Guildford awarded most Green Flags in Surrey
The scheme recognises and rewards beautifully maintained spaces.
Guildford's parks and green spaces have been awarded nine Green Flags- the most in Surrey.
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 beautifully maintained spaces.
The Castle Grounds are joined by Sutherland Memorial Park, Allen House Grounds, Stoke Park, Riverside Nature Reserve, Chilworth Gunpowder Mills, Lakeside Nature Reserve, Guildford Crematorium and The Mount Cemetery in retaining their awards.
Lead Councillor for the Environment, Cllr James Steel says:
"Receiving nine Green Flag Awards highlights our borough's status as one of the best places to live and visit in the South East, a range of areas from town centre oases to traditional parks, heritage sites and nature reserves were awarded the Green Flag.
"Guildford is also the only town in Surrey and one of only 70 in the UK to be awarded the Purple Flag for its safe, vibrant evening and nightlife.
"During this unprecedented year, our Parks and Countryside team have played a central role in supporting our residents' wellbeing through challenging times. Walking and exercising in green spaces have many mental and physical benefits and we work very hard to maintain them to a high standard. According to the NHS, just five minutes of exercise in parks and countryside can boost mental health.
"We are committed to climate change and protecting our environment and will continue to ensure our open green spaces are well looked after. We look after 50 countryside sites covering an area of nearly 700 hectares and our teams work hard to support the natural habitats of the borough's wildlife with careful planting to maintain ecosystems.
"We can't thank our parks team and volunteers enough for the amazing job they have done. Lighting up the Castle Grounds in green is a reflection of the hard work and dedication our Parks Managers, staff and volunteers have shown over the past year. We have seen some fabulous displays including some special tributes to VE Day 75 in Stoke Park and the Castle Grounds."