Waverley Borough Council is delighted to announce that ten of its fantastic parks and green spaces have been recognised by the Green Flag Award Scheme as some of the best in the world – the highest number the borough has ever achieved.
Blackheath Common, Frensham Great Pond & Common, Mare Hill Common, Bealeswood Common, Summerlands Estate, Lammas Lands, Broadwater Park, Phillips Memorial Park and Farnham Park have all received green flags for a further year. Winning a Green Flag for the first time is Weybourne Nature Reserve.
Farnham Park also won a much-coveted additional Heritage Award which is given to green spaces that achieve Green Flag Award standards and also actively promote the elements of their heritage that make them unique.
The green spaces which are all managed by the council, are among 2127 UK parks and green spaces that received a prestigious award this year.
This international Green Flag Award Scheme, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.
Councillor Liz Townsend, Waverley Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, Parks and Leisure, said: “We are absolutely delighted that even more of our beautiful parks and green spaces have, once again, received recognition; it is testament to the sterling work of our dedicated Parks and Countryside Team who maintain all our sites to such a high standard, our contractors Continental Landscapes and our amazing volunteers.”
Councillor Kika Mirylees, Waverley Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing and Culture said: “We know how much quality green spaces matter to residents and visitors, never more so than during the pandemic when getting out for exercise or relaxation in a safe environment played an even greater role. Well done to all those who help keep our green spaces looking so wonderful for our communities.”
The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.
For more information about the parks in Waverley, or to find out more about volunteering, visit our parks and countryside web page.