Number of top quality parks rises by one third

The best parks and green spaces in England were named today by Baroness Kay Andrews, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State.

A record 538 Green Flag Awards - the national standard for parks and green spaces - have been awarded to sites across the country.

The scheme has been running for 11 years and this year has seen a 32 per cent rise in the number of winners, further evidence of the renaissance of our parks and green spaces. Winners are judged to be welcoming, safe and well maintained and involve the local community.

Visiting first time award winner St James' Park, which provides a peaceful refuge for people living, working or visiting Central London, Baroness Andrews said: "I'd like to congratulate all of the Green Flag winners this year. The huge rise in winners is yet more evidence that across the country the standard of our parks continues to rise. Parks provide an oasis of calm and natural beauty and have a vital role to play in our modern lives as places where people come together to relax, exercise and play.

"Green Flags are awarded to the country's best parks but everyone should be able to enjoy great quality parks and green spaces. Our ambition is that all communities should benefit from this renaissance and local people have the opportunity to take part in the transformation of their parks. St James Park is a shining example of what can be achieved in partnership with the community. Its friends group the Thorney Island Society take an active role in the running of the park."

Paul Todd, the Green Flag Award scheme's programme manager, said: "We are once again delighted with the huge growth in winners, highlighting the importance quality green spaces play in our communities. These winning sites are all freely accessible to the public, providing time out from the stresses of modern day life. "Well done to the many dedicated parks staff, friends groups and passionate individuals who have worked hard to provide these vital green spaces which help improve the quality of life for everyone."

In addition, 60 community run sites in England were awarded Green Pennants and 31 sites achieved Green Heritage Site Accreditation.

Following the announcement, many of these Green Flag Award winners will be celebrating their success with special events in their parks. See greenflagaward.org.uk for details.

The Green Flag Award is a key component of the Government's commitment to create cleaner, safer, greener communities. This year's winners will celebrate their achievements at a major ceremony at the Royal Armouries, Leeds. Supported by Leeds City Council, Caliba Signs and Sutcliffe Play, winners will be awarded their Green Flags at the event, which for the first time includes a suppliers' exhibition.