Hart’s Countryside Service has won three prestigious Green Flag awards for the ninth year in a row an international scheme that celebrates our open spaces.
The three winning sites for 2020 are Hartley Wintney Central Commons, Fleet Pond Nature Reserve and Elvetham Heath Nature Reserve.
In celebration of this achievement and as part of the #GoGreenForParks initiative, Hart’s newly-awarded green flag will be flying at the civic offices on 14 October to show support for green spaces across the UK and the dedicated staff and volunteers who maintain them.
The Green Flag Award scheme recognises and rewards well managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of recreational outdoor spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.
Adam Green, Countryside Manager, said: “The Countryside Service prides itself on making Hart a great place to live, which for us means maintaining accessible and welcoming countryside sites for everyone to enjoy. At a time when our countryside spaces are such a vital resource for our health and wellbeing, we are delighted that our efforts have been recognised by these Green Flag awards.
“Entering for the award each year not only helps us to establish standards of good management, but we are assessed to ensure that these spaces meet the needs of the communities that they serve. We work closely with parish councils and local groups to achieve this.”
Councillor David Neighbour, Leader of Hart District Council, said: “It is a real achievement by Hart’s Countryside Team that we continue to reach the standards needed to be accredited with these awards. We are so lucky to have our open spaces in Hart and we know how much quality green space matters to our residents and visitors.”
To find out more about these sites including how to visit, go to www.hart.gov.uk/
