A total of 23 parks and open spaces across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have received Keep Britain Tidy Green Flag Awards.

Hengistbury Head, Upton Country Park and, for the first time, Poole Park have also achieved the much-coveted Green Heritage Site Accreditation for management of historic features. This special accreditation is supported by Historic England.

Poole Park is recognised following £2.7m of investment from the Parks for People restoration programme, run by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund.

Cllr Mark Anderson, BCP Council portfolio holder for Environment, Cleansing and Waste, said: “I am once again so very proud of our parks and open spaces that have been awarded Green Flags across the BCP area. This is fantastic news for both residents and visitors, as parks and open spaces have been such a lifeline to everyone during a difficult 18 months.

“As a council, we recognise that our green spaces are vital to our everyday health and wellbeing, and we are committed to protecting and enhancing our outstanding natural environment and preserving it for generations to come.

“These awards highlight what a fantastic job our parks team do, in maintaining our green spaces to the highest standards required, despite so many challenges. I would also like to mention and especially thank our dedicated volunteers who provide so much valuable support for our open spaces, everything from litter picking and keeping paths clear, to heathland management and supporting our visitor centres.”

The 23 parks and open spaces maintained by BCP Council that received a Green Flag in 2021 include: Upton Country Park, Hamworthy Park, Poole Park, Springbourne Gardens, Slades Farm, Queen’s Park, Tuckton Tea Gardens and Riverlands, Fisherman’s Walk, Kinson Common, Hengistbury Head, Boscombe Chine Gardens, Alum Chine including Argyll Gardens, Stour Valley, Upper Central and Lower Gardens, Winton Recreation Ground, Moore Avenue Community Park, Pelhams Park, Redhill Park and Common, Seafield Gardens, Boscombe Cliff Gardens and Local Nature Reserve, Littledown Centre, Muscliff Park and North Cemetery

Christchurch Quay and Roeshot Hill Allotments in the BCP area also received Green Flag Awards this year.