Lewisham’s Bellingham Green played host to this year’s prestigious national Green Flag Awards announcements on Thursday 17 July.
Bellingham Green, located on the Bellingham Estate in Catford, won Lewisham’s 7th Green Flag last year and retained its status in this year’s judging by the Civic Trust.
Along with Bellingham Green, a further 7 Lewisham parks have been awarded Green Flags this year. The Horniman Gardens also holds a Green Flag and is managed by the Museum Trust. Together, this is among the highest number awarded to a London Borough.
The Green Flag Award is the national standard for parks and green spaces in England and Wales. The scheme judges open spaces on a number of criteria; they must be welcoming, healthy, safe and secure, be well maintained and clean, take account of local heritage and conservation, involve the community and be well managed.
Deputy Mayor, Heidi Alexander, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that Lewisham was chosen to host this year’s Green Flag Awards announcement."
“Not only have the high standards of our green spaces been recognised by retaining 8 Green Flags, but our nature reserves are being recognised too."
“It takes a great many people - people who really care - to maintain and develop these green spaces. They are vital to everyone to relax, learn and have fun in. Without this team effort and the dedication and hard work involved, awards like these wouldn’t be achieved.”
Nick Temple-Heald, Glendale's Chief Executive, said: “It is fantastic news that by continuing to work together Lewisham and Glendale have again secured 8 Green Flags."
“Glendale looks forward to taking the partnership to a greater level of success in coming years."
The Green Flag announcements were made by Daniel Thornton, Director of Local Economic Development and Renewal at Communities and Local Government. After the announcements, Daniel toured the Green and met some of the local residents who use it.
Bellingham Green is a focal point for the local community, who not only use the green but also take responsibility for it.
While the Green does not have all the traditional amenities of a park, the area has a great range of facilities. These include a multi sports ball court, an under 7’s play area and under 5’s play club, an area for older children’s play, as well as a conservation area with a recycled water feature and CCTV.
The Green also has a sensory garden for people with impaired vision, incorporating herbaceous plants, lavender and other fragrant and textured plants, which local residents helped to design.
In addition to the Green Flags, the Devonshire Road Nature Reserve won a Green Pennant Award – the first in Lewisham. Green Pennants are awarded to community and voluntary groups who successfully manage their own green spaces. Winning sites include allotments, urban farms, churchyards and village greens – all of which provide green places in the heart of the community.
The Devonshire Road Nature Reserve in Forest Hill is managed by the Friends of Devonshire Road Nature Reserve Group. The reserve is host to a wildlife garden and is a valuable conservation site, consisting of woodlands and meadows – an oasis for plants and animals in the area.
Staff from Glendale Grounds Management and Lewisham Council will attend a special winners awards ceremony in Liverpool later this month to celebrate their achievements. Glendale work in partnership with Lewisham Council to manage and maintain the borough’s parks.