Islington has now got a whopping 19 Green Flag Awards for our parks and green spaces! But what is a Green Flag Award, and what does that mean?

Green Flag Awards recognise parks that are well managed, welcoming, safe, and have a positive impact on both the local community and the environment and biodiversity. Some awards are for parks that the council run, and some specifically recognise the contribution of the local community and volunteers who help to look after these precious green spaces.

This year, Islington has been awarded 19 Green Flag Awards, which is pretty good going for a small borough!

Parks provide the opportunity to exercise, play, relax, and socialise. They also provide important food, habitat and shelter for a wide range of wildlife and pollinators, can provide shade and cool spaces in hot weather, and the joy of seeing flowers in spring, butterflies in summer or robins in winter. We know that getting out and about in parks and nature is good for our mental and physical wellbeing. Why not explore some of these Green Flag spaces, and see what you think?

The full list of Green Flag Award recipients are: Arundel Square, Caledonian Park, Canonbury Square, Duncan Terrace Gardens, Fortune Street Park, Gillespie Park, Grenville Road Gardens, Highbury Fields, King’s Square Gardens, Rosemary Gardens, St John’s Garden, Whittington Park, Wray Crescent Open Space, and Landseer Gardens.

The five recipients of Community Green Flags, which recognise high-quality green spaces managed by voluntary and community groups, are: Arlington Square Gardens, Barnsbury Square Gardens, King Henry’s Walk Gardens, Granville Square London, and the Mary Tealby Peace Garden.

For more on Islington’s parks and greenspaces, or to find out about volunteering, visit the council website.