VOLUNTEERS are welcoming the launch of a £1.5million bid for lottery funding by Upton Country Park.

Members of the public will be asked for their feedback about improvements they would like to see at the park as part of the new Discovery Project.

President of the voluntary group Friends of Upton Country Park, Mike Yeomans, said a successful bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) would provide a “huge boost” for the park, which has over 600,000 visitors a year.

He said: “The Friends are delighted to be supporting the Discovery Project and look forward to becoming involved in the development of the HLF bid, which is certain to provide a huge boost for Upton Country Park and the community if successful.

“The project will not only enhance Poole’s only country park for its many visitors but it will also offer new opportunities for more people to learn new skills, knowledge and become involved as a volunteer. A great legacy for all.”

The project aims to enhance the park by improving facilities and making it more accessible and sustainable.

It also aims to increase the number of volunteering and learning opportunities for the local community.

As public support is important for the bid, activities and events are planned to launch the project where visitors will have the chance to express their views.

The HLF bid will be a two stage process, the first of which will be submitted towards the end of 2017 and, if successful, will take the application into a year-long development stage.

If funding is secured, Poole council said improvements will be made at the park to enable visitors to understand more about its history, as well as its importance in the development of Poole and its links to the Newfoundland trade.

Cllr John Rampton, portfolio holder for environmental services, is looking forward to the project.

He said: “The Discovery Project is a fantastic opportunity for the people of Poole, and it is vital to the HLF bid, which will help to keep Upton Country Park as a beautiful, healthy outdoor space for all to enjoy.

“I would like to encourage everyone to get involved. Volunteering is a particularly great way to contribute because it helps the park, the community, and our own health and wellbeing.”