Awards roll in to Moors Valley Country Park and Forest near Ringwood

Adding to its already impressive tally of accolades, Moors Valley Country Park, which receives over 750,000 visitors a year, has been awarded bronze in both the Access & Inclusivity and Sustainable Tourism categories of the 2016/17 South West Tourism Excellence Awards. They follow on from gold in both categories of the Dorset Tourism Awards.

The new awards recognise the strides that the team at Moors Valley has made in ensuring it operates in an environmentally responsible manner and that everyone, whatever their age or ability, can enjoy the wide range of activities available.

“Some of the biggest names in domestic tourism are based in the south west and we are thrilled that we can hold our head up in such exalted company,” said Clare Gronow, Team Leader at Moors Valley.

The awards attracted over 600 entries from Dorset, Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire. Judges made 380 visits before arriving at their decisions.

“These awards are welcome recognition of our efforts,” said Clare Gronow. “According to a 2016 research report, tourism contributes over £10.5m to the south west economy with around 60% of this directly attributable to outdoor activities and visits. As one of the most visited country parks in the UK we are at the forefront of environmental tourism, running a minimum-impact sustainable business whilst having a responsibility to do everything we can to be accessible to all.”

Over 450 people representing more than 130 finalists attended the gala evening at Bristol’s Ashton Gate stadium to witness the presentation of twenty-six awards on 2 February.