Green Flag awards for Portsmouth parks
Three of the city's green spaces have been recognised among the best in the country
Three of Portsmouth's parks have been named among the winners of a coveted Green Flag award for 2024.
Southsea Rock Garden, Baffins Pond, and Milton Park are among 185 sites across the South East to be given the honour by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy in its annual awards announcement.
Baffins Pond has held the award since 2011 and Milton Park and Southsea Rock Garden since 2012. All are the responsibility of Portsmouth City Council.
The scheme recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.
Cllr Lee Hunt, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Leisure & Sport at Portsmouth City Council said:
"We know how important it is that residents and visitors to the city have parks and green spaces to enjoy, so I'm pleased we have once again received this recognition.
"I'd like to thank our fantastic parks team for everything they do to maintain all the green spaces in the city, and also every single person that does their bit to keep them clean for all.
"And a special thanks to so many volunteers citywide who work hard to look after Portsmouth’s green and open spaces from the hill to the sea."
Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, Paul Todd MBE, said:
"I would like to congratulate everyone involved in Portsmouth on achieving a Green Flag Award.
"These parks are vital green spaces for communities in Portsmouth to socialise, enjoy nature, and for children to play safely. They provide important opportunities for park users to improve their physical and mental health.
"We know that staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that the parks maintain the high standards of the Green Flag Award, everyone involved should feel extremely proud of their achievement.
"It is important that our free to use spaces are maintained to the Green Flag Award standard, making them accessible for all members of the community while ensuring the environment is protected.”