Dorset’s country parks recognised as some of the best in the UK

Five of Dorset Council’s country parks and nature sites raise prestigious Green Flag Award after achieving international quality mark for parks and green spaces.

This week, Dorset Council is celebrating after receiving 5 Green Flag Awards for its Avon Heath Country Park, Stour Meadows, Milldown, Durlston Country Park, and Thorncombe Wood, Black Heath and Hardy’s Birthplace sites.

The award is the international quality mark for parks and green spaces and is testament to the hard work and dedication of the teams that care for these sites.

Durlston Country Park has also achieved the Green Heritage Site Accreditation, supported by Historic England, for the management and promotion of its historic features.

Cllr Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Place Services, said:

“I’m over the moon to learn that Dorset’s country parks and green spaces have once again been recognised as some of the best in the country.

“Spending time outdoors and connecting with nature is crucial for our mental and physical well-being, it also gives us a chance to meet new people and helps reduce loneliness.

“We’re very fortunate to have not one, but 5 Green Flag Award-winning sites.  And I’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to the dedicated teams that look after the sites, allowing us to enjoy them and the benefits they offer year-round.”

Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, Paul Todd MBE, said:

“I would like to congratulate everyone involved in achieving these Green Flag Awards.

“Country parks and nature sites are vital green spaces for communities in Dorset to socialise, enjoy nature, for children to play safely and they provide important opportunities for park users to improve their physical and mental health.

“We know that staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that they maintain the high standards of the Green Flag Award, everyone involved should feel extremely proud of their achievement. 

“It is important that our free to use spaces are maintained to the Green Flag Award standard, making them accessible for all members of the community while ensuring the environment is protected.”

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.

A full list of Green Flag Award-winning parks and green spaces is available on the Green Flag website.