Hackney achieves its highest-ever number of Green Flags
Twenty-five! That is the incredible number of Green Flags that Hackney Council now boasts, its highest-ever total, thanks to the hard work of the Council’s parks and green spaces team and a host of volunteers.
St Thomas’s Square Gardens and Mabley Green were the latest recipients at the UK’s top parks and green spaces awards held at Hackney Town Hall on 19 July.
Hackney hosted the southern celebration event for the Green Flag Awards. The international award scheme, now into its third decade, which recognises the world's best maintained green spaces. The awards are a sign to the public that these parks are not only well maintained but that they boast excellent visitor facilities and meet high environmental standards.
The Mayor of Hackney said during his opening speech: “To think that 40% of our parks are now recognised as some of the very best in the country is truly amazing, and a great testament to the staff on the ground who in all weathers are making sure that our parks are welcoming, high quality and meeting the needs of the borough’s residents.” “However, there is always more to do, and that is why we have made the commitment to ensure that around 50% of the borough’s parks will hold a green flag award by 2022.”
Two of Hackney's parks have recently received Heritage Lottery Funding. With £3 million of capital works commencing this year at Springfield Park and a further £300,000 being granted to develop plans for Abney Park Cemetery.
Green spaces are one of the many reasons we love and take pride in Hackney. Without the help and dedication of the Council’s Parks and Green spaces service, we would not be able to maintain their high quality. So I would like to take this opportunity to thank the hardworking staff who keep these parks looking spectacular.
I would like to also offer our congratulations to the four other Green Flag Award winning sites in the borough which are managed by other organisations; Woodbery Wetlands (London Wildlife Trust), St Leonard's Churchyard (New Hanbury Project); St Mary's Secret Garden and Hackney Community Tree Nursery. Having 29 award winning spaces in the borough is truly astonishing.
