Medway’s parks are among the best in the world

Seven of Medway’s parks have continued to be recognised by the Green Flag Award Scheme alongside some of the very best in the world.

Medway’s parks at Capstone Country Park, Riverside Country Park, Great Lines Heritage Park, The Vines, Broomhill Park, Hillyfields Community Park and Gillingham Park are among a record-breaking 1,883 UK parks and green spaces that received the prestigious Green Flag Award on Monday, 16 July– the mark of a quality park or green space.

Medway Council is committed to maintaining Medway’s parks and countryside all year round so that residents can enjoy them throughout the year. Improved footpaths and cycling routes across Medway gives residents and visitors more access to enjoy the award winning green spaces.

The international award, which started in 1997, is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has exceptional facilities available to visitors.

Our two beautiful country parks; Capstone Farm Country Park in Chatham, and Riverside Country Park in Rainham, and five urban parks are among the award winners. Capstone Farm Country Park in Chatham, covers 114 hectares of former farmland set on the North Downs and Riverside Country Park in Rainham, covers 100 hectares alongside the Medway Estuary. Both country parks have a range of habitats for wildlife including salt marsh, mudflats and ancient woodlands. The Vines in Rochester is enjoyed by tourists, shoppers, pupils and residents, and Broomhill Park in Strood offers visitors outstanding views across Medway and boasts play equipment for teenagers and younger visitors. In fact, all five of the Medway parks are supported by active Friends groups, which hold regular events and work days.

‘We are very proud of our green spaces’

Cllr Howard Doe, Portfolio Holder for Community Services at Medway Council, said: “We are very proud of our green spaces in Medway and I’m very pleased that seven of our stunning parks have been recognised once again. The Green Flag Award recognises quality green spaces and all of the hard work that goes into maintaining the parks to a high standard. I would like to thank our contractor Medway Norse and the park rangers who work hard to maintain the parks to such a high standard, as well as the Friends groups and volunteers who also work tirelessly throughout the year to ensure residents and visitors can enjoy all of Medway’s green spaces.”

‘We are proud to have so many wonderful green spaces’

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.”

But it’s not just Medway that has award winning parks, Swale & 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 Swale’s award winning Oare park: https://www.communityad.co.uk/green-flag-flying-over-oare

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