| Coordinates: | 50.773, -1.96 |
|---|---|
| OS grid ref: | SZ 02 96 |
| Dialling code: | 01202 (Bournemouth) |
Bearwood & Merley is an electoral ward in the unitary authority of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, lying on the northern edge of Poole in Dorset. Largely suburban in character, it combines the established neighbourhoods of Bearwood and Merley and was created as part of the 2019 reorganisation of local wards for the BCP council.
The area is primarily residential with a mix of family housing, local shops and small businesses, and benefits from several attractive green spaces - notably Merley Park and the grounds around Merley House - as well as easy commuter links into Poole and Bournemouth. Community life is active with local clubs, schools and sports facilities, and the ward’s historic house and parkland give it a semi-rural feel despite being close to larger urban centres.