The North West London borough has two newly accredited parks with Green Flag status, taking the total in the area to four
A North London borough has been awarded Green Flag accreditations for two more of its parks, taking the total to four. The local authority called the accreditation “extremely well deserved”, with one of the newly awarded parks described as the area’s “best kept secret”.
The Green Flag Award is an international accreditation awarded to publicly accessible parks and open spaces that are welcoming and accessible, well-maintained and clean, and have creative and innovative site management. The scheme is run by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, under contract from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
The latest award means Brent has doubled the number of green spaces to receive the “prestigious award”, according to the council. Alongside maintaining the two Green Flag parks it already had, Preston Park and Mapesbury Dell have now earned their status as some of the best in the country.
The roughly 7.45 hectare Preston Park is an area of green space to the north of the borough and surrounded by residential housing on all sides. It boasts a number of sports pitches and courts – including a bowls green, cricket square, outdoor gym and tennis courts – alongside a children’s play area and pavilion.
Mapesbury Dell, in Cricklewood, is described by Brent Council as “Northwest London’s best kept secret”. Originally farmland, from around the mid 1870’s until 1905 the area was developed as an area of suburban residential housing, now known as the Mapesbury Estate. It was bought by Brent in 1979 and is now home to a children’s play area, a pond, green lawns, picnic tables and stunning gardens.
The council said: “It is a truly magical garden hidden behind a row of residential houses. Once you have discovered it, you’ll keep coming back. […] It is simply a wonderful place to come with the kids or just sit, stroll, listen to the birds and enjoy some peace.”
The council’s grounds maintenance contractor, Krinkels UK, are responsible for maintaining Brent’s parks and green spaces, alongside the council’s Parks service, ‘Friends of’ groups, and organisations like the Mapesbury Dell Trust.
Brent’s two other Green Flag parks are King Edward VII Park and Bramshill Open Space – both of which have achieved the award for the second year running. It comes as the internationally recognised standard for parks and green spaces celebrates its 30th year.
Alongside the four award winners, Brent is home to 116 parks, open spaces, and sports grounds, from local ‘pocket parks’ found throughout the borough to the 112-hectare Fryent Country Park and the The Welsh Harp Open Space, officially known as the Brent Reservoir, is a 170-hectare nature reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) at Welsh Harp Open Space.
Cabinet Member for Cleaner Streets, Transport and Public Realm, Cllr Promise Knight, said: “These awards are an extremely well-deserved recognition of the hard work the Mapesbury Dell Trust, ‘Friends of’ groups, Krinkels UK and the Parks team puts into maintaining and improving parks and green spaces across Brent, and I’m pleased that we have achieved twice as many awards as last year as we come into the summer months.
“We remain committed to opening up green spaces for everyone in Brent and enjoying the benefits that come with spending time with friends and family outdoors.”
Green Flag Award Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, Paul Todd MBE, added: “Parks are essential public spaces that support our wellbeing, our communities and our economy. Yet for millions of people, particularly in the most deprived areas, local parks simply don’t feel safe or welcoming
“With public services under pressure, investing in parks is not a luxury, it’s a practical, preventative solution and one of the most visible ways to improve people’s quality of life. Congratulations to everyone involved.”
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