Published on Wednesday 10 August 2022
Once again, BCP Council is celebrating after receiving 23 Green Flag Awards for its much-loved and well maintained green spaces and parks.
The Green Flag Award is the international quality mark for parks and green spaces. The scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard across the UK, and around the world.
In addition, Hengistbury Head, Upton Country Park and Poole Park have once again achieved the much-coveted Green Heritage Site Accreditation for its management of the historic features. This special accreditation is supported by Historic England.
The council’s parks and green spaces play a vital role in supporting our vibrant communities, giving everyone places to relax, exercise and meet friends and family.
Councillor Mark Anderson, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Place, said: "Yet again, I’m so very proud of our parks and open spaces that have been awarded Green Flags across the BCP area. This is fantastic news for both residents and visitors, as it shows we are maintaining our green spaces to the highest standards, whilst ensuring a legacy for future generations.
"As a council, we continue to recognise that our parks are essential in supporting health and wellbeing, and we remain committed to protecting and enhancing our unique, and biodiverse, natural environment.
"These awards are a credit to our parks and open spaces officers who are passionate about maintaining our green spaces. I would also like to especially thank our dedicated park volunteers for all they do in their local community, working alongside the parks team on everything from litter picking to heathland management and supporting our visitor centres, which is very much appreciated."
Councillor Sean Gabriel, Chair of Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee, BCP Council who attended the flag bearing at Coy Pond in place of Cllr Anderson said: "These awards really demonstrate the pride that our parks staff, working alongside dedicated volunteers, feel towards our parks and open spaces. The hard work that goes into maintaining and improving all our green spaces is immense, it’s a never ending job, and to be awarded 23 Green Flags really highlights a fantastic partnership approach – like the one seen at Coy Pond – which enormously benefits all our residents who use these spaces."
The 23 parks and open spaces maintained by BCP Council that received a Green Flag in 2022 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
Commenting on the recent announcement, Keep Britain Tidy’s Accreditation Manager, Paul Todd, said: "I would like to congratulate everyone involved in making our parks across the UK worthy of a Green Flag Award. These awards are testament to all the hard work of staff and volunteers, who do so much to ensure that we maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award."
Christchurch Quay and Roeshot Hill Allotments in the BCP area also received Green Flag Awards this year. In addition, the Friends of Coy Pond volunteer group (pictured) were awarded a Green Flag Community Award which celebrates how well a site relates to and encompasses the local and wider community.