Northumberland parks named among the UK's very best green spaces

Nine of Northumberland's parks have been recognised by the Green Flag Award Scheme as some of the very best in the UK.
Castle Vale and Coronation Park, BerwickCastle Vale and Coronation Park, Berwick
Castle Vale and Coronation Park, Berwick

Northumberland’s winning green spaces are Ridley Park, Blyth; Dr Pit Park, Bedlington; Astley Park, Seaton Delaval; Alexandra Park, Cramlington; Carlisle Park, Morpeth; Hexham Park; Castle Vale and Coronation Park Berwick; Plessey Woods Country Park and Bolam Lake Country Park.

They are among a record-breaking 1,883 UK parks and green spaces that will receive prestigious Green Flag honours – the mark of a quality park or green space.

Ridley Park, BlythRidley Park, Blyth
Ridley Park, Blyth
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This international award, now into its third decade, is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.

Coun Glen Sanderson, cabinet member for environment and local services at Northumberland County Council, said: “We are absolutely delighted that all of the parks we entered have yet again achieved Green Flag Awards from Keep Britain Tidy.

“They highlight and recognise that residents and visitors are benefiting from green spaces of the very highest quality.

“We know how much quality green spaces matter to residents and visitors, and these awards celebrate the dedication of our staff and volunteers to maintaining and improving our parks and they should be very proud of themselves.

Alexandra Park, CramlingtonAlexandra Park, Cramlington
Alexandra Park, Cramlington
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“To win year on year is a great achievement but we’re not complacent. We’re also progressing a £1million investment on a range of work at Druridge Bay, Plessey Woods and Bolam Lake Country Parks to significantly enhance their appeal as great places to visit.”

International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd added: “We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme, with more Green Flags awarded this year than last year.

“Each flag honours the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award. We are proud to have so many wonderful green spaces in the UK for people to enjoy, and hope that next year, we award even more flags.”