Itchen Valley and Lakeside Country Parks scoop Green Flags

Award is a mark of quality, reflecting excellent facilities and high standards of maintenance

The two country parks operated by Eastleigh Borough Council have scooped Green Flags in the Keep Britain Tidy charity’s international awards scheme.

Lakeside Country Park, south of Eastleigh town centre has won its third Green Flag, whilst Itchen Valley Country Park in West End is well into its second decade of success in the awards scheme, whose winners are announced this week.

The Keep Britain Tidy Green Flag award is a mark of quality, reflecting excellent facilities and high standards of maintenance.

Itchen Valley Country Park is currently undergoing a major programme of improvements. Work started last month on a project to bring new play facilities, community buildings, covered outdoor seating for the popular café, accessible Changing Places facilities and better barbecue and picnic areas.

Since 2016, improvements to Lakeside Country Park – which was created on restored gravel works - have include the opening of an award-winning community building for users of the lakes and wider park, and the creation of new trails, designed in partnership with the community.

Keep Britain Tidy say that the value of parks and green spaces has never been more important, as they provide a sanctuary for communities to engage with nature, improve their physical and mental health, play and come together. That’s why it’s important that parks are managed to the Green Flag Award standard, which recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces.

Find out more about the two Country Parks at: www.eastleigh.gov.uk/country-parks-and-open-spaces