Lewisham's parks and nature reserves named among UK's best with Green Flag Awards
These recent awards boost Lewisham's total to an impressive 24, with the inclusion of Lewisham Park for the first time, further enhancing the borough's set of acclaimed green spaces.
Lewisham’s nature reserves have also been recognised, marking a special achievement for the Council teams and community groups that help to maintain the biodiversity of these brilliant green spaces. Lewisham’s parks and gardens offer spaces for people to connect, learn and enhances overall wellbeing.
Lewisham Council, in partnership with Glendale, manages 47 parks and 15 nature reserves in the borough – each with its own unique character and environment. 18 of the borough’s parks have earned Green Flag Awards including Beckenham Place Park, Bellingham Green, Blackheath, Brookmill Park, Chinbrook Meadows, Cornmill Gardens, Deptford Park, Forster Memorial Park, Hilly Fields, Ladywell Fields, Manor House Gardens, Manor Park, Mayow Park, Mountsfield Park, Northbrook Park, Sydenham Wells Park, Telegraph Hill Park, with a new successful entry of Lewisham Park.
Lewisham has also received additional Green Flag Community Awards, which specifically recognise green spaces managed by voluntary and community groups. These awards highlight strong community engagement, local participation, and innovative use of resources. This year, six spaces were honoured: Devonshire Road Nature Reserve, Frendsbury Gardens, Grove Park Nature Reserve, Dacres Wood Nature Reserve, Garthorne Road Nature Reserve, and St Mary’s Churchyard.
Beckenham Place Park has also retained its Historic England Green Heritage Award.
Cllr Louise Krupski, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Environment said:
“Retaining our Green Flag awards, gaining a new award for Lewisham Park and our nature reserves is a brilliant achievement! These spaces provide many environmental and wellbeing benefits to residents and visitors to our borough.
“It’s testament to the fantastic work of our Parks teams, Friends’ groups, community groups in the borough, partners and Glendale who work hard to help these green spaces flourish. The recognition of our nature reserves reflects our commitment to biodiversity and what makes Lewisham such a great place to live.”
Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, Paul Todd MBE, said:
“Congratulations to everyone involved who have worked tirelessly to ensure that it achieves the high standards required for the Green Flag Award.
Quality parks and green spaces make the country a healthier place to live and work in, and a stronger place in which to invest."
"These are vital green spaces for communities in Lewisham to enjoy nature, and during the ongoing cost of living crisis it is a free and safe space for families to socialise. It also provides important opportunities for local people and visitors to reap the physical and mental health benefits of green space."
"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."