Hampshire residents have access to world-class green spaces following the news that all five of the County Council’s Country Parks are officially still among the best - each has been awarded an internationally recognised Green Flag for 2022.
Lepe, River Hamble, Royal Victoria, Queen Elizabeth and Staunton Country Parks have all once again gained Green Flag status in recognition of their excellent facilities and high quality maintenance. Staunton Country Park and Royal Victoria Country Park have also once again scooped Green Heritage Accreditation for the management of these sites’ unique historic features.
Councillor Russell Oppenheimer, Hampshire County Council’s Executive Member for Recreation, Heritage and Rural Affairs, said: “It’s wonderful news that each of our Country Parks has retained this prestigious mark of quality. Green Flags are a clear signal to visitors that these sites meet the highest possible standards, are beautifully maintained and have top-notch visitor facilities, offering a wonderful day out. I’m also pleased that Staunton Country Park and Royal Victoria have been recognised for their ongoing work to conserve the heritage of these special sites. One of the key factors in the success of our outdoor sites is the contribution of hundreds of volunteers who give up their spare time to support their local Country Park and I’d like to say thank you to these individuals for their role in retaining this accolade for another year.”
The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, recognises well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.
A full list of Green Flag Award-winning parks and green spaces is available from Keep Britain Tidy. See the list of award-winning parks.