All three parks were funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and BIG Lottery Fund through their joint Parks for People programme. The three parks received a combined investment of £10.5million back in 2006.

The restoration of Clifton Park, Rotherham which was led by LDA Design saw the transformation of a Grade II listed historic park that was of major importance to the people of Rotherham, and had been in decline for decades. LDA Design undertook extensive historical research and public consultation to deliver a park that carefully balanced the need for new, modern-day facilities with the restoration of the Georgian features of the park. The judges called it 'a scheme that stands as a benchmark of excellence in its field.'

Drew Bennellick, HLF's Head of Landscape and Natural Heritage, commented: "We are delighted that the winner and the two highly commended projects in the Heritage awards category were all funded through our Parks for People grant programme which HLF runs with Big Lottery Fund. Clifton Park is a flagship project for us and we congratulate them on their well-deserved success! We hope their success will inspire others to see the value of investing in our historic parks to make them relevant for today’s users."

The restoration of Ouseburn Parks, which is made up of four linked parks covering a two mile stretch of the Ouseburn Valley in Newcastle upon Tyne, by Southern Green Ltd was Highly Commended by the judges. The restoration entailed a comprehensive range of works including the conservation and restoration of the historic landscape, structures, features and views; the improvement of paths and physical access within and between the parks, as well as new plantings and other soft landscape features to open up many lost views. The judges said: "The approach adopted for the restoration of this landscape is spare and classical, skilfully adopting a ‘less is more’ philosophy in delivering a large and complex scheme."

Bushey Rose Garden is a rare example of the work of Thomas Mawson, the leading landscape architect of the Edwardian era. Created in 1913, the garden was in such a state of disrepair that the historic core of the garden had been shut. The team at Land Use Consultants was Highly Commended by the judges for their extensive historical research and careful management of heavy ground conditions, poor weather and seasonal constraints of traditional materials such as lime mortar. Handmade bricks and tiles with lime mortar were used in the restoration of paths. Green oak timber formed the pergola, rose temple and rose pillars, and furniture experts replicated original Mawson designs for the benches from photographs found on an original Mawson catalogue. The judges said: "This is an admirable scheme full of imagination and charm that maximises the use of heritage assets and their role in a re-invigorated garden."

The Landscape Institute Awards, now in their sixth consecutive year, were presented at a central London ceremony on Thursday 29 October. The winner of this year’s prestigious President's Award was LDA Design with Hargreaves Associates, Arup and Atkins for the design of the London 2012 Olympic Park. The Olympic Delivery Authority was named winner of the Peter Youngman Award. Both awards recognise not only the special nature of the Olympic Park project, but also the extraordinary achievement it represents. A full list of winners across all categories is available by visiting the Landscape Institute website.

Notes to editors

Now in their sixth consecutive year, the Landscape Institute Awards are presented to encourage and recognise outstanding examples of the work of the landscape profession. The awards aims to promote the art and science of landscape architecture; advance the knowledge and understanding of the discipline; celebrate professional expertise and reward schemes that demonstrate a high level of commitment to sustainability.

The Landscape Institute Awards is run by the Landscape Institute, the royal chartered body for landscape architects. It represents professionals in the UK working across planning, design and the management of urban and rural landscape. The LI campaigns to protect, conserve and enhance the natural and built environment for public benefit and is part of the government’s Green Infrastructure Partnership. The Landscape Institute publishes a range of materials explaining the benefits of green infrastructure – visit Landscape Institute's green infrastructure website.

In 2012 the Landscape Institute launched 'A High Line for London: Green Infrastructure ideas competition for a new London landscape' in partnership with the Mayor of London and the Garden Museum. The winner, Pop Down by Fletcher Priest Architects, was selected from 20 shortlisted designs on 8 October. Following the success and continued public interest in the 'High Line for London' competition, the Landscape Institute has developed a website dedicated to showcasing green infrastructure ideas for the capital. Visit New London Landscape website.

The Landscape Institute Heritage and Conservation judges were: Victor Callister, City of London (chair), Deborah Evans CMLI, English Heritage and Sean O’Reilly, Institute of Historic Building Conservation.

A new Parks for People programme that will see £100million invested in public parks over the next three years was launched in October and aims to get local people more involved in the management of their parks. For the first time, it will provide funding to conserve historic cemeteries and offer help and advice about long term park maintenance. The programme has also been simplified so that local authorities, community trusts and friends groups will be able to access funding in a more streamlined way. Grants will range from £100,000 to £5million, with HLF committing over £70million and BIG giving £30million up to 2016.

Further information

Landscape Institute Awards: Sarah Harrison on 07768 372 892, email: sarah@sarahharrisonpr.com.

Heritage Lottery Fund and BIG Lottery Fund Parks for People programme: Alison Scott on 0207 591 6032, email: alisons@hlf.org.uk.