Six South Tyneside parks keep the Green Flag Award
Communities across South Tyneside are celebrating after six parks were confirmed among the best-managed green spaces in the country. North Marine Park, South Marine Park, Readhead Park and West Park in South Shields, together with Jarrow’s West Park and Monkton Dene Park, have each retained their internationally recognised Green Flag status.
The Green Flag Award, run by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, marks its 30th anniversary this year. The South Tyneside sites are among a record-breaking 2,391 parks and green spaces nationally to receive the honour in 2026, acknowledging strong maintenance, sound environmental management and a positive visitor experience throughout the year.
Recognition for staff and volunteers
South Tyneside Council said the achievement reflects a year-round effort by staff, contractors and volunteers who keep local parks tidy, welcoming and well cared for. Gary Kirsop, the Council’s Director of Community Operations, praised the combined effort and emphasised the role of local groups that support day-to-day upkeep and activities.
“Retaining Green Flag status for all six parks is a fantastic achievement and reflects the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in caring for these valued community spaces.”
He also thanked the Borough’s “amazing Friends of parks groups” for their contribution alongside Council teams and contractors. Those partnerships include regular litter picking, planting projects, fundraising and community-led events that add extra hands and ideas to the routine grounds work.
What the Green Flag means locally
For families, runners, dog walkers and visitors, the Green Flag is a quick guide to parks that meet consistent standards of cleanliness, safety and biodiversity. In practice, that means bins emptied on time, paths and planting kept in good order, and a clear plan in place for wildlife and sustainability. It is also a vote of confidence in the Borough’s volunteers who give time and energy to keep these places looking their best.
Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, underlined the value of accessible, high-quality public spaces, saying:
“Parks are essential public spaces that support our wellbeing, our communities and our economy.”
Where the Green Flags are flying
Across the Borough, the following parks have been recognised this year:
- North Marine Park (South Shields)
- South Marine Park (South Shields)
- Readhead Park (South Shields)
- West Park (South Shields)
- West Park (Jarrow)
- Monkton Dene Park
Each site scored highly against national criteria looking at maintenance standards, community involvement, environmental practice and the overall visitor experience.
| Recognised sites |
|---|
| North Marine Park |
| South Marine Park |
| Readhead Park |
| West Park (South Shields) |
| West Park (Jarrow) |
| Monkton Dene Park |
Why it matters for South Tyneside
Parks are everyday places where the Borough comes together: a bench chat after the school run, a weekend stroll around the lake, a picnic near the play area. Recognition at this level confirms that the basics are done well—safe paths, tidy lawns, toilets and litter bins where they are needed—and that there is an eye on the future through planting schemes and habitat work.
The awards also reinforce the case for continued partnership working. Friends groups and volunteers are helping to stretch resources by tackling litter, supporting planting days and adding a community touch to fundraising and events. That shared effort has helped South Tyneside hold on to its Green Flags year after year, reflecting local pride as much as professional know‑how.
With pressures on public services, the Green Flag standard offers reassurance that these spaces remain well cared for and accessible. It is a practical badge that residents can spot on park gates, and a reminder that local time and effort—from mowing and maintenance to weekend clean-ups—adds up to a Borough-wide achievement.
