Bellingham Green has this year become Lewisham’s eighth prestigious Green Flag Award winner for parks and green spaces.
Lewisham already has seven ‘green flags’ for its parks and green spaces and maintains its lead as one of only two London boroughs to hold eight green flags (the other being Haringey).
Bellingham Green, located on the Bellingham Estate in Catford, is a focal point for the local community who not only use the green but take full responsibility for it.
All parks entering the Green Flag scheme must meet a number of eligibility 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.
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 seven’s play area and under five’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 sensory garden for people with impaired vision, incorporating herbaceous plants, lavender and other fragrant and textured plants, which local residents helped to design.
John Thompson, Customer Services Directorate, said “I’m delighted that Bellingham Green has won this high profile award. Everyone involved, from the local community who use the green to the management team, have worked hard to make this Green Flag Award possible. It is an excellent achievement.”
Staff from Lewisham’s Customer Services team and Glendale Grounds Management attended this year’s Green Flag ceremony, held at the Royal Armouries in Leeds.
The coveted flag will be flown in the 8 successful parks in the Borough.
Lewisham’s other Green Flag parks and spaces are:
- Brookmill Park
- Chinbrook Meadows
- Eckington Gardens
- Manor House Gardens
- Sydenham Wells Park
- Telegraph Hill Park.
The Horniman Gardens, which is in Lewisham borough, also holds a green flag and is managed by the Museum Trust.