Transforming Poundbury's Peninsula Way Bank: A Community Vision Takes Shape

Something remarkable is happening along the bank below Peninsula Way: over recent weeks, you may have spotted dedicated volunteers armed with tools and determination, working alongside Miles King of the Poundbury Nature Project to transform an overgrown eyesore into what promises to become one of our community's most delightful green spaces.

The challenge? Thorny tangles of Himalayan blackberry brambles—an aggressive invasive species that has run riot across the slope—interwoven with construction debris and wind-blown litter.

"This bank has one of the nicest views in Poundbury," says volunteer Tony Felton. "It will be such a treat to see it properly cleaned up, with animals grazing there at last. I can't wait!"

Tackling the Brambles

The story began in 2024 when Poundbury Nature Project first cut back the brambles on the land below Peninsula Way, in anticipation of bringing grazing animals to the site. Unfortunately, the lack of fencing made it unsafe for livestock, and plans had to be postponed. Nature, however, waits for no one.

"The brambles grew back with a vengeance," explains Miles King. "These aren't your typical British blackberries - Himalayan blackberry is a formidable invasive species. Though they're popular with gardeners for their excellent fruit, a single plant can throw out canes up to six metres long, which quickly propagate and take root. Once established, they take over completely."

Long-time Poundbury residents will remember the large population of hares that once lived on the land beyond Peninsula Way. Their grazing kept the vegetation naturally short and healthy. For reasons not entirely clear, these hares moved away in 2022, and from then on, in the absence of any grazing to keep them in check, the brambles grew unchecked. Bringing livestock back to the bank will restore that natural balance - creating a living landscape that benefits both wildlife and community.

Community Power in Action

The good news? Some fencing is now in place and the rest will be erected soon. Furthermore, 2026 has brought fresh energy to the project. "This year is starting out very well in terms of volunteers," Miles says, with three new helpers joining the effort and another four expressing interest.

After substantial sections of bramble were cut back, that exposed not only the natural beauty beneath but also revealed some construction-related waste which had blown into the area, which developers are being asked to remove, and everyday litter caught in the dense vegetation over time. Volunteers have begun to collect that for removal.

But there is also an ongoing problem with garden waste being dumped on the bank—something that actively hinders the restoration effort. If you have garden waste to dispose of, please don't add to the problem by dumping it here.

Instead, please compost it, or order a brown bin from Dorset Council at

Garden Waste collection service - Dorset Council or take it to your local recycling centre.

The Vision Ahead

Miles's priority is clear: "Once the rubbish has been removed and the fencing completed, livestock can be introduced to the site and start munching on the bramble regrowth so that it doesn't grow back."

When the land is ready, it's going to need some hardy livestock that like browsing as much as grazing to stop the brambles regenerating. The Duchy is in the process of identifying a grazier to bring their animals here.

The cleared bank already offers glimpses of what's to come, and we're looking forward to watching the grazing animals, creating a living landscape that benefits both nature and community.

A Growing Legacy

The Poundbury Nature Project began in 2019, supported by the Duchy of Cornwall, and has since created large areas of wildflower-rich grassland on Middle Farm Way, Monkey Jump Corner and Fire Station Green (Jubilee Green), as well as a substantial portion of the Great Field. This latest initiative on the Peninsula Way bank represents their most ambitious community-facing project yet - preparing this area so livestock can help wildflower-rich grassland evolve.

Where brambles have dominated, we could soon delight in watching livestock graze while enjoying views of the lovely countryside. Everyone will benefit from a properly managed green corridor that enhances our community's unique character and provides a peaceful spot to connect with nature.

Community Works

This is community collaboration at its finest: volunteers giving their time and energy, residents respecting the space by disposing of waste properly, developers removing construction debris, and the Duchy of Cornwall providing crucial support - all working towards a shared vision of what our green spaces can become.

The Peninsula Way bank won't transform overnight, but with continued community spirit and practical action, that "nicest view in Poundbury" is well on its way to reality - complete with hares, grazing animals, and a thriving green space we can all enjoy.

The Poundbury Nature Project welcomes volunteers and supporters. To get involved, contact Miles King at miles.king@peopleneednature.org.uk.

For other volunteer opportunities, visit our Volunteering page.