Five parks in Buckinghamshire have been given Green Flag status, awarded to the best parks in the country.
The Green Flag Award scheme is managed by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, under licence from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC). It recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces.
Bedgrove Park and Vale Park in Aylesbury, Heartlands Park in Buckingham, Higginson Park in Marlow and Hughenden Park in High Wycombe have all been recognised.
The criteria used to assess the parks includes:
- A welcoming place
- Healthy, safe and secure
- Well maintained and clean
- Environmental management
- Biodiversity, landscape and heritage
- Community involvement
- Marketing and communication
- Overall management
In total 2,208 parks and open spaces across the country achieved Green Flag status, the most since the scheme began 26 years ago.
Clive Harriss, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure said: "I am delighted that five of our parks have successfully retained their coveted Green Flag status and it's great to be celebrating this success during Love Parks Week.
“The pandemic highlighted just how important access to green, open space is for our mental and physical health and wellbeing. We are lucky to have such a wide range of parks and open spaces in Buckinghamshire with something to suit all tastes and needs and even better, they are completely free for everyone to enjoy!"
"I would also like to thank all our staff and contractors who work hard all year round to keep our parks so well maintained and welcoming for visitors."
Commenting on Buckinghamshire's success, Keep Britain Tidy's Accreditation Manager Paul Todd said: "I would like to congratulate everyone involved in making these five parks in Buckinghamshire worthy of a Green Flag Award.
"These are vital green spaces for the local community. These awards are testament to all the hard work of staff and volunteers who do so much to ensure that they maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award."
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