In The News

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Stay connected with the latest news and updates from Friends of Coy Pond. Explore our recent features and stories that highlight the impact we have on the Poole community.

Keep the Green Flag Flying

Jul 14, 2026

Once again the volunteer gardeners of The Friends of Coy Pond have been awarded the coveted Green Flag. An award which recognises ‘the hard work, passion and dedication of the team who care for this green space’. And it is the sixth year that we have reached the required standard.

Of course we had a flag-raising ceremony for the event. Robert Stanley, the council’s Head Gardener did the actual flag raising, on the flagpole donated six years ago to display the award. Watched and applauded by Friends and neighbours, together with invited guests.

Afterward, tables and chairs set out on the gravel in front of the pond, so that all could partake of tea and home-made cakes, everything provided by the volunteers.

Invited guests included Councillors Karen Rampton; and Matthew Gillett, who lends a gardening hand when his other duties allow. Also Robert and his team, who always support our efforts.

National Tree Week

Nov 25, 2025

The 25th November saw the celebration of ‘National Tree Week’ by The Friends of Coy Pond. The Mayor of Poole, Mark Howell officiated at a planting ceremony on the banks of Bourne Valley, near Coy Pond. This was of a rare Black Poplar, donated by Trees for Wimborne. A species under the threat of possible extinction, it will reinforce those planted earlier in the year. Bourne Valley is effectively water meadow, and ideally suited for the poplars to survive and thrive.

The planting was nominally done with the official Poole ceremonial spade highly ornate and embossed, dating from the 19th century. However, the actual soil shifting with a more utilitarian spade, while Sheriff Karen Rampton, also resplendent in her chain of office, minded the original. Other guests included Councillors Matthew Gillett, and Dawn Logan, who have in previous weeks turned up to give practical help to the Friends and Gardeners at Coy Pond. Niki Harper, conservationist from Trees for Wimborne and Rob Stanley, head gardener were also present. He and his team had chosen the initial planting spot, and will afterwards secure with stout stakes.

The whole party, including a large number of the Friends of Coy Pond, then adjourned to the wall by the pond, tables set our with coffee and biscuits, mince pies and cakes. With general chat, this made a fitting climax to the Friends season of Tuesday morning gardening, on the 550 foot rockery and the gardens around the pond itself.

Thanks to Trees for Wimborne for donating the tree.

Katsura Tree

A further tree planted some distance away and with less ceremony, was a Katsura tree.

Donated by John Hallett, one of the Friends and regular Coy Pond gardener. [The photo shows Rob Stanley driving in the stakes] It brings to half a dozen, the trees that the Friends have been responsible for in 2025.