The Green Flag Award scheme recognises and rewards well managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of recreational outdoor spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world. St James's is one of the 2017-2018 winners.
The memorial garden and former churchyard is among a record-breaking 1,797 UK parks and green spaces that will today receive a prestigious Green Flag – the mark of a quality park or green space. The Revd Lucy Winkett said: “We are delighted that The Southwood Garden, here at St James’s Church has received its first Green Flag Award. In the heart of the West End, our garden provides a much-loved green space offering peace and tranquillity that is greatly appreciated by churchgoers and visitors alike. Catherine Tidman works extremely hard to maintain our garden and it’s a vital part of our commitment to being an Eco-Church. It’s terrific to see Catherine’s commitment acknowledged in this way.”