The Mapesbury Dell Cricklewood and Fryent Country Park pick up awards

The borough’s green spaces have been named among the best in the capital after Brent scooped four prizes at this years London in Bloom Awards.

The awards, which recognise excellence in the capital for horticulture, were given out at Pembroke Lodge in Richmond Park to communities, local authorities, town centre developments, businesses and parks across 12 categories.

The Mapesbury Dell Cricklewood was handed top prize in the small park of the year award while Fryent Country Park picked up silver in the country park award.

The borough was also awarded third prize in the prestigious biodiversity award and second place in the large city award category.

Mapesbury Dell, in Hovedean Road, won judges’ praise for its design and layout, flower beds, well-maintained seating and volunteers’ involvement.

The dell, which opened in 2005, has been transformed from an unused area of land to a flourishing green space thanks to the work of volunteers.

Tom Putnam, a Mapesbury Dell trustee said: “This is a triumph for the whole of Mapesbury. Special mention is earned for all our gardening club members.

They work so hard together with the parks ground staff to make and keep our park the finest that there is in London.”

London in Bloom was founded in 1967 just a few years after England in Bloom started in 1963. It is one of 17 regional campaigns across the UK which makes up Britain in Bloom - Europe’s largest horticultural campaign.