Triple success in Green Flag awards

Canterbury district has once again scooped a hat-trick of Green Flags in this year’s awards scheme.

The prestigious accolade goes to the Westgate Parks, Reculver Country Park and the Gorrell Valley Nature Reserve (formerly Duncan Down) in the announcement today (Tuesday 14 July) by Keep Britain Tidy for the 2026 season.

All three sites are owned by Canterbury City Council and are managed in partnership with volunteer organisations.

These organisations are the Friends of Westgate Parks, the Friends of the Gorrell Valley Nature Reserve, HatHats at Reculver and the Friends of Reculver and Bishopstone.

Cabinet member for open spaces, Cllr Mel Dawkins, said: “Our run of many years’ success with Green Flags continues into 2026, which is excellent news for the district.

“I would like to personally thank all those who put so much hard work and passion into caring for and maintaining our public open spaces.

“From the council’s own officers and the grounds maintenance team at Canenco, through to all the volunteers at these three sites who give up their time to help them look the very best they can be, it’s one big collaborative effort.

“We all know that spending time in nature, such as in one of our parks and gardens, is an important part of our everyday lives that brings benefits for our health and wellbeing.

“These awards are simply recognition that we continue to do everything right when it comes to managing our open spaces.”

The Green Flag scheme recognise parks and green spaces that have high standards of management, follow environmentally-friendly practices and involve the community to create attractive places for people and wildlife to enjoy.

For more information, go to the Green Flag scheme website.

Published: 14 July 2026