Arun celebrates record 11 Green Flag Awards for parks, gardens and green spaces
Arun District Council is celebrating a landmark achievement after a record 11 of its parks, gardens and green spaces were awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award - the international quality mark for outstanding parks and green spaces - as the scheme marks its 30th anniversary.
Brookfield Park, Mewsbrook Park and Norfolk Gardens in Littlehampton, Old Rectory Gardens in Felpham, Marine Park Gardens in Aldwick, Hotham Park, Jubilee Gardens in Bognor Regis, Marina Gardens in Littlehampton and Arundel Cemetery retained their Green Flag status. They are joined this year by newly crowned sites Hothamton Sunken Gardens in Bognor Regis and West Park, Aldwick.
The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under contract from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the UK and around the world.
The awards are a testament to the hard work, passion and dedication of Arun District Council's Greenspace Team, gardeners from the council's contractor Tivoli Group Limited, and the many volunteers who help care for and enhance these valued community spaces.
Councillor Amanda Worne, Chair of Arun District Council's Environment Committee, said:
"We are incredibly proud that 11 of our parks, gardens and green spaces have achieved the Green Flag Award this year. This recognition reflects the dedication of our Greenspace Team, Tivoli's gardeners and our fantastic volunteers, who work tirelessly to ensure these spaces remain welcoming, attractive and enjoyable for everyone.
"Our parks and green spaces play an important role in supporting residents' health and wellbeing, providing places to relax, exercise and connect with nature. We would encourage everyone to make the most of these wonderful spaces and celebrate this achievement with us.
"As a council, we remain committed to enhancing biodiversity and supporting our ambition to become carbon neutral by 2030, including through carefully selected planting schemes that help wildlife and nature thrive."
Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Scheme Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, said:
"Parks are essential public spaces that support our wellbeing, our communities and our economy. Yet for millions of people, particularly in the most deprived areas, local parks simply don't feel safe or welcoming.
"With public services under pressure, investing in parks is not a luxury, it's a practical, preventative solution and one of the most visible ways to improve people's quality of life.
"Arun District Council has shown what can be achieved when parks are properly supported and managed. As we celebrate 30 years of the Green Flag Award, we want every community to have access to green spaces like these that are safe, welcoming and maintained to a high standard.
"Congratulations to everyone involved."