Local green spaces receive national recognition
The London Borough of Hounslow is celebrating after 20 Green Flag Awards were confirmed for parks, open spaces and cemeteries within the borough. The internationally recognised Green Flag scheme marks sites judged to be well managed, safe and welcoming, and it is seen as a benchmark of quality for public greenspace around the UK.
Among the places singled out in the council's announcement are Bedfont Lakes Country Park, Jersey Gardens in Osterley and Turnham Green in Chiswick — locations that many residents use for walking, exercise, relaxation and volunteering, and that provide important habitats for local wildlife.
What the awards mean for Hounslow residents
The recognition brings attention to the work carried out by the council's Parks team and Lampton GreenSpace alongside the volunteer groups and "Friends" organisations that support individual sites. For many locals, these greenspaces are part of daily life: routes to school, places to walk dogs, outdoor meeting spaces and venues for community events.
"We are proud that 20 of our green spaces have achieved Green Flag status. These awards once again honour the passion and the dedication of our Parks team and Lampton GreenSpace, as well as the volunteers and Friends groups," said Councillor Salman Shaheen, Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Public Realm.
Representatives from Keep Britain Tidy also praised the borough. Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Manager, said parks are vital for wellbeing and communities and noted that well-supported parks are an effective way to improve quality of life.
Plans and local commitments
The council linked the awards to its ongoing commitments to investment in play and public spaces. Their new Playground Pledge was highlighted as part of a plan to deliver more interactive, inclusive and imaginative play areas for children and families across Hounslow.
- Number of awards: 20 Green Flag Awards borough-wide
- Examples named: Bedfont Lakes Country Park; Jersey Gardens (Osterley); Turnham Green (Chiswick)
- Partners acknowledged: Hounslow Council Parks team, Lampton GreenSpace, volunteers and Friends groups
Quick reference
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Awards won | 20 |
| Named sites | Bedfont Lakes; Jersey Gardens; Turnham Green |
For residents, the awards are both a reassurance and an invitation: reassurance that frequently used public spaces are being maintained to a recognised standard, and an invitation to continue supporting those places — whether by volunteering, joining Friends groups, or using the parks and gardens as part of everyday life.
