Seven of the city’s parks have been awarded prestigious Green Flags this year after being ranked some of the best in the country.
The national awards, handed out by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, have been given to Easthill Park, Hove Park, Kipling Gardens, Preston Park, St Ann’s Well Gardens, Stoneham Park and The Level for being well maintained with excellent facilities.
It’s the 20th year in a row that Preston Park and St Ann’s Well Gardens Park have been honoured, with Easthill Park picking up its 18th award.
Hove Park is celebrating a 16th success while Kipling Gardens in Rottingdean has won its 13th accolade.
Stoneham Park picked up its 11th award and the Level is flying the Green Flag for the 7th year running.
Councillor Amy Heley, chair of the council’s environment, transport and sustainability committee, said: “This is a fantastic achievement and shows how committed our City Parks staff, friend’s groups and volunteers are in maintaining the parks to the highest standard year after year.
“Covid has and is giving the council many challenges, including in our parks and open spaces, so it’s even more pleasing to see we have continued to provide excellent facilities for our residents and visitors during these difficult times.
“The Green Flags have gone to parks in Brighton, Hove, Portslade and Rottingdean, so this really is a city-wide success story.”
The Green Flags are usually awarded in July each year but were delayed this year due to the pandemic. All on-site judging was carried out following strict government guidance on Covid, for example on social distancing.
Keep Britain Tidy chief executive Allison Ogden-Newton OBE said: “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, Brighton & Hove City Council has achieved the highest international standards demanded by the Green Flag Award in seven of its parks.”