A country park under threat of being torn in half by a new Thames crossing has been named as one of Britain's best green spaces.

Keep Britain Tidy announced its award-winning parks for 2013 with Shorne Woods Country Park near Gravesend, Trosley Country Park in Meopham, and Lullingstone Country Park near Eynsford, scooping the prestigious Green Flag.

Shorne woods could be carved up should the government decide to opt for option C on its consultation for where to place a new Thames crossing over to Essex.

The country parks, managed by Kent County Council, are among 1,447 parks and green spaces that will this week receive a Green Flag.

KCC community boss Michael Hill said: "We are absolutely delighted to receive Green Flag Awards for Lullingstone for the first time, Trosley for the second and Shorne Woods Country Park for the sixth year.

"This award recognises and highlights that people in Kent are benefiting from a green space of the very highest quality."

The national award, handed out by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, recognises and rewards the best parks and green spaces across the country.

A Green Flag is a sign to visitors the space boasts the highest possible standards, is well maintained and has excellent facilities.

Shorne Woods Country Park offers 288 acres of ancient broadleaf woodlands and rolling meadows, ponds and wetlands teeming with dragonflies and other wildlife.

New for this summer is a play area for toddlers which adds to the existing adventure play equipment there for the older age group.

Lullingstone Country Park has a range of trails including those along the River Darent.

There is an internationally important collection of oak, hornbeam and ash trees - some of which are thought to be over 800 years old.

The country park also has chalk grassland that fills with displays of orchids and other wild flowers throughout the summer.

Trosley Country Park has a variety of trails and a cafe.

The chalk grassland at Trosley is classified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and supports an array of butterflies every summer.

To find out more about the parks, click here.