More Green Flag success for Borough’s Country Parks

Itchen Valley and Lakeside among the best in the UK

The two country parks operated by Eastleigh Borough Council are among the best in the UK – and that’s official!

Itchen Valley and Lakeside Country Parks have both scooped Green Flags in the Keep Britain Tidy charity’s national awards scheme.

Lakeside, south of Eastleigh town centre, has won its fourth Green Flag in a row, whilst Itchen Valley Country Park in West End continues its success with its 15th award.

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.

Lakeside Country Park boasts an award-winning conference centre and facilities block for users of the lakes and wider park, with a network of trails designed in partnership with the community. A major programme of improvements is nearing completion at Itchen Valley Country Park which has brought new play facilities, community buildings, covered outdoor events space, as well as accessible Changing Places facilities and better picnic areas.

Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, Paul Todd MBE, said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved at Eastleigh Borough Council’s Countryside team on achieving two Green Flag Awards.

“Itchen Valley and Lakeside are vital green space for communities in Eastleigh Borough to socialise, enjoy nature, for children to play safely and it provides important opportunities for park users to improve their physical and mental health.

“We know that staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that it maintains the high standards of the Green Flag Award, everyone involved should feel extremely proud of their achievement.”

Councillor Tonia Craig, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Social Policy said: “Winning a further two Green Flags for our wonderful country parks is a tribute to the hard work and talent of our Countryside teams. The parks play an important role in residents’ wellbeing and it is great to have confirmation that they are being managed to such high levels of quality. With the imminent completion of the huge improvements to Itchen Valley Country Park, they are clearly going from strength to strength. “

Find out more about the two Country Parks at: www.eastleigh.gov.uk/country-parks-and-open-spaces