Edinburgh’s parks and green spaces have achieved a record 24 Green Flag Awards in this year’s national competition – over half of all flags given out in Scotland.
Four of the city’s parks were recognised by the award scheme for the very first time this year. They were Ravelston Park and Woods, Lochend Park, Prestonfield Park and Ferry Glen & Back Braes. In total 44 flags were awarded in Scotland this year, up from 34 on the year before.
In Edinburgh, Corstorphine Hill LNR Community Walled Garden and Redhall Walled Garden were also recipients of a Green Flag Community Award.
The Green Flag Award scheme recognises and rewards the best parks and gardens in the UK. Applications are judged against eight key criteria and only those applicants that are deemed to have achieved excellence in environmental standards will be awarded a Green Flag.
Councillor Lesley Hinds, Environment Leader, said: “We’re delighted that, once again, Edinburgh is leading the way is providing high quality parks and gardens for our residents.
“The awards positively reflect on the hard work carried out by local communities and staff to ensure Edinburgh’s renowned parks are preserved.”
This is the first time since the Green Flag Awards were launched in 1996 that Edinburgh has achieved this level of success. A further four Green Flags have been awarded to the city this year, on top of the twenty retained from last year.
As part of Love Parks Week, flag raising ceremonies will take place in the four parks next week.
Paul Todd, Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, said: “We are thrilled to announce yet another record-breaking year for Green Flag Award parks and green spaces. A Green Flag Award provides national recognition for the achievements of all those whose hard work and dedication has helped to create these fantastic places for all to enjoy.”
The judges consider a variety of key factors before awarding parks and green spaces a Green Flag. These include the sustainability, safety and cleanliness of the environment.
For more information on the Green Flag Award scheme, visit www.keepbritaintidy.org/GreenFlag.
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