Poole
Amount of buoys:
0
Amount of AMS:
0
Hectares protected:
0
Hectares restored:
0
Poole Harbour and its surrounding environment has been widely recognised for its beauty and vital biological importance. The harbour is a Special Protection Area (SPA) and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), designated for the incredibly important and varied habitats and species that live there – including both subtidal and intertidal seagrass meadows. The SPA within Poole Harbour supports numerous bird species, from the overwintering godwit, avocet and Little Egret to the breeding terns and Mediterranean Gull in the summer.
Two dense subtidal seagrass meadows are present along the Eastern edge of the harbour, by Salterns Marina and Whitley Lake. These vital meadows support a rich diversity of marine wildlife, including both species of native UK seahorse. To protect these areas from the impacts of physical disturbance, Blue Meadows have installed Sensitive Habitat Marker Buoys, outlining a Voluntary No Anchor Zone, to highlight the presence of these fragile habitats. As of 2025, Poole Harbour is home to 12 Sensitive Habitat Marker Buoys, protecting around 30 hectares of seagrass,
Brownsea Island, in the middle of Poole Harbour, is also home to more seagrass meadows that have only recently been discovered. The National Trust team at Brownsea Island are working on the mapping and protection of seagrass meadows in this area.
Case study locations
Working with local communities and stakeholders, we hope to work in more locations protecting and restoring vital seagrass meadows. Get in touch to help us protect a meadow near you.
