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• Best Parks named in England and Wales

• Date:

  19th July 2005

• Contact:

  Sarah Egerton

• Organisation:

  The Civic Trust

The best parks in England and Wales were named today with the announcement of 322 Green Flag Award winners.

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by the Civic Trust, is the national standard for parks and green spaces. Winners vary from Victorian parks and town centre gardens to nature reserves, country parks and cemeteries. Sites must be judged to be welcoming, safe and well maintained with the strong involvement of the local community.

The record number of winners represents a 26% increase on the number of awards given last year, yet more evidence that the quality of our parks is continuing to climb. More people – 71% - are also satisfied with the quality of their local parks.

Lord’s Minister for Housing and Planning, Kay Andrews, said:

“I’m delighted that there are more Green Flag Award winners this year than ever before. It is yet more evidence that our parks are on the up and that more people are enjoying green space of the highest standard.

“We all know that good quality parks are jewels in the crown of any community. These open-air leisure centres are places where people can relax, exercise and play. And the best thing of all is that they are free for everyone to use.

“The Green Flag Award scheme rewards our country’s best parks but everyone should be able to enjoy good quality green space and this is central to the Government’s commitment to create sustainable communities for all. The Awards show that the quality of recreational space matters and I hope this year’s winners will inspire others to make their park a place that the whole community can be proud of.”

The Green Flag Award scheme’s programme manager, Paul Todd, said:

“As a charity concerned with urban renaissance, the Civic Trust is delighted to once again announce such a rapid growth in winners.

“It is fantastic to see the number of winning sites increase by 69 this year – so many more parks and green spaces with the hallmark of the Green Flag Award for people to enjoy. Plus, the recently launched Green Flag Award events guide - the first of its kind - means people can find up-to-the-minute information at the click of a button.

“It is the thousands of dedicated parks staff and local societies, friends groups and passionate individuals who are making this happen. Well done to all those people who have put so much hard work into providing these vital green spaces - they are helping to make better places for everyone.”

In addition, 42 community run sites were awarded a Green Pennant Award and 14 sites achieved Green Heritage Site Accreditation.

All winners will be awarded their Green Flags at three regional ceremonies taking place simultaneously at London’s Guildhall, Manchester’s Town Hall and Swansea’s Brangwyn Hall on July 28.

The Green Flag Award is a key component of the Government’s commitment to create cleaner, safer, green communities. A Summit in Sheffield on Friday 22 July will bring together central and local government to consider how to further improve the standards of parks and public spaces across the country.