Hainault Forest awarded the coveted Green Flag Award

In a record-breaking year Hainault Forest is raising its prestigious Green Flag Award along with 2,215 parks across the UK.

We’re absolutely thrilled to shout it from the treetops: Hainault Forest Country Park has officially clinched the prestigious Green Flag status! 🎉🌳

Picture this: the Green Flag Award scheme, masterminded by the eco champs at Keep Britain Tidy, is all about giving a huge pat on the back to amazingly well-kept parks and lush green spaces. These places aren’t just average – they set the gold standard for how green havens should be managed, and not just in the UK, but around the globe.

Now, let’s talk about Hainault Forest – a place that’s breaking new ground. This time around, it’s bagged its very first Green Flag status, thanks to a dynamic new partnership that’s on a mission to make Hainault Forest the ultimate destination. Three powerhouses – The Woodland Trust, London Borough of Redbridge, and Vision RCL – have joined forces to create a forest that’s not just amazing now, but is also paving the way for an awe-inspiring future. 🌿🌏

You should also brace yourselves for Phase Two – it’s almost done and dusted. Get ready for a super cool play area and the grand reopening of Foxburrows Farm!

Cllr Kam Rai, Deputy Leader of Redbridge Council, said: “Our award-winning parks are a vital lifeline for local people who want to unwind and escape the stress of modern life.
“Thanks to investment from the Council, National Heritage Lottery Fund, GLA Good Growth Fund and the Garfield Weston Foundation, we’ve transformed Hainault Forest, creating a café, events space, educational visitor centre and craft workshops for local artists. Hainault is now the perfect place for a family day out.

“Achieving Green Flag accreditation is a testament to the hard work of our parks staff who brave all weathers to keep our beautiful parks in such pristine condition, and park visitors who respect our green spaces by not littering.”

Chair of Vision Trustees Martin Solder said: “Hainault Forest is one of our many glorious open spaces in Redbridge; with the new and improved facilities, this will soon become a top attraction for families. We are very fortunate to have nine Redbridge Parks awarded with Green Flag status. Parks are an important part of our community, and we appreciate the continued support from all the volunteers and staff at Vision RCL in maintaining our sites to such a high standard. I would like to thank everyone involved.”

Regional Director at the Woodland Trust, Toby Bancroft, said: “We’re delighted to hear that our partners at Vision have maintained the Green Flag award for Hainault Forest for another year. We’re proud to have been part of the visitor improvement works over the last 18 months and are really looking forward to continuing to work together to provide an excellent experience for all of our visitors, alongside protecting the unique and irreplaceable wildlife and habitats of the ancient forest.”

Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award Scheme Manager Paul Todd MBE said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved at Hainault Forest in achieving a Green Flag Award.
“Hainault Forest is a vital green space for the community in Redbridge, bringing people together and providing opportunities to lead healthy lifestyles. The staff and volunteers do so much to ensure that it maintains the high standards of the Green Flag Award, and everyone involved should feel extremely proud of their achievement.”

And the cherry on top? The coveted Green Flag recognition! It’s a big high-five to the fabulous park staff who brave all sorts of weather to keep the place spick and span. And let’s not forget those our considerate visitors who keep it clean by not littering.

To top it all off – you can join in the action too! Show your appreciation of Hainault Forest Country Park by casting your votes in the upcoming People’s Choice Awards this autumn. It’s your chance to give us a virtual high-five. If we all rally together and vote, Hainault Forest could snag a spot among the UK’s top ten parks. How amazing would that be?

If you’d like to see the full lineup of Green Flag winners, check it out here. 🌞🏞️🏆