Awards scheme gives city parks six of the best

Six public parks belonging to Derby City Council have been officially recognised as being among the best green spaces in the country.

Alvaston Park, Chaddesden Park, Darley Park, Markeaton Park, Sunnydale Park Local Nature Reserve and Derby Arboretum have all won Full Green Flag Awards, the international mark of quality for being well-managed.

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 UK and around the world.

In addition to its Green Flag Award, Derby Arboretum has also achieved the Green Heritage Site Accreditation, supported by Historic England, for the management of its historic features.

And a total of 14 sites across the city have received the Community Green Flag Award.

Councillor Jerry Pearce, the city council’s cabinet member for Streetpride, leisure and public spaces, said “What a fantastic achievement to be able to fly the Green Flag in these six parks again this year.

“After a tough two years that has seen our parks and green spaces play a vital role in helping people to relax, exercise and safely meet friends and family, we’re delighted to receive this recognition once again.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has been involved with the upkeep of these locations and encourage everyone to visit them this summer – whether that be to attend one of the many events, or just to take in the scenery.”

Paul Todd, accreditation manager at Keep Britain Tidy, said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved in making Derby’s parks worthy of Green Flag Awards.

“Derby’s parks are vital green space for the community. This award is testament to all the hard work of staff and volunteers, who do so much to ensure that they maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Awards.”