News Maidstone Parks recognised as some of the UK’s very best green spaces

Three of Maidstone’s Parks have won international recognition and were awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award yesterday – 16 July 2019.

Mote Park, Cobtree Manor Park and Clare Park have joined other green spaces across the country in being recognised by the Green Flag Award Scheme as some of the very best in the world.

The three park areas – all located in and around the County Town of Kent, are among a record-breaking 1,970 UK parks and green spaces and 131 in thirteen other countries around the world, that will today receive a prestigious Green Flag Award – the mark of a quality park or green space.

This international award, now into its third decade, is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.

• Mote Park is regularly referred to as the jewel in the crown of Maidstone includes historic landscape that covers 450 acres offers something for everyone – including a brand-new Outdoor Adventure Area which with a Skytrail, Dino Minigolf and climbing wall
• Clare Park is located on the Tonbridge Road in Maidstone and is 3.5 acres in size and packs in tennis courts, a children’s play area, ball court, bowls green, nature area and gardens. The judges were impressed with the features and maintenance of the park.
• Cobtree Manor Park is a landscape of diverse character: part open country park, part woodland and part parkland garden, all set on a gently sloping hillside with views of the North Downs. Features include an Arboretum, a large zoo-themed playground, a sculpture trail and on-site café.

Andrew Williams, Maidstone Borough Council Parks and Open Spaces Manager said:

“We are absolutely delighted to receive Green Flag Awards for three parks based in the borough of Maidstone. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our volunteer groups who help in our parks and have played a huge part in enabling us to achieve Green Flag status- their contribution is invaluable, and we are extremely grateful to them all.

“MBC realises how important quality green spaces are to our residents and visitors, and this award celebrates the dedication that goes into maintaining Mote Park, Cobtree Manor and Clare Park to such high standards.”

The Green Flag Awards Scheme (http://greenflagaward.org/) is run by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, in partnership with Keep Scotland Beautiful, Keep Wales Tidy and Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful.

International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said:

“It’s fantastic that we have more Green Flag Awards in the UK than ever before, joined this year by 131 International winners.”

“Each flag honours the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award. We congratulate each and every winner on their fantastic achievement.”

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