Jubilations as Ely’s open spaces awarded green flags

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Two popular open spaces in Ely have been acknowledged for their high standards as part of a national award scheme.

Ely Country Park and Jubilee Gardens have been recognised as some of the world’s very best green spaces by Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award.

This marks the 15th year that Jubilee Gardens have been awarded a green flag and the sixth year for Ely Country Park.

They are among 1,970 UK parks and green spaces and 131 in thirteen other countries around the world, that will today receive a prestigious award - the mark of a quality park or green space.

Councillor Anna Bailey, Leader at East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “It’s fantastic that Jubilee Gardens and Ely Country Park have once again been recognised with green flag status.
“These are just two examples of the beautiful parks our open spaces team look after around the district.
“It’s places likely Ely Country Park and Jubilee Gardens that contribute to making our district a great place to live, work and visit.
“I would like to thank the friends of Jubilee Gardens that give freely of their time as well as our Parks and Open Spaces Team - the green flag award is yours, and recognition of the hours of work you put in.”

This international award, now into its third decade, is a sign to the public that Ely Country Park and Jubilee Gardens boast the highest possible environmental standards, are beautifully maintained and have excellent visitor facilities.

John Crawford, chairperson of the Friends of Jubilee Gardens, said: “I'm happy to say that the award of the 2019 Green Flag shows that Jubilee Gardens continues to develop and provide a valuable asset to the .community and reflects the work put in by East Cambs Council gardeners and members of the Friends of Jubilee Gardens all of whom help support the gardens and provide additional resource both in terms of money and "hands-on" gardening. Thanks is due to all concerned.”

 

Both green flag spaces featured on the route of last year’s BBC Countryfile mass ramble in aid of BBC Children in Need. Up to 1,300 people took part in the charity walk led by presenter Ellie Harrison, which started and finished at Ely Cathedral.
 

International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “It’s fantastic that we have more Green Flag Awards in the UK than ever before, joined this year by 131 International winners.”

“Each flag honours the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award. We congratulate each and every winner on their fantastic achievement.”



Awards are given on an annual basis and winners must apply each year to renew their Green Flag Award status