As the nation’s ten favourite parks are revealed following a month-long vote
In 2020, more people than ever have come to see the benefits of visiting our parks and green spaces, which have been at the heart of our lockdown lives. For millions of us, they have been a lifeline; a place to meet friends and family and exercise outside safely.
It’s not surprising then, that tens of thousands of people took part in a recent vote to uncover the country’s ten best Green Flag Award-winning parks and green spaces.
For the seventh year in a row, Victoria Park has been nominated by popular vote as one of the top ten parks in the country.
John Biggs, Mayor of Tower Hamlets, said: “Thanks to our amazing staff and volunteers, Victoria Park is a great place for recreation, sports, play, and relaxation. During Covid-19, this jewel in the borough’s crown, has proven to be even more valuable.
“I’d like to thank everyone who voted for Victoria Park and I am delighted that in 2020, it has been recognised in the Green Flag People’s Choice Awards, for the seventh year running.”
The Green Flag Award scheme is an internationally recognised quality standard for parks and green spaces, and this year a record-breaking 2,061 parks received an award. During the month of November, over 59,000 cast their ballot for their favourite park.
Paul Todd, International Green Flag Award manager, said: “I would like to congratulate our ten worthy winners and thank the thousands of parks staff and volunteers across the country who have gone the extra mile this year to ensure our country’s parks and green spaces remain such fantastic places to escape to and enjoy.”
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About the Green Flag awards
Keep Britain Tidy is a leading environmental charity that cares for the environment on your doorstep. They work to improve the quality of parks and green spaces, eliminate littering and reduce waste. They run programmes including Eco-Schools, the Green Flag Award for parks and green spaces and the Blue Flag/Seaside Awards for beaches. To find out more about Keep Britain Tidy, our programmes and campaigns visit www.keepbritaintidy.org
The Green Flag Awards Scheme (http://greenflagaward.org/) is run by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, under licence from the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government, in partnership with Keep Scotland Beautiful, Keep Wales Tidy and Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful.
The other nine parks in the top ten were:
- Cassiobury Park, Watford
- Hollycroft Park, Hinckley
- Margam Park, Port Talbot
- Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London
- Strathaven Park, South Lanarkshire
- Telford Town Park, Telford
- University of Essex Wivenhoe Park, Colchester
- Valentines Park, Ilford
- Warley Woods, Smethwick
Posted on Thursday 3rd December 2020