Citizen September 2025 - text version - Our glorious award winning parks

Norwich parks bloom with new life in 2025

As part of our ongoing commitment to creating greener, safer, and more inviting spaces, you might have noticed some exciting changes recently. From upgraded play areas and new benches to blooming wildflowers and improved facilities — there’s so much more to enjoy at all our parks and open spaces.

Eaton Park kicks off a new era

More football teams will be able to enjoy playing the beautiful game at Eaton Park, thanks to a transformative project to make the changing rooms more accessible, sustainable, and inclusive.

The improvements are set to significantly increase women’s participation in football, an area currently under-represented in the park, as well as enabling more teams, including higher league clubs, to use Eaton Park’s pitches.

The changing facilities will also be made available for other sports and events in the park. This upgrade is funded by Norwich City Council, the Greater Norwich Growth Board through the Infrastructure Investment Fund, as well as the Premier League, The FA and Government via the Football Foundation. It has also been supported by the Friends of Eaton Park.

Six Green Flag Awards

In a proud moment for the city, six Norwich parks have earned the prestigious Green Flag Award in 2025 – the national mark of excellence for well-managed green spaces.

• Eaton Park – retained for the seventh consecutive year.
• Waterloo Park – retained Green Flag and Green Heritage status. 
• Mousehold Heath – recognised for the third year in a row.
• Kett’s Heights – a new winner in 2024-25, after significant accessibility upgrades and has retained it for another 12 months.
• Jenny Lind Park – a new winner in 2024-25, thanks to community care by local people and has retained it for another 12 months.
• Heigham Park – also so awarded for the first time in 2024-25, marking its centenary and this has been retained for another 12 months.

These awards reflect the dedication of council teams, volunteers, and local community groups working together to keep Norwich’s green spaces clean, safe, and thriving.

National Lottery boost for historic parks

Norwich has also secured £216,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to allow the council to look at long term restoration and future-proofing some of its most historic green spaces, including:

• Waterloo Park
• Heigham Park
• Wensum Park
• Mile Cross Gardens
• Rosary and Earlham Cemetery
• Earlham Park

This initial funding will involve local people in shaping the future of these cherished places as we gather the necessary information to work towards longer term improvements and obtaining the funding to deliver them. Volunteers and community groups will play a key role in delivering the improvements.

Bringing back nature

Norwich is embracing a more natural approach to land management:

• Less mowing in designated areas allows wild plants to grow and support wildlife.
• More native tree planting and new habitats are creating homes for birds, bees, and amphibians.
• In Bowthorpe Marsh, volunteers have helped restore ponds and install bird boxes — small changes that make a big difference to biodiversity.

Looking ahead: a 10-year vision for parks

This June we launched a 10-year strategy to protect, improve, and celebrate the city’s green spaces through to 2035. Shaped by feedback from nearly 400 residents, the plan focuses on:

• Enhancing access and facilities for people of all ages and abilities.
• Boosting biodiversity through rewilding, tree planting, and pollinator- friendly habitats
• Supporting mental and physical wellbeing with more outdoor activities.
• Increasing community involvement through volunteering, events, and partnerships.

To drive this forward, a new parks and green spaces delivery group will oversee 48 specific actions – ensuring positive change reaches every corner of the city, from flagship parks to local neighbourhood greens.

Shaped by you

Much of this progress stems from what residents told us mattered most: cleaner parks, better play areas, and more things to do. 

From surveys and onlinefeedback to community drop-in events, your voice is shaping how we design and manage Norwich’s green spaces. Recent consultations – including one onthe future of play areas – are helping the council plan improvements that are inclusive, safe, and fun for all children.