News Maidstone parks awarded the coveted Green Flag Award
Maidstone parks awarded the coveted Green Flag Award
Today, Maidstone Council is celebrating after receiving a Green Flag Award for Mote Park, Brenchley Gardens, Cobtree Manor, Clare Park and Whatman Park.
The sites are among 2,250 in the UK to achieve the award, which is the international quality mark for parks and green spaces.
The news that the parks have met the standards required for the accreditation is testament to the hard work and dedication of the team that care for the green space so that visitors and residents alike can enjoy it.
Cllr Clive English, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Enforcement: “We are absolutely delighted Brenchley Gardens, Mote Park, Cobtree Manor, Clare Park and Whatman Park, have been recognised with the prestigious Green Flag Award.
“This achievement reflects the dedication of our parks team and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain these beautiful spaces for everyone to enjoy. These sites are not only vital for the wellbeing of our residents but also play a key role in supporting biodiversity and enhancing the environment across the borough.
“We are committed to building on this success and will continue working to raise the standard of all our parks and green spaces, ensuring they are welcoming, well-maintained, and accessible for everyone.”
Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, Paul Todd MBE, said: “Congratulations to everyone involved in Maidstone, who have worked tirelessly to ensure that it achieves the high standards required for the Green Flag Award.
“Quality parks and green spaces like these make the country a heathier place to live and work in, and a stronger place in which to invest.
“Crucially, these are vital green space for communities in Maidstone to enjoy nature, and during the ongoing cost of living crisis it is a free and safe space for families to socialise. It also provides important opportunities for local people and visitors to reap the physical and mental health benefits of green space.”
Double the good news for Cobtree Manor
The news comes at a particularly good time for Cobtree Manor park who yesterday celebrated 70 years since the formation of Cobtree Charity Trust Limited and Cobtree Manor Estate Trust, founded by Sir Garrard Tyrwhitt-Drake, with the unveiling of stunning new elephant sculpture.
Crafted from sustainable materials by talented artists Rob Smith and Kurtis Young, this delightful elephant artwork was officially unveiled by the Mayor, Councillor Martin Round.
The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence 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.