County Durham’s green spaces have once again been recognised for their high standards
at the prestigious Green Flag Awards.
Eleven parks and green spaces, which are maintained by Durham County Council, have
received the honour after being so well looked after for yet another year.
The scheme, recognising parks, cemeteries, countryside sites and crematoria, continues
to provide the benchmark against which parks and green spaces are measured.
Cllr Mark Wilkes, Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and climate change, said: “We are
thrilled that so many of our sites have been recognised for meeting the Green Flag
standard. I would like to thank all our staff and those who volunteer for keeping our green
spaces so well maintained.
“At a time when outdoor space has become more important than ever for the wellbeing of
our residents, we are delighted to be able to offer such wonderful spaces to our
communities.”
The County Durham sites to have been given Green Flag status this year are:
Annfield Plain Park
Blackhill and Consett Park
Castleside Cemetery, Consett
Durham Crematorium and Cemetery, Durham City
Hardwick Park, Sedgefield
Moorside Cemetery, Consett
Mountsett Crematorium, Consett
Riverside Park, Chester-le-Street
Ropery Lane Cemetery, Chester-le-Street
Sacriston Cemetery
Town Recreation Ground at Bishop Auckland
Wharton Park, Durham City
Blackhill and Consett Park has also been given the Green Heritage Site Award supported
by Historic England, for the management of its historic features.
It has been a record-breaking year for the Green Flag Awards, which are managed by the
environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, with 2,208 UK sites celebrating success.
Any green space that is freely accessible to the public is eligible to enter for a Green Flag
Award.
Awards are given on an annual basis and winners must apply each year to renew their
Green Flag Award status.