City parks named among the UK’s best

Six parks maintained by Derby City Council have been named among the best in the UK after being awarded Green Flag status.

Alvaston Park, Chaddesden Park, Darley Park, Markeaton Park, Sunnydale Park Local Nature Reserve and Derby Arboretum have all received a 2023 Green Flag Award in recognition of their high standard.

The accreditation is regarded as the international quality mark for parks and green spaces.

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The scheme also includes the Green Flag Community Award, which recognises excellence at sites managed by community groups and volunteers. In Derby, eight sites have received the award.

For the third time, Derby Arboretum has been awarded Green Heritage Site Accreditation, supported by Historic England, for the management of its historic features.

Councillor Hardyal Dhindsa, the city council’s cabinet member for communities and Streetpride, said: “It’s wonderful news that so many of Derby’s parks and green spaces have again been recognised with Green Flag Awards.

“We are so fortunate that the city has so many beautiful open spaces that people can enjoy all year round.

“This recognition is testament to the hard work and dedication shown by the council’s teams – as well as the community groups and volunteers – who look after our parks and make them spaces we can all be proud of.”

The Green Flag Award scheme is managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

Scheme manager Paul Todd MBE said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved at Derby’s parks in achieving the Green Flag Awards.

“The parks are vital green spaces for the community in Derby, bringing people together and providing opportunities to lead healthy lifestyles.

“The staff and volunteers do so much to ensure that it maintains the high standards of the Green Flag Award, and everyone involved should feel extremely proud of their achievement.”