Lydiard Park Awarded Green Flag Award for Fourth Year Running

Lydiard Park has retained it's Green Flag Award for the fourth year running, making it one of the best parks and green spaces in the country.

The popular Swindon Borough Council-owned park joins Stanton Park as one of 1,470 to have been given the prestigious award this year.

The awards are judged by an army of more than 700 volunteer experts who visit applicant sites and assess them against eight strict criteria.

Points are awarded for horticultural standards, cleanliness, sustainability and community involvement.

Lydiard Park has 260 acres of lawns, woodlands and pasture for visitors to walk, jog, run, cycle or play in. The restored state rooms of the Palladian house, the Walled Garden and children’s play area are open all year round offering a quality experience for visitors of all ages. There is also an exciting events programme with plenty to offer for 2014.

Cllr Perkins, Swindon Borough Council’s Member for the Economy, Regeneration and Skills, who is also responsible for Lydiard, said: “This is great news for Lydiard and Stanton as they are two really important Swindon assets which are enjoyed by so many people throughout the year.

“If a park or open space has a Green Flag it signifies that it is of the highest standard, has great facilities and is beautifully maintained. Lydiard and Stanton certainly tick all those boxes.”

The announcement of this year’s award-winners comes in the same week that thousands of people up and down the country are celebrating the nation’s fantastic parks and green spaces with Love Parks Week, which runs from July 25 to August 3.

International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “It’s another record-breaking year for the scheme. This is something well worth celebrating and testament to the efforts of the thousands of men and women, supported by some amazing volunteers, who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award."