Kirklees celebrates with Green Flag Awards for six parks
Our parks and green spaces have been recognised with Green Flag Awards, the international quality mark for well-managed parks.
Which parks have received awards?
Greenhead Park, Oakwell Hall Country Park, Wilton Park, Crow Nest Park, Beaumont Park and Castle Hill have all received the award for their highest possible environmental standards and in recognition of the hard work of staff and volunteers who help to maintain these quality spaces for everyone to enjoy.
Oakwell Hall is also one of just 109 winners of the coveted Green Heritage Site Accreditation for the management of historic features. The Accreditation is supported by Historic England.
Cllr Rob Walker, Cabinet Member for Culture and Environment, said:
“It’s wonderful to see that six of our parks or green spaces have received a Green Flag Award.
Given current times these recreational places provide a lifeline and they’ve never been more appreciated by the many people who visit them. As well as a place to meet outside and relax, our parks provide a wealth of natural wildlife, exercise opportunities, space to be with the family and a much needed boost to mental-wellbeing.
Maintaining such high standards isn’t easy and I’d like to thank our staff, and all the volunteers, who help to look after such beautiful surroundings for the benefit of everyone. Their continued hard work and dedication, in all weathers and throughout difficult times, is recognised with these prestigious awards.”
A 1,000-strong, volunteer judging panel awarded Green Flags to a record 2,061 green and open spaces worldwide for 2020/21. The announcement, normally made in July, was delayed this year due to Covid-19.
Paul Todd – Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, said:
“Parks and green spaces have never been more important for the physical and mental health of everyone.”
All the research shows that spending time in good-quality green space can improve people’s health and wellbeing, that is why it is important that they are managed to the recognised standard of the Green Flag Award. This is now something that millions more recognise after the challenges of the past six months. All those involved in the Green Flag Award should be congratulated on their achievement.”
What is the Green Flag Award scheme?
The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of recreational outdoor spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.
I was born just outside Greenhead Park, 84 years ago, and have played there and visited it all my life. In my opinion it is the finest park in the north of England. A credit to the gardeners and other people who work in it and to the volunteers who help to keep it looking so good.