A record 26 local parks have been awarded Green Flags, a national mark of quality – the highest achievement for the borough since the awards began.

In total, 26 parks and open spaces in Ealing have been given one of the celebrated awards. Of these, 23 are owned and managed by the council, and three are looked after by local community organisations.

The Green Flag Awards recognise and reward the finest parks and green spaces nationwide. A Green Flag is a sign that that a park keeps the highest standards, is beautifully maintained and offers excellent facilities.

Councillor Peter Mason, leader of the council, said: “It’s a tremendous achievement to see 26 Green Flags flying over our parks and beautiful green spaces, including a new entry for Elthorne Park.

“Access to quality green spaces is so important for our health and wellbeing. That’s why we are committing to opening 10 more new parks in the coming years. This will ensure that every resident in our borough has access to outstanding green space in their local area while also contributing to our efforts in fighting climate change.”

Councillor Deirdre Costigan, Ealing Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for climate action, said: “Parks and green spaces matter to us as they support wildlife and biodiversity. Enhancing and maintaining them is part of our commitment to make our borough more resilient to the effects of climate change.

From the iconic hills of Northala Fields to the historic Civil War battlefield at Acton Green Common, our parks are full of heritage, biodiversity and community spaces. I’m delighted that Elthorne Park, with its pavilion and well-use tennis courts, is our newest addition to our best ever haul of green flags.

“Thank you to our incredible volunteers who help in keeping our parks and green spaces clean, tidy and safe. Anyone using our parks can help by not using any barbecues which present a serious fire risk and by taking their rubbish home or disposing of it in one of our public bins.”

Councillor Costigan recently visited Elthorne Park to mark its Green Flag success. She was joined by members of the Let’s Go Southall Cycling Club, volunteers from the Hanwell Carnival and members of the parks team.

The 24 Green Flag Award parks managed by Ealing Council are:

• Acton Green Common
• Acton Park
• Blondin Park
• Bollo Brook Park
• Bramley Road Open Space
• Brent Lodge Park & Churchfields
• Elthorne Park
• Gunnersbury Park
• Heathfield Gardens
• Islip Manor Park
• King George’s Playing Fields (Poor’s Piece)
• Lammas Park
• Montpelier Park
• North Acton Playing Fields
• Northala Fields
• Perivale Park
• Pitshanger Park
• Ravenor Park
• Southall Manor House Grounds
• Southall Park
• Southfield Recreation Ground
• Spikesbridge Park
• Three Bridges Park
• Walpole Park

The borough’s 2 Community Green Flag Awards are:

• Katherine Buchan Meadow in Hanwell
• Litten Nature Reserve in Greenford

The Green Flag Awards, organised by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, are judged by more than 700 green space experts who evaluate parks based on 8 strict criteria, including horticultural standards, cleanliness, sustainability and community involvement.