Green spaces across the county have received international accreditation for their high standards.

A total of 28 parks in Sussex have been awarded a Green Flag, the international quality mark for green spaces.

The list of award winners features parks across Worthing, Brighton, Hove, Crawley, Haywards Heath, Mid Sussex and Horsham.

One site, Worth Park in Crawley, was awarded Green Heritage Site Accreditation, judged on its historic features, the standard of conservation and public engagement, in collaboration with Historic England.

Worth Park in CrawleyWorth Park in Crawley was awarded Green Heritage Site Accreditation (Image: Google)

Heene Cemetery, in Worthing, also achieved a Green Flag Community Award, which recognises quality sites managed by voluntary and community groups.

A record number of 2,227 green spaces in England have been recognised this year by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy.

Brighton and Hove City Councillor Alan Robins, cabinet member for sport and recreation, said: “Access to good quality open space is really important, particularly during the current cost of living crisis, so it’s fantastic news that we will once again be flying seven Green Flags in parks in Brighton, Hove, Portslade and Rottingdean – a real city-wide success story.

Hove Park also received Green Flag accreditationHove Park also received Green Flag accreditation (Image: Google)

“The success is a fitting tribute to our dedicated staff, Friends groups and volunteers who work tirelessly to make sure that the quality is maintained, and our parks and gardens are a pleasure to visit all year round.

“It’s disappointing that The Level has not reached Green Flag status this year, but we are confident that the work currently underway to restore and re-open the MacLaren Pavilion along with our proposals to improve the playground, will help raise standards and bring huge benefits for residents and visitors.”

Adur District Councillor Jude Harvey, cabinet member for the environment and leisure, said: “It's excellent news that four of our spaces have been recognised again in this year's Green Flag awards.

Shoreham Beach was also on the list Shoreham Beach was also on the list (Image: Google)

“I'd like to say a huge thank you to our parks team and the many local groups that help manage, maintain and bring life to our green and blue spaces.”

Worthing Borough Councillor Vicki Wells, cabinet member for environmental services, said: “I'm delighted that five of our much-loved green spaces have achieved Green Flag status as part of this year's awards.

“I'm particularly thrilled for the Friends of Denton Gardens who have worked so hard to achieve this well-earned result. They now join the suite of wonderful Worthing parks recognised for their green fingers and graft.

Worthing's Denton Gardens received accreditationWorthing's Denton Gardens received accreditation (Image: Google)

“The local groups and volunteers that support our teams are crucial to the management of Worthing's parks and coastline. In addition, working with nature as part of a group brings its own wellbeing benefits.

“I am very grateful for all the time they give to help make our spaces the best they can be for visitors and nature alike.”

Full list of Sussex Green Flag parks:

Brighton and Hove

  • Easthill Park
  • Hove Park
  • Kipling Gardens
  • Preston Park
  • St Ann’s Well Gardens
  • Stoneham Park 
  • Stanmer Park 

Adur

  • Buckingham Park
  • Lancing Ring
  • Lancing Manor Park 
  • Shoreham Beach

Worthing

  • Highdown Gardens
  • Marine Gardens
  • Denton Gardens
  • Field Place
  • Beach House Park

Crawley

  • Goffs Park 
  • Mill Pond 
  • The Memorial Gardens 
  • Tilgate Park 
  • Worth Park 

Haywards Heath

  • Muster Green

Horsham

  • Horsham Park

Mid Sussex

  • Beech Hurst Gardens 
  • East Court and Ashplats Wood 
  • St Johns Park
  • Victoria Park 
  • University of Sussex