Officially opened in June 2000, Darwin Gardens Millennium Green, managed by Ilkley Town Council has been awarded a Green Flag Award again.
This international award is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities. A total of 2061 places have achieved the Green Flag Award including Cliffe Castle Park in Keighley.
Darwin Gardens Millennium Green is on the former West View Park, Wells Road, Ilkley, a neglected 1.8 hectare site, was revived and restored by a team of dedicated volunteers as a Millennium Green for the year 2000. It was renamed in memory of the visit of Charles Darwin to Ilkley in the autumn of 1859.
The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of recreational outdoor spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.
Ilkley Town Council clerk, Louise Close, praised in the Ilkley Gazette the dedication in particular of the groundsman, Philip Judd and Helen Gibbs, Deputy Clerk of the Town Council for their work planning and maintaining the Gardens to such a high standard.
Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, Chief Executive of Keep Britain Tidy, said: “We have always known just how important our parks and green spaces are for the physical and mental health of everyone.
“All the research shows that spending time in good-quality green space can improve people’s health and wellbeing, that is why it is important that they are managed to the recognised standard of the Green Flag Award. This is now something that millions more recognise after the challenges of the past six months. All those involved in the Green Flag Award should be congratulated on their achievement.”
