Outstanding success for Moors Valley at the Dorset Tourism Awards (February 2022)
Staff and volunteers at Moors Valley Country Park and Forest near Ringwood are celebrating success in the 2022 Dorset Tourism Awards.
The prestigious annual awards celebrate the best in tourism across the county in a variety of categories.
Moors Valley Country Park and Forest was awarded Gold in the competitive Large Visitor Attraction category, the fourth time the park has received an award in this category. Jointly owned and managed by Dorset Council and Forestry England, Moors Valley offers visitors a unique combination of outdoor play, countryside recreation, environmental education, a working forest and diverse wildlife for everyone to enjoy in a safe outdoor environment.
Several new attractions have been added at Moors Valley this year including a Music Trail and the Superworm Trail, a fun themed 1.3km woodland trail for all the family, running throughout the year.
Linda Laker, Forestry England’s Recreation Manager for Dorset, said: “We are delighted to have been chosen for this award and it is a great credit to all of the staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to make Moors Valley Country Park and Forest such a great place to visit.
It’s been a challenging and unimaginable two years for everyone in the tourism industry and this award helps to demonstrate how Moors Valley has not just survived as a destination but thrived, and it also recognises all the hard work and passion that every team member has shown. We are feeling very proud!
Forests have a unique opportunity to connect people back to the natural environment and get us all outside and active. We look forward to welcoming old and new visitors to experience a great day out in the Forest.”
Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that Moors Valley have been recognised in the Dorset Tourism Awards. It demonstrates that our country parks are continuing to thrive as visitor destinations and it’s something for Dorset Council to be very proud of.”
“Moors Valley Country Park seems to go from strength to strength year after year with its family-focussed trails, which proved hugely popular last summer, bringing in record numbers of visitors.”
“We’re confident that the many exciting developments in our country parks across Dorset will continue to drive growth, helping to attract visitors from further afield as well as boosting tourism.”
Christine Hughes, onsite cleaner at Moors Valley was awarded Gold in the Unsung Hero category. The award is in recognition of her continuous commitment and hard work to keep visitors, staff and volunteers safe throughout the pandemic. Christine was nominated by the ranger team for her exceptional attitude and efforts to ensure all facilities were clean and hygienic.
Christine, said “I’m overwhelmed, it’s wonderful to know that I’m recognised and appreciated.”
“I take great pride in my work and I’m honoured to be part of an amazing, friendly team.”
“A good team that works together with passion and enthusiasm can achieve the best in everything they do.”
Karl Prince, Moors Valley Manager, said “Christine has been an invaluable asset to the ranger team and the service we provide our visitors. Her hard work and dedication to Moors Valley is an inspiration to the whole team.”
ENDS