16 Edinburgh parks shortlisted for UK Favourite Park 2022 - how to vote for your favourite

Fields in Trust has revealed  its full shortlist for UK’s Favourite Parks 2022 - here’s how to vote

Edinburgh has 16 parks competing for the UK’s Favourite Parks 2022 award, which recognises the nation’s favourite public green space.

The nominations for the UK’s Favourite Parks 2022 have been announced by Fields In Trust, an independent charity with more than 90 years of experience protecting parks and green spaces.

Since its launch in 2015, the award has been given to three parks in the UK -  Stanley Park in Blackpool (2017, 2019), Telford Town Park (2015), and Rouken Glen Park in Glasgow (2015).

The moment may have come for Edinburgh, which is known for its stunning spots of greenery across the city, to claim the title. Here’s what you need to know.

Princes Street Gardens has been shortlisted for UK’s Favourite Parks 2022 award

What parks in Edinburgh are shortlisted?

Lauriston Castle Park

The charity describes the “historic” park as a “well established” plant collection that overlooks the Firth of Forth that includes a Japanese Garden and a Royal Scots Memorial Garden.

Starbank Park

The charity said: “Starbank Park is made up of community walled garden park with panoramic views over the Firth of Forth.

“It is maintained by a special group of volunteers who work hard to make the park breathtakingly beautiful and an oasis of calm in the busy city of Edinburgh for all to enjoy.”

Corstorphine Hill Park and Nature Reserve

The charity describes the park as a “nature reserve in the city”, and great for exploring and with breathtaking views of the city, the Firth of Forth, Fife and West Lothian.

Inverleith Park

A park for everyone as it has sports pitches, allotments, playpark, rose garden, pitch and putt, tennis courts, pond and swans, all just across the road from the Botanic Gardens.

Pilrig Park

It features wide grass, wooded areas, and two distinctly different play areas, with easy access for children to play in the woods and a large area of clean grass.

The park is good for nature, sports, cycling, and picnics. It is available to those living in areas with a high population density.

What are other parks in Edinburgh shortlisted for UK’s Favourite Parks 2022 award?

• Leith Links
• Saughton Park
• Montgomery Street Park
• Princes Street Gardens
• Lochend Park
• The Meadows (Edinburgh)
• Holyrood Park
• Spylaw Park
• Figgate Park
• Blackford Hill
• Seven Acre Park

What is the UK’s Favourite Parks 2022 award?

The UK’s Favourite Parks 2022 award looks for parks that locals like visiting throughout the country.

The award is given to the local park that best meets the needs of the community and the nomination is open to all public green spaces in the UK.

The UK’s Favourite Parks award comprises two phases. First, Fields In Trust asked the public to pick their favourite local park.

In the next round, any publicly accessible local green space was eligible for nomination during the June 9 to July 5 submission window.

Any park in the top 20% of nominees will be recognised as a Local Favourite.

How do I vote for my favourite local park?

You can vote by visiting the UK’s Favourite Parks website and selecting your favourite park.

Voting is open and will close at noon on Thursday, August 18, 2022.

The parks with the most votes in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland will be declared National Favourites and then one overall winner will be crowned UK’s Favourite Park 2022.