Two Dorchester sites have been awarded a Green Flag Award, the international quality mark for parks and green spaces.

The Burrough Gardens and Thorncombe Woods have been recognised by the Green Flag Scheme as some of the very best in the world.

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

A spokesman for the Borough Gardens said: "The gardens have been awarded a prestigious Green Flag for the 14th time.

"What makes the news even more welcome is that for the first time ever, the scores for the Borough Gardens are in the highest possible category, marking a great achievement for the hardworking team.

"This international award is a recognition of the hard work and effort that the team put in to make sure the gardens are at the best all year round for visitors of all ages to enjoy."

Dorset Council had six sites - including Thorncombe Woods - receive the award, a record for the county. These were Moors Valley, Avon Heath, Durlston Country Park and the Milldown and Stour Meadows in Blandford.

Paul Todd, Green Flag Award scheme manager, said: "I would like to congratulate everyone involved in making Dorset Council worthy of this achievement.

"To meet the requirements demanded by the scheme is a testament to the hard work of the staff and volunteers who do so much to ensure these parks have high standards of horticulture, safety and environmental management and is a place that supports people to live healthy lives."

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.

Councillor Ray Bryan, Dorset Council's portfolio holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said: "In the last year we have all been reminded how important our country parks and greenspaces have been to the public and visitors to Dorset. Places where we can enjoy wildlife, landscape, outdoor activities of Dorset or just catching up with friends in the fresh air.

"Winning these six awards is recognition of what superb parks we have and a way of saying thank you to the staff and volunteers that maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award."

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