Castle Park in Penrith has officially been recognised again as one of the country’s best managed parks after winning a prestigious Green Flag Award.
The award is an internationally recognised mark of excellence for parks and green spaces, with Castle Park among 2,250 sites across the UK to receive this recognition.
The Award comes as Westmorland and Furness Council also marks Keep Britain Tidy’s Love Parks Week, which runs from Friday 25 July until 3 August. Love Parks Week is an annual celebration dedicated to appreciating and enjoying the amazing local parks and green spaces that make our communities greener and healthier.
The council also received a Green Flag Award for its cemeteries in Penrith and Alston.
Councillor Vicky Hughes, Westmorland and Furness Council Cabinet Member for Planning, Culture and Community Wellbeing, said: “I’m thrilled that these much-loved green spaces have once again been recognised with the prestigious Green Flag Award. I know how much effort goes into maintaining the high standards required for the Green Flag Award, and I hope everyone involved feels a real sense of pride in this well-deserved recognition.
“This achievement is a true reflection of the hard work and dedication shown by our council’s Outdoor and Leisure and Grounds Maintenance Teams, and the many volunteers, Friends of Groups and partners who give their time to caring for our green spaces. Their continued support ensures these vital the community spaces, offer a safe place for people to connect with nature, reflect and enhance both physical and mental wellbeing.
“We are always looking for new and innovative ways to manage our green spaces, not only for now but for future generations, and the feedback we receive from our communities plays a vital role in shaping those plans.”
Councillor John Murray, Westmorland and Furness Council Cabinet Member for Transport and Regulatory Services, added: “It’s wonderful to see our cemeteries recognised alongside parks and open spaces with this Green Flag Award. Cemeteries can often be overlooked but they are peaceful, reflective spaces that hold deep meaning for many in our communities. They offer a place for remembrance, quiet connection with nature and a sense of local heritage. This award is a tribute to the care and respect shown by our staff and volunteers in maintaining these special places to such a high standard.”
Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, Paul Todd MBE, said: “Congratulations to everyone involved in Castle Park in Penrith who have worked tirelessly to ensure that it achieves the high standards required for the Green Flag Award.
“Quality parks and green spaces like Castle Park make the country a heathier place to live and work in, and a stronger place in which to invest.
“Crucially, Castle Park is a vital green space for communities in Westmorland and Furness to enjoy nature, and during the ongoing cost of living crisis it is a free and safe space for families to socialise. It also provides important opportunities for local people and visitors to reap the physical and mental health benefits of green space.”
The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.
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 well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.
Throughout Love Parks Week, Westmorland and Furness Council will be sharing on Facebook 'hidden gem' parks across Westmorland and Furness that people can visit.