Guildford Parks and Green Spaces Win Awards

Published on: 2 Aug, 2014
Updated on: 5 Aug, 2014

The Castle Grounds in spring this year (2014).

Seven Guildford green spaces are among the best in the country according to Keep Britain Tidy.

Green Flags have been awarded to Allen House Grounds, the Castle Grounds, Riverside Nature Reserve, Stoke Park and Sutherland Memorial Park. Guildford Crematorium and Stoke Cemetery were also recognised for their well-kept grounds.

Cllr Matt Furniss (Con, Christchurch), lead councillor for environment says: “Once again our parks have been recognised as among the best in the country. We work very hard to keep up such a high standard so that local people and visitors can enjoy our beautiful parks all year-round.”

Guildford Borough Council have budgeted over £5 million for Parks and Leisure services this financial year. It is one of their biggest expenditure items.

Cllr Matt Furniss, lead councillor for the environment

The Keep Britain Tidy award recognises and rewards the best parks and green spaces across the country. A Green Flag flying overhead is a sign to the public that the space meets the highest possible standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent facilities.

The awards are judged by an army of more than 700 volunteer experts who visit applicant sites and assess them against eight strict criteria, including horticultural standards, cleanliness, sustainability and community involvement.

This year a record 1,476 parks, cemeteries, universities, shopping centres and community gardens, nationwide, have met the high standard needed.

Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd adds: “We are delighted to announce yet another record-breaking year for Green Flag Award parks and green spaces.

“A Green Flag Award provides national recognition for all the parks managers, staff and volunteers who, through their dedication and hard work, have helped to create these fantastic places for everyone to enjoy.

“Quality green spaces are a vital resource for communities and that is why it is so significant that we have given out more awards than ever before.”

Do you have any photographs that show off any of the award winning parks and green spaces in Guildford? If so, please send them in to guildford.dragon@gmail.com. The best will be added to this article.

Another view of the award winning Castle Grounds.

Jim Allen has very kindly sent in a whole set of photos taken in the Riverside Nature Reserve, one of Guildford’s Green Flag winners. Here is just one to tempt you…