THE Boscombe Overcliff Gardens and Nature Reserve has become the 18th Bournemouth open space to secure prestigious Green Flag status.

Three Poole parks have also been awarded their green flags.

Upton Country Park, Poole Park, and Hamworthy Park have been recognised for being among some of the UK's most beautiful open spaces.

This year's awards mark the twelfth consecutive year that Upton Country Park has received Green Flag status, the tenth time for Poole Park, and the eighth for Hamworthy.

Boscombe Overcliff Gardens and Nature Reserve, which wins its first Green Flag award this year, joins Bournemouth's other Green Flag sites.

The town's Lower, Central, and Upper Gardens have held Green Flag status sine 1999.

Bournemouth Council's housing and communities portfolio holder Cllr Robert Lawton said: "We are absolutely delighted to receive another Green Flag Award from Keep Britain Tidy. This is the first award for the site and brings the total to 18 across Bournemouth.

"This award recognises and highlights that people in Bournemouth are really benefitting from a green space of the highest quality, which is excellent news."

Meanwhile, Borough of Poole environment member Cllr John Rampton said: "We are extremely proud of the wide variety and quality of green, open spaces across Poole, and they are truly deserved of the Green Flag awards.

"This recognition celebrates the extensive hard work of volunteers and council staff, which ensures that the parks remain places for residents and visitors to enjoy all year round."

Meanwhile, Boscombe Overcliff Gardens and Nature Reserve's award brings to the total of

Organised by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, on behalf of the Department of Communities and Local Government, the Green Flag scheme, which this year was awarded to over 1,500 open spaces, assesses each site against eight criteria.

These include horticultural standards, cleanliness, community involvement and maintenance, and are judged by 700 ‘green space experts’ who volunteer.