Record number of Green Flag awards for ABC Council parks and open spaces

Eight parks and open spaces across the borough of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon have secured the coveted Green Flag Award status.

Among the local borough winners, celebrated at a presentation event at Killeavy Castle were Clare Glen, Edenvilla Park, Gosford Forest Park, Loughbrickland Park, Lurgan Public Park, Palace Demesne, Portadown People’s Park and Tannaghmore Gardens. The Palace Demesne also achieved the Green Heritage Award for the management of its historic features.

Organised by leading environmental charity Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, The Green Flag Award scheme recognises and rewards well managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of recreational outdoor spaces across the UK and beyond.

This year was yet another successful year for Green Flag Awards in Northern Ireland, with 98 parks and green spaces now flying the Green Flag!

Commenting on the awards, Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Alderman Margaret Tinsley said, “We are extremely proud of our parks and open spaces that bring lots of health and wellbeing benefits to residents across the borough.

“In order to achieve the Green Flag accreditation, each site has achieved high standards in areas such as horticulture, cleanliness, environmental management, biodiversity, community involvement and safety standards.

“A special word of thanks is dedicated to the Council staff who work hard to make our parks and open spaces sanctuaries for all who use them. I also commend the ongoing work to conserve the heritage site of the Palace Demesne.”

Dr Stephen McGirr, Keep NI Beautiful’s Local Environmental Quality Manager said:

“We are thrilled to have another record-breaking year of Green Flag Award winners for our best parks and open spaces. The 98 winning locations not only represent excellent-standard green spaces that are good news for wider society, but they highlight an ever-growing concern and connection with our natural world that is a victory for our planet.”

“In difficult economic times, we take great encouragement from the fact that high-quality environmental management remains high on the agenda for local authorities and communities, and that is exactly how it should be.”

Click here to view the full list of 2023 Green Flag Award winners.