link between the wider community and the future management of the space.
What is the Citizens’ Assembly and how will it work?
A Citizens’ Assembly brings together a diverse group of people to discuss important issues and make recommendations. For the Heathland Support Area, this ensures that local voices are heard in decisions about managing of the space. The Assembly will include a randomly selected mix of community members, to ensure a broad range of perspectives are considered.
It will be launched in October 2026, with a two-day event for invited residents, where together we will learn more about heathland ecology and its fragility, and how the Heathland Support Area is designed to reduce the pressure on this space, whilst providing an accessible amenity for local residents to enjoy. This immersive event will lead to the Assembly making informed recommendations to the Liaison Group for its future management.
To find out more, download the Citizens' Assembly booklet here
The Heathland Support Area will protect Talbot Heath, which is one of the few remaining lowland heathlands in Europe.
When visiting Talbot Heath, please remember to help protect the wildlife...
Stay on the paths
While visitors are welcome on the heath itself, disturbances to wildlife and livestock can be minimised by staying on paths.
Responsible dog owners
Dogs should be kept on leads and under close supervision. Any dog mess should be put into suitable bins or taken home.
Fire prevention
To prevent wildfires and damage to heathland environments, fires are strictly prohibited in all heathland areas.
Leave only footprints
Please do not leave discarded litter on heathland, take it home with you. Discarded litter can damage natural habitats and ecosystems.
Cyclists be aware
Cycles should only be used on bridleways and paths, with particular care taken during nesting season (March to August)
Do not disturb
Visitors should be aware of basking reptiles, as well as grazing animals that are present on the heath.
Call 999
In the event of an emergency, such as a fire, call 999. Never take risks or put yourself in danger.
