This week, the Epping Forest and Commons Committee at the City of London Corporation has been celebrating after they won 9 Green Flag Awards and a further 8 Green Heritage Site Accreditations, recognising some of the very best managed green sites in the world.
The award scheme identifies and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of recreational outdoor spaces across the UK and around the world.
Each site was assessed by an independent panel of judges on several criteria, including accessibility and signage, safety, cleanliness, quality of facilities and activities, community engagement, and how the management of the site is helping to combat the effects of climate change.
The Green Heritage Site Accreditation is also awarded in recognition of publicly accessible historic features, high standard of conservation and unique natural features.
Chairman of the City Corporation’s Epping Forest and Commons Committee, Ben Murphy, said:
“Looking after some of the UK’s best conserved green spaces is no mean feat. I am delighted that ‘the Green Lungs of London’ have once again lived up to their name by winning these important awards.
“Every year, the judges’ standards continue to rise. These awards demonstrate just how effective our management plans are in protecting and preserving these green spaces for future generations to enjoy. It also shows how the City of London Corporation’s investment is having a real impact on local communities, in and around our capital city.”
“I would like to thank both our hard-working staff and passionate team of volunteers, who are the real winners of these awards.”
Together, these sites 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.
Notes to editors
The Green Flag Award® scheme is run by the environmental charity, Keep Britain Tidy and sets the benchmark for the management of outdoor spaces across the UK and around the world – www.keepbritaintidy.org/green-flag-award.
Green Heritage Site Accreditation, supported by Historic England, is given in recognition of achieving the required standard in the management and interpretation of a site with local or national historic importance.
To receive Green Heritage Site Accreditation sites must also achieve Green Flag Award – www.historicengland.org.uk/advice/technical-advice/parks-gardens-and-landscapes/green-flag.
Full list of Epping Forest and Commons Committee Green Flag Award Winners:
- Epping Forest
- Ashtead Common
- Burnham Beeches
- Coulsdon Common
- Farthing Downs & New Hill
- Kenley Common
- Riddlesdown
- Spring Park
- West Wickham Common
Full list of Epping Forest and Commons Committee Green Heritage Site Accreditations:
- Epping Forest
- Ashtead Common
- Burnham Beeches
- Coulsdon Common
- Farthing Downs & New Hill
- Kenley Common
- Riddlesdown
- West Wickham Common
Media statements split by site:
Epping Forest: https://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/epping-forest-celebrates-prestigious-green-flag-win
Burnham Beeches: https://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/burnham-beeches-celebrates-prestigious-green-flag-win
Ashtead Common: https://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/ashtead-common-celebrates-prestigious-green-flag-win
South London: https://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/south-london-open-spaces-celebrate-prestigious-green-flag-award
