Green Flag recognition for four of Mid Sussex's favourite parks

Mid Sussex District Council is pleased to announce that four of its parks have once again received the prestigious Green Flag Award, the international quality mark for parks and green spaces.

Beech Hurst Gardens and Victoria Park in Haywards Heath, St John’s Park in Burgess Hill and East Court & Ashplats in East Grinstead have all successfully retained their Green Flag status for another year. Each of Mid Sussex’s Green Flag parks has now held the accolade for several consecutive years, with Beech Hurst Gardens retaining the award for more than a decade.

The awards reflect the hard work and dedication of the Council’s Contracts team, green spaces contractor Glendale, and the volunteers who help care for our parks and open spaces throughout the year. Their combined efforts range from grounds maintenance, sports pitch management and horticultural work to biodiversity projects and the delivery of wider improvement programmes, helping to ensure our parks remain safe, welcoming and well-managed places for the benefit of our residents and visitors. The Council also works closely with East Grinstead Town Council on the maintenance and Green Flag application for East Court & Ashplats. 

Mid Sussex District Council remains committed to investing in its parks and green spaces so they continue to be attractive, accessible and enjoyable places for residents. Local communities have helped shape ongoing improvement programmes through consultation and engagement activities and, as work continues at a number of sites, the Council would like to thank residents for their patience and support while these improvements are delivered. 

Councillor Chris Hobbs, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Customer Services, said: “We’re delighted that our amazing green spaces have been recognised once again with four Green Flag Awards. 

“These awards reflect the hard work and dedication of our staff and our partners, who work throughout the year to keep our parks welcoming and well maintained for residents and visitors. 

“We know how important these spaces are to our communities, providing places to relax, exercise, and spend time with family and friends. We remain committed to investing in our parks so they can continue to be enjoyed by everyone for years to come.” 

Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, said: “Mid Sussex District Council have 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. 

Residents can find out more about Mid Sussex’s parks and open spaces at: www.midsussex.gov.uk/leisure-sport/parks/ 

ENDS