Today, the best parks and green spaces across the UK will be raising their Green Flag Award with pride in a year when millions of people have seen the value of having great quality green spaces on their doorstep.

Five parks and green spaces across the Dorset Council area have been awarded a Green Flag Award, representing the mark of a quality park or green space.

Avon Heath Country Park, near Ringwood, Durlston Country Park in Swanage, Thorncombe Woods near Dorchester, and the Milldown and Stour Meadows in Blandford, have been recognised by the Green Flag Award Scheme as some of the very best in the world.

Each of our parks and open spaces offer visitors a totally different experience. From the cliff-top nature reserve, teeming with bird life at Durlston, the historic Thorncombe Woods – Thomas Hardy’s birthplace or Stour Meadows where otters are regularly seen frolicking in the River.

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.

Commenting on Dorset’s success, Keep Britain Tidy Chief Executive Allison Ogden-Newton OBE said: “This year, more than ever, our parks and green spaces have been a lifeline and we know that millions of people have used them to relax, meet friends, exercise or simply escape for a short time.

“It is testament to the incredible dedication and hard work of Dorset parks staff and volunteers that, despite the challenges of this year, Dorset’s parks have achieved the highest international standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.”

This international award, is a sign to the public that the space has the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.

Cllr Ray Bryan, Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said: “This year particularly we have been reminded how important our Greenspaces are for health and well-being, when other activities have been curtailed. We are incredibly fortunate to have such high-quality greenspaces to visit. Well done to all the employees who helped achieve these high standards”.