Quality of Sheffield's parks and green spaces is flagged up with awards

Thirteen sites across the city have been recognised for their quality by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy.

Coun Mary Lea, Sheffield Council cabinet member for culture, parks and leisure, said: “The Green Flag is given to parks of the highest standards and the fact we’re in double figures for the ninth year running is testament to the hard work of our parks service, friends groups and many volunteers, who have had huge challenges to overcome in keeping our parks clean and attractive.

“This year, with the impact of coronavirus, people have come to rely on their local parks more than ever for leisure, meeting up socially, exercise and a break from their working day.

“With the new restrictions, I know everyone will again be making the most of time outdoors.

“We are lucky to have more than 800 green open spaces in the city, to help people through these difficult times.”

Spaces recognised in Sheffield include: the Botanical Gardens; the Cholera Grounds and Clay Wood; Devonshire Green; Ecclesall Woods; Firth Park; Meersbrook Park; Millhouses Park; Norfolk Heritage Park; the Peace Gardens; Weston Park; Wheata Woods; the Winter Garden; and Tinsley Green.

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Devon Gardens, Grenoside Green, Gleadless Valley Methodist Church community garden, Firth Park community allotment, Wortley Hall walled garden and Norfolk Park community garden have also all been honoured with Green Flag community awards.

And the pavilion at the Botanical Gardens, as well as Weston Park bandstand, the Winter Garden and Ecclesall Woods discovery centre have joined buildings and landmarks across the country – including the White Cliffs of Dover at Samphire Hoe – in being lit green in celebration of the awards.

Jill Thompson, Friends of Sheffield Botanical Gardens chairman, said: “We have a dedicated team of 40 volunteers who work throughout the year and it’s thanks to their incredible knowledge and commitment that we can proudly fly the Green Flag here, advertising the garden’s biodiversity and making sure all those who visit understand the importance of this wonderful park.”

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The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for their management across the United Kingdom and around the world.

Allison Ogden-Newton, Keep Britain Tidy chief executive, said: “This year, more than ever, our parks and green spaces have been a lifeline and we know that millions of people have used them to relax, meet friends, exercise or simply escape for a short time.

“It is testament to the incredible dedication and hard work of parks staff and volunteers that, despite the challenges that went along with record numbers of visitors, Sheffield Council has achieved the highest international standards demanded by the Green Flag award.”