Leigh-on-sea's green spaces awarded with prestigious Green Flag

July 23, 2026

Leigh-on-sea Library Gardens, Belfairs Park and Nature reserve plus many other Southend green spaces are celebrating having been awarded Green Flags by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy.

The award-winning green spaces are:

Belfairs Park and Nature Reserve

Chalkwell Park

Leigh Library Gardens

Priory Park Southend

Shoebury Common North

Shoebury Park

Southchurch Hall Gardens

Southchurch Park

Sutton Road Cemetery, Southend Crematorium

It comes as the internationally recognised standard for parks and green spaces celebrates its 30th year.

Cllr Cheryl Nevin, Cabinet Member for Civic Pride, said: "We are incredibly proud that nine of our parks, green spaces and cemetery have once again achieved Green Flag Award status. This accolade is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our parks, grounds maintenance and bereavement teams, as well as the volunteers and community groups who help care for these much-loved spaces.

"As someone who regularly enjoys spending time in our parks, whether it's taking a walk, enjoying nature or simply seeing families and friends making the most of these wonderful places, I know just how important they are to people's everyday lives. They provide space to relax, exercise, connect with nature and improve wellbeing.

"Receiving nine Green Flags in this special 30th anniversary year of the scheme is a fantastic achievement and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to maintaining high-quality, welcoming environments for residents and visitors alike. I would encourage everyone to take the opportunity to explore and enjoy these award-winning green spaces."

The well-maintained Southend sites are one of a record-breaking 2,391 in the UK to achieve the award this year. This is a fantastic testament to the hard work, passion and dedication of the teams who care for these green spaces, ensuring they are maintained to a high standard for visitors and residents to enjoy.

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under contract from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.

Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, said: "Parks are essential public spaces that support our wellbeing, our communities and our economy. Yet for millions of people, particularly in the most deprived areas, local parks simply don't feel safe or welcoming.

"With public services under pressure, investing in parks is not a luxury, it's a practical, preventative solution and one of the most visible ways to improve people's quality of life.

"The winning sites have shown what can be achieved when parks are properly supported and managed. As we celebrate 30 years of the Green Flag Award, we want every community to have access to green spaces like this that are safe, welcoming and maintained to a high standard. Congratulations to everyone involved."

Southend's Green Flag-winning sites offer a range of opportunities for recreation, relaxation, sport, heritage and wildlife conservation. The awards recognise the council's continued investment in ensuring these spaces remain safe, welcoming and accessible for all.

Residents and visitors can find out more about Southend's parks and green spaces on the council's website.