Bournemouth has won a record number of prestigious Green Flag awards this year for its parks and gardens, keeping the town in the UK‘s top ten with the most in the South West once again.
Queens Park has become the latest addition to Bournemouth’s tally which now stands at fifteen, placing Bournemouth eighth on the list for all local authorities in the UK.
The award, through the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, recognises and rewards the best parks and green spaces across the country. A Green Flag flying overhead is a sign to the public that the space meets high environmental standards, is safe and well maintained and has a well balanced mix of facilities for the community.
Queens Park has improved significantly over the past year, the council has opened an excellent children’s adventure playground, whilst the public café, restaurant and bar is now managed by BH Live Hospitality in partnership with Bournemouth Council. These enhancements have created a more relaxing and friendly environment perfect for golfers, families, dog walkers and other park visitors.
Councillor Lawrence Williams, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism, said: “This is a fantastic achievement and a well-deserved recognition for the dedicated team of staff and community volunteers that have worked on the site and improved it throughout the year. It is down to their efforts that the town receives these awards. I would encourage everyone to get out and enjoy one of our Green Flag winning parks, especially with the perfect summer weather we are experiencing.”
Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd, said: “We are delighted to announce yet another record-breaking year for Green Flag Award parks and green spaces.
“A Green Flag Award provides national recognition for all the parks managers, staff and volunteers who, through their dedication and hard work, have helped to create these fantastic places for everyone to enjoy.
“Quality green spaces are a vital resource for communities and that is why it is so significant that we have given out more awards than ever before.”
Only green spaces that are free to enter and open to the public are eligible to win an award through the scheme, which is run by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy with sponsoring partners of the National Housing Federation and the Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens.
Bournemouth’s full list of Green Flag sites are: Alum Chine & Argyll Gardens, Boscombe Chine Gardens, Fishermans Walk, Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve, Kinson Common Nature Reserve, Lower, Central & Upper Gardens, Moore Avenue Park, Pelhams Park, Redhill Park & Common, Seafield Gardens, Springbourne Gardens, Stour Valley Nature Reserve, Winton Recreation Ground, Slades Farm and Queen’s Park.
