Itchen Valley Country Park wins Green Flag
Recognition for an important lifeline during lockdown
Having a beautiful green space on your doorstep has been particularly important for the wellbeing of Borough residents over the past six months – and Itchen Valley Country Park has just been voted one of the best in the country.
The park is once again flying the Keep Britain Tidy charity’s Green Flag Award that is a sign to visitors that the park is well maintained and run to the highest possible standards, with excellent facilities.
The Council-operated park is in its second decade of success in the scheme, which is a nationally recognised mark of quality. This year, a record 2,000 sites have received the Green Flag award.
The park offers a wealth of waymarked trails and recently opened a new café, indoor play area and revamped outdoor play trail. It also offers picnic tables and barbecue sites, making it a perfect destination for a family day out. The Go Ape treetops adventure is also based in the 440-acre park, which features water meadows, woodland and meadows.
Chair of the Hedge End, West End & Botley Local Area Committee, Councillor Cynthia Garton, said: “With the stresses and restrictions of the coronavirus pandemic, our country parks have taken on a new importance in promoting health and wellbeing among Eastleigh Borough residents. The Itchen Valley team can be hugely proud of their repeated success in winning this award, which reflects their hard work and expertise in very difficult circumstances. Once again, we’re very grateful to Keep Britain Tidy for this recognition.”
Keep Britain Tidy Chief Executive, Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, said: “This year, more than ever, our parks and green spaces have been a lifeline and we know that millions of people have used them to relax, meet friends, exercise or simply escape for a short time.
“It is testament to the incredible dedication and hard work of parks staff and volunteers that, despite the challenges, Itchen Valley Country Park has achieved the highest international standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.”
Find out more about Itchen Valley Country Park at: www.eastleigh.gov.uk/ivcp