News Five Maidstone parks retain Green Flag Awards
Five Maidstone parks have proudly raised their prestigious Green Flag Award after achieving the international quality mark for parks and green spaces.
Maidstone Borough Council is celebrating today after receiving a Green Flag Award for Brenchley Gardens, Clare Park, Cobtree Manor Park, Mote Park and Whatman Park (Millennium River Park).
It comes as the internationally-recognised standard for parks and green spaces celebrates its 30th year.
These Maidstone parks help to bring the total award-winners in the UK up to a record-breaking 2,391 – a fantastic testament to the hard work, passion and dedication of the teams who care for these green spaces, ensuring they are maintained to a high standard for visitors and residents to enjoy.
This is the second consecutive year that Brenchley Gardens has been awarded the honour, thanks to the Parks and Open Spaces Team at Maidstone Borough Council, supported by the in-house Grounds Maintenance Team. Together, they have transformed the gardens into a thriving green space that serves the community whilst balancing public use with biodiversity and conservation.
The announcement comes ahead of the launch of the Brenchley Garden Bandstand Concerts, free entertainment for all to enjoy. The events have become incredibly popular with people travelling far and wide to relax in their deckchairs and tap their feet to the sounds of acts including The Jon Hamilton Big Band, Spitting Feathers and the Marconi Brass Band.
Whatman Park once again has achieved Green Flag status 25 years since it was opened. To mark the silver anniversary, a free concert will be held in the park giving the opportunity for people to celebrate the beautiful much-loved community asset.
Clare Park, Cobtree Manor and Mote Park complete the set of five parks meeting the standard for the prestigious award.
Councillor Stuart Jeffery, Leader of Maidstone Borough Council, said: “We are delighted to see these beautiful parks recognised for the important role they play in our community. Green spaces like these are proven to support health and wellbeing, and we are proud to have received this recognition once again for the high standards we maintain across our parks.
“We are particularly pleased to see Brenchley Gardens awarded Green Flag status for a second consecutive year. It reflects the hard work and dedication of the team, who have transformed the space into a vibrant destination for residents and visitors, alike.
“Today, Brenchley Gardens hosts a range of popular community events, including bandstand concerts, the River Festival and Art in the Park. It is rewarding to see people come together and enjoy the space and we are incredibly proud of what has been achieved.”
Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award 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.
“Maidstone Borough 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 this that are safe, welcoming and maintained to a high standard. Congratulations to everyone involved."
The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, under contract from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.