City of London Corporation celebrates Green Flag wins

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A total of 15 of the City of London Corporation’s green spaces have been awarded Green Flag status.

The prestigious Green Flag Award recognises these sites as some of the very best managed open spaces in the world.

The international award is now into its third decade. It rewards well managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard across the UK and globally.

The Green Flag Awards Scheme is run every year by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy and overseen by a panel of expert judges.

The City Corporation protects and conserves 11,000 acres of green spaces in London and south east England – including Hampstead Heath and Burnham Beeches – and over 200 smaller ones in the Square Mile.

They include important wildlife habitats, sites of scientific interest and national nature reserves and are protected from being built on by special legislation.

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Thirteen of its sites have also received the Green Heritage Award in recognition of their historic features and high standard of conservation.

Oliver Sells QC, Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Open Spaces and City Gardens Committee, said: “This year our green spaces have been more important than ever before.

“They have been a lifeline during the coronavirus pandemic, helping people get exercise and fresh air and benefitting both mental and physical health.

“These parks, heaths and forests are treasured by their local communities international visitors alike.

“I thank our staff and volunteers for the excellent job they do in maintaining these sites to such a high standard, keeping them accessible for all and giving people the opportunity to explore the natural world.”

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