Four new Southampton parks nominated for a Green Flag Award
Four of our much-loved parks have been put forward for a prestigious Green Flag Award for 2024/2025, which are set to take place in July this year
The four parks are:
Miller’s Pond
Located to the east of the River Itchen, Miller’s Pond was appointed a Local Nature Reserve in May 2012 and provides a mix of woodland and open grassland areas as well as one of the few remaining large ponds in the city.
Weston Shore
Also situated on the east side of Southampton, the Community Award winning Weston Shore has many features that make it a unique and interesting place to visit. The shore is a popular location for people across the city with direct access to the waterfront and views over the Solent.
Mansel Park
The Community Award winning Mansel Park is a large open space of 10.6 hectares in the west of the city. Mansel Park has seen many exciting and greatly appreciated improvements over the years, which are the result of successful partnership working between the council, the local community, external funding bodies and other organisations.
Cedar Lodge Park
With an array of mature trees, play equipment and picnic areas, Cedar Lodge Park provides an attractive open space for local residents in the west of the city. The park is fully enclosed, making it popular for families with children and people walking their dogs.
Our Green Flag successes
In January 2024, the eight parks that received a Green Flag group award for 2023/2024 were assessed by the Green Flag judges and will retain their status for the next two years, meaning that up to 12 of our parks could all be recognised with a Green Flag this year.
The parks were judged on the following criteria:
- A Welcoming Place
- Healthy, Safety and Secure
- Well Maintained and Clean
- Environmental Management
- Biodiversity Landscape and Heritage
- Community Involvement
- Marketing and Communications
The Green Flag judges commented:
"The parks provide a range of facilities including sports pitches and courts, skateparks, play areas, Multi Use Games Areas (MUGAs) and event spaces. Central Parks are graded II* public parks and it’s easy to see why".
Councillor Eammon Keogh, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport said:
"It is a fantastic achievement that four more of our parks are up for the Green Flag Award this year, alongside the eight parks that have already received the award, which has the potential to make for a record-breaking year for Southampton’s parks.
"I am delighted to see our green spaces getting the recognition they deserve as they provide an oasis for our residents to meet, exercise and relax in. The Green Flag Awards are a huge testament to the work of our staff and volunteers who look after our parks every day and make them the vital, thriving green spaces that residents enjoy".
