Councillor Kirsty North, the County Council’s Cabinet Member for Universal Services, said: “We know how much residents value green spaces and what they can offer in terms of wellbeing, so it is great news to secure this internationally recognised quality mark once again for our Country Parks. A Green Flag symbol shows visitors that they can expect a fantastic day out in a space that meets stringent standards. This is an accolade we share with the many volunteers who give their spare time to support these important places. Every Country Park has a special character and with the summer holidays about to start, a trip to any of our sites is a fantastic option for families.”
The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.
Each of Hampshire’s five country parks offers something unique:
• Lepe Country Park on the coast of the New Forest offers a café and visitor centre boasting views of the Solent and Isle of Wight, a sensory garden and fantastic coastal and countryside walks.
• Queen Elizabeth Country Park, near Petersfield, is Hampshire's biggest Country Park with more than 2000 acres of woodland and downland – it has an emphasis on outdoor pursuits, offering a range of attractions for cyclists. The park’s visitor centre has been recently transformed to include a bigger restaurant, more welcoming entrance, and outdoor sheltered area.
• Royal Victoria Country Park sits on the shores of Southampton Water, near Netley. The refurbishment of its historic Chapel, the only remaining part of what was once the world’s largest military hospital of its time, provides a popular historic attraction for visitors. The park also now also boasts a restaurant serving hand-made pizzas, in an historic restored building.
• River Hamble Country Park, near Bursledon, offers a wide range of walking, cycling and horse riding routes in the woods and along the banks of the River Hamble. The Barn visitor hub includes a café, outdoor play for all ages and trails for families.
• Staunton Country Park, near Havant, offers the perfect venue for keen walkers, cyclists and anglers. The Country Park has a visitor centre where you can discover all about the history of the Country Park and a tearoom in the Victorian Coachhouse. The Regency landscape has been restored with follies, exotic trees and shrubs, and a beautiful walled garden.