Bracknell

Three of Bracknell Forest's open spaces have been listed in the new Good Parks Guide.

The guide is produced by charity GreenSpace and the Royal Horticultural Society, and lists more than 500 free parks across the UK for members of the public to discover and enjoy.

The parks in Bracknell Forest are Pope's Meadow in Binfield - which is a Green Flag Award winner, Lily Hill Park in Bracknell, and Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows which also has a Green Flag award.

The guide praised Lily Hill Park's restoration and said it now emulates a Victorian landscaped-park design, which is used for quiet and informal recreation by local people. Pope's Meadow is said to have 'a dazzling carpet of different plant species' through spring and summer, and was noticed for its variety of habitats and wildlife. And community use alongside active conservation at Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows was popular with the book's authors.

Helen Tranter, Head of Bracknell Culture and Visual Environment, said: "I am thrilled three of our open spaces have been acknowledged in this way.

"We aim to ensure our parks are the pride of our borough and it is great this has been acknowledged."

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure and Corporate Services, said: "I cannot think of a better accolade for the hard work and dedication of our Parks and Countryside staff, our parish partners and volunteer groups than to have a prestigious publication like the Good Parks Guide include no less than three Bracknell Forest parks in its guide.

"Our parks are such a valuable resource to our community and I hope the Good Parks Guide encourages more people to come and see what the parks and countryside in Bracknell Forest have to offer."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council