STORY
Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council have completed a major air quality monitoring project intended to protect internationally important heathland habitats from traffic pollution. The project examined pollution levels at heathland sites close to busy roads across the county.
Between August 2025 and January 2026, 15 trained volunteers collected monthly air samples at 14 heathland sites. Laboratory analysis measured nitrogen dioxide and ammonia, with ammonia levels exceeding thresholds known to harm lichens and mosses at every site monitored.
The councils said the data has been used to categorise heathland sites by risk level, with mitigation work under way at Avon Heath, Upton Heath and Matchams View. The findings will also be used to assess the air quality impact of new developments in the area.