Two of Tonbridge’s best-loved green spaces are once again flying the flag for excellence, as Haysden Country Park and Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground have both been awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award for 2025.
They join a record-breaking list of 2,250 parks and green spaces across the UK that have been recognised this year by Keep Britain Tidy for meeting the highest standards in green space management, community value, and environmental care.
Haysden Country Park is celebrating a particularly impressive milestone—this is its 20th consecutive year receiving Green Flag status. For two decades, the park has been a model of consistency, providing locals and visitors alike with a haven for walking, cycling, wildlife spotting and peaceful picnics.
Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground also continues to shine. Popular with families, sports clubs, and runners, this expansive riverside green space has again been honoured for its accessibility, cleanliness, and vital role in promoting healthy, outdoor lifestyles.
The Green Flag Award, first launched in 1996, is the international quality benchmark for parks and green spaces. Each site is assessed on factors ranging from horticultural standards and sustainability to safety, cleanliness and community involvement.
On the achievement, Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council said:
“We’re so proud of our parks in Tonbridge and Malling, and we hope you continue to enjoy these beautiful green spaces as much as we do. Whether you’re walking, cycling, picnicking, or simply relaxing – these parks are here for everyone.”
This year, the UK saw the highest number of Green Flag Awards ever given—a testament to the increasing value placed on accessible, well-managed parks in communities across the country.
Keep Britain Tidy’s Chief Executive, Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, commented:
“Our quality parks and green spaces make the UK a heathier place in which to live and work, and a stronger place in which to invest.”
With urban areas continuing to grow, high-quality public parks are more important than ever. Not only do they offer spaces for exercise and play, but they also contribute to local biodiversity, flood management, and climate resilience.
So next time you’re wandering the lakeside trails at Haysden or enjoying a summer match on the Racecourse, take a moment of appreciation for our wonderful green spaces.
Visit the award-winning parks:
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