15 of the City of London Corporation’s green spaces have been awarded Green Flag status.

The prestigious Green Flag Award recognises these sites as some of the very best managed open spaces in the world.

The international award is now into its third decade. It rewards well managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard across the UK and globally.

The Green Flag Awards Scheme is run every year by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy and overseen by a panel of expert judges.

The City Corporation protects and conserves 11,000 acres of green spaces in London and south east England – including Hampstead Heath and Burnham Beeches - and over 200 smaller ones in the Square Mile. They include important wildlife habitats, sites of scientific interest and national nature reserves and are protected from being built on by special legislation.

Thirteen of its sites have also received the Green Heritage Award in recognition of their historic features and high standard of conservation.

Oliver Sells QC, Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Open Spaces and City Gardens Committee, said:

“This year our green spaces have been more important than ever before.

“They have been a lifeline during the coronavirus pandemic, helping people get exercise and fresh air and benefitting both mental and physical health.

“These parks, heaths and forests are treasured by their local communities international visitors alike.

“I thank our staff and volunteers for the excellent job they do in maintaining these sites to such a high standard, keeping them accessible for all and giving people the opportunity to explore the natural world.”

The City Corporation’s sites are funded by over £29million a year from the organisation and include important wildlife habitats, Sites of Special Scientific Interest and National Nature Reserves. They are protected from being built on by special legislation.

Its green spaces, most of which are charitable trusts, are run at little or no cost to the communities that they serve.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Sites that have achieved both the Green Flag and Heritage Award:

Ashtead Common

Bunhill Fields

Burnham Beeches

City of London Cemetery and Crematorium

Epping Forest

Farthing Downs & New Hill

Hampstead Heath

Highgate Wood

Kenley Common

Queen’s Park

Riddlesdown

West Ham Park

West Wickham Common

Sites that have achieved the Green Flag Award only:

Coulsdon Common

Spring Park

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

Media enquires

Kristina Drake

Media Officer, City of London Corporation

Kristina.Drake@cityoflondon.gov.uk

07528256363