Watermead (North) country park, in Leicestershire, is raising a prestigious Green Flag award for the first time.
Having achieved the accreditation - the international quality mark for parks and green spaces - Watermead (North) now joins three other popular country parks in Leicestershire, recognised as among the best in the country.
Beacon Hill Country Park, near Loughborough, Market Bosworth Country Park, and Snibston Colliery Park, in Coalville,, have all retained their prestigious Green Flag status.
All four parks are managed by Leicestershire County Council and are among more than 2,200 parks and green spaces across the UK to earn the right to fly Green Flags in a recently announced winners list drawn up by the Keep Britain Tidy organisation.
The Green flag awards is a chance to celebrate the value of our country parks as much-loved spaces in which people can relax with family and friends, discover the beauty in nature and enjoy a wide range of activities.
I want to thank the teams of rangers and volunteers who work so hard to make sure our parks flourish and continue to attract visitors throughout the year,
Person:Councillor Lee Breckon, cabinet member for resources
Paul Todd MBE, Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag award scheme manager, said: "I congratulate everyone involved at Watermead (North) in achieving this award.
“Watermead (North) is a vital green space for the community in Leicestershire, bringing people together and providing opportunities to lead healthy lifestyles. The staff and volunteers do so much to ensure that it maintains the high standards of the Green Flag award, and everyone involved should feel extremely proud of their achievement.”
Watermead (North) is a haven for wildlife and the many flat paths and trails provide an opportunity for people to explore a wide range of wetland habitats including reedbeds, wildflower meadows, lakes, and ponds.
The country park is located north-east of Leicester, immediately adjacent to the A6, between the villages of Syston and Wanlip. The main entrance can be accessed from Wanlip Road, Syston, near to the Hope and Anchor pub LE7 1PD.
To find out more about Leicestershire County Council’s country parks, visit www.leicscountryparks.org.uk/