A record number of parks and green spaces across the Dorset Council area have been awarded a Green Flag Award, representing the mark of a quality park or green space. Green spaces can be national nature reserves, picnic areas or an area of open space.
Avon Heath Country Park and Moors Valley Country Park, both near Ringwood, Durlston Country Park in Swanage, Thorncombe Woods near Dorchester and The Milldown and Stour Meadows in Blandford, have been recognised by the Green Flag Award Scheme as some of the very best in the world.
Each of our parks and open spaces offer visitors a totally different experience. From the cliff-top nature reserve, teeming with life at Durlston to a bustling family friendly day out at Moors Valley Country Park and the history steeped Thorncombe Woods – Thomas Hardy’s birthplace – there is so much to see and explore.
These sites in Dorset are among a record-breaking 1,970 UK parks and green spaces and 131 in thirteen other countries around the world, that have received a prestigious Green Flag Award.
This international award, now into its third decade, is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.
Cllr Ray Bryan, Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said: “In Dorset Council’s first year, it is wonderful to have been awarded so many Green Flag Awards. They are so well deserved, and the parks and greenspaces themselves are wonderful places to discover.”
Giles Nicholson, Dorset Council’s greenspace manager said: “We’re really proud of our parks, picnic sites and greenspaces and we know how much they matter to residents and visitors. We are absolutely delighted to receive so many Green Flag Awards for these sites, which reflects the dedication of our ranger teams, volunteers and apprentices.”
International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said “Each flag honours the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award. We congratulate each and every winner on their fantastic achievement.”
