Green spaces lead the way in heritage and conservation

© The Civic Trust A total of 42 open spaces has joined the best list of parks and green spaces excelling in conservation and heritage with today’s announcement of 743 Green Flag Award winners.

A record 743 green spaces across the country, all freely accessible to the public, have received a Green Flag Award - the national standard for quality parks and green spaces. Of those, 42 have also received Green Heritage Site Accreditation, which is sponsored by English Heritage to promote best practice in the understanding, care, upkeep and promotion of green spaces that are of heritage interest in England.

John Watkins, Head of Gardens and Landscapes at English Heritage, said: "Green Heritage Site Accreditation shows that a park’s history has been understood and is considered in the way that the park is used by the local community. Historic open spaces provide a link with the past, a resource for learning, a space for community events, and help to create a sense of pride in our shared heritage. Receiving Green Heritage Site status is an excellent way to create community interest in a site’s local heritage, to draw attention to the importance of that heritage and to show that it has a long-term future. I’m delighted that the number of sites receiving Green Heritage Site status this year has increased yet again and I hope that we can build on this success in the future."

© The Civic Trust Paul Todd, Green Flag Award scheme Application Manager, said: “The increasing number of Green Flag Award winning parks and green spaces highlight the important role they play in bringing people together and improving their quality of life. Congratulations to all the management, staff, and in particular, thousands of volunteers whose hard work and dedication has brought this award of excellence.”

Following the announcement of winners from Bellingham Green in London at 2.30pm today, all this year’s Green Heritage Site Accreditation winners can be viewed on the Green Flag Award website

All winners will celebrate their achievements at a major ceremony at Liverpool Arena and Conference Centre on Thursday 24th July.

For information on all winners please visit the Green Flag Award website