Press Release

16 July 2026

Holly Hill Woodland Park and Sensory Garden of Reflection awarded the coveted Green Flag Award

Fareham Borough Council is celebrating today after receiving Green Flag Awards for Holly Hill Woodland Park and the Sensory Garden of Reflection.

It comes as the internationally recognised standard for parks and green spaces celebrates its 30th year.

Holly Hill Woodland Park and the Sensory Garden are two of a record breaking 2,391 in the UK to achieve the award this year – a fantastic testament to the hard work, passion and dedication of the team who care for this green space, ensuring it is maintained to a high standard for visitors and residents to enjoy.

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. 

“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. 

“Fareham Borough 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."

Executive Member for Streetscene at Fareham Borough Council, Councillor Ian Bastable, said:

"We are delighted that Holly Hill Woodland Park and the Sensory Garden of Reflection have once again received Green Flag Awards. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our parks team and volunteers, who help keep these valued green spaces welcoming, safe and enjoyable for residents and visitors alike. We are proud to see their efforts recognised through this prestigious award."

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under contract from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.

More information about the Green Flag scheme can be found here: http://www.greenflagaward.org.

The Holly Hill Rediscovered project aims to improve the functionality, sustainability and aesthetic appearance of the lakes and ponds within Holly Hill Woodland Park. Residents can read more about the project here: www.fareham.gov.uk/hollyhillrediscovered.

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

The Green Flag Award Scheme (http://greenflagaward.org/) is run by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, under contract from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, in partnership with Keep Scotland Beautiful, Keep Wales Tidy and Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful. 

Any green space that is freely accessible to the public is eligible to enter for a Green Flag Award.  Awards are given on an annual basis and winners must apply each year to renew their Green Flag Award status.  A Green Flag Community Award recognises quality sites managed by voluntary and community groups. 

Keep Britain Tidy is a leading environmental charity. We set the standard for the management of parks and beaches, inspire people to be litter-free, to waste less and live more sustainably. We run campaigns and programmes including the Great British Spring Clean, Eco-Schools, Love Parks Week (24th July – 2nd August 2026), Buy Nothing New Month, Eco-Schools, the Green Flag Award for parks and green spaces, the Blue Flag/ Seaside Awards for beaches and blue spaces, and the Green Key for sustainable tourism and hospitality. To find out more about Keep Britain Tidy, our campaigns and programmes visit www.keepbritaintidy.org.

Press enquiries:

Contact the Keep Britain Tidy press office:
mailto:press@keepbritaintidy.org 
Keep Britain Tidy Mobile: 07768 880016
 

For further information contact:

Customer Enquiries

Tel: 01329 236100
Email: customerservicecentre@fareham.gov.uk

Media Enquiries

The Communications Team
Tel: 01329 824310
Email: publicity@fareham.gov.uk
Fax: 01329 550576

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