Itchen Valley Country Park awarded the Green Flag

Country park team receiving the Green Flag Award

Itchen Valley Country Park has just been voted one of the best open spaces in the country in a national awards scheme.

The park is well into its second decade of success in the Keep Britain Tidy charity’s Green Flag Award scheme, which is a nationally recognised mark of quality, confirming that it is well maintained, has excellent facilities and is professionally managed. The charity is celebrating as 2,208 parks – the largest number since the scheme began 26 years ago – are proudly preparing to raise their flags.

Commenting on the announcement of this year’s winners, Keep Britain Tidy’s Chief Executive, Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, said: “Parks are an essential part of our green infrastructure, playing a key role in our environmental sustainability. They are often the beating heart of a community, providing countless benefits to people and wildlife.

“Importantly, they provide a green haven for everybody to enjoy, regardless of their age, social status or ability to pay for access. It’s clear from our research that for quality green spaces to meaningfully contribute to our health and wellbeing, they must be universally accessible and fit for purpose.

“The Green Flag Award is a vital component in ensuring the continuing quality of our parks and green spaces, making sure they are managed to the highest standards and are safe and accessible. The news that a record number have achieved the Green Flag Award standard is testament to the hard work of staff and volunteers who look after these national assets.”