Observer column 17 July 2026

Cllr Jo Walker, lead councillor for Climate, Nature and Green Spaces 

I was delighted to hear that Alexandra Park and Hastings Country Park Nature Reserve have once again been awarded Green Flag status by Keep Britain Tidy for 2026. This is fantastic news and a real testament to everyone involved in caring for these wonderful spaces. 

I'd like to thank our parks team for their hard work looking after all of our parks and open spaces, and the Friends groups who give up so much of their time to help keep Alexandra Park and Hastings Country Park looking their best for everyone to enjoy. 

Alexandra Park has also retained its Green Heritage Site Accreditation in recognition of the management and promotion of its historic features. 

The judges visited earlier this year and had high praise for both parks. Of Alexandra Park, they said: "This site is a credit to the staff and management who maintain it to such a high standard." For Hastings Country Park Nature Reserve, they commented: "Please keep up the great work you are doing — it's making a real difference to the site, its wild habitats and its visitors." 

Hastings Country Park Nature Reserve is one of the UK's most important coastal nature reserves. Owned by Hastings Borough Council, it is managed in partnership with Natural England, Groundwork South, volunteers, local farmers and contractors. Covering 345 hectares (853 acres), it includes around 5km of dramatic sandstone cliffs and coastline. Much of the site is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation because of its unique wildlife and fossil-rich soft rock cliffs and slopes. 

Alexandra Park is Hastings' largest formal park, covering 44 hectares (109 acres) and stretching for around 2.5 miles. In 1877, renowned landscape gardener Robert Marnock was commissioned by the council, with a budget of £250, to "provide the bulk of the trees and shrubs which are likely to be required for the public park." The park was officially opened in June 1882 by the Prince and Princess of Wales. 

We are incredibly fortunate in Hastings to have so many beautiful parks, nature reserves and open spaces to enjoy. Spending time outdoors is so important for our physical and mental wellbeing, and our green spaces offer something for everyone. 

Love Parks Week takes place from Friday 24 July to Sunday 2 August, so why not take the opportunity to visit a park you've never been to before, or rediscover one you haven't visited for a while? We also have many smaller neighbourhood parks, several of which were created in the late 1800s as the town expanded, providing valuable green spaces at the heart of our communities. 

As part of Love Parks Week, we'll be asking residents to share their favourite photos of Hastings' parks and open spaces on social media. We'd love to see the places you enjoy most. 

You can find out more about all of our parks and open spaces.

Please help us keep our parks beautiful by disposing of your rubbish responsibly or taking it home with you. If you notice an overflowing bin, please report it through My Hastings so we can get it emptied as quickly as possible.