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 2024 Green Flag Award in recognition of their high standard.

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, is regarded as the international quality mark for parks and green spaces.

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

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

Councillor Ndukwe Onuoha, the city council’s cabinet member for Streetpride, public safety and leisure, said: “These Green Flag Awards are a well-deserved recognition of the vital role these open spaces play in the health and wellbeing of Derby’s citizens.

“We’re all very lucky that the city has so many beautiful open spaces that people can enjoy all year round.”