London's Royal Parks retain coveted Green Flag Awards

London’s Royal Parks have been recognised as some of the best in the country as they retain their Green Flag Awards, the prestigious international award for parks and green spaces.

The Royal Parks charity maintains London’s eight Royal parks, along with other important green spaces in the capital.

The Regent’s Park, Hyde Park, Richmond Park and Bushy Park have all been re-awarded the Green Flag this year, all achieving high scores. The other Royal parks, including Brompton Cemetery, which is also cared for by The Royal Parks, have all retained their status and will be judged again in 2025.

The parks have also all achieved the Green Heritage Site Accreditation, supported by Historic England, for the management and promotion of their historic features.

Every year, the parks are judged, or visited, by a mystery shopper. The judging process includes a review of park management plans, and a site visit to meet the park teams.

Judges meet staff across park, landscape, volunteer, and biodiversity management.

Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, Paul Todd, said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved at The Royal Parks on achieving a Green Flag Award.

“The Royal parks are vital green spaces for communities in London to socialise, enjoy nature, for children to play safely and they provide important opportunities for park users to improve their physical and mental health.

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

“It is important that our free to use spaces are maintained to the Green Flag Award standard, making them accessible for all members of the community while ensuring the environment is protected.”

Jason Taylor, Hyde Park Manager, said: “We are proud to be re-awarded the Green Flag Award this year, which recognises the dedication of everyone in our park team, from staff to volunteers, apprentices, and contractors. Their hard work ensures that the park maintains our standards of excellence for our visitors to enjoy.”

Paul Richards, Richmond Park Manager, said: “We are honoured to receive the Green Flag Award again this year. It is thanks to the hard work of all the staff, apprentices and volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure the park is at its very best, and provide a welcoming green space for the public to use and enjoy.”