The Erewash Canal, Grand Union Canal at Hanwell, River Lee Navigation at Stonebridge Lock in Tottenham, and 41 miles of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal in Yorkshire have, for the first time, joined the likes of the Kennet & Avon, Macclesfield and Peak Forest canals that have retained the quality mark.
Highest quality green spaces
Green Flags are awarded to the highest quality parks and green spaces in 18 countries around the world, and this award once again recognises that canals and their towpaths also offer great places to relax, take some exercise, escape for a while and get close to nature. It also confirms that these waterways have the highest possible environmental standards, are well maintained, and play an important role in the local community.
Julie Sharman, chief operating officer at the Canal & River Trust, comments: “We know that attractive, well-maintained canals are valued by local people and visitors as well as boaters, with research showing that regular visits can make us happier and healthier.
“A Green Flag Award comes after a lot of hard work and I'd like to thank and congratulate everyone who works or volunteers with the Trust, including everyone out on the network who does their bit to make them such special places - picking up the odd piece of litter or making a donation to the work we do. Credit for these Green Flags really goes to them as well.”
International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd adds: “It's fantastic that we have more Green Flag Awards in the UK than ever before, joined this year by 131 International winners.
“Each flag honours the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award. We congratulate each and every winner on their fantastic achievement.”
Green Flags awarded directly to the Trust
- Chesterfield Canal - 44 miles
- Erewash Canal - 11 miles (first time award)
- Grand Union Canal - Hanwell Flight – 1 mile (first time award)
- River Lee - Waltham Lock – Cheshunt - 4 miles
- River Lee - Stonebridge Lock – 1 mile (first time award)
- Shropshire Union Canal (Middlewich to Audlem) - 22 miles
- Lancaster Canal (Bilsborrow to the Lune Aqueduct) - 19 miles
- Macclesfield Canal - 26 miles
- Peak Forest Canal - 12 miles
- Bridgwater and Taunton Canal - 14 ½ miles
- Kennet & Avon Canal - 87 miles
- Montgomery Canal - 8 miles
- Leeds & Liverpool Canal (Yorkshire) - 41 miles (first time award)
- Pocklington Canal - 9 ½ miles
- Ripon Canal - 2 ½ miles
