Four Gloucester Parks recognized as some of the country’s best with coveted Green Flag Awards

Gloucester City Council is celebrating after four of the city's most valued parks and open spaces achieved Green Flag Award status. Barnwood Park and Arboretum, Gloucester Park, Robinswood Hill Country Park and Saintbridge Balancing Pond and Allotments have all been recognised for meeting the international benchmark for quality, management and visitor experience.

 

It comes as the internationally recognised standard for parks and green spaces celebrates its 30th year.

 

The Gloucester sites are some of a record breaking 2,391 in the UK to achieve the award this year – a fantastic testament to the hard work, passion and dedication of the teams who care for these green spaces, ensuring they’re maintained to a high standard for visitors and residents to enjoy.

 

The awards recognise the diverse range of green spaces across Gloucester, from historic parks and community allotments to country landscapes rich in wildlife. Together, they provide residents with access to recreation, outdoor activities, biodiversity, heritage and community-led projects across the city.

 

Councillor Sebastian Field, Cabinet Member for Environment at Gloucester City Council, said: “We are incredibly proud that Barnwood Park and Arboretum, Gloucester Park, Robinswood Hill Country Park and Saintbridge Balancing Pond and Allotments have all been recognised with Green Flag Awards. This achievement reflects the dedication and hard work of our staff, volunteers and local community groups who help keep these treasured places welcoming, safe and enjoyable for everyone.

 

“Our parks and green spaces play a vital role in supporting health and wellbeing, providing places for recreation, connecting people with nature and bringing communities together. Receiving these prestigious awards demonstrates our ongoing commitment to maintaining high-quality green spaces that residents and visitors can be proud of.”

 

Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, said: “Parks are essential public spaces that support our wellbeing, our communities and our economy. Yet for millions of people, particularly in the most deprived areas, local parks simply don’t feel safe or welcoming.

 

“With public services under pressure, investing in parks is not a luxury, it’s a practical, preventative solution and one of the most visible ways to improve people’s quality of life.

 

“Gloucester City Council have shown what can be achieved when parks are properly supported and managed. As we celebrate 30 years of the Green Flag Award, we want every community to have access to green spaces like this that are safe, welcoming and maintained to a high standard.

 

"Congratulations to everyone involved."

 

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under contract from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, 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.