Celebration event for Chelmsford's 19 Green Flag awards achievement
Councillors, parks staff, volunteers and community representatives gathered at John Shennan Field Local Nature Reserve on Friday 25 September, for a ceremony celebrating Chelmsford’s newest Green Flag Award-winning parks – and the city’s success in ensuring every area has one of these high-quality green spaces nearby.
The event marked the John Shennan Field Local Nature Reserve and Marconi Ponds Local Nature Reserve achieving Green Flag status for the first time, bringing people together to recognise the care, commitment and hard work behind these much-loved green spaces.
Chelmsford has 19 Green Flag award-winning parks and green spaces
The Green Flag Award is the international benchmark for well-managed parks and green spaces. Chelmsford now has 19 award-winning sites, the highest number in the East of England, meaning residents across every area of the district have access to a recognised Green Flag park or nature reserve close to home. The achievement reflects the city’s commitment to providing welcoming spaces that support wildlife, recreation, wellbeing and climate resilience.
Councillor Rose Moore, Cabinet Member for a Greener Chelmsford, shared some words at the event to mark the milestone achievement:
Councillors, parks staff, volunteers and community representatives gathered at John Shennan Field Local Nature Reserve on Friday 25 September, for a ceremony celebrating Chelmsford’s newest Green Flag Award-winning parks.
““The raising of these two new Green Flags is a proud and visible symbol of the care, commitment and hard work that goes into looking after Chelmsford’s valued green spaces. John Shennan Field and Marconi Ponds have both received Green Flag Awards for the first time, bringing Chelmsford’s total to 19 – the highest number in the East of England.
Councillor Rose Moore, Cabinet Member for a Greener Chelmsford
“Here at John Shennan Field, the local community has been central to the site’s success – from helping it achieve Local Nature Reserve status to volunteering on conservation work, caring for the book box and promoting this special place.
“I would also like to recognise the dedicated volunteers at Marconi Ponds LNR, the Park Rangers and the founding Friends of Marconi Ponds group whose passion, commitment and care has helped nurture and transform the site into the haven it is today. Their hard work has manifested a true sanctuary in the heart of our city, and recognition through the Green Flag Award is a fitting tribute to their commitment. Our sincere thanks go to all our volunteers, parks staff, rangers, community groups and everyone who has helped make these Green Flag awards possible.”
The Mayor of Chelmsford, Councillor Lynne Foster, added to the positive sentiments, speaking about the history of John Shennan Field:
““Green spaces such as this thrive because local people use, value and volunteer in them. Chelmsford’s record 19 Green Flag Awards reflect the wonderful variety of parks and nature reserves across the district, helping ensure every area has a high-quality green space close to where people live. Together, they connect people with one another and with nature, while giving wildlife valuable places to flourish.
The Mayor of Chelmsford, Councillor Lynne Foster
“A Green Flag Award recognises the high standards of management that allow both nature and communities to flourish. John Shennan Field’s journey is a wonderful example. Once farmland, the site later became a quarry and landfill site before being left as an area of closely mown grass. It is thanks to the dedication of the local community, including volunteers working alongside Chelmsford City Council’s parks team, that this young nature reserve is now welcoming back a rich variety of wildlife. Slow-worm habitat is being protected, while taller grasses, meadows, trees and hedgerows support insects and songbirds. Even birds of prey, like the red kite, have been spotted here.”
Find a Green Flag award-winning park or green space near you in Chelmsford.
Volunteers play an active role in conservation work and help look after the site's community book box.
