The Green Flag Award is the national standard for parks and green spaces in England and Wales and this Summer, no fewer than 1,000 parks have been given the prestigious award.

It is a means of recognising the best green spaces in the country and encouraging others to achieve the same high environmental standards, creating a benchmark of excellence in recreational green areas. The award is given annually and assessed against strict criteria; only green spaces that are open to the public and are free are eligible to enter.

During this period of economic downturn, the importance of high quality, free open space that is close to home is paramount. The Green Flag Award indicates to the public that the area is clean, safe and welcoming. Conservation, heritage, community involvement, marketing and management are also taken into account.

Housing Minister Ian Austin said: "I want to congratulate everyone involved in the creation and upkeep of these award winning green spaces. It's obvious from the number of winners we have this year that green spaces across England and Wales are continuing to improve at an impressive rate. I'd also like to thank all the volunteer judges who continue to make this scheme possible.

"Green spaces provide us all with some free space to have fun and relieve the stresses of modern life whether we want to enjoy a picnic, play some tennis or just sit back and relax. The Green Flag Award scheme is rewarding our best green spaces and encouraging others to achieve the same high standards."

Bracknell Forest Parks is one of the entries that has seen three of its parks awarded with Green Flag status; Pope's Meadow in Binfield has retained its flag for an impressive eighth consecutive year, Lilly Hill Park in Bullbrook has been given the honour for a second year, following a £2 million restoration project and following Bracknell Forest Councils ongoing partnership with Sandhurst Town Council, they have been jointly awarded for Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows.

Richard Walton, parks and countryside manager, said: "We are delighted that these three parks have been recognised by the Green Flag judges once again.

"Our team works very hard to maintain all our parks, so we are really pleased to have three Green Flags flying in parks managed by Bracknell Forest Council, especially one managed in partnership. Everyone involved should be extremely proud of their work."

ISPAL is hosting a one day event based around outdoor spaces and the initiatives used to encourage people to get active outdoors with the aim of supporting a healthier lifestyle. For further information click here.