Durlston’s high standards awarded with international Green Flag Award for 2020

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.

Advertisement 
Durlston Castle

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.

Newly relaid paths at Durlston Country Park
The restored bridge at Durlston Country Park

“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.

Seaview from Durlston

“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”.

Anvil lighthouse viewed from Durlston Country Park
Teasels at Durlston

“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.”

View from Durlston

Share this story

Contact us

Do you have anything to add to this story?

We like to keep everything up-to-date, so if you know more, please help us by getting in touch.

Advertisement 

Top stories

RNLI treat injured woman on paddle steamer returning to Swanage A RNLI volunteer undertook a tricky manoeuvre to get back to his lifeboat in Poole Bay in Dorset after treating an injured passenger on the historic paddle steamer the Waverley. 3 weeks ago TV star backs RNLI campaign after terrifying ordeal at Durdle Door 4 weeks ago Tourist dies after medical emergency on Swanage beach 1 month ago New Swanage home for 130 year old loco saved from scrap yard 3 weeks ago Swanage family have lucky escape from night time blaze 1 month ago

Most recent