Published on Thursday 14 October 2021
Today, Green Flags will be raised across the BCP area with pride. 23 of BCP Council’s outstanding parks and open spaces have been awarded a Green Flag Award, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy. The scheme, licensed by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for their management across the United Kingdom and around the world.
In addition, Hengistbury Head, Upton Country Park and, for the first time, Poole Park have also achieved the much-coveted Green Heritage Site Accreditation for its management of the historic features. This special accreditation is supported by Historic England. Poole Park is recognised following £2.7m of investment from the Parks for People restoration programme, run by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund.
Councillor Mark Anderson, Portfolio Holder for Environment, Cleansing and Waste, said: "I am once again 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 parks and open spaces have been such a lifeline to everyone during a difficult 18 months.
"As a council, we recognise that our green spaces are vital to our everyday health and wellbeing, and we are committed to protecting and enhancing our outstanding natural environment and preserving it for generations to come.
"These awards highlight what a fantastic job our Parks Team do, in maintaining our green spaces to the highest standards required, despite so many challenges. I would also like to mention and especially thank our dedicated volunteers who provide so much valuable support for our open spaces, everything from litter picking and keeping paths clear, to heathland management and supporting our visitor centres."
The 23 parks and open spaces maintained by BCP Council that received a Green Flag in 2021 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 announcement of this year’s winners, Keep Britain Tidy Chief Executive Allison Ogden-Newton OBE said: "As Green Flag Award celebrates 25 years of raising the standard, Keep Britain Tidy is delighted to be the custodian of a scheme that does so much to ensure our parks and green spaces go from strength to strength.
"At a time when parks have been at the heart of every community across the country it is perhaps not surprising that 95% of the public thinks that their local parks and green spaces need to be protected.
"This is why the Green Flag Award is so important. It ensures that parks and green spaces are managed to the highest standards and are safe and accessible for everyone to enjoy and we look forward to the next 25 years."
Christchurch Quay and Roeshot Hill Allotments in the BCP area also received Green Flag Awards this year.