Woodland Walk

Woodland Walk is a tree-lined nature reserve threading between Boscombe and Pokesdown, giving walkers a green, off-road route from Christchurch Road up to Boscombe Overcliff Drive and the clifftop above the beach. It has long been a quiet cut-through for locals, but a 2025–26 refurbishment has turned it into one of Boscombe's genuine green attractions.

Refurbishment

The works were funded by £185,000 from the Towns Fund and £95,000 from the Community Infrastructure Levy, channelled through the Boscombe and Pokesdown Neighbourhood Forum, around £280,000 in total across some 65 individual improvements. Alongside restored gateway stonework, resurfaced paths and better lighting, the reserve gained a raised wildlife pond, a sensory garden, wildflower and native tree planting, and bird and bat boxes (one fitted with a camera). The Parks Foundation has coordinated much of the volunteer planting and upkeep.

The wildlife carving trail

The best-known addition is a trail of wildlife sculptures by chainsaw artist Tom Harvey, carved from wind-fallen timber found on site. Look out for his Tree of Life, cut from a 120-year-old oak, alongside a woodpecker, wood mouse, peacock butterfly, stag beetle and woodlouse, plus a carved welcome marker near the southern entrance.

Visiting

Woodland Walk is open access, free, and walkable at any time of day. There are no facilities within the reserve itself, but Boscombe's high street and seafront are a short walk in either direction.

Explore the individual carvings in more detail, the Peacock Butterfly, Tree of Life and Wood Mouse, or see more of the area in our guide to things to do in Bournemouth.

Woodland Walk good to know

What is Woodland Walk in Boscombe?

Woodland Walk is a tree-lined nature reserve and pedestrian route where Boscombe meets Pokesdown, linking Christchurch Road to Boscombe Overcliff Drive and the clifftop above the beach. It was refurbished in 2025–26 as part of Boscombe's Towns Fund regeneration.

Is Woodland Walk free to visit?

Yes. It's open access every day with no gates or admission charge.

What is the wildlife carving trail at Woodland Walk?

Chainsaw sculptor Tom Harvey has carved a series of wildlife pieces from wind-fallen and salvaged timber along the path, including a Tree of Life, a woodpecker, a wood mouse, a peacock butterfly, a stag beetle and a woodlouse, plus a hand-carved welcome marker.

How was Woodland Walk refurbished?

A 2025–26 project brought together £185,000 from the Towns Fund and £95,000 from the Community Infrastructure Levy, via the Boscombe and Pokesdown Neighbourhood Forum, for around 65 individual improvements, new paths, a raised wildlife pond, a sensory garden, wildflower planting, bird and bat boxes, and the wood-carving trail.

Where does Woodland Walk start and end?

Its main entrance is off Christchurch Road (BH7 6AN, near Portman Lodge) close to where Boscombe meets Pokesdown, and the path runs up to Boscombe Overcliff Drive above the seafront.

Is Woodland Walk becoming a Local Nature Reserve?

BCP Council and local partners are working toward formal Local Nature Reserve designation for Woodland Walk, alongside a management plan to guide its long-term upkeep.