Parks and gardens achieve ‘Green Flag’ awards

(Date of issue: Wednesday, 16 July 2008)

It’s official - Carlisle’s Bitts Park, Carlisle Cemetery grounds, Hammond’s Pond, Kingmoor Nature Reserve, Tullie House Gardens and Stanwix Churchyard are some of the best green spaces in England and Wales.

The winners of the 2008/09 Green Flag Award, the national standard for parks and green spaces, will be announced tomorrow (Thursday, 17 July). The Carlisle City Council parks and gardens will be six of 742 green spaces across England and Wales to achieve the standard.

Covering more than 18 acres, it is the sixth time Bitts Park has been awarded a Green Flag. Hammond’s Pond has also been granted the distinction for the fourth time, it is the third time that Kingmoor Nature Reserve has received the award and Carlisle Cemetery and Tullie House are second time winners.

Carlisle City Cllr Ray Bloxham, Portfolio holder for Environment and Infrastructure said:

"The Green Flag awards are another stamp of approval for Carlisle and its green spaces. Within the county, we are leading the way with a staggering six awards.

"This year’s awards are testament to the countless hours of hard work put in by the Council’s grounds staff. They ensure that we have areas of great beauty and tranquillity that benefit our residents and visitors alike. Well done to all concerned."

The Green Flag Award scheme is the national standard for parks and green spaces. It is managed by the Civic Trust. The scheme recognises the value of green spaces in communities, particularly urban environments, and rewards excellent standards of park management.

Carlisle was awarded a Silver award in the prestigious Britain In Bloom horticultural competition in 2007. The city is entered in the Cumbria in Bloom Competition again this year. Judging will take place tomorrow (Thursday, 17 July).