Council celebrates as Horsham Park scoops major international award

Horsham Town Centre’s iconic Horsham Park has been recognised by the prestigious international Green Flag Award Scheme as one of the best green spaces in the UK, much to the delight of Horsham District Council’s Parks and Countryside team.

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for their management across the United Kingdom and around the world.

Commenting on this success, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture Cllr Jonathan Chowen said:

“We are absolutely thrilled to receive a Green Flag Award for Horsham Park for the very first time.

"We know how much quality green spaces matter to residents and visitors, particularly recently during such difficult times, and this award celebrates the dedication that goes into creating, developing and maintaining Horsham Park to such a high standard.

“My thanks go out to our parks and countryside team, our partners, Friends of Horsham Park and Denne Neighbourhood Council in encouraging us to apply, and to the army of volunteers who have worked tirelessly and contributed so much to have achieved this accolade.”

Horsham District Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture Cllr Jonathan Chowen

The Green Flag Award judges gave the following comment on the Horsham Park entry:

One of the best maintained urban parks we have judged. It provides a wide range of facilities over a large area and given the increased financial pressures, it is a credit to the Council and those involved.

The Green Flag Award judges

Keep Britain Tidy Chief Executive Allison Ogden-Newton OBE 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.

"It is testament to the incredible dedication and hard work of parks staff and volunteers that, despite the challenges that went along with record numbers of visitors, Horsham District Council has achieved the highest international standards demanded by the Green Flag Award."

Keep Britain Tidy Chief Executive Allison Ogden-Newton OBE

For media queries please email press@horsham.gov.uk .