Dorset parks and green spaces pick up Green Flag Awards 2024

Ten locations across the Dorset Council area including Weymouth, Portland and Dorchester have all been awarded Green Flag Awards.

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.

Sandsfoot and Greenhill Gardens in Weymouth (Image: Weymouth Town Council)

Weymouth mayor Jon Orrell has described Greenhill and Sansdfoot Gardens picking up the award as a 'fantastic achievement' and praised the hard work of volunteers and council workers.

READ: Weymouth Beach awarded Blue Flag and Seaside Award

He added: "Huge congratulations to Weymouth Town Council’s gardeners and the Friends’ groups for all the hard work that’s gone in to retaining the Green Flag status at both Greenhill Gardens and Sandsfoot Gardens for another year.”

Easton Gardens on Portland (Image: Portland Town Council)

Elsewhere, Easton Gardens on Portland also retained its Green Flag status with the town council also thanking the ‘hard working members’ of its green team.

In Dorchester, Borough Gardens once again maintained its status with the town's mayor Robin Potter describing the news as ‘fantastic’ and was 'pleased' to have once again met the standards.

READ: Floral hanging baskets return to Dorchester town centre

He added: "I often visit the gardens and know they are always in fabulous condition which is a credit to the team whose hard work results in such a beautiful gardens for residents of Dorchester and visitors to enjoy.

Borough Gardens in Dorchester (Image: Dorchester Town Council)

"We are so lucky to have the gardens centrally located in Dorchester so people can easily access them to take a walk, sit and relax or just enjoy being outside."

The town will officially be raising the flag at its free Love Parks Day event on Thursday, July 25.

READ: Dorset children's park set for major restoration

Dorset Council is also celebrating awards for Thorncombe Wood, Black Heath and Hardy’s Birthplace sites, as well as Avon Heath Country Park, Stour Meadows, Milldown, and Durlston Country Park.

(Image: Dorset Council)

Durlston Country Park has also achieved the Green Heritage Site Accreditation, supported by Historic England, for the management and promotion of its historic features.

Cllr Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s cabinet member for place services, said: “I’m over the moon to learn that Dorset’s country parks and green spaces have once again been recognised as some of the best in the country.

“Spending time outdoors and connecting with nature is crucial for our mental and physical well-being, it also gives us a chance to meet new people and helps reduce loneliness."

Beach Gardens in Swanage also picked up the award which 'delighted' Cllr Debby Monkhouse chair of the town council's environment and green spaces committee.