Queenswood has been nominated for the Fields in Trust UK’s Best Park, as voted by YOU! Award and now needs public votes to win. Over the last few weeks 214 nominations have been received by Fields in Trust for parks and green spaces that are a much loved part of their local communities. Now it is time to choose the winners; cast your vote at http://www.fieldsintrust.org/bestpark

Queenswood Arboretum and Country Park is looking its best at this time of year with a stunning array of autumn colours from vibrant reds to glowing bronzes. The park has something for everyone. For younger children there is an adventure playground and lots of short walks with pushchair-friendly paths. This autumn, a Gruffalo Trail has been added with activity boards along route between the carved sculptures. The woodland stretches for over 150 acres so there is plenty of room for those wanting to stretch their legs away from the hustle and bustle. The park also has a great independent café and gift shop and visitor centre. There is a regular programme of events at the park from children’s adventure clubs to wildlife walks. Engagement Officer, Hayley Herridge commented: “we’re thrilled to have been nominated for the UK’s best park award. So many people are passionate about Queenswood and have special memories of their time here. It’s a great place to explore nature, take some time out or meet up with friends”

Across the UK nominations include large nature reserves and small community gardens, sports fields and playgrounds, each one a green space valued by the local community. Fields in Trust is a national charity that operates throughout the UK to safeguard recreational spaces and campaign for better statutory protection for all kinds of outdoor sites. Queenswood is one of 214 nominated parks across the UK. The park with the most votes in each of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will be shortlisted and nominators will be invited to attend the prestigious Fields in Trust Awards at Lord’s Cricket Ground in November where the UK’s Best Park, as voted by YOU! 2016 will be named.

Fields in Trust Chief Executive Helen Griffiths said: “We want to celebrate the parks and green spaces which are so vital to the communities that use them. A good park is reflective of the community it serves, but, as they are not a statutory service for local councils to provide, these much loved places are increasingly under threat of being lost to development.

“Recognising the UK’s Best Park is a way of revaluing our green spaces; not viewing them just as a drain on resources for maintenance and upkeep – but seeing what benefits they bring; access to good quality recreational space can contribute to the physical and mental health of their local population and provide places for people to get together for community events.”