Four Croydon parks have been awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award.

The Green Flag Award recognises some of the very best-managed parks in the world, setting the benchmark standard for the management of recreational outdoor spaces across the UK and around the world.

Farthing Downs, Riddlesdown, and Coulsdon and Kenley Commons in Croydon won the award.

(Image: City of London Corporation)

West Wickham Common and Spring Park were also awarded in Bromley.

Each site was assessed by an independent panel of judges on several criteria, including accessibility and signage, safety, cleanliness, community engagement, and how the site's management is helping to combat the effects of climate change.

They comprise six out of eight sites in the local area to win the award; five also received Green Heritage Status, in recognition of their historic features and high conservation standard.

In total, they cover an area of 275 hectares, which is roughly the size of 390 football pitches, and are protected from being built on by special legislation.

Many of them are Sites of Special Scientific Interest or Sites of Nature Conservation Importance and make up the South London Downs National Nature Reserve.

Chairman of the City Corporation’s Epping Forest and Commons Committee, Ben Murphy, said: “Peppered across south London, every one of these green spaces offers something unique, whether it’s the exceptionally rare heathland of West Wickham Common, or Farthing Downs, home to the largest ancient scheduled monument in Greater London.

“Every year, the judges’ standards continue to rise. These awards demonstrate just how effective our management plans are in protecting and preserving these open spaces for future generations to enjoy. 

“It also shows how the City of London Corporation’s investment is having a real impact on local communities in and around our capital city.

“I would like to thank both our hard-working staff and passionate team of volunteers, who are the real winners of this award.”