Four of the district's beloved parks and green spaces will proudly fly the Green Flag yet again after retaining their status.
Kingsnorth Gardens, the Lower Leas Coastal Park, Radnor Park and the Royal Military Canal have all been recognised with the celebrated award for 2024/25.
The Green Flag Award is the international quality mark for parks and green spaces which display the highest environmental standards, are beautifully maintained and have excellent visitor facilities.
All four sites – plus many other areas across the whole district – are lovingly managed by Folkestone & Hythe District Council's hard-working grounds maintenance and property teams all year round.
Cllr Jeremy Speakman, Cabinet Member for Assets and Operations, said: “These beautiful areas are enjoyed by many of our residents and visitors, all thanks to the incredible team which routinely cares for and manages them.
“It’s important to us that we always have free, open parks where nature can thrive, and families can spend their time together – may the green flags carry on flying.”
Over the last year, the Lower Leas Coastal Park has seen the first of three new Changing Places toilets in the district officially open, as well as receive the return of a historic artifact from Folkestone’s Victorian past.
The council opened a special area in Radnor Park where budding pétanque players can enjoy their favourite sport, with its neighbour park – Kingsnorth Gardens – having a Japanese-inspired community garden created by local students.
Hythe Boat Hire has continued to offer seasonal row boating on the Royal Military Canal thanks to the council’s routine barge clearing efforts to remove excess debris, litter and foliage.
The Green Flag Award scheme is managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government.
Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, Paul Todd MBE, said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved on achieving a Green Flag Award.
“These sites are vital green spaces for communities in Folkestone & Hythe to socialise, enjoy nature, for children to play safely and provide important opportunities for park users to improve their physical and mental health.
“We know that staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure they maintain the high standards of the Green Flag Award – everyone involved should feel extremely proud of their achievement.
Elsewhere in the district, Brockhill Country Park which is managed by Kent County Council was also awarded with a prestigious Green Flag. Hythe Green which is looked after by Hythe Green Preservation Society were recognised with the Green Flag Community Award.
A full list of Green Flag Award-winning parks and green spaces can be found on the Keep Britain Tidy website.