Three green spaces in Plumstead have been presented with a Green Flag Award

Looked after by local volunteers, The Slade Ponds, Plumstead Common Nature Reserve and Workhouse Wood were voted as three of the UK’s very best green spaces.

All three owe their existence and sustainability entirely to the hard work and commitment of volunteers and they join 407 other green spaces awarded recognition, in London alone.

The three sites are among a record-breaking 1,970 UK parks and green spaces, and 131 in thirteen other countries around the world, that will today receive a prestigious Green Flag Community Award, the mark of a quality park or green space.

This international award, now into its third decade, is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.

Nick Day, of the Friends of Plumstead Common, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive Green Flag Awards again.

“We know how much quality green spaces matter to residents and visitors, and this award celebrates the dedication that goes into maintaining these sites to such a high standard. It is hard, but enjoyable work."

The Friends have now begun to get more families, with children, involved and at one site and have started weighing the amount of litter they pick.

It averages 20kg a time and they now know that the local volunteers have picked up half a metric ton of litter, in just one small area, since December.

The Friends of Plumstead Common are mounting their amazingly successful PARKSfest community music festival, Plumstead Live, on Sunday 21st July at Winn’s Common.