At a time when it feels as though the entire world is ignoring the very real threat to the planet posed by climate change, it is nice when something in the news is about the importance of green spaces around the country. That is exactly what Guildford has achieved thanks to the fact that the town has been awarded Green Flag recognition for the standard of its green spaces. Guildford was one of nine areas across Europe to be given the Green Flag award, which came after the work that has been carried out by the community members on the Stoke Park castle grounds.
What Are the Green Flag Awards?
The Green Flag Award scheme was brought in in order to recognise well-managed parks and other green spaces. It looks to set the standard when it comes to the management of outdoor spaces around the United Kingdom and across the rest of the world. The aim is to ensure that people everywhere have access to quality open spaces, regardless of where it is that they live. The spaces then need to be managed appropriately and the needs of the communities that they serve continue to be met in order for the area to hold onto the award after it has been given.
The awards are designed in order to recognise the work that is carried out by managers, staff and the people who volunteer to keep a green space in order. The Green Flag awards were introduced in 1996, which means that it will celebrate its 30th year of existence next year. Any freely accessible park or general green space can apply for the award, regardless of whether it is a town park, nature reserve or even a cemetery. The likes of university campuses and country parks can apply, as can formal gardens and hospital grounds or woodlands. Allotments and churchyards can also apply, amongst others.
Guildford’s Success
The news has emerged that Guildford’s Stoke Park and the castle grounds have been given the much-coveted Green Flag status. Both of them have been associated with the ancient capital of Surrey for a century or more, representing the town and the people that call it home well. The teams that keep the areas clean and maintain them well deserve a huge amount of credit for the recognition that has been bestowed on them. It is the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy that is responsible for maintaining the Green Flag Award, with the areas joining more than 2,000 other places in the UK to have the award.
It isn’t an easy award to win, with many different criteria at play when sites are being evaluated. The likes of the involvement of the community as well as the cleanliness and the biodiversity of the area are all important factors. The areas being looked at also need to be safe for visitors to spend time in, which obviously isn’t always easy when you’re looking at somewhere like Stoke Park. It is based over 130 acres, sitting on the edge of the town centre and features a children’s paddling pool, a skatepark and a mini-golf course to enjoy with your luxury leather golf bag, as well as a large field, tennis courts and a play area.
‘Proud’ Colleagues
Speaking in the wake of confirmation that Guildford had been granted the Green Flag status, Lead Councillor for the Environment and Recreation at Guildford Borough Council, Angela Goodwin, said that both she and her colleagues were extremely ‘proud’ to see the green spaces given ‘international recognition’. She was also quick to highlight the time and ‘tireless dedication’ from the staff that manage the two areas. She said, “This wouldn’t be possible without the tireless dedication of our staff. Their hard work and dedication make sure that our parks are welcoming and well-maintained for residents and visitors to enjoy.”
Goodwin went on to say that parks and green spaces like the two that have received the award are good for the ‘physical and mental wellbeing’ of people, as well as offering ‘environmental benefits’. Meanwhile, the Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, Paul Todd, said, “Crucially, Guildford Castle Grounds and Stoke Park are vital green spaces for communities in Guildford to enjoy nature, and during the ongoing cost of living crisis they are free and safe spaces for families to socialise. They also provide important opportunities for local people and visitors to reap the physical and mental health benefits of green spaces.”
Two Important Places in Guildford
Stoke Park was first laid out in the 18th century, going on to become the best-known park in the area. There was originally a manor house there, as well as a walled garden and even an icehouse. They were owned by Lord Onslow, who then chose to donate the land to Guildford Council in 1925, stating that it should continue to be a ‘lung of the town’. The walled gardens still exist, being where you will find the tennis courts and flowerbeds, in addition to a boating pond. There are also both sensory and rose-walled gardens to be found within the area.
Meanwhile, the town’s castle has been an important part of Guildford ever since it was built. As William the Conqueror sacked towns, including Guildford, there was seen as a need for a defensive location to be built. The construction continued into the 12th century, as did further extensions. Thankfully, the castle never experienced any actual military battles within the grounds, but it has undergone numerous improvements over the years. In the 1800s, for example, the grounds, which had been used for farming, were restored and then opened up to the public.