Ipswich's heritage parks now all hold Green Flag status

Why it matters: The Green Flag Award is an international quality mark for parks and green spaces, and this year's announcement means all of Ipswich's heritage parks now carry the accolade.

The details: Bourne Park, Christchurch Park and Holywells Park have retained their Green Flag status, while Chantry Park has been awarded the accolade for the first time. The four parks are among a record 2,391 sites across the UK to achieve the award this year.

For context: The announcement comes as the Green Flag Award marks its 30th anniversary. The scheme is managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under contract from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, and sets the benchmark standard for managing green spaces in the UK and around the world.

What they're saying: Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, said: "Parks are essential public spaces that support our wellbeing, our communities and our economy. Yet for millions of people, particularly in the most deprived areas, local parks simply don't feel safe or welcoming.

"With public services under pressure, investing in parks is not a luxury, it's a practical, preventative solution and one of the most visible ways to improve people's quality of life.

"Ipswich Borough 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."

Councillor Stefan Long, Ipswich Borough Council portfolio holder for environment and sport, said: "We are incredibly proud of these four parks achieving Green Flag status. This prestigious accreditation reflects the dedication and hard work of our parks teams, volunteers and community groups who help care for these valued green spaces throughout the year.

"Our parks are at the heart of communities across Ipswich, providing places for recreation, exercise, wildlife and relaxation. Receiving this recognition demonstrates our ongoing commitment to maintaining high-quality, welcoming and sustainable green spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy now and in the future.

"I would like to thank everyone involved in helping our parks reach and maintain these exceptional standards."

The bottom line: With Chantry Park's first-ever award completing the set, all of Ipswich's heritage parks now carry Green Flag status – recognition the council says reflects years of work by its parks teams, volunteers and community groups.

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