BCP Council celebrates 23 Green Flag Awards for their outstanding parks and open spaces

In a year when more people than ever have been stepping outside to enjoy local parks and open spaces, BCP Council has been awarded 23 Green Flags, highlighting the hard work that is put into delivering outstanding parks and open spaces for all.

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

BCP Council’s parks and open spaces are one of more than 2,000 sites across the country to collect the award for 2020.

In addition, both Hengistbury Head and Upton Country Park have also achieved the much-coveted Green Heritage Site Accreditation for its management of the historic features. The accreditation is supported by Historic England.

Councillor Mark Anderson, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment, Cleansing and Waste commented:

“I am very proud of all the parks and open spaces that have been awarded Green Flags across our conurbation. Parks and open spaces are vital to our everyday health and wellbeing, especially this year during lockdown when many people didn’t have access to a back garden, so it’s great that our hard-working parks teams are getting the recognition they deserve. 

“We are committed to protecting and enhancing our outstanding natural environment and preserving it for generations to come and these awards highlight our dedication in making our parks and open spaces enjoyable for all.”

Commenting on BCP Council’s success, Keep Britain Tidy Chief Executive Allison Ogden-Newton OBE said: “This year, more than ever, our parks and green spaces have been a lifeline and we know that millions of people have used them to relax, meet friends, exercise or simply escape for a short time.

“It is testament to the incredible dedication and hard work of parks staff and volunteers that, despite the challenges that went along with record numbers of visitors, BCP Council has achieved the highest international standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.”

The 23 parks and open spaces across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole that received a Green Flag in 2020 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
• North Cemetery