Kearsney Abbey and Russell Gardens in Dover have won the Green Flag Award, the international quality mark for parks and green spaces, for the third consecutive year.
The award recognises the efforts of Dover District Council (DDC) staff and volunteers who maintain the parks as high-quality community green spaces and a haven for wildlife.
The parks have met the quality standard every year since 2021, when a £3.1m ‘Parks for People’ project with the National Lottery Heritage and Community Funds was completed.
Cllr Charlotte Zosseder, DDC Cabinet Member for community and corporate property, said: “The Green Flag Award recognises the contributions of everyone who makes the parks such an important community asset, from DDC staff and volunteers to the thousands of visitors annually who help us keep the parks clean and tidy.”
Future plans for the parks include a tree trail, play area improvements, and a wedding venue in the Grade II Listed Billiards Room in Kearsney Abbey.
The Samphire Hoe nature reserve and country park managed by the White Cliffs Countryside Partnership based at DDC, also received its 18th Green Flag.
Paul Todd, Accreditation Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved in making the parks worthy of a Green Flag Award. Kearsney Abbey and Russell Gardens are vital green spaces for the community in Dover, the district, and the wider area. This award is testament to all the hard work of staff and volunteers.”