Newark and Sherwood District Council and Newark Town Council are pleased to announce that seven local green spaces and parks have been recognised with the prestigious Green Flag Award for 2026 after achieving international quality mark for parks and green spaces.
The award which is recognised nationally and internationally as a mark of excellence celebrates the high standards of management and community involvement that contribute to the ongoing quality of these sites. It recognises the hard work of staff and volunteers in managing and improving spaces for the benefit of local communities.
The awards recognise a wide range of criteria beyond horticultural excellence, including community engagement, conservation, accessibility, environmental management and litter control.
The full list of Green Flag Award-winning sites in the district now includes:
- Sconce and Devon Park (Newark and Sherwood District Council)
- Vicar Water Country Park (Newark and Sherwood District Council)
- Sherwood Heath and Cockglode and Rotary Woods (Newark and Sherwood District Council with Nottinghamshire County Council and Sherwood Forest Trust).
- Queen Elizabeth Memorial Gardens (Newark and Sherwood District Council)
- Sherwood Avenue Park (Newark Town Council, with ongoing maintenance from Newark and Sherwood District Council)
- Newark Castle (Newark and Sherwood District Council)
- Newark Cemetery, London Road (Newark Town Council)
Newark Town Council is also celebrating receiving a prestigious Green Flag Community Award for Newark Cemetery on London Road, recognising their continued efforts to provide peaceful, well-maintained spaces for reflection and remembrance.
Newark Castle’s continued commitment to restoration and conservation of its historic heritage landscape has been recognised once again by the by the Green Flag Awards with their Green Heritage Site Accreditation.
It comes as the internationally recognised standard for parks and green spaces celebrates its 30th year.
The awards across Newark and Sherwood are a fantastic testament to the hard work, passion and dedication of the teams who care for these spaces, ensuring they are maintained to a high standard for visitors and residents to enjoy.
Councillor Simon Forde, Portfolio Holder for the Climate and the Environment at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “Whether it's a walk through Vicar Water, family time at Sconce and Devon Park or simply enjoying a moment of peace in one of our many green spaces, these sites form an important part of everyday life for people across Newark and Sherwood. They are places where residents can connect with nature, spend time with friends and family, improve their wellbeing and enjoy the unique character of our district.
“To have these sites recognised with Green Flag status is a fantastic achievement and something everyone involved should be incredibly proud of. It demonstrates the value we place on our green spaces and the positive difference they make to our communities. These awards not only celebrate the quality of the sites themselves but also reinforce our commitment to ensuring they continue to be enjoyed by residents and visitors for many years to come.”
Matthew Gleadell, Town Clerk, Newark Town Council, stated: “We are delighted to have received this award again. It is a testament to the efforts of our Cemetery Team, who take pride in ensuring that the area is maintained to a high standard.”
Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, said: “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; Newark Cemetery on London Road is a practical, preventative solution and one of the most visible ways to improve people’s quality of life.
“Newark Cemetery on London Road in Newark has 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."
The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under contract from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.
