The parks and green spaces across Greater Manchester awarded Green Flags

A record number of parks and green spaces across the UK have reached the high standards required for a coveted Green Flag Award in 2022.

The scheme is celebrating as 2208 parks – the largest number since the scheme began 26 years ago – are proudly preparing to raise their flags.

The Green Flag Award scheme, the international quality mark for parks and green spaces, is managed by Keep Britain Tidy and recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces. 

212 parks and green spaces in the North West have been awarded flags – including a number of parks across Greater Manchester.

Manchester 

Six of Manchester’s parks and cemeteries have won the prestigious Green Flag Award – Heaton Park, Alexandra Park, Blackley, Southern, Gorton and Philips Park cemeteries.  

Heaton Park has also won the much-coveted Green Heritage Site Accreditation, supported by Historic England for the management of its historic features. 

 “I would like to congratulate everyone involved in making these sites worthy of a Green Flag Award,” said Keep Britain Tidy’s Paul Todd.

“The parks are vital green spaces for the community in Manchester.

“This award is testament to all the hard work of staff and volunteers, who do so much to ensure that it maintains the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.”   

Bolton

Queens Park, Bolton has received a Green Flag Award.

Bury

Bury’s main 12 parks will also continue to proudly fly the Green Flag after winning this national honour once again.

These include Burrs Country Park, Clarence Park, Close Park, Nuttall Park, Openshaw Park, St Mary’s Park, Whitefield Park and Whitehead Park, which have won for the 18th year in a row.

Manchester Road and Town Meadow parks are flying the flag for the 17th year in a row; Bolton Road Park raises the flag for winning 16 years in a row; and Hoyles Park for the 13th year.

Rochdale

Ten of the borough’s green spaces have knocked it out of the park again.

Heywood boasts two beautiful green flag parks at Queen’s Park and Hopwood Park. Middleton offers the perfect quartet at Middleton Memorial Gardens, Middleton Cemetery, Jubilee Park and Truffet Park in Langley.

In Rochdale, visitors benefit from award-winning green spaces at Denehurst Park and Rochdale Town Centre parks, which include Broadfield Park, Rochdale Memorial Gardens, Packer Spout and St Chad’s Gardens. Milnrow Memorial Park and Hare Hill Park in Littleborough also regained top status in the Pennines.

Salford

The Salford parks to receive a Green Flag are Agecroft Cemetery, Blackleach Country Park, Boothsbank Park, Clifton Country Park, Parr Fold Park, Peel Green Cemetery, Peel Park (Salford), Victoria Park (Salford) and Winton Park, as well as University of Salford.

Trafford

A number of parks across Trafford have received a Green Flag.

These include Davyhulme Park, Denzell Gardens and The Devisdale, Flixton Gardens, Hullard Park, John Leigh Park (Altrincham), Lostock Park, Victoria Park (Trafford), Walkden Gardens, Walton Park (Sale), Woodheys Park (Broadheath) and Worthington Park.

Wigan

Wigan Borough also has cause for celebration as four popular parks will keep their Green Flags.

Alexandra Park in Wigan, Jubilee Park in Ashton, Pennington Hall Park in Leigh, have all retained their Green Flag for the 14th year in a row.

Wigan’s Mesnes Park has also kept its Green Flag for the seventh year in a row.

In addition, the brilliant work done by the Bridgers Community Group volunteers has also been recognised for a second year as Colliers Corner in Atherton retains its Community Award.