Awards scheme gives city’s parks six of the best

Six parks maintained by Derby City Council have once again been named among the best in the UK after being awarded Green Flag status.

Alvaston Park, Chaddesden Park, Darley Park, Derby Arboretum, Markeaton Park and Sunnydale Park Local Nature Reserve have all retained the international quality mark, which celebrates the high standards of parks.

The scheme also includes the Green Flag Community Award, which highlights excellence at sites managed by dedicated community groups and volunteers.

In Derby, seven sites have received this recognition: Ashbourne Road and District Allotments, Chaddesden Wood Local Nature Reserve, Chellaston Brickworks Local Nature Reserve, Darley and Nutwood Local Nature Reserve, Little Chester Allotments, Markeaton Park Walled Garden, Sinfin Moor Park Local Nature Reserve and Spondon Sensory Garden.

For the sixth time, Derby Arboretum has been awarded Green Heritage Site Accreditation, supported by Historic England, for the management of its historic features.

New to this year, is Spondon Sensory Garden which has achieved Green Flag Community Award status for the first time, thanks to the dedication by Trees for Spondon.

Councillor Ndukwe Onuoha, the city council’s cabinet member for Streetpride, public safety and leisure, said: “Once again, our parks and green spaces have been recognised among the very best in the country, and that’s down to the incredible commitment of our council teams, community groups and volunteers.

“These awards mean so much more than a flag flying above a park; they reflect the real difference these spaces make to the health, well-being, and happiness of everyone in Derby, whether that’s a quiet walk, a family picnic, or a place for children to play and explore.

“I’d encourage everyone to get out and enjoy our award-winning parks this summer, and to join us in celebrating everyone who works so hard to keep them looking their best.”

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence 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.

Scheme manager Paul Todd MBE said: “Derby City Council has 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.”