The Darwin Gardens Millennium Green Trust says it is happy to announced that Darwin Gardens, a lovingly restored green space that has recently celebrated its 25-year anniversary, has received a coveted Green Flag Award for 2025-26.
The Green Flag Award is the international quality mark for parks and green spaces. Ilkley’s Darwin Gardens Millennium Green, having met the high standards required for the accreditation, has officially been recognised as one of the country’s best parks.
Cllr Catherine Cheater, Chair of the Darwin Gardens Millennium Green Trust, was thrilled to hear the news:
“I am delighted that this beautiful green space at the foot of Ilkley Moor, so loved by residents and visitors, has been awarded the prestigious Green Flag, which recognises the hard work of Ilkley Town Council as the Trustee.”
Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, Paul Todd MBE, said:
“Congratulations to everyone involved in Darwin Gardens Millennium Green Trust who have worked tirelessly to ensure that it achieves the high standards required for the Green Flag Award.
“Quality parks and green spaces like Darwin Gardens make the country a heathier place to live and work in, and a stronger place in which to invest.
“Crucially, Darwin Gardens is a vital green space for communities in Ilkley to enjoy nature, and during the ongoing cost of living crisis it is a free and safe space for families to socialise. It also provides important opportunities for local people and visitors to reap the physical and mental health benefits of green space.”
The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.
Darwin Gardens is located off Well Road on the edge of Ilkley Moor, only a few minutes’ walk from Ilkley town centre. Named in memory of the visit of Charles Darwin to Ilkley in the autumn of 1859, the 1.8 hectare site is a place where people can relax, children can play, and everyone can enjoy nature.
More information about the Green Flag Award can be found on the Darwin Gardens website: darwingardens.org.uk
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