Crackley Wood has been recognised as one of the best green spaces in the country after receiving a Green Flag Award this weekend.

Green Flag Awards "recognises and rewards well managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of recreational outdoor spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world."

Oakley Wood near Bishop's Tachbrook, as well as Jephson Gardens and Mill Gardens in Leamington Spa have also won Green Flag Awards.

Crackley Wood is maintained by Warwick District Council's Green Spaces Team in partnership with the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and Friends of Oakley Wood and Crackley Wood.

This is the third year in a row that the district council has won three Green Flag Awards.

The Vice-Chairman of Warwick District Council, Councillor Pam Redford said "the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has shown how much we value our parks and open spaces.

"To once again receive three Green Flag Awards from Keep Britain Tidy is a truly outstanding achievement and clearly demonstrates that local people and visitors to Warwick District are benefitting from green spaces of the very highest quality.

"I would like to pay tribute to the Council's Green Spaces Team, contractors (idVerde), the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and the many Friends and volunteers who come out in all weathers to assist us in maintaining and improving these wonderful places."

Karl Curtis – Director of Reserves and Community Engagement at Warwickshire Wildlife said "receiving the Green Flag awards for the local nature reserves is a fantastic accolade. They are very much deserved and all arise from the hard work and dedication of the staff and in particular the volunteers involved.

"Our volunteers give up their valuable time to ensure these reserves are there for everyone to enjoy, reconnect with nature and of course help their local wildlife too by making sure these are diverse and vibrant places."