Head to your local park this summer and enjoy the great outdoors on your doorstep.
This week marks the start of Love Parks Week, a national campaign from Keep Britain Tidy, which runs from Friday, 28 July to Sunday, 6 August.
Medway is home to 148 parks and more than 1,900 hectares of green spaces – the equivalent of 13.3 Hyde Parks.
Earlier this month eight Medway parks were awarded the prestigious Green Flag award - Broomhill Park, Capstone Farm Country Park, Gillingham Park, Hillyfields Community Park, Riverside Country Park, The Great Lines Heritage Park, The Vines Gardens and Ranscombe Farm Reserve.
Medway’s parks are maintained to a high standard throughout the year by dedicated volunteers and friends’ groups and Medway Norse, as well as Plantlife who manage Ranscombe Farm Reserve in partnership with us.
The variety in Medway’s parks offer something different to those who want to enjoy them – from lakes, woodlands, views of the River Medway and more.
Head to the Fields of Fire at The Great Lines Heritage Park, which recently achieved the Green Heritage Site Accreditation, supported by Historic England, for breathtaking views.
Pop over to Riverside Country Park to see one of Medway’s most diverse natural areas. Enjoy the local wildlife on your visit including a bee garden and bug hotel, alongside natural plant areas and stunning trials, including walks along the iconic River Medway.
If you fancy a spot of fishing grab a day ticket at Capstone Farm Country Park. Whilst you are there take a stroll around the gorgeous lake, and make sure you pop into the educational room in the visitor centre to learn about the local area, wildlife and parks. There is also a litter picking station outside the visitor centre where you can do your own mini-litter pick as you walk around the park.
Encourage everyone to get out this summer
Cllr Simon Curry, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder covering Greenspaces, said: “Medway has so many parks and greenspaces for residents and visitors to enjoy – and I would like to thank all of the teams, volunteers and friends’ groups who work hard to keep them looking nice throughout the year. I would encourage everyone to get out this summer and enjoy the wonderful spaces we have on offer. Whilst we want everyone to enjoy themselves, I would like to remind residents not to bring disposable barbecues with them when visiting our parks as they aren’t permitted.”
Grateful for ongoing support
Keep Britain Tidy’s Chief Executive, Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, said: “The Love Parks campaign would not be possible without the backing of our local authority partners, park managers and landowners. We are so grateful for the ongoing support from Medway Council.”