Rooksbury Mill Local Nature Reserve in Andover has retained its Green Flag Award for another year, joined by Valley Park Woodlands Local Nature Reserve and Romsey’s War Memorial Park.
The recognition, which all three sites have held for over a decade, marks them out as safe, welcoming and well-managed places for residents and visitors to enjoy.
Test Valley Borough Council says the awards reflect the year-round work of staff and volunteers who help care for more than 400 hectares of green space across the borough, from formal parks and play areas to woodlands and nature reserves. The Green Flag scheme, run by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, is the national benchmark for high-quality parks.
Councillor Phil North, Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, said:
“Our parks are a source of real pride in Test Valley – not just for the council, but for the communities who use and care about them. To have retained these Green Flag Awards yet again is a fantastic achievement and reflects the commitment of our staff and volunteers who work year-round to keep our green spaces thriving.”
Councillor Alison Johnston, Portfolio Holder for Climate Emergency and Countryside, said:
“Our parks are at the heart of community life in Test Valley – they are spaces where people come to exercise, to relax, and to connect with each other and with nature. Retaining the Green Flag Award year after year is a real testament to the teams and volunteers who work so hard to keep them at their best.”
Councillor Terese Swain, Portfolio Holder for Community, Leisure and Tourism, said:
“These awards show just how valued our green spaces are – not just locally, but nationally. Whether it is a morning dog walk, a family picnic, or a moment of quiet in nature, these parks provide something special for everyone, and I am proud to see that recognised once again.”
