The London Borough of Bexley is celebrating after receiving a Green Flag Award for Lesnes Abbey Woods.

The ancient woodland and historic site in Abbey Wood flew its prestigious Green Flag Award on Tuesday, 21 July, after achieving the international quality mark for parks and green spaces. The 88-hectare site has now received the award for four consecutive years, as well as being awarded Green Flag status in previous years.

Councillor Rags Sandhu, Cabinet Member for Environment, Culture and Leisure, said:

This is a fantastic testament to the hard work, passion and dedication of the team and volunteer group ‘The Friends of Lesnes Abbey and Woods’ who care for this green space, ensuring it is maintained to a high standard for visitors and residents to enjoy."

Families and visitors can also enjoy the children’s playground and outdoor exercise equipment.

Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Manager, said:

The London Borough of Bexley and its team at Lesnes Abbey Woods have 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."

Now in its 30th year, the Green Flag Award scheme 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.