Hackney parks among best in Britain
Hackney is now home to a staggering 21 Green Flag awarded green spaces, after two of the borough’s parks attained the much-sought-after mark of excellence for the first time.
Mark Street Gardens close to Old Street roundabout, and the Woodberry Down Park near the newly opened Woodberry Wetlands have been recognised as two of the best outdoor recreational areas in the country.
A tranquil spot just behind the hustle and bustle of Great Eastern Street and Old Street roundabout, Mark Street Gardens is a peaceful retreat with winding earth paths, lawns, shrubbery and flower beds, popular for enjoying fresh air at lunch time.
Woodberry Down Park is an impressive small park which encompasses a stretch of the New River. The green space has an interesting character with high quality planting, benches and a sculpture. The park benefits from a beautiful natural setting and orientation alongside the New River and the West Reservoir, and will become an increasingly well used pocket of green space in this densely populated area of London.
Hackney’s green spaces are central to what makes the borough such a brilliant place to live and work. The Green Flag award is a recognition of high environmental standards, sustainability, and safety, among other criteria. All those who work to maintain the parks and gardens, and the local communities that keep them clean and tidy, should be incredibly proud.
International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme, especially as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Awards.
“All the flags flying this year are a testament to the efforts of the thousands of men and women, both staff and volunteers, who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.”
Hackney has the fourth-highest number of Green Flags in the capital, recognition that since 2010 the Council has invested around £22 million into its parks, with a further £8 million planned to take place over the next few years.
The full list of Hackney’s Green Flag parks is:
Albion Square, N1
Aske Gardens, E8
Butterfield Green, N16
Cassland Road Gardens, E9
Clapton Pond, E5
Clapton Square, E5
Clissold Park, N16
De Beauvoir Square, N1
Hackney Downs, E5
Hackney Marshes, E9
Haggerston Park, E2
Hoxton Square, N1
London Fields, E8
Mark Street Gardens, EC2A
Millfields Park, E8
Shoreditch Park, N1
Springfield Park, E5
St John's Churchyard Gardens, E5
Well Street Common, E9
West Hackney Recreation Ground, N16
Woodberry Down Park, N4