A new welcome centre has opened at Upton Country Park complete with a 'living' meadow roof and three bug hotels.

The structure was opened by Mayor of Poole, councillor Tony Trent, on Friday.

The welcome centre will act as a ‘front door’ to the country park and will connect visitors with the heritage of the landscape.

It boasts interactive and immersive displays which will bring the park’s history to life, provide a glimpse inside the Grade II* listed Upton House, and will explore the importance of the varied landscapes within the park.

Three bug hotels have been created and framed in the building’s walls alongside swallow nest cups and bat boxes to encourage even more nature into the park and around the centre.

New unisex toilet facilities, accessible toilets and baby changing facilities will also be available at the centre, which officially opened its doors to the public from 10am on Saturday (17/12).

The centre was delivered as part of Upton Country House’s Discovery Project and has been supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery Community Fund, as part of its Parks for People programme.

Councillor Mark Anderson, portfolio holder for environment and place at BCP Council, said: “The Discovery Project continues to deliver significant improvements across the Park, benefiting our visitors, volunteers, and local schools.

“The opening of the Upton Country Park Welcome Centre is a significant milestone for the Project that has been made possible by funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund, BCP Council and the Friends of Upton Country Park.

“Visitors will now be able to learn more about the history of the estate, alongside the wonderful range of events, activities and wildlife that the park continues to support today.”

Stuart McLeod, National Lottery heritage fund director for London and south said: “This has been supported thanks to money raised by National Lottery players as part of the Parks for People programme.

"The £1.5million grant has helped to improve the visitor facilities, restore the historical features and reinstate lost landscapes at Upton Country Park. With community at the heart of the restoration, this ambitious makeover ensures this Grade II* listed building, and its surrounds will be enjoyed by visitors and the local community for many years to come.”