The Darwin Gardens Millennium Green Trust has announce that Darwin Gardens, the lovingly restored green space that celebrated its 25-year anniversary last year, has once again received a coveted Green Flag Award for 2026-27.
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:
“We are absolutely delighted that Darwin Gardens has been recognised with a Green Flag Award for 2026–2027. This is a wonderful achievement and a testament to the hard work, commitment and care shown by our volunteers, officers and partners. Darwin Gardens is a much-loved green space for the community, and we are proud to see it continue to flourish for residents and visitors alike.”
Cllr Damian Kearns, Mayor of Ilkley, said:
“This is fantastic news for Darwin Gardens and for Ilkley. The Green Flag Award is a mark of quality and reflects the excellent stewardship of this special green space. I am pleased to congratulate everyone who has contributed to this success.”
The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under contract 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.
Green Flag Award Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, Paul Todd MBE, said:
“Parks are essential public spaces that support our wellbeing, our communities and our economy. Yet for millions of people, particularly in the most deprived areas, local parks simply don’t feel safe or welcoming.
“With public services under pressure, investing in parks is not a luxury, it’s a practical, preventative solution and one of the most visible ways to improve people’s quality of life.
“The Darwin Gardens Millennium Green Trust has shown what can be achieved when parks are properly supported and managed. As we celebrate 30 years of the Green Flag Award, we want every community to have access to green spaces like this that are safe, welcoming and maintained to a high standard. Congratulations to everyone involved."
More information about the Green Flag Award can be found on the Darwin Gardens website: darwingardens.org.uk
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