DORSET is celebrating its best ever results in the Green Flag Awards with six countryside sites all scooping the accolade which highlights quality parks and greenspaces.

Moors Valley, Avon Heath, Durlston Country Park, Thorncombe Woods, the Milldown and Stour Meadows were all awarded Green Flag status today, October 15.

Dorset Council have said it is a testament to the ‘hard work’ and ‘dedication’ of the whole team who are involved in running and maintaining these open spaces.

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The international award is a sign to the public that the area has the highest possible environmental standards, is maintained to a high standard and has excellent facilities for any visitors.

“In the last year we have all been reminded how important our Country Parks and greenspaces have been to the public and visitors to Dorset," said Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council's portfolio holder for highways, travel and environment.

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"Places where we can enjoy wildlife, landscape, outdoor activities of Dorset or just catching up with friends in the fresh air.

"Winning these six awards is recognition of what superb parks we have and a way of saying thank you to the staff and volunteers that maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.”

Dorset Council said that each of the open spaces recognised by the award offers a different experience to the rest.

Whether that be a tree top adventure at Moors Valley, the rare heathland at Avon Heath or otters regularly seen playing in the river at Stour Meadows; as just three examples.

Winning six awards is the best ever result for Dorset as the scheme marks its 25th anniversary.

Green Flag Award Scheme Manager Paul Todd said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved in making Dorset Council worthy of this achievement.

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“To meet the requirements demanded by the scheme is testament to the hard work of the staff and volunteers who do so much to ensure these parks have high standards of horticulture, safety and environmental management and is a place that supports people to live healthy lives.”

Over the past 18 months parks and green spaces have played a vital role for people throughout the pandemic as a place to relax, exercise and meet friends and family safely as the Green Flag Award highlights some of the best of these open spaces.