THE BCP area may be best known for its beautiful beaches. But the area has been blessed with some of the UK's greatest green spaces too, with Bournemouth's Littledown Park celebrating after winning its first Green Flag Award.

The international award is run by the charity Keep Britain Tidy which sets the benchmark for excellence in recreational outdoor spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.

Littledown is among a record-breaking 1,970 UK parks and green spaces and 131 in thirteen other countries that have received the prestigious accolade.

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

Littledown joins 24 other green spaces across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole that have been awarded recognition, highlighting the quality of the parks and open spaces across the conurbation.

And Littledown wasn't the only BCP space to find itself celebrating yesterday.

Upton Country Park in Poole has been recognised as a coveted Green Heritage Site for the management of historic features. Green Heritage Sites must be valued spaces, often at the heart of local communities, providing an important, distinctive and cherished part of the country.

Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment and Climate Change, Councillor Felicity Rice, said: “We are delighted that Littledown Park has joined the prestigious list of Green Flags awarded across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

“These awards are a testament to the dedication of not only the staff who work hard maintaining and enhancing these public spaces all year round, but also to the volunteer groups who tirelessly devote their time and passion working alongside our parks team, to ensure these spaces are enjoyed by all. With both the climate crisis and public health crisis regarding sedentary lifestyles, it is essential to protect and enhance our parks for future generations to enjoy.”

The 24 parks and open spaces across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole that received a Green Flag in 2019 include:

Littledown Park, which is operated by BH Live, Pelhams Park, Slades Farm, Kinson Common, Redhill Park and Common, Bournemouth Upper, Central and Lower Gardens, Alum Chine including Argyll Gardens, Stour Valley, Muscliffe Park, North Cemetery, Winton Recreation Ground, Queen’s Park, Springbourne Gardens, Fisherman’s Walk, Boscombe Chine Gardens, Boscombe Cliff Gardens and Local Nature Reserve, Seafield Gardens,Tuckton Tea Gardens and Riverlands, Moore Avenue Community Park,

Christchurch Quay (in partnership with Christchurch Town Council), Hamworthy Park, Poole Park, Hengisbury Head nature reserve and Upton Country Park Green Heritage Site 2019.

The Royal Bournemouth Hospital – which is managed separately – also holds a Green Flag.

The awards have been timed to coincide with Love Parks Week from the 12-21 July, encouraging everyone to get out and enjoy their favourite park.

n For a full list of parks run by BCP Council visit www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk