The Gunnersbury Triangle – an oasis of calm and natural habitat in the centre of Chiswick – has been awarded the prestigious Green Flag award. Located opposite Chiswick Park tube station, the triangular reserve was saved from development by local campaigners in the 80s and has now been open to the public for 30 years.
Despite the development of the Chiswick Point apartments on the reserve’s northern border, the site remains an important haven for wildlife and is enjoyed by thousands of visitors each year. Local primary school children also benefit from the nature reserve, with special on-site lessons where they can learn about the many wildlife species that live in London.
Netty Ribeaux, the Trust’s project officer at Gunnersbury Triangle, said: “This is the first time we’ve applied for a Green Flag Award and we’re absolutely delighted that the judges have recognised the importance of the reserve. Urban conservation can be challenging, but we have an excellent group of volunteers and their support and hard work has ensured the reserve is indeed award-winning!”
Gunnersbury Triangle joins a record-breaking 1,582 parks and green spaces that will receive a prestigious Green Flag Award. International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme. All the flags flying this year are a testament to the efforts of the thousands of men and women, both staff and volunteers, who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.”
Gunnersbury Triangle is one of four London Wildlife Trust nature reserves to receive an award this year. The others are the Centre for Wildlife Farming in Peckham, Crane Park Island in Uxbridge and Yeading Brook Meadows in Hillingdon.
The announcement of this year’s Award winners comes in the same week that thousands of people up and down the country are enjoying Love Parks Week (July 24 to August 2), an annual celebration of our country’s fantastic green spaces and the community groups that bring them to life.
As part of Love Parks Week, Gunnersbury Triangle will host a free open day and 30th anniversary party on Sunday 2nd August.
Gunnersbury Triangle is located next to Bollo Lane, Gunnersbury W4 5LW. Tel: 07734 599 729
