19 Chelmsford parks receive Green Flag Awards
Chelmsford is celebrating its highest-ever number of Green Flag Award-winning parks and green spaces, including a number of registered local nature reserves, with 19 sites now recognised among the best in the country.
Marconi Ponds Local Nature Reserve and John Shennan Field Local Nature Reserve have both been recognised by the internationally respected Green Flag Award scheme for the first time this year. Their success means Chelmsford now has more Green Flag sites than ever before – the most in the East of England – highlighting Chelmsford City Council's commitment to protecting and enhancing spaces for people and wildlife.
In addition to retaining their Green Flag Awards, Hylands Estate, Oaklands Park and Admirals Park/Tower Gardens have also been recognised with Green Heritage Site Accreditation for the management and promotion of their historic features.
Chelmsford now has the highest number of Green Flag award-winning sites in the East of England! John Shennan Field Local Nature Reserve is pictured.
30 years of Green Flag Awards
The achievement comes in the year that the Green Flag Award scheme marks its 30th anniversary. Widely recognised as the international benchmark for parks and green spaces, the scheme celebrates sites that are welcoming, well-maintained and managed to the highest standards.
This year, a record-breaking 2,391 parks and green spaces across the UK have received Green Flag status. Chelmsford's 19 Green Flag award-winning sites are among those recognised, reflecting the passion and expertise of the council's dedicated parks teams and parks volunteers who work year-round to care for these valued community spaces.
Councillor Rose Moore, Cabinet Member for a Greener Chelmsford, said:
“"It's fantastic to see the Marconi Ponds Local Nature Reserve and John Shennan Field Local Nature Reserve join our growing family of Green Flag sites. Reaching a total of 19 awards is a significant achievement and reflects Chelmsford's ongoing commitment to investing in high-quality green spaces.
Cllr Rose Moore, Cabinet Member for a Greener Chelmsford
"These places are incredibly important for biodiversity, climate resilience, recreation and wellbeing. The awards are a testament to the dedication of our parks teams and parks volunteers, whose hard work throughout the year helps ensure our green spaces are cared for to the highest standards.
"We want residents to enjoy and take pride in these spaces, whether they're visiting a local nature reserve, exploring one of our parks or simply spending time outdoors."
A busy year for Chelmsford's parks
The awards follow another busy year for Chelmsford City Council's Parks team, with a range of projects helping to support local wildlife and habitats while enhancing visitor experiences across the district's parks and green spaces.
Efforts to support nature have included tree planting initiatives, free tree giveaways and encouraging residents to take positive action for the environment through the council's Nature Pledges campaign. Meanwhile, improvements in Central Park have seen the installation of two new garden areas outside the café including purpose-built outdoor chess tables, alongside the restoration and repair of the Grade II listed Seymour Street bridge.
Recent additions to Chelmsford's parks in 2026 include community library boxes and a purpose-built chess garden.
Community library boxes have also proved a popular addition, offering visitors another way to enjoy the parks. They can now be found in Central Park, Oaklands Park, John Shennan Field Local Nature Reserve and Tower Gardens, with a new library box due to be installed in Compass Gardens soon.
Together, these improvements are helping to keep Chelmsford's parks welcoming, accessible and enjoyable for residents and visitors alike, while supporting the council's wider ambition to create greener neighbourhoods and encourage more people to connect with nature in their everyday lives.
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.
Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Manager at Keep Britain Tidy
“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.
“Chelmsford City Council 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.”
Explore Chelmsford's award-winning green spaces
Chelmsford's Green Flag sites range from historic parks and formal gardens to community spaces and nature reserves, offering residents and visitors opportunities to exercise, relax and connect with nature close to home.
From spotting wildlife at Marconi Ponds and John Shennan Field local nature reserves to enjoying family activities in Central Park or exploring walking and cycling routes across the district, Chelmsford's 19 Green Flag Award-winning parks and green spaces offer something for everyone this summer.
Visit the Love Your Chelmsford website to discover Chelmsford's parks, nature reserves and outdoor facilities, and find your next local adventure.
