A hat-trick of Green Flag awards celebrated

Green Flags will once again be flying at three of the district’s stunning open spaces.

The prestigious award has gone to the Westgate Parks, Reculver Country Park and the Gorrell Valley Nature Reserve (formerly Duncan Down) in today’s announcement by Keep Britain Tidy for the 2024 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: “We are delighted to again be celebrating the award of three Green Flags for the district.

“This recognition is the result of  a truly team effort between brilliant, hard working volunteers, council officers and Canenco’s grounds maintenance team. We thank all those who look after our open spaces with such commitment and passion.

“Parks and gardens bring so much joy for residents and visitors and huge benefits for biodiversity and the environment – not just at these three award winning sites, but across the whole district.

“We’ll be very proud to fly the flags and show these awards off to the world!”

Green Flags 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.

Congratulations also goes to the Love Hambrook Marshes CIO for winning a Green Flag Community Award for the Hambrook Marshes.

Published: 16 July 2024