Six of Derby’s city parks have been recognised as being among the best in the world by the Green Flag Award Scheme including the popular Darley and Markeaton Parks.
The last 18 months have seen all of our parks and green spaces play a vital role through lockdowns for people to relax, exercise and meet friends and family safely, so the news that Derby’s parks have achieved the Green Flag Award has been described as a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team that make the green spaces a great place that everyone can enjoy.
Green Flag Award Scheme Manager Paul Todd congratulated city officials and said: “To meet the requirements demanded by the scheme is testament to the hard work of the staff and volunteers who do so much to ensure that Derby’s Parks have high standards of horticulture, safety and environmental management and is a place that supports people to live healthy lives.”
Councillor Jerry Pearce, Derby City Council’s Cabinet Member for Cabinet Member for Streetpride and Public spaces, said: “It is an honour for Derby’s Parks to be recognised by the Green Flag Award Scheme. This international award is a testimony to the hard work, dedication and valued interest our Derby Parks and Streetpride teams, community groups and volunteers provide on a daily basis, ensuring our parks are places for recreation and for enjoying the beauty of our city’s green spaces.
“As we slowly adapt and recover from COVID-19, the contribution, commitment and enthusiasm to ensure we all have green spaces to visit is recognised by the achievement of this award. So everyone who has played a role in looking after our parks and open spaces deserves to feel proud, including the volunteers who have taken a local space to their hearts.”
The team at Derby Parks have worked with volunteers and other organisations to adapt to the constantly changing situation with COVID-19, and as well as carrying out the day-to-day operation of the parks and making much-loved events return, often in a different way.
The Green Flag Awards Scheme, now in its fourth decade, is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.
The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.