11 Suffolk parks recognised with Green Flag awards

Eleven parks in the county have met the high standard required for a coveted Green Flag Award in 2024, environmental charity and organiser Keep Britain Tidy has revealed.

The Green Flag Award recognises and rewards well managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of recreational outdoor spaces.

This year, 11 Suffolk parks have been honoured by the award – with sites across the county being praised for their cleanliness and maintenance from volunteers and community groups.

Brandon Country Park has also got a Green Flag Award (Image: Newsquest)

In west Suffolk, Aspal Close, Brandon Country Park, East Town Park, Nowton Park, the Abbey Gardens and West Stow Country Park and Anglo Saxon Village have all been awarded a Green Flag Award. 

Felixstowe Seafront Gardens and Woods Meadow Country Park, which are both maintained by East Suffolk Council, were also given the award. 

Bourne Park, Christchurch Park and Holywells Park, which are all run and looked after by Ipswich Borough Council, were all awarded.

Bourne Park in Ipswich (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

Keep Britain Tidy chief executive, Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, said: "Prioritising parks and green spaces is vital for our future, so we are delighted to see that 176 sites in the East of England have met the standards required for a Green Flag Award, reflecting the tireless work of those tasked with looking after these important regional assets. 

The Abbey Gardens in Bury St Edmunds (Image: Newsquest)

"We know beyond doubt that our local environment contributes to the wellbeing of individuals and communities, with our parks and green spaces recognised as areas where people can come together and be active.

"Research shows that time spent in green spaces can positively affect mental and physical health, quality of life and a sense of wellbeing."