In what has been a challenging year for many, Durlston Country Park in Swanage has been recognised by the Green Flag Award scheme for providing one of the best country parks in the UK and around the world.
This international award, run by the environmental charity, Keep Britain Tidy, is a sign to the public that the space has the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.
An amazing space during difficult times
Durlston Country Park has been much appreciated by Swanage residents and visitors this year, providing an excellent place to exercise during lockdown and an amazing space during difficult times to reflect on the natural beauty of our local area.
The announcement, normally made in July by the organisers, was delayed this year due to COVID-19 and the challenges that went along with the huge numbers of additional visitors.
“We’re very pleased to hear the news”
Senior ranger at Durlston Country Park, Katie Black said:
“We’re very pleased to hear the news. We’ve won it in the past and glad that we’ve got it again this year. It’s a real reflection of the hard work that the whole team has put in to make Durlston an excellent place to spend time enjoying the outdoors.
“We’ve invested a lot of time improving our paths, picnic benches and seating areas as part of the Pleasure Grounds Project and this is all acknowledged by this award. We’re all delighted!”
Other green spaces managed by Dorset Council that have also received the 2020 Green Flag Award are Avon Heath Country Park near Ringwood, Thorncombe Woods near Dorchester, and the Milldown and Stour Meadows in Blandford.
“We are incredibly fortunate”
Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for highways, travel and environment, councillor Ray Bryan, said:
“This year particularly we have been reminded how important our green spaces are for health and well-being, when other activities have been curtailed. We are incredibly fortunate to have such high-quality green spaces to visit. Well done to all the employees who helped achieve these high standards”.
“Hard work of Dorset parks staff and volunteers”
Keep Britain Tidy chief executive, Allison Ogden-Newton said:
“It is testament to the incredible dedication and hard work of Dorset parks staff and volunteers that, despite the challenges of this year, Dorset’s parks have achieved the highest international standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.”
