A record number of parks and green spaces in the UK have met the strict standards required to achieve the prestigious Green Flag Award in 2023, including 40 in Hampshire. The scheme recognizes and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, establishing the gold standard for recreational outdoor space management in the UK and around the world.
The scheme is celebrating as 2,216 parks, the most since the initiative’s inception 27 years ago, proudly prepare to hoist their flags in 2023. The full list, which can be seen here, contains 186 people from the southeast. Among these are popular beauty sites in Portsmouth and Southampton, such as Baffins Pond and Mayfield Park
The bulk of parks and green spaces are managed by local governments, such as Portsmouth City Council. Each year, these municipal governments nominate parks for the prestigious honor.
Among the 2,000-plus parks receiving the Green Flag Award for 2023 were 135 which also received a Green Heritage Site Accreditation for the management of historic features, supported in England by Historic England. This included three in Hampshire: Royal Victoria Country Park (Hampshire County Council), Staunton Country Park – Leigh Park Gardens (Hampshire County Council) and Hartley Wintney (Hart District Council).
To achieve Green Heritage Site Accreditation, winners have to understand and take action to conserve the heritage value of their site. They also need to help people to understand and enjoy its unique history, from nationally important parks to local green spaces that help tell the story of places and communities.
Below we’ve mapped out where you can find all 40 parks and green spaces in Hampshire. All make for amazing days out with the family this summer.
