Five of Bath & North East Somerset Council’s parks have been recognised in this year’s Green Flag awards for meeting the highest quality standards used as an

international benchmark.

Alexandra Park, Bloomfield Green, Hedgemead Park, Henrietta Park and Royal Victoria Park in Bath have all won the international mark of quality for being well-managed.

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity, Keep Britain Tidy, under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the standard for their management across the UK and around the world.

Councillor Paul Crossley, cabinet member for Community Services, said: “It’s wonderful news that five of our parks have achieved these international quality standards, despite having to close for six weeks in Spring, due to coronavirus, and with fewer staff available due to self-isolation and shielding. A huge congratulations to our parks team and thanks to our cleansing team for their support.

“Parks have been even more important to people’s health and wellbeing during coronavirus, as proven by the increase in visitors we’ve seen locally.”

Local charity, Bristol and Bath Parks Foundation, recently launched a new campaign, #LoveYourPark, to seek donations to support the volunteers who care passionately about local green spaces including litter pickers, nature lovers, and community ambassadors.