Three local parks, Kelsey Park in Beckenham, Cator Park in Penge and South Hill Woods in Shortlands, have all won prestigious Green Flag awards in recognition of high standards and maintenance of green spaces.
Conservative-run Bromley Council has been investing in enhancing parks across the borough. In recent years, the council has awarded just under £1 million as part of its Jubilee Parks Fund. The funding has been used for new play equipment, planters, and maintenance equipment used by local friends’ groups. The Council has also invested £2.6 million in Kelsey Park to desilt the lakes (which was completed early), replace the long wooden bridge, and open a new community garden (which was led by the Friends of the Park and part-funded through the Jubilee Parks Fund).
West Wickham Common, which is maintained by the City of London Corporation, has also been awarded a Green Heritage Site Accreditation. This rewards parks and green spaces that recognise the heritage oftheir space, conserve it and share it with users.
Welcoming the news, Dr Michael Doble, from the Conservative Action Team in Kelsey and Eden Park Ward, said:
“The pandemic showed us the huge importance of having beautiful parks in our community; they make a real difference to people’s physical and mental well-being, as well as supporting local wildlife and biodiversity. Parks which are looked after and well-maintained enhance and enrich the character of our community. Kelsey Park is a jewel in the crown of Bromley’s parks. I am delighted that another one of our parks has now been awarded the Green Flag award.”
Shortlands and Park Langley Councillor Gemma Turrell added:
“Since being elected last year, I have regularly joined the Friends of South Hill Woods at their monthly clean-up days. We are blessed to have a team of dedicated and passionate volunteers who give up some of their weekends to look after this historic park. The Green Flag award is a recognition of the work they do, and I am so delighted for them! This is a fantastic reflection on our volunteers, our officers and our community. Well done, everyone!”
