This year’s award from ‘Keep Britain Tidy’ sees Jephson Gardens not only maintaining Green Flag status for a seventeenth consecutive year, but also gaining Green Heritage Site Accreditation in association with Historic England for the conservation of the historic features within the park.

Green Flags were also awarded to Oakley Wood and Crackley Wood, which are maintained and managed by the Council in partnership with the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust (and the Friends of Oakley Wood).

In addition, the recently restored Pump Room Gardens received a Green Flag for a second time.

Councillor Will Roberts, Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Services at Warwick District Council said:

“To receive four Green Flag Awards from Keep Britain Tidy is a truly outstanding achievement. These awards recognise and highlight that local people and visitors to Warwick District are benefitting from green spaces of the very highest quality. I would like to play tribute to the huge efforts of the Council’s Green Spaces Team, contractors (idVerde) and the great partnership we have with the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, plus the amazing work of the local Friends and volunteers.

“I would also like to recognise the significance of receiving Green Heritage Site Accreditation for Jephson Gardens and the work that goes on behind the scenes to ensure that the unique history and beauty of this much loved and majestic park is preserved and showcased in its full glory for us all to enjoy.”

Karl Curtis, Director of Nature Reserves at the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust added:

“It is a fantastic achievement for both nature reserves to receive the Green Flag award for a sixth and seventh time, emphasising and recognising the good work that goes into these sites to make them high value places for wildlife and people. The commitment and effort by the volunteers involved throughout the year really adds value and demonstrates that local people can make a difference and take positive action through the Wildlife Trust.”