Canbury Gardens, Churchfields Recreation Ground, and Fishponds Park have each been recognised for achieving the international quality mark for parks and green spaces.

Kingston Council and its grounds maintenance partners Glendale Services are celebrating as Canbury Gardens retains its Green Flag status for a third consecutive year while Churchfields Recreation Ground retains its own for a second. 

Canbury Gardens has been awarded a Green Flag award for a third consecutive year (Credit: Tilly O'Brien)

They are joined by Fishponds Park in Surbiton which for the first time has been awarded Green Flag status following a restoration project to enhance the ponds and transform them into a vibrant, thriving aquatic ecosystem. 

Fishponds Park in Surbiton for the first time has been awarded its first Green Flag status following a restoration project to enhance the ponds and transform them into a vibrant, thriving aquatic ecosystem (Credit: Kingston Council)

The news that the parks have met the standards required for the accreditation is testament to the hard work and dedication of the community groups, council officers and Glendale contractors who help to nurture these spaces so that they can be enjoyed by all. 

Councillor Ian Manders, Portfolio Holder for Climate Action, Biodiversity and Planning Policy, said: "Kingston's parks and greenspaces are wonderful places for people to relax, socialise, exercise and connect with nature.

"I'd like to thank the local councillors, teams and volunteers who help to protect and enhance these cherished spaces.

"I'd encourage everyone to get out and explore their local park, many of which have a Friends Group that are always looking for more members".

Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, Paul Todd MBE, said: "Congratulations to everyone involved in Kingston who have worked tirelessly to ensure that it achieves the high standards required for the Green Flag Award.

"Quality parks and green spaces like these make the country a healthier place to live and work in, and a stronger place in which to invest.

"Crucially, Canbury Gardens, Churchfields Recreation Ground and Fishponds Park are vital green spaces for communities in Kingston 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.