Published on Tuesday 16 July 2019
Littledown Park in Bournemouth – operated by BH Live – is the latest BCP Council park to have been recognised by the Green Flag Award Scheme as one of the very best in the world. Littledown joins 23 other green spaces across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole that have been awarded recognition, highlighting the quality of the parks and open spaces across the conurbation.
The Green Flag is an international award run by the charity Keep Britain Tidy which sets the benchmark for excellence in recreational outdoor spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world. Littledown is among a record-breaking 1,970 UK parks and green spaces and 131 in thirteen other countries around the world, that will today receive a prestigious Green Flag Award. This international award, now into its third decade, is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.
In addition to Littledown Park’s award, Upton Country Park in Poole has been recognised as a coveted Green Heritage Site for the management of historic features. Green Heritage Sites are recognised as valued spaces often at the heart of local communities, providing an important, distinctive and cherished part of the country.
Councillor Felicity Rice, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment and Climate Change commented
"We are very proud of our parks and open spaces and are delighted that Littledown Park has joined the prestigious list of Green Flags awarded across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
"These awards are a testament to the dedication of not only the staff who work hard maintaining and enhancing these public spaces all year round, but also to the volunteer groups who tirelessly devote their time and passion working alongside our parks team, to ensure these spaces are enjoyed by all. With both the climate crisis and public health crisis regarding sedentary lifestyles, it is essential to protect and enhance our parks for future generations to enjoy."
International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: "It’s fantastic that we have more Green Flag Awards in the UK than ever before, joined this year by 131 International winners."
"Each flag honours the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award. We congratulate each and every winner on their fantastic achievement."
The 24 parks and open spaces across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole that received a Green Flag in 2019 include:
- Littledown Park (operated by BH Live)
- Pelhams Park
- Slades Farm
- Kinson Common
- Redhill Park and Common
- Bournemouth Upper, Central and Lower Gardens
- Alum Chine including Argyll Gardens
- Stour Valley
- Muscliffe Park
- North Cemetery
- Winton Recreation Ground
- Queen’s Park
- Springbourne Gardens
- Fisherman’s Walk
- Boscombe Chine Gardens
- Seafield Gardens
- Tuckton Tea Gardens and Riverlands
- Moore Avenue Community Park
- Christchurch Quay (in partnership with Christchurch Town Council)
- Hamworthy Park
- Poole Park
- Upton Country Park – Green Heritage Site 2019
- Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve (Green Heritage Site)
- The Royal Bournemouth Hospital – which is managed separately – also holds a Green Flag.
The awards have been timed to coincide with Love Parks Week from the 12-21 July, encouraging everyone to get out and enjoy their favourite park. For a full list of parks run by BCP Council, please visit www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk.