Pristine parks pick up Green Flag accolade

Awards handed to out to parks in the borough and beyond

Abbey Park and Grounds,

Leicester A mile from the city centre, it is divided by the River Soar and includes the Abbey Grounds with the remains of the 12th century Leicester Abbey and the ruins of Cavendish House, a 17th century mansion. The Victorian part has shrubberies, trees, a boating lake, miniature railway, flower displays and a pets corner. Spinney Hill Park,

Leicester Created in 1885, 34 acres of sloping parkland include walks under shady tree avenues, playgrounds and ball courts.

It has a bowling green, artificial cricket wickets, a multi-use games area, outdoor gym and Ping! tables. Brocks Hill Country Park,

Oadby The park covers 67 acres and has a network of wheelchair and pram-friendly paths, plus two play areas inspired by the natural environment and a dedicated den building area.

Additional features include sculptures and orienteering courses around the park. Peace Memorial Park,

Wigston Established in 1921 by public donation, the park has a bowls green, tennis court, multi-activity court and a pavilion which is used by community groups.

Argents Mead, Hinckley In the centre of Hinckley, Argents Mead features landscaped gardens, a moat where you can see ducks and a bandstand which hosts performances.

A new leisure centre was opened in 2016 to replace the former council buildings at Argents Mead. This was followed by the installation of a town centre play area during the summer of 2016. Hollycroft Park, Hinckley A classic example of a 1930s park, facilities include tennis courts, a bowling green, pitch and putt, an art deco bandstand and a bowls pavilion. The park hosts a number of music events and concerts in the summer.

The Outwoods, Loughbor-

ough The Outwoods consists of 110 acres of ancient woodland with routes and walks, including an easy access path with a bird-feeding station. Queen’s Park, Loughbor

ough Opened in June 1899 to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, it includes an under-12s play area, bowling green, the Carillon Tower war memorial, a bandstand, aviaries, a swan maze and Charnwood Museum. Glen Parva and Glen Hills Local Nature Reserves An array of wildlife habitats, from ponds and meadows to woodland and hedgerows, at a 12-hectare site. Beacon Hill Country Park,

Woodhouse Eaves A 135-hectare park made up of some of the oldest rocks – at 700 million years – found in the world. There is a variety of wooden sculptures and a play area. Loughborough University The university has picked up an award for the grounds at its 440-acre campus.

Melton Country Park An area of 137 acres (55.5 hectares), 10 minutes from the centre of town, it has play areas, a sensory garden, bird hide and sports pitches. Market Bosworth Country Park Boasts a Bow Pool, an arboretum, grassed and children’s play areas. A Place to Grow, Enderby A free-to-use community garden to support health and wellbeing. Users produce and eat healthy food, get active and meet people. Thorpe Road Cemetery, Melton Recognised for its grounds. Forest Road Green Belt Gardeners, Loughborough Created by a group of gardeners and recipient of a Green Flag Community Award.

Even in winter, and especially in the summer, parks are always a popular place to visit. They host many events across the county all year round. Leicestershire has a great choice, many of which have picked up a Green Flag Award, recognising they are among the best. The 2018 award winners were revealed recently. Here, Becky Jones takes a look at them including Argents Mead in Hinckley

Pictures from the Hinckley Snapdragon Festival (Ted Cottrell) Pictures from the Friday Snapdragon Spectacular at Hollycroft Park taken by Ted Cottrell for Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council (Please Credit)