The best and most beautiful green spaces around Hampstead and Highgate have been revealed as part of a national awards scheme.
Four of the City of London Corporation's parks have won a Green Flag Award.
Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood, Golders Hill, and Queen's Park, all managed by the corporation, have retained their titles.
The four parks are also accredited Green Heritage Sites.
The Green Flag Awards are given to parks that are welcoming and accessible, well maintained and clean, and creative and innovative in their management of the site.
Staff at the Golders Hill Park which has won a Green Flag Award (Image: CoLC)
The Regent's Park, run by The Royal Parks, is both a green flag winner and a Green Heritage site.
Alexandra Road Park, a strip of space in South Hampstead run by Camden Council, was also awarded a Green Flag.
Violet Hill Gardens, a traditional formal garden managed by Westminster Council in St John's Wood, was also recognised.
St Johns Wood Church Grounds, next to Lords Cricket Ground and to the rear of St Johns Church, is a Green Flag Award winner and a Green Heritage site.
Another winner is Coldfall Wood Local Nature Reserve, in Muswell Hill, run by Haringey Council.
Priory Park, in the shadow of Alexandra Palace, was also a winner.
A new winner is Cherry Tree Wood, a popular park in East Finchley, Barnet.
East Finchley Cemetery, also known as St Marylebone Cemetery, run by Westminster Council, was also noted for its beauty and hosting four species of bat as well as woodland birds, invertebrates, and "possibly even reptiles", according to the Green Flag Awards website.
Queen's Park has won a Green Flag Award (Image: CoLC)
Chair of the City of London Corporation’s natural environment board, Caroline Haines, said:
“Our network of parks, forests, heaths, and commons are a lifeline for so many people. Their value to society and nature is priceless.
“They are places to relax, play sport, swim, learn, or simply spend time in nature.
“The work that goes into keeping these world-class sites maintained and looking their best is a significant undertaking, yet – as we’ve seen – the continued passion and dedication from staff and volunteers truly sets these places apart.
“I am incredibly proud of everything they do to keep our green spaces in such wonderful condition.”
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