Countess of Chester Country Park retains prestigious Green Flag status for ninth consecutive year

The Countess of Chester Country Park has once again been recognised as one of the UK's finest green spaces after securing a prestigious Green Flag Award for the ninth consecutive year.

The international quality mark, awarded by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, recognises parks and green spaces that are welcoming, well managed and deliver real benefits for their communities.

The unique green space which is situated next to the Countess of Chester Hospital, is among a record-breaking 2,391 sites across the UK to achieve Green Flag status, a testament to the dedication of staff, volunteers, partners and supporters who work year-round to maintain and enhance the park for local residents, visitors and the wider NHS community.

It follows a landmark year for the park, which has also been named Community Space of the Year at the Land Trust's Managing Partners Awards and recently celebrated 10 years of parkrun, highlighting its important role in supporting health, wellbeing and community connections across Chester.

As part of the celebrations, the Green Flag was officially raised last week by Nicola Perrins, Event Director for Chester Parkrun, marking a decade since the launch of Chester Parkrun at the park.

She was joined by Cllr Simon Eardley, Chester MP Sam Dixon, representatives from Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP), Countess of Chester Hospital, Friends of Countess of Chester Country Park, The Conservation Volunteers (TCV), and members of the local community.

There was also a light-hearted moment during the celebrations when the MP officially named a new flail mower, Tinkerbell, which had been generously provided on long-term loan by the Life for a Life Memorial Forest charity to TCV and the Friends of Countess of Chester Country Park and will help support the ongoing maintenance and enhancement of the park.

Andy Scargill, Chair of the Friends of Countess of Chester Country Park, said:

"Winning a Green Flag Award for the ninth year in a row is fantastic recognition for everyone who contributes to making the park such a special place. Our volunteers, Friends Group members, partners and supporters give their time, energy and enthusiasm to help maintain and improve the park for the benefit of the whole community."

"What makes the park special is the warm welcome people receive when they visit – whether that’s by taking part in parkrun, joining a walking group, volunteering, or simply enjoying some time outdoors, the park brings people together and helps them connect with nature.  We're delighted to see its value recognised once again through this prestigious award."

Jon Develing, Director of Strategy and Partnerships at the Countess of Chester Hospital said: 

“Winning the Green Flag Award for nine consecutive years reflects the dedication of our partner organisations and our shared belief that working together can make a real difference.  Access to green spaces is linked to improved health outcomes, and the park supports a wide range of therapeutic activities that promote health, wellbeing and rehabilitation,” he said. 

Sarah Palgrave-Neath, Head of Estates North for the Land Trust, said:

"Receiving this award for the ninth-year running is something we are immensely proud of. It reflects the continued commitment, care and enthusiasm that so many people invest in Countess of Chester Country Park throughout the year.

"To also be recognised as Community Space of the Year in the same year that the park celebrates 10 years of parkrun demonstrates the vital role it plays in bringing people together, supporting health and wellbeing, and creating opportunities for people to connect with nature.

“We are incredibly grateful to our staff, volunteers, Friends Group, partners and local community who continue to make the park thrive."

Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, added:

"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 is a practical, preventative solution and one of the most visible ways to improve people's quality of life.

"Both Land Trust and The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) 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."

Pictured - Many attended the flag raising event, including Chester MP Sam Dixon, Cllr Simon Eardley, representatives from CWP, Countess of Chester Hospital, Friends of Countess of Chester Country Park, TCV and members of the local community,