The Pentland Hills Regional Park has become the largest park in the UK to be presented with a Green Flag award by the Civic Trust. The 10,000 hectare country park joins Harrison Park in the Polwarth area and Braidburn Valley Park in South Morningside which have gained the accolade for the second year running.
The Green Flag Award scheme has been the national standard for parks and green spaces in England and Wales since 1996 and was introduced in Scotland last year. The benchmark aims to encourage the provision of safe, clean and accessible public parks which are managed in an environmentally sustainable way.
Recent park projects including the upgrading of paths and signage, wildflower meadow plantings, environmental education schemes and even a bird hide, have contributed to making the parks accessible and popular green community spaces.
City of Edinburgh Council Environment Leader Robert Aldridge said: “In awarding Green Flag status, the Civic Trust judges have recognised that these parks are exceptionally well maintained and that they offer so much to visitors. Edinburgh’s green spaces cater for hillwalkers, cyclists, birdwatchers, horse riders, school groups and much more whilst at the same time providing refuge for nature and local heritage."
Julie Proctor, Chief Officer of Greenspace Scotland said: "greenspace scotland congratulate the City of Edinburgh Council, and partners, on being awarded three Green Flags. Continuous improvement of park management to better meet the needs of communities is key to attaining a Green Flag. These awards recognise and celebrate the work of the Council in improving the quality of City greenspaces for local people and visitors."
Karen Young, Chair of Friends of Braidburn Valley Park explains "The Friends of Braidburn Valley Park are delighted that our park has won its second Green Flag Award in Scotland. We have worked hard to encourage new users to come to the park, and to make it better for wildlife, so are delighted that this has been recognised with the award."
Media contact: Media office, tel: 0131 529
greenspace scotland Media contact: Elaine Gibb, tel:01786 465 934
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Notes to Editors:
1. Greenspace Scotland is a national umbrella trust established by Scottish Natural Heritage in 2002 to champion green space across urban Scotland.
2. Green Flag Awards are given on an annual basis and winners must apply each year to renew their Green Flag status.
3. For further information see www.greenflagaward.org.uk and www.greenspacescotland.org.uk
4. The Pentland Hills Regional Park is 10,000ha of upland countryside to the South West of Edinburgh. Land uses include farming, forestry, water supply, recreation and estate management. The Regional Park is jointly managed by City of Edinburgh, Midlothian and West Lothian Councils.
5. The City of Edinburgh Council is currently running a survey on the city’s parks. To take part go to: www.edinburgh.gov.uk/parksurvey
