Green flags will fly in six award-winning Arun parks

Brookfield Park in Littlehampton will now be ‘proudly flying’ a Keep Britain Tidy green flag. For the first time, green flags will also continue to fly in a further five Arun parks which retained their status — Mewsbrook Park and Norfolk Gardens in Littlehampton, Marine Park Gardens in Aldwick, Old Rectory Gardens in Felpham and Hotham Park in Bognor Regis. Arun District Council said it was ‘thanks to the hard work’ of its greenspace team, contractors Tivoli and volunteers. Councillor Samantha-Jayne Staniforth, cabinet member for neighbourhood services, said: “We are delighted to have increased the number of Green Flag Award winning green spaces in our district. Brookfield Park is a fabulous place for families to enjoy the natural environment and offers such high value to local biodiversity. Parks have never before been so prominent in the public eye. They have offered such valuable contributions to our nation’s health and wellbeing during this difficult year. We have kept our parks open and well-maintained in light of their recognised importance. These awards certainly go a long way in recognising the substantial efforts made by so many individuals.” The Green Flag Award scheme recognises well-managed parks and green spaces, ‘setting the international benchmark’ for the management of outdoor spaces around the world. As well as being ‘beautifully maintained’, the district council said the award is a sign to the public that the green space boasts the ‘highest possible environmental standards’ and has ‘excellent visitor facilities’. David Chace, chairman of the Friends of Brookfield Park, said: “I am so pleased that in Brookfield Park’s 20th year we have all pulled together to submit an application for a Green Flag Award and were then able to show judges around our fabulous park. Achieving the award is the icing on the cake. People who remember this place as the former Glasshouse Crops Research Institute are often amazed to see how much the park has transformed into the vibrant habitat it is today. This fantastic news I hope will result in more people coming to join our group and continue to improve the park, working with the council for the benefit of all those who use it and the natural environment.” Keep Britain Tidy Chief Executive Allison Ogden-Newton OBE said it is a 'testament to the incredible dedication and hard work' of staff and volunteers that went along with 'record numbers of visitors' in Arun. He added: "This year, more than ever, our parks and green spaces have been a lifeline and we know that millions of people have used them to relax, meet friends, exercise or simply escape for a short time." Photos courtesy of Arun District Council