Four green spaces within Epsom and Ewell have been recognised by the Green Flag Award Scheme as some of the very best in the world. Epsom Common Local Nature Reserve, Ewell Court Park, Alexandra Recreation Ground and Rosebery Park join other green spaces awarded this recognition throughout the UK.  

The green spaces are among a record-breaking 1,970 UK parks and green spaces and 131 in thirteen other countries around the world, that have received the prestigious Green Flag award – the mark of a quality park or green space. 

This international award, now into its third decade, is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities. 

The four green spaces that were put forward for judging for the award were selected, as they are broadly representative of the different green spaces within the borough: 

• Epsom Common Local Nature Reserve has won the award for the thirteenth consecutive year. It is the largest local nature reserve in Surrey and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

• Ewell Court Park has won the award for the eighth year in a row. The park is the former gardens of the historical Ewell Court House.

• Alexandra Recreation Ground has also won the award for the eighth year in a row. It is a sports ground with facilities for cricket, soccer, bowls, tennis and basketball situated in Alexandra Road.

• Rosebery Park has once again won the award for the seventh year running. It is a formal town centre park.

Councillor Barry Nash, Chair of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council's Community & Wellbeing Committee said: "We are absolutely delighted to receive these Green Flag Awards which are a testimony to the hard work of our staff and also to the input and support from community groups and volunteers. 

“We know how much quality green spaces matter to residents and visitors, and this award celebrates the dedication that goes into maintaining our parks and green spaces to such a high standard." 

International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “It’s fantastic that we have more Green Flag Awards in the UK than ever before, joined this year by 131 International winners.” 

“Each flag honours the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award. We congratulate each and every winner on their fantastic achievement.” 

The Green Flag Awards Scheme (http://greenflagaward.org/) is run by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, in partnership with Keep Scotland Beautiful, Keep Wales Tidy and Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful. 

Keep Britain Tidy is a leading environmental charity. We run programmes including Eco-Schools, the Green Flag Award for parks and green spaces and the Blue Flag/ Seaside Awards for beaches. We also campaign for the country to be litter free and waste less. To find out more about Keep Britain Tidy, our programmes and campaigns visit www.keepbritaintidy.org. 

Any green space that is freely accessible to the public is eligible to enter for a Green Flag Award.  Awards are given on an annual basis and winners must apply each year to renew their Green Flag Award status.  A Green Flag Community Award recognises quality sites managed by voluntary and community groups. Green Heritage Site Accreditation is judged on the treatment of the site’s historic features and the standard of conservation.  

For more information on Epsom and Ewell's parks and open spaces visit www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk