Six of the district's most beloved parks and green spaces have again been awarded Green Flag status.
Kingsnorth Gardens, Lower Leas Coastal Park, Radnor Park and the Royal Military Canal have all been recognised with the prestigious award for 2026/27.
The Green Flag Award (which is celebrating 30 years) is the international quality mark for parks and green spaces which display the highest environmental standards, are beautifully maintained and have excellent visitor facilities.
The four sites - which are enjoyed by residents and visitors from all over - are lovingly managed by Folkestone & Hythe District Council's hard-working grounds maintenance and property teams all year round.
Brockhill Country Park in Saltwood, managed by Kent County Council, was also again named in this year’s list.
Cllr Connor McConville, Cabinet Member for Assets and Local Government Reorganisation, said: “I’ve visited these parks for many years, and have always tremendously admired the amount of dedication our staff undertake to keep them to a well maintained, award-winning standard.
"We’re incredibly proud to retain Green Flag status and continue to offer these spaces for generations to come.”
Very soon, the £750,000 refurbishment of the Lower Leas Coastal Park fun zone project is set to open which will see a major revamp to the district’s flagship play area.
Radnor Park continues to hold events and community get-togethers including a junior parkrun and dogs show, as well as the offerings at Radnor Park Tea Room.
Close to Folkestone Central Railway Station, Kingsnorth Gardens (where the council is supported by a volunteer group 'Friends of Kingsnorth Gardens') is the perfect garden oasis to welcome new visitors to the town.
Hythe Boat Hire offers seasonal row boating on the Royal Military Canal with support from the council’s routine barge clearing efforts to remove excess debris, litter and foliage.
A Green Flag Community Award was also presented to Hythe Green Preservation Society who support maintenance of the Hythe Green.
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 welcome.
“With public services under pressure, investing in parks is not a luxury, it’s a practical, preventative solution and one of the most visible ways to improve people’s quality of life.”
The Green Flag Award scheme is managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government.