Woodberry Wetlands in Manor House, Hackney, has been recognised by the Green Flag Award Scheme as one of the best green spaces in Britain – little more than a year after its launch.
The nature reserve is among a record-breaking 1,797 parks and green spaces in Britain that are today receiving a prestigious Green Flag Award, the mark of a high-quality green space. 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.
Woodberry Wetlands was opened by Sir David Attenborough in 2016, having previously been known as Stoke Newington East Reservoir. The wetlands were created by the Trust, working alongside Thames Water and Heritage Lottery Fund, to increase the value of the reservoir for wildlife and open the site to give people free access to a high-quality natural space in a densely built-up area. The nature reserve is now a thriving habitat for migratory birds and one of the Trust’s top visitor attractions. Hedgerows and wildflowers line the banks of the reservoir, while newly-created reedbeds provide a wetland haven for waterfowl.
Francisco Do Carmo, Woodberry’s Senior Site Officer, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Woodberry Wetlands has received its first Green Flag Award since being opened to the public, capping an incredible first year for the reserve. We know how much high-quality green spaces matter to Londoners, and this award celebrates the dedication that goes into making the wetlands such a wonderful place to visit.”
Four Trust nature reserves retained their awards from last year. Crane Park Island in Twickenham, Yeading Brook Meadows in Hillingdon borough, and Gunnersbury Triangle in Chiswick, were again given a Green Flag Award, while the Centre for Wildlife Gardening in Peckham kept its Green Flag Community Award.
International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme. Each flag is a celebration of the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award. The success of the scheme, especially in these challenging times, demonstrates just how much parks matter to people.”
Woodberry Wetlands is free to visit and is open on most days of the year, including weekends, from 9:00am-4:30 pm. See website for more information: www.woodberrywetlands.org.uk
About the Green Flags Awards
The Green Flag Awards Scheme is run by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, under licence from the Department of Communities and Local Government, in partnership with Keep Scotland Beautiful, Keep Wales Tidy, Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens, and the National Housing Federation.
Keep Britain Tidy is a leading environmental charity. We campaign for quality parks and green spaces for everyone, inspire people to be litter-free, to waste less and to live more. We are run programmes including Eco-Schools, the Green Flag Award for parks and green spaces and the Blue Flag/Seaside Awards for beaches. To find out more about Keep Britain Tidy, our programmes and campaigns visit www.keepbritaintidy.org.
Any green space that is accessible to the public is eligible to enter for a Green Flag Award. Awards are given on an annual basis and winners must apply each year to renew their Green Flag status. A Green Flag Community Award recognises quality sites managed by voluntary and community groups. Green Heritage Site accreditation is judged on the treatment of the site’s historic features and the standard of conservation.