Green Flag flying over Oare

 Oare Country park achieves highest standard, the Green Flag award – again!

Oare Gunpowder Works Country Park has been recognised by the Green Flag Award Scheme as one of the very best in the world.

The country park is among a record-breaking 1,883 UK parks and green spaces that will receive a prestigious Green Flag Award – the mark of a quality park or green space.

This international award, now into its third decade, is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.

Cllr David Simmons, cabinet member for environment and rural affairs at Swale Borough Council, said:

“We are absolutely delighted to once again receive a Green Flag Award for Oare Gunpowder Works Country Park.

“We know how much quality green spaces matter to residents and visitors, and this award celebrates the dedication that goes into maintaining the country park to such a high standard.

“This recognises the hard work put in all year round by all the partners involved in the park – the council, the active friends group and all the members of the steering group.”

International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said:

“We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme, with more Green Flags awarded this year than last year.

“Each flag honours the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.

“We are proud to have so many wonderful green spaces in the UK for people to enjoy, and hope that next year, we award even more flags.”

Oare was once one of the main gunpowder factories in the south east, and the country park is one of the best places to discover history of gunpowder manufacturing in a tranquil woodland setting. The site was a key ammunitions factory during the First World War, and the country park is a nationally important archaeological site and is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

The park has a rich variety of habitats including woodland, wetlands and open glades, meaning that the site is wonderful place to discover wildlife. Birds, bats, amphibians, and much more call this place home, and make the country park a perfect walk or cycle ride.

Anyone interested in joining the Friends of Oare Gunpowder Works, or helping them in their conservation work at the country park, can find out more on their website or by joining them on one of their activity days on the second Sunday of the month at 10:30.

But it’s not just Swale that has award winning parks, Medway & Canterbury also hold some:

To read about Canterbury’s award winning parks: https://www.communityad.co.uk/three-canterbury-parks-achieve-green-flag-success

To read about Medway’s award winning parks: https://www.communityad.co.uk/medways-parks-among-best-world/

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