Battersea Park has retained its green flag award.

The park, which has a boating lake and a children’s zoo, was described as “the jewel in the crown of London's parks” by Keep Britain Tidy.

Wandsworth Times:

Finn Elkington on a recumbent bike in Battersea Park

The environmental charity recognises the best parks across the country and awards green flags to parks with high standards and good facilities.

Wandsworth Times:

Caroline Brown enjoying the sunshine in Battersea Park this summer 

Wandsworth’s environment spokesman, Councillor Jonathan Cook, said: “Battersea Park truly is one of London’s most popular and attractive open spaces. No other park in the capital offers so much to see, do and enjoy.”

Wandsworth Times:

Sofie Grabinski making the most of the park next to the River Thames 

The 200 acre park was opened by Queen Victoria in March 1858. It used to be fields and marshland but was marked as a place of recreation for the huge numbers of people who flocked to London during the Industrial Revolution.

Wandsworth Times:

Sumo wrestlers bounced around Battersea Park last month