15 of the Corporation’s open spaces – including Epping Forest, Hampstead Heath, and West Ham Park – have been awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award.
The awards recognise some of the very best managed open spaces in the world and are run by the environmental charity, Keep Britain Tidy.
13 of these sites have also won Green Heritage Award status, in recognition of their historic features and high standard of conservation.
The City Corporation protects over 11,000 acres of green space across London and southeast England, investing over £38m a year.
Many of these sites operate as charitable trusts and are run at little or no cost to the communities they serve.
They include a wide variety of critically important wildlife habitats, Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Special Areas of Conservation, and National Nature Reserves, and are protected under legislation.
A recent report revealed that the network of internationally important open spaces managed by the City Corporation are worth £282.6 million each year in benefits to society, and £8.1 billion over 50 years.
In total, they attract over 47 million visitors every year – over three times the number who go to Premier League football matches every season, and almost eight times the number of annual visitors to the Grand Canyon.
Chair of the Corporation’s Natural Environment Board and West Ham Park Committee, Caroline Haines, said:
“Our network of parks, forests, heaths, and commons are a lifeline for so many people. Their value to society and nature is priceless.
“They are places to relax, play sport, swim, learn, or simply spend time in nature.
“The work that goes into keeping these world-class sites maintained and looking their best is a significant undertaking, yet – as we’ve seen – the continued passion and dedication from staff and volunteers truly sets these places apart.
“I am incredibly proud of everything they do to keep our green spaces in such wonderful condition.”
The City Corporation’s commitment to protecting green spaces dates back to the 1870s in response to the rapid disappearance of many public open areas – often to private developers – to safeguard these vital sites.
Today, they play a crucial role in boosting physical wellbeing and mental health, tackling climate change, and benefitting tens of thousands of school children a year through education programmes.
ENDS
Notes to editors
The Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK – .
The Green Flag Award® scheme recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark for the management of outdoor spaces across the UK and around the world – www.keepbritaintidy.org/green-flag-award.
Corporation Green Flag Award Winners:
- Ashtead Common
- Bunhill Fields
- Burnham Beeches National Nature Reserve
- Cemetery and Crematorium
- Coulsdon Common
- Epping Forest
- Farthing Downs & New Hill
- Hampstead Heath
- Highgate Wood
- Kenley Common
- Queen’s Park
- Riddlesdown
- Spring Park
- West Ham Park
- West Wickham Common
Corporation Green Heritage Site Accreditations:
- Ashtead Common
- Bunhill Fields
- Burnham Beeches National Nature Reserve
- Cemetery and Crematorium
- Coulsdon Common
- Epping Forest
- Farthing Downs & New Hill
- Hampstead Heath
- Highgate Wood
- Kenley Common
- Queen’s Park
- Riddlesdown
- West Wickham Common
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