Council and democracy

A trio of beautiful parks in Croydon win award

Three of Croydon's green spaces: Wettern Tree Garden; Happy Valley and Coombe Wood, have won a national Green Flag award which credits them with being some of the best parks in the country.

The Green Flag Award is organised by the Civic Trust and is the national standard for parks and green spaces in England and Wales. It is designed to encourage high environmental standards and to create a benchmark of excellence in recreational green areas.

Judges look at different criteria including cleanliness and environmental sustainability, health and safety and conservation and each site is judged on its own merits and suitability for the community it serves.

Coombe Wood, Conduit Lane, off Coombe Road was awarded its first Green Flag this year. The 5.67 hectare site has a series of ornamental gardens set against a woodland backdrop. A cafe, toilets and easy access by road or tram make it a popular site to visit for many local residents.

Wettern Tree Garden, off Purley Oaks Road in South Croydon was also a first time winner. The 1.11 hectare site was originally a private garden and was given in trust to the Council in the 1960s. It has a large collection of unusual trees from around the world and a tree trail is being developed to guide visitors around the site.

Happy Valley in Old Coulsdon has retained its Green Flag status for the third year running. The 101 hectare site comprises woodland, meadows and nature trails and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Last month, four representatives from Croydon Council joined over 1,200 people at an awards ceremony at the Liverpool Arena and Convention Centre to receive Green Flags, Pennants and Heritage plaques for each of the green spaces.

Croydon Council's cabinet member for culture and sport, Councillor Steve Hollands said: "These prestigious awards are recognition of the hard work undertaken by my colleagues in the parks department. Croydon is lucky to have many delightful parks and open spaces and we take great pride in them, ensuring that they are well looked after for residents for many years to come. We will try to submit even more parks for the Green Flag scheme in 2009."

Awards are given on an annual basis and winners must apply each year to renew their Green Flag status.