Key Points
- Havering Council has successfully retained all 16 Green Flags across its parks for the fifth year in a row, as confirmed on 31 July 2025.
- The Green Flag Award recognises the highest standards in parks, including maintenance, facilities, and community engagement.
- The achievement is attributed to the collaborative efforts of council staff, park volunteers, and community groups.
- Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council, and Paul Todd MBE from Keep Britain Tidy, both expressed pride in the accomplishment and highlighted the importance of green spaces for community well-being.
- Notable parks retaining Green Flag status include Hornchurch Country Park, Upminster Park, Raphael Park, and more.
- Community initiatives and events continue to thrive in Havering’s parks alongside the successful Green Flag retention.
- Residents and Friends Groups played a key role in park upkeep and enhancement.
Havering Council, in a milestone celebrated on 31 July 2025, has announced that all 16 of its parks have once again been awarded the internationally respected Green Flag for outstanding standards—marking the fifth consecutive year this accolade has been achieved. The Green Flag Award, administered by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, is the recognised benchmark for parks and green spaces, reflecting not only high levels of maintenance and facilities but also the central role of community in keeping these spaces vibrant and accessible.
What Has Havering Council Achieved With Its Green Flags in 2025?
As reported by the London Borough of Havering Newsroom, the borough’s 16 parks have successfully retained their Green Flag Awards, making it one of the most consistent local authorities when it comes to park excellence. This year’s awards are particularly significant, arriving in a climate where many councils are struggling with funding and maintenance pressures. Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council, commented in an official statement:
“Retaining all our 16 Green Flags in our wonderful parks for a fifth consecutive year is a proud moment for us. The Green Flag award is recognition of all the hard work our staff carry out daily, along with our volunteers and Friends of Parks groups, to keep our parks maintained and safe for everyone. It is due to their efforts that we are once again celebrating this success, and I am delighted that their dedication has again been rewarded.” (as reported by the London Borough of Havering Newsroom).
Which Parks in Havering Hold Green Flag Status in 2025?
According to the Green Flag Award’s official 2025 UK winners list and reinforced by Havering Council’s own communications, the following parks retained their status this year:
- Hornchurch Country Park
- Spring Farm Park
- Bedfords Park
- Upminster Park
- Hylands Park
- Lodge Farm Park
- Cottons Park
- Harold Wood Park
- St Andrews Park
- Lawns Park
- Raphael Park
- Central Park
- Rise Park
- Langtons Gardens
- Harrow Lodge Park
- Haynes Park.
Community groups and Friends of the Park have played instrumental roles in maintaining high standards across all these parks, according to updates published by Upminster Community Residents’ Association and echoed by coverage in local outlets.
What Is the Significance of the Green Flag Award?
As highlighted by the official website of Havering Council and statements from Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Scheme Manager for Keep Britain Tidy, the Green Flag is a mark of distinction for parks that meet the highest standards of cleanliness, environmental management, community involvement, and safety. Paul Todd MBE stated:
“I would like to congratulate everyone involved at Havering on achieving a Green Flag Award. Havering’s parks are vital green spaces for communities to socialise, enjoy nature, for children to play safely, and they provide important opportunities for park users to improve their physical and mental health. Staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure high standards are maintained; everyone involved should feel extremely proud of their achievement.” (Keep Britain Tidy via London Borough of Havering News).
How Did The Community and Volunteers Contribute to This Success?
Coverage by the London Borough of Havering and reports from Friends Groups such as seen in Upminster Park confirm that achieving (and retaining) Green Flag status is only possible through strong community engagement. Volunteers, Friends Groups, and staff have all worked collaboratively to keep the parks welcoming and inclusive throughout the year. Their activities have included regular maintenance, conservation work, the creation of wildlife habitats, community events, and daily support for park users.
What Have Residents and Stakeholders Said About Havering’s Green Spaces?
Statements from the Council and local groups have been overwhelmingly positive. As featured on the Havering Council official X social media account, community reactions were enthusiastic:
“It’s #loveparksweek & we’re celebrating retaining our 16 Green Flags of excellence in our parks for the 5th year running!” ([Havering Council X, 28 July 2025]).
Friends Groups, such as Upminster Park’s, expressed delight, with the Upminster Community Residents’ Association stating:
“We were delighted to learn that Upminster Park has been awarded the prestigious Green Flag award again this year. Well done to all those involved.”
What Ongoing Initiatives Are Linked to the Award?
In addition to celebrating the Green Flag retention, Havering Council continues to encourage residents to engage with their parks through events, conservation efforts, and educational initiatives. Efforts such as the “Where We Live” campaign are inviting more local people to participate in making Havering cleaner and greener, with a growing emphasis on biodiversity and inclusion.
What Are the Wider Implications for Community Well-being?
The London Borough of Havering emphasises that these achievements contribute greatly to local quality of life, particularly post-pandemic, with parks acting as essential sanctuaries supporting both physical and mental well-being. Investment in public green spaces is seen not only as a recognition of current excellence but as a vital part of building a resilient, healthy, and proud community.
As reported by journalists and council officials from the London Borough of Havering, alongside statements from Keep Britain Tidy and local Friends Groups, the message is clear: the borough’s parks remain shining examples of community pride, environmental stewardship, and urban excellence—a Green Flag flying high, not just for one year, but for the fifth year running.
Havering’s consistent recognition, as reported by multiple media outlets and confirmed by both Keep Britain Tidy and council leaders, reflects collective effort and a shared commitment to green, healthy public spaces for everyone.
