IF you go down to the woods today...you're sure to see award–winning trees.

Upton Wood in Purbeck has won a Gold Award in the 2016 South & South East in Bloom Awards.

The wood, near Upton Country Park, received the prestigious gold award for the “Small Conservation Area” category.

Purbeck District Council owns and manages the site and co-ordinates the volunteer activities which see local volunteers and residents working hard to maintain and improve the wood.

The wood had previously won Silver Gilt in the award scheme, so the District Council was particularly pleased with this year’s achievement.

Councillor Peter Webb, environment portfolio holder for the council, said: “We are always delighted to win the award and this year’s gold is even more pleasing. It wouldn’t be possible without the many volunteer groups, schools and local residents who work hard to maintain and improve the Wood.

“The award also recognises the hard work of officers from Purbeck District Council.”

Upton Wood scored 172 points against a maximum of 200 over a number of categories, including: • Making way for people, which included access for people with disabilities and availability of public information • Welfare of users, including safety and control of anti-social behaviour • Range of facilities and maintenance and provision of benches, litterbins and dog bins • Conservation, including flowers, ponds and woodlands • Community participation, recognising the involvement of local people and educational opportunities