Ealing hits record 26 local parks and open spaces awarded prestigious Green Flag

More parks and open spaces than ever before in Ealing have been recognised for the prestigious Green Flag Award run by Keep Britain Tidy.

Last summer Ealing had 24 awards but this summer the number has gone up to 26 including Elthorne Park being recognised for the first time.

Of those 26, 23 are owned and managed by the council while three are looked after by local community groups.

The Green Flag Awards recognises and rewards well managed parks and green spaces across the country. Among the criteria it looks for are parks and spaces that are well managed and meet the needs of the local communities they serve.

Councillor Peter Mason, leader of the council, said: “It’s a tremendous achievement to see 26 Green Flags flying over our parks and beautiful green spaces, including a new entry for Elthorne Park.”

Councillor Mason added: “Access to quality green spaces is so important for our health and wellbeing. That’s why we are committing to opening 10 more new parks in the coming years. This will ensure that every resident in our borough has access to outstanding green space in their local area while also contributing to our efforts in fighting climate change.”

Councillor Deirdre Costigan, Ealing Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for climate action said: “Parks and green spaces matter to us as they support wildlife and biodiversity. Enhancing and maintaining them is part of our commitment to make our borough more resilient to the effects of climate change. From the iconic hills of Northala Fields to the historic Civil War battlefield at Acton Green Common, our parks are full of heritage, biodiversity and community spaces. I’m delighted that Elthorne Park, with its pavilion and well-use tennis courts, is our newest addition to our best ever haul of green flags.