East Suffolk Council

Felixstowe’s famous Seafront Gardens will continue to fly the prestigious Green Flag after being recognised as one of the country’s best parks for the tenth consecutive year.  

The Grade II listed gardens have been awarded the mark of quality for public parks every year since completion of a restoration project funded by East Suffolk Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund. 

The site is one of 2,250 in the UK to achieve the award, which is the international quality mark for parks and green spaces. 

The news that Felixstowe’s Seafront Gardens have met the standards required for the accreditation is testament to the hard work and dedication of the team that care for the green space so that visitors and residents alike can enjoy it. 

Since restoration took place between 2011 and 2015, the grounds team has boosted ecological diversity by protecting the grass banks and providing a habitat for invertebrates and reptiles. 

Cllr Sarah Whitelock, East Suffolk’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture, Leisure and Tourism, said:  

“For the tenth year in a row, we are incredibly proud to see the stunning Felixstowe Seafront Gardens achieve Green Flag status. I would like to thank everyone involved in the continued success of this community space, who ensure it is a safe, clean and welcoming destination for people to visit and enjoy. I am also really pleased that in caring for these gardens, we have considered ecological diversity and habitats.” 

Mayor of Felixstowe, Cllr Corrine Franklin, said: 

 “Felixstowe can be immensely proud of its Seafront Gardens, which have been awarded a Green Flag for the 10th year running.  Whatever the season of the year, there is always life and colour to be found there.   

“The beauty of our Seafront Gardens is down to the hard work of the staff at East Suffolk Services, and to The Friends of Felixstowe Seafront Gardens, who spend many hours maintaining the flower beds and shrubs, as well as the attentive care of Mr London, who looks after the Arch Cascade Pond.” 

Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, Paul Todd MBE, said:  

“Congratulations to everyone involved in Felixstowe Seafront Gardens, who have worked tirelessly to ensure that it achieves the high standards required for the Green Flag Award. 

“Quality parks and green spaces like this make the country a heathier place to live and work in, and a stronger place in which to invest. 

“Crucially, Felixstowe Seafront Gardens is a vital green space for communities in East Suffolk to enjoy nature, and during the ongoing cost of living crisis it is a free and safe space for families to socialise. It also provides important opportunities for local people and visitors to reap the physical and mental health benefits of green space.” 

East Suffolk’s network of volunteers is responsible for helping to keep the district beautiful, with regular litter-picks, planting, and an all-round effort to maintain the appearance of their local communities – and East Suffolk Council is encouraging more people to get involved and to really do their bit as part of East Suffolk’s Amazing. 

The Council will support local communities and groups by lending equipment for litter pick events, including hi-vis vests, litter pickers, bags and bag hoops. A range of information about how communities can get involved in schemes, as well as a range of tips and advice, can be now found here.