WORCESTER Woods Country Park has become the first in the country to receive a prestigious new accreditation.

The natural space which is near to County Hall has become the first accredited country park under Natural England`s Country Parks Accreditation Scheme.

The national scheme, launched in August, aims to ensure visitors to country parks know what services to expect, such as access and if lavatories are on the site.

The scheme is meant to complement others, such as the Green Flag Award, and it is hoped it will encourage more people from cities, towns and villages to visit country parks.

Liz Nether, senior countryside sites officer for Worcestershire County Council, said: “While the Green Flag award tells you a country park is well-managed it doesn’t tell you what facilities are available, which the Natural England accreditation scheme does.

“Accreditation means that visitors should expect minimum facilities.

“For example, at Worcester Woods we have two waymarked trails, a public bus line to the country park, leaflets, family events, activities and a visitor centre.”

Site managers, who believe they deliver the core facilities and services expected of a country park, are invited to apply for accredited country park status.

Further information is available at naturalengland.org.uk. To receive an application form e-mail cpas@naturalengland.org.uk or telephone 0300 0601115.