New Mills Community Orchard has been awarded the coveted Green Flag award again as it is officially recognised as one of the country's best parks for the 13th year running. 

The Green Flag award is the international quality mark for parks and green spaces. 

After two years that have seen parks and green spaces play a vital role for people through lockdowns as a place to relax, exercise and meet friends and family safely, the New Mills Community Orchard is widely regarded as a great space that everyone can enjoy. 

It's planted on the site of a 17th century orchard, alongside the wooded area by High Lea Park. 

Lance Dowson, Chair of the Friends of New Mills Community Orchard, said: "This is wonderful news particularly because it’s the 13th year in a row that we have won this award, which must be some form of record.

"I wish to thank our small and dedicated team of helpers and our wider community for the ongoing support they give to our Orchard. I also want to give particular thanks to Steve Lewis, Parks Manager at New Mills Town Council, who was instrumental in getting the Orchard established.

"We will be celebrating this achievement at our annual Apple Day on 25 September, when lots of families, young people and other members of our community turn out to support and enjoy the orchard." 

Commenting on the announcement of this year’s winners, Keep Britain Tidy’s Chief Executive Allison Ogden-Newton OBE said: “Parks are an essential part of our green infrastructure, playing a key role in our environmental sustainability.

“They are often the beating heart of a community, providing countless benefits to people and wildlife.

“Importantly, they provide a green haven for everybody to enjoy, regardless of their age, social status or ability to pay for access. It’s clear from our research that for quality green spaces to meaningfully contribute to our health and wellbeing, they must be universally accessible and fit for purpose.

“The Green Flag Award is a vital component in ensuring the continuing quality of our parks and green spaces, making sure they are managed to the highest standards and are safe and accessible.

“The news that a record number have achieved the Green Flag Award standard is testament to the hard work of staff and volunteers who look after these national assets.”

The Green Flag Award Scheme, managed by Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, sets the benchmark standard for the management of recreational outdoor spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world. 

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