Lakeside Nature Reserve in Ash – Photo David Reading

Guildford’s parks and green spaces have once again been recognised for being beautifully maintained with another Green Flag national award.

This year’s newest addition, Lakeside Nature Reserve in Ash, raises the total number of park sites across the borough to eight. Other sites are the Riverside Nature Reserve, Allen House Grounds, Guildford Castle Grounds, Sutherland Memorial Park, Guildford Crematorium, Chilworth Gunpowder Mills and Stoke Park.

The entrance to the new Nature Reserve in Ash – Photo David Reading

The award also recognises a high level of environmental and visitor facility standards. In a council press release a spokesperson said that it retians Guildford Borough’s status, “as one of the best areas to visit in the South East.”

The press statement continues: “This new award is particularly special as Lakeside is Guildford’s second Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) area to be recognised. Now two of our four SANG sites hold Green Flag recognition.

The Riverside Board Walk

“Riverside Nature Reserve, the 33-hectare area alongside the River Wey to the North of Guildford, was the first SANG to gain the award. SANGs are green spaces that provide recreation opportunities in a natural setting to reduce visitor pressure within the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area.

Cllr David Bilbe

Councillor David Bilbe (Con, Normandy), lead councillor for “urban parks & recreation and countryside & rural” says: “We are delighted to receive the awards again this year and especially to add another SANG area.

“I’d like to thank our parks team, whose hard work all year round keeps our parks and green spaces looking great for everyone to enjoy. They are responsible for 52 countryside sites and 65 parks and green sites which together with other facilities totals a substantial 2,600 acres.”

He went on: “A Green Flag Award not only indicates to the public that the green space meets the highest standards and provides national recognition for all the parks managers, staff and volunteers who, through their dedication and hard work, have helped to create and maintain these fantastic places.”

Guildford Castle Grounds

The national award, now into its third decade, is similar to Blue Flag for beaches. This year 1,883 Green Flags were awarded to green spaces both large and small across the UK, almost 100 more than in 2017.

The spaces are assessed according to eight strict criteria including sustainability, community involvement, horticultural standards, and cleanliness.

More information on Guildford’s parks and green spaces can be found at: www.guildford.gov.uk/parksplaygroundsandgreenspaces