Kingston upon Thames has been recognised nationally for the quality of its green spaces after four parks secured Green Flag status and a local volunteer group won a Green Flag Community Award for the fourth year running.
Which sites were named
The borough's parks to achieve the award this year are Canbury Gardens, Churchfields Recreation Ground, Manor Park and Fishponds Park. In addition, the volunteer group Queen's Promenade Friends was presented with a Green Flag Community Award for a fourth successive year.
| Site / Group | Award |
|---|---|
| Canbury Gardens | Green Flag |
| Churchfields Recreation Ground | Green Flag |
| Manor Park | Green Flag |
| Fishponds Park | Green Flag |
| Queen's Promenade Friends | Green Flag Community Award (4th year) |
Significance for the borough
The announcements come as the Green Flag standard marks its 30th year. This year a record 2,391 parks and green spaces across the UK received the award, and Kingston's multiple successes underline the borough's commitment to public open spaces at a time when urban nature and recreational areas are increasingly valued.
Councillor Mike Massimi, the council's portfolio holder for climate action, biodiversity and regulatory services, welcomed the recognition and paid tribute to volunteers and staff. He pointed out that achieving a Green Flag is not automatic but the result of ongoing work to maintain and improve parks.
"This is a fantastic achievement for Kingston and something everyone involved should be genuinely proud of."
He emphasised the role parks play in everyday life — places for children to play, for people to decompress after work and where neighbours meet — and noted their growing importance for wildlife in urban settings.
Keep Britain Tidy's Green Flag Award Manager, Paul Todd MBE, also highlighted the wider role of parks in supporting wellbeing, communities and the economy, while drawing attention to inequalities in access and feelings of safety in some areas.
Practical note for residents
These awards reflect work carried out throughout the year by council teams and local volunteer groups. Residents who use the named parks can expect continued investment in maintenance and community activities, and those interested in volunteering with groups such as Queen's Promenade Friends may wish to contact the council or local community networks to find out how to get involved.
- What was awarded: Four Green Flags and one Community Award (fourth consecutive year).
- Why it matters: Recognition of quality, biodiversity, safety and community involvement in public spaces.
- Local impact: Continued maintenance, volunteer opportunities and civic pride for Kingston residents.
The Green Flag marks both a point of celebration and a reminder of the ongoing work required to keep public green spaces safe, welcoming and ecologically valuable for all who use them in Kingston upon Thames.
