A prestigious Green Flag will fly in every Mid Sussex town for the very first time.
The recent press release from MSDC tells the story:
“East Court and Ashplats Wood in East Grinstead has been recognised by the Green Flag Award Scheme as one of the very best green spaces in the world. The popular park and woodland joins St Johns Park in Burgess Hill and Beech Hurst Gardens in Haywards Heath in achieving Green Flag status.
The three Mid Sussex sites are among a record-breaking 1,970 UK parks and green spaces and 131 in thirteen other countries around the world, to receive a prestigious Green Flag Award this year – the mark of a quality park or green space.
This international award, now into its third decade, is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.
East Court Lawns and Playing Fields are overlooked by the striking East Court mansion. The terraces have views over the parkland towards Ashplats Wood and Ashdown Forest beyond. The estate benefits from a number of community sports pitches, pavilion and two children’s play areas. There is also a tennis club on site.
Alongside the mansion is a planted garden of remembrance and a WW2 War memorial. The recreation grounds are flanked by Ashplats Wood, 28 hectares of ancient woodland with streams, ponds, wildlife and woodland walks. The grounds and facilities are managed jointly by Mid Sussex District Council and East Grinstead Town Council, who worked together on the Green Flag application.
St John’s Park sits alongside an old Roman Road and is just a short walk from Burgess Hill town centre. It is a vibrant green space, providing a home to a local cricket club and includes a large skate ramp area and children’s playground, outdoor gym equipment, a multi-use sports court and tennis courts.
Situated on the western edge of Haywards Heath, Beech Hurst is a six-hectare garden with stunning views of the South Downs and some spectacular flora and fauna. The gardens boast a wide range of community and sports facilities, including lawn green bowling, petanque, croquet, a children’s play area and a miniature railway.
Councillor John Belsey, Cabinet Member for Environment and Service Delivery said:
“We are absolutely delighted to receive a Green Flag Award for East Court and Ashplats Wood for the very first time.
“We know how much quality green spaces matter to residents and visitors, and these awards celebrate the dedication that goes into maintaining East Court and Ashplats Wood, Beech Hurst Gardens and St Johns Park to such a high standard.”
International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “It’s fantastic that we have more Green Flag Awards in the UK than ever before, joined this year by 131 International winners.
“Each flag honours the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award. We congratulate each and every winner on their fantastic achievement.”
ENDS