Three open spaces in Charnwood have been awarded the prestigious Green Flag award, which recognises international standards of excellence for parks and green spaces.

Loughborough's Rectory Wildlife Garden, the Forest Road Greenbelt and Queen's Park have all achieved the honour.

Award milestones

The Rectory Wildlife Garden has won the Community Green Flag award for the first time. The Forest Road Greenbelt has received the award for the 11th year in a row, while Queen's Park is receiving it for the 18th consecutive year.

Recognition from council leadership

Cllr Anne Gray, the Council's Lead Member for Open Spaces, said the awards represent an excellent achievement and reflect the work of staff, partners and volunteers.

"We are proud of our parks and open spaces across the borough and these awards are fully deserved," Cllr Gray said. "I'd like to thank our open spaces partner i dverde, waste partner Serco, and all the volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure residents and visitors can enjoy them."

Cllr Jewel Miah, Leader of Charnwood Borough Council, described it as "a fantastic achievement" and thanked everyone involved for their hard work.

Community voices

John Dimmick, Secretary of the Rectory Wildlife Garden, said the award recognised the dedication of the council, partners and volunteers. Pat Cook, Chair of the Forest Road Greenbelt Gardeners, said the three spaces' awards reflected "hours of hard work and dedication."

How the spaces are managed

Queen's Park is owned and looked after by Charnwood Borough Council with partner i dverde, along with the volunteer group Friends of Queen's Park.

The Rectory Wildlife Garden in Rectory Road is maintained by volunteers from the Rectory Wildlife Garden Charity. More information is available at www.rectorywildlifegarden.com

The Forest Road Greenbelt is maintained by the Forest Road Greenbelt Gardeners, supported by the Council and i dverde.

Wider success across Charnwood

Other parks and open spaces in Charnwood to receive a Green Flag for 2025/26 include Loughborough University, Beacon Hill, Stafford Orchard Park in Quorn, Watermead Country Park, Barkby Road Cemetery in Syston and the River Soar and GU Leicester Line from Loughborough to Kilby Bridge.

This year marks 30 years of the Green Flag award, which is managed by Keep Britain Tidy. For more information about parks and open spaces in Charnwood, visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/parksandopenspaces