Ayr MSP Siobhian Brown is encouraging support for Belleisle Park in Ayr as the UK’s Favourite Park in a nationwide public vote organised by green space charity, Fields in Trust.

Belleisle is one of 364 parks and green spaces in the running to be awarded UK’s Favourite Park 2022.

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

The parks with the most votes in each of Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland will be named National Favourites and the overall winner the UK’s Favourite Park 2022.

Commenting Siobhian Brown MSP said: “Our local parks have acted as a sanctuary for so many of us over the past few years and the UK’s Favourite Parks award celebrates the contributions these spaces deliver for our neighbourhoods and communities.

“Yet not everyone has equal access. Research by Fields in Trust finds that around 2.8 million people across the country live more than a ten-minute walk from their nearest park or green space.

“We are lucky to have parks like Belleisle on our doorstep.

“It has so much to offer with the golf courses, walled garden, Summer house, woodland walks, kids play area and a lovely cafe.

“Although tragedy struck several years ago with the devastating fire which destroyed Belleisle House, the park still provides precious memories for many.”

Fields in Trust Chief Executive Helen Griffiths added: “Our nation’s parks have been so important during the pandemic, and it is vital that we celebrate them to help ensure they are protected for future generations.

“Our children and grandchildren deserve to have the same access to green space that we do, this is a significant moment to change the way we think about the contribution local green spaces make to our health, our wellbeing, our environment, and ultimately our futures.”

Any park placing within the top 20 per cent of nominations will receive recognition as a “Local Favourite”.

Organisers Fields in Trust is an independent UK wide charity with nearly 100 years’ experience of championing and supporting parks and green spaces by protecting them for people to enjoy.

They work with landowners, community groups and policymakers to champion the value of our parks and green spaces.

For more information about the contest visit fieldsintrust.org/favourite-parks.