A prestigious award that recognises the best green spaces in the UK has been given to nine Dorset parks – and now the scheme wants to know which one is your favourite.
The list of Green Flag Award winners, which recognises and rewards excellence in recreational spaces as well as encouraging high environmental standards, includes:
. Avon Heath Country Park
. Stour Meadows
. The Milldown
. Thorncombe Wood Local Nature Reserve
Now, we’re being asked to vote for which one should make the top spot in the People’s Choice Award for being the UK’s favourite.
So, whether you enjoy visiting a park or green space to play football, walk the dog, exercise or simply get away from the hustle and bustle, if you think your Dorset favourite deserves to be in the top 10 People’s Choice, now is the time to cast your vote.
Councillor Daryl Turner, Cabinet member for natural and built environment said:
“Our parks and open spaces are a vital part of what makes Dorset a county where people want to live, work and visit.
“I’m delighted that nine of our green spaces have already been recognised as unique and I’d urge everyone to get involved in the vote as any one of these places are deserving of a national recognition.
“Having somewhere well-maintained and enjoyable to spend time in is beneficial for everyone’s physical and mental wellbeing, so this is a good opportunity to be proud of what Dorset has to offer.”
Paul Todd, Green Flag award manager added: “This year 1,883 parks and green spaces met the tough standards demanded by our Green Flag Award Judges but we want to know which parks the UK public love the most.
“The People’s Choice award is a chance to show how much your favourite park means to you. If it’s worth shouting about, make your voice heard and vote now.”
To see the full list, find your park on the winners’ map and cast your vote. Click here to see the full list, find your park on the winners’ map and cast your vote.
Once you’ve registered your vote, you can encourage others to get involved too through social media using the hashtag #PeoplesChoice.
Voting closes 30 September, with the top 10 sites being announced on 16 October.