Thorncombe Wood is flying the flag as one of the UK’s very best green spaces as well as Avon Heath Country Park and Stour Meadows

Thorncombe Wood near Dorchester has recently been recognised by the Green Flag Award Scheme.

This green space is among a record-breaking 1,797 UK parks and green spaces that have received a prestigious Green Flag Award – the mark of a quality green space.

This international awards scheme, 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.

Kath Clay, Dorset County Council ranger at Thorncombe Wood, said, “We are thrilled to have received a Green Flag Award for the first time.

“We know how much quality green spaces matter to Dorset residents and visitors, and this award recognises the work that goes into maintaining Thorncombe Wood to such a high standard.”

In addition to Thorncombe Wood, Avon Heath County Park in St Leonards and the Milldown and Stour Meadows in Blandford have retained their Green Flag awards for another year.

Cllr Daryl Turner, Dorset County Council’s cabinet member for natural and built environment, said, “We are absolutely delighted to have received Green Flag Awards for these wonderful green spaces.

“The awards recognises the quality of the management and the excellent facilities we have available for all ages.

“It’s a great example of how community groups, in partnership with DCC can come together to improve the local environment. The awards celebrate the dedication that goes into maintaining these areas for Dorset residents and visitors to enjoy.”

Ben Walbridge, senior ranger at Avon Heath, said, “The success in gaining our second Green Flag at Avon Heath is largely due to the hard work of our fantastic volunteers and our apprentice Miranda Lugg, who together have transformed the flower beds, play area and installed over a dozen new locally sourced oak benches, generously paid for by Wimborne and Ferndown Lions Club, including two accessible picnic benches.

“The local Sheiling School for children and students with special educational needs has also helped out by removing the invasive Pirri-Pirri-Bur from around the car parks, saving the highly sensitive heathland. A huge thank you to everyone that has been involved.”

International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said, “We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme.

“Each flag is a celebration of the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award. The success of the scheme, especially in these challenging times, demonstrates just how much parks matter to people.”