West Sussex parks scoop international awards
They have been recognised by the Green Flag Award Scheme.
Several of West Sussex's parks have been recognised as some of the best green spaces.
Some of the parks have retained Green Flag Awards, while others, including Horsham Park and Brookfield Park in Littlehampton, were given them for the first time.
The Green Flag Award Scheme recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the international benchmark standard for the management of outdoor spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.
It is also a sign to the public that the green space boasts the highest possible environmental standards and has excellent visitor facilities.
Horsham District Council's cabinet member for leisure and culture, Councillor Jonathan Chowen said they are "absolutely thrilled" to receive a Green Flag Award for Horsham Park:
"We know how much quality green spaces matter to residents and visitors, particularly recently during such difficult times, and this award celebrates the dedication that goes into creating, developing and maintaining Horsham Park to such a high standard.
"My thanks go out to our parks and countryside team, our partners, Friends of Horsham Park and Denne Neighbourhood Council in encouraging us to apply, and to the army of volunteers who have worked tirelessly and contributed so much to have achieved this accolade."
The Green Flag Award judges said Horsham Park was "one of the best maintained urban parks we have judged".
They continued it provides a "wide range of facilities over a large area and given the increased financial pressures, it is a crerdit to the council and those involved".
Meanwhile, the number of parks and gardens in Arun recognised in the annual Green Flag Awards has increased from five to six, as Brookfield Park in Littlehampton will now be flying a Keep Britain Tidy Green Flag.
Green Flags will also continue to fly in the other five Arun parks which retained their status - Mewsbrook Park and Norfolk Gardens in Littlehampton, Marine Park Gardens in Aldwick, Old Rectory Gardens in Felpham and Hotham Park in Bognor Regis.
Councillor Samantha-Jayne Staniforth, Arun District Council’s cabinet member for neighbourhood services, said she was extremely grateful to all those involved in maintaining the parks:
"We are delighted to have increased the number of Green Flag Award-winning green spaces in our district from five to six; Brookfield Park is a fabulous place for families to enjoy the natural environment and offers such high value to local biodiversity.
"I’d like to give my congratulations to everyone in our Greenspace and Estates Teams and Tivoli staff who work so hard to ensure our parks are beautifully maintained, welcoming and safe.
"Credit must also go to the many volunteers who dedicate their time to working alongside the Greenspace Team so that our parks are places all our residents and tourists wish to visit.
"Concession holders in our parks, including cafes and miniature railways, must also be credited for providing excellent services to all visitors and their contributions towards this success is greatly appreciated.
"Parks have never before been so prominent in the public eye.
"They have offered such valuable contributions to our nation’s health and wellbeing during this difficult year.
"We have kept our parks open and well-maintained in light of their recognised importance.
"These awards certainly go a long way in recognising the substantial efforts made by so many individuals."
Meanwhile David Chace, chairman of the Friends of Brookfield Park, added:
"I am so pleased that in Brookfield Park’s 20th year we have all pulled together to submit an application for a Green Flag Award and were then able to show judges around our fabulous park.
"Achieving the award is the icing on the cake.
"People who remember this place as the former Glasshouse Crops Research Institute are often amazed to see how much the park has transformed into the vibrant habitat it is today.
"This fantastic news I hope will result in more people coming to join our group and continue to improve the park, working with the council for the benefit of all those who use it and the natural environment."
Haywards Heath’s Muster Green has also been recognized by the scheme for the sixth consecutive time.
Cllr Alastair McPherson, town mayor and chairman of Haywards Heath IN BLOOM committee, said:
"This is fantastic news for our town and a huge credit to the town council’s dedicated grounds staff who worked tirelessly and social distanced throughout lockdown and beyond to keep Haywards Heath green, clean and colourful.
"Now more than ever, we all recognise the value of our green and open spaces, which many of us use for exercise, relaxation and tranquillity - this Green Flag Award confirms that Muster Green is a true beauty within our town."
Several parks in Adur and Worthing have also been awarded the international quality mark.
In Worthing, Beach House Park, Highdown Gardens, Field Place and Marine Gardens, were awarded the gold standard.
While in Adur, it has been awarded to Buckingham Park and Lancing Manor Park.
Last year, Beach House Park in Worthing lost its Green Flag and Adur & Worthing Councils’ parks team have reportedly worked hard to achieve the award once again this year.
Work has included new planting, footpath clearing and the introduction of new signage to improve the visitor experience.
Marine Gardens has secured the gold standard for the third year running, while at Buckingham Park in Shoreham has received it for the second year.
A Green Flag Community Award was also given to the Friends of Heene Cemetery, with judges praising the volunteer-run Heene Cemetery and the regular walks and talks by experts as a positive way to encourage research and understanding of the site.
Cllr Emma Evans, Adur District Council’s executive member for the environment, said:
"We’re delighted that two of our parks in Adur have once again been recognised for their high standards.
"These are wonderful spaces for our community to visit and enjoy."
Meanwhile Worthing Borough Council’s executive member for digital and environmental services, Cllr Edward Crouch said:
"It is with thanks to the hard work of our staff and volunteers that we can celebrate this achievement for Worthing, particularly for meeting the standard once again with Beach House Gardens."
The West Sussex parks are just some of more than 2,000 parks and green spaces across the country to be raising their Green Flag Award.