Beautiful Beaversfield hailed in national awards

BEAUTIFUL Beaversfield Park in the London Borough of Hounslow has scooped a prestigious Green Flag Award for the very first time.

It is one of four parks in West London’s greenest borough to be handed the accolade alongside Bedfont Lakes Country Park, Boston Manor Park and Cranford Countryside Park, who retain their status.

Improving the quality of parks through investment is an ethos of the Hounslow Plan, the Council’s four-year vision of development and improvement for this borough.

Cllr Adrian Lee, lead member for leisure and culture at the London Borough of Hounslow, said: “Over the past two years, there has been an enormous amount of work at Beaversfield Park to bring it up to scratch. This Green Flag award recognises that, and means it is ranked alongside some of Britain’s finest parks. It’s a worthy addition to this list of national treasures.

“I would especially like to thank staff who worked on this project over the past two years. Their efforts have greatly contributed to this. Beaversfield Park has really blossomed into a wonderful amenity. Not only is it attractive, there is a real emphasis on conserving the urban wildlife that live there, and for that reason, it’s a very special place.”

Beaversfield Park, in Rosemary Avenue, Hounslow West, has been steadily improved since winter 2007. In addition to a grass mosaic maze, bird and bat boxes built by pupils at Beavers Community Primary School have been introduced, demonstrating efforts to conserve and encourage wildlife. Other enhancements included a new family picnic area and landscaped plant and flower beds.

In addition, the park has numerous facilities, including two play areas for children and toddlers and a multi-sports area. Some of the equipment in the park includes four rockers, a play house, swings and a play area for under 5's, and a carousel, multi-play area, climbing frame and swings for over 5's. Seating for adults is also provided.

The park is a large area of open grassland with a raised area over an old air raid shelter, and the former tennis courts have been converted into multi-sports play areas. There are also bumblebee boxes at the northern boundary of the park.

A record 742 green spaces across the country, all freely accessible to the public have received a Green Flag Award - the national standard for quality parks and green spaces. Winners are judged to be welcoming and well maintained with the support and involvement of the local community.

Paul Todd, Green Flag Award scheme Application Manager, said: “The increasing number of Green Flag Award winning parks and green spaces highlight the important role they play in bringing people together and improving their quality of life. Congratulations to all the management, staff, and in particular, thousands of volunteers whose hard work and dedication has brought this award of excellence.”

Of the borough’s other winners, Cranford Country Park is jointly managed by the London Borough of Hillingdon.

For information on all winners please visit: www.greenflagaward.org.uk