Record-breaking year as Newark and Sherwood celebrates six Green Flag Awards

Sherwood Avenue Park has joined the list of award-winning sites, bringing the District Council’s total to six.

These recognitions highlights the District Council’s ongoing commitment to maintaining high-quality, accessible, and environmentally sustainable green spaces for residents and visitors alike.

The full list of Green Flag Award-winning sites in the district now includes:

• Sherwood Heath
• Vicar Water Country Park
• Newark Castle Gardens
• Sconce and Devon Park
• Queen Elizabeth Memorial Gardens
• Sherwood Avenue Park (new for 2025)
• Newark Cemetery (Newark Town Council)

Sherwood Avenue Park, which is managed by Newark Town Council, recently underwent a major £500,000 redevelopment delivered in partnership with Newark and Sherwood District Council. The project introduced a brand-new Play Zone with ten pieces of accessible equipment, a state-of-the-art skatepark, a multi-use sports pitch, and a nature zone designed to boost biodiversity. The park officially reopened in May with a community celebration attended by hundreds of residents.

Newark and Sherwood District Council worked in partnership with Newark Town Council to help secure Green Flag status for Sherwood Avenue Park, including submitting the application. This continued partnership reflects the recognition of the park’s importance to the town and its community and the District Council’s ongoing commitment to working collaboratively with the Town Council to enhance public spaces in Newark.

Newark Town Council also received a Green Flag Award for Newark Cemetery, recognising their continued efforts to provide peaceful, well-maintained spaces for reflection and remembrance.

Newark Castle Gardens is being developed as part of the Castle Gatehouse Project, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Government’s Towns Fund, and Newark and Sherwood District Council. The upgrade will improve habitats to increase biodiversity, add new features, lighting, and a broad activity programme. The high standards expected of the development supported the gardens’ continued Green Flag Award status.

Councillor Simon Forde, Portfolio Holder for Climate and the Environment, said: “It’s obviously fantastic news that we have received six Green Flag awards this year for our Parks and Green Spaces – a record high for the District Council!

We know since covid that residents increasingly value parks and green spaces. And, with summer holidays approaching, it is also great news that families and youngsters have places to play and let off some energy. The Green Flag scheme shows how we as a council are investing in residents’ priorities with high-quality, welcoming outdoor environments.

“I’m delighted to see the dedication of everyone involved in caring for these spaces being recognised, from our Park Rangers and Street Scene teams to our Corporate Property staff, site managers, and the incredible Friends groups and volunteers. Their collective efforts are what make achievements like this possible.”

Councillor Dawn Campbell, Leader of Newark Town Council, said: “We are very pleased that Sherwood Avenue has received due recognition following significant investment in the site. The award is testament to the value of the site as a long-standing much loved community space. 

“Newark Cemetery is widely regarded as an important green space and serves not just as a burial ground but a space that is enjoyed by many for its natural beauty in particular the wide variety of trees and annual explosion of spring bulbs. We are grateful to the Council Staff and Friends of Newark Cemetery and all who contribute to maintaining the space as an important community asset.”

Newark and Sherwood District Council continues to invest in its green spaces through initiatives such as play park refurbishments, biodiversity projects, and community engagement programmes.