Parks and gardens achieve ‘Green Flag’ awards

(Date of issue: Monday, 27 July 2009)

It is 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 2009/10 Green Flag Award, the national standard for parks and green spaces, were announced last Wednesday and Thursday at an event held in Bournemouth. The Carlisle City Council parks and gardens were six of 917 green spaces across England and Wales to achieve the standard.

Covering more than 18 acres, it is the seventh time Bitts Park has been awarded a Green Flag. Hammond’s Pond has also been granted the distinction for the fifth time, it is the fourth time that Kingmoor Nature Reserve has received the award and Carlisle Cemetery and Tullie House are third time winners. Stanwix Churchyard has retained their award, after being first time winners last year.

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 supported by Communities and Local Government (CLG) and is now run by a consortium of Keep Britain Tidy, GreenSpace and BTCV. The scheme recognises the value of green spaces in communities, particularly urban environments, and rewards excellent standards of park management.