Sevenoaks Town Council has received the prestigious Green Flag Award for The Vine for the 10th consecutive year. This is a fitting recognition of The Vine’s place at the heart of the Sevenoaks community.
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.
Cllr Dr Merilyn Canet, Vice Chair of the Community Asset Committee at Sevenoaks Town Council accepted the award at a ceremony in Wimbledon on 16 July. She commented, “It is fantastic that The Vine has officially been recognised for the 10th year as one of the country’s best parks. Town Council staff and dedicated volunteers work incredibly hard to maintain The Vine to the highest standards for residents and visitors. This award is a testament to their commitment in caring for this much-loved green space for the community to enjoy.”
Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, said, “Sevenoaks Town Council have 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.”
Last year, Sevenoaks Town Council transformed the pond and pergola area of The Vine Gardens with a new ground surface made from the equivalent of more than one million plastic straws. The improvements have created a more accessible, attractive and welcoming space for everyone.
There is plenty for the community to enjoy at The Vine this summer, including free Music on the Bandstand concerts, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland theatre show, the Street Food Festival and plenty of cricket.
Sevenoaks in Bloom volunteers have also created charming knitted and crocheted animals which are now on display in the park. Also at the Vine, families can take part in the Sevenoaks in Bloom bug and plant trail. Free activity sheets are available from Café on the Vine, and children who complete the trail can collect a sticker.
With award-winning surroundings and a great programme of summer activities, there has never been a better time to visit and enjoy The Vine.
