One of four London Wildlife Trust nature reserves to be recognised

Gunnersbury Triangle, the local nature reserve run by London Wildlife Trust, has been awarded a prestigious Green Flag Award.

The awards, which are presented by Keep Britain Tidy, recognise and reward the best parks and green spaces across the country.

A total of 1,582 parks and green spaces will receive a prestigious Green Flag Award this year. Gunnersbury Triangle is one of four London Wildlife Trust nature reserves to receive an award - the others are the Centre for Wildlife Farming in Peckham, Crane Park Island in Uxbridge and Yeading Brook Meadows in Hillingdon.

Netty Ribeaux, the Trust’s project officer at Gunnersbury Triangle, said: “This is the first time we’ve applied for a Green Flag Award and we’re absolutely delighted that the judges have recognised the importance of the reserve.

"Urban conservation can be challenging, but we have an excellent group of volunteers and their support and hard work has ensured the reserve is indeed award-winning!”

The nature reserve was saved from commercial development over thirty years ago when a vigorous campaign was launched in July 1983 by volunteers which led to a landmark decision to protect the reserve for wildlife. London Wildlife Trust has managed the site since 1985, and it was designated a Nature Reserve in 1987, offering free access to the site, school education sessions, family events and community volunteering opportunities.

Despite the development of the Chiswick Point apartments on the reserve’s northern border, the site remains an important haven for wildlife and is enjoyed by thousands of visitors each year.

Gordon Scorer, chief executive with London Wildlife Trust added: “This Green Flag Award reflects the Trust’s strong commitment to working with local communities and to protecting important natural habitats across the city. Gunnersbury Triangle is a beautiful place to visit, and with a new visitor centre planned for 2018 we look forward to sharing the reserve with many new visitors.”

As part of Love Parks Week, Gunnersbury Triangle will host a free open day and 30th anniversary party on Sunday 2nd August.

International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme. All the flags flying this year are a testament to the efforts of the thousands of men and women, both staff and volunteers, who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.”

The announcement of this year’s Award winners comes in the same week that thousands of people up and down the country are enjoying Love Parks Week (July 24 to August 2), an annual celebration of the UK's green spaces and the community groups that bring them to life.

July 23, 2015