Parish and town councils recognised in the 2025 Green Flag Awards
Parish and town councils have once again demonstrated their pivotal role in delivering quality local services, as over 50 parish and town councils across England are recognised in the 2025 Green Flag Awards for their management of exceptional parks and green spaces.
The Green Flag Award, run by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, is the international quality mark for parks and green spaces. From coastal paths in Dorset to town gardens in the East Midlands, parish and town councils have shown they are at the forefront of protecting and enhancing natural spaces for local communities.
The South West continued its track record for excellence in green space management. Weymouth Town Council was recognised once again (with two awards), along with Portland Town Council, Dorchester Town Council, Gillingham Town Council, Shepton Mallet Town Council, Swanage Town Council, Taunton Town Council, Wellington Town Council, Yeovil Town Council, and Calne Town Council. These councils have invested in safe, inclusive public parks that serve both residents and tourists alike. Chippenham Town Council and Devizes Town Council, along with Central Swindon North Parish Council and South Swindon Parish Council, also secured awards for well-maintained urban green space, often delivered in partnership with volunteers and local groups. Further west, Camborne Town Council continued to lead in Cornwall. At the same time, Christchurch Town Council and Burley Parish Council added to Dorset’s green flag achievements.
In the South East, parish and town councils demonstrated how green spaces can be both heritage assets and modern hubs for community wellbeing. Recognised councils include Farnham Town Council, Hedge End Town Council, Henley Town Council, Sevenoaks Town Council, Sandhurst Town Council, Swanley Town Council, and Woodley Town Council. Rayleigh Town Council, Harpenden Town Council, and Great Baddow Parish Council were among those ensuring residents in suburban and semi-rural areas benefit from excellent local parks. Aldenham Parish Council and Sandridge Parish Council continued their strong commitment to environmental management, joined by Great Shelford Parish Council and Oulton Broad Parish Council.
Across the East of England, parish and town councils like Botesdale Parish Council and Broomfield Parish Council were recognised for managing high-quality public green spaces that are central to community life. Their achievements underline how even smaller councils can meet national standards through local stewardship and collaboration.
The Midlands saw a diverse range of winners from both urban and rural settings. Rushden Town Council, Kidderminster Town Council, Dunstable Town Council, Shefford Town Council, and Leighton-Linslade Town Council were awarded for their investment in accessible, inclusive spaces for growing populations. Blaby Parish Council, Overseal Parish Council, Wessington Parish Council, and Quorndon Parish Council stood out for their locally focused approaches, many involving community volunteers and sustainability initiatives. Newark Town Council represented market towns, leading the way in green heritage.
Northern councils made a strong showing again this year. Silloth Town Council, a perennial Green Flag winner, was joined by Peterlee Town Council, Hexham Town Council, and Houghton Regis Town Council, whose parks and open spaces are vital to community resilience and public health.
Over 2,200 parks and green spaces across the UK were recognised this year. Congratulations to all the parish and town councils involved. Their success showcases how parish and town councils are leading the way in creating cleaner, greener, and safer communities.
