Staffordshire is celebrating after more than 30 of its parks and green spaces were awarded Green Flag status, confirming them among the best-managed in the UK.
Sites across Cannock Chase, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Stafford, Lichfield, Stoke-on-Trent, East Staffordshire and South Staffordshire have all received the coveted mark of quality, which is run by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy and sets the benchmark for well-managed parks around the world.
Among the award-winning locations is Hanley Park, which has achieved the Green Flag for the fifth year running. The 60-acre Stoke-on-Trent park has seen a surge in visitors and hosted key events as part of the city’s Centenary celebrations.
Councillor Amjid Wazir OBE, cabinet member for city pride, enforcement and sustainability for Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “This is a fantastic achievement and a huge credit to the team who care for Hanley Park all year round.
“They continue to go above and beyond to maintain the highest standards and the Green Flag award is a clear sign of their dedication.
“Parks like Hanley are vital places for communities to come together – and we’ve seen that first-hand during our Centenary events this year. The park has seen record breaking parkruns, our Centenary bike ride on Stoke-on-Trent Day and there’s more to come.”
Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council is flying the Green Flag at seven sites, including Bathpool Park, Brampton Park, Queens Gardens, Wolstanton Park, and Lyme Valley Parkway. Councillor David Hutchison said the recognition was a “great source of pride” and reflected the commitment of council staff and community groups.
In Lichfield District, Beacon Park and Burntwood Park were both recognised, with Beacon Park also earning a prestigious Green Heritage Site Accreditation for its historic features. Councillor Phil Whitehouse said the awards highlighted the “tireless work” of the parks team.
Cannock Chase Council retained Green Flag status at six locations: Cannock Park, Ravenhill Park, Elmore Park, Hednesford Park, Stile Cop Cemetery, and Castle Ring, with the latter also keeping its Green Heritage Site accreditation. Head of Operations Joss Presland thanked council officers, volunteers and local friends groups for their ongoing efforts.
The National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas also celebrated its fifth consecutive Green Flag Award and achieved its highest-ever scoring category of ‘Excellent’. The 150-acre site continues to be a nationally important space for remembrance, biodiversity and public wellbeing.
Green Flag Award Scheme Manager Paul Todd MBE congratulated all those involved in achieving the high standards required, saying: “Quality parks and green spaces like these make the country a healthier place to live and work, and a stronger place in which to invest. During the cost-of-living crisis, they also provide vital, free and safe spaces for families to connect with nature and each other.”
The full list of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Green Flag winners for 2025:
- Cannock Chase Council: Cannock Park, Castle Ring, Elmore Park, Hednesford Park, Ravenhill Park, Stile Cop Cemetery
- East Staffordshire Borough Council: Bramshall Road Park, Stapenhill Gardens
- Groundwork West Midlands: Silverdale Country Park
- Lichfield District Council: Beacon Park, Burntwood Park
- Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council: Bathpool Park, Bradwell Crematorium, Brampton Park, Keele Cemetery, Lyme Valley Park, Queens Gardens, Wolstanton Park
- South Staffordshire Council: Baggeridge Country Park, Sytch Lane Cemetery, Wom Brook Walk
- Stafford Borough Council: Eccleshall Road Cemetery, Stafford Crematorium & Tixall Road Cemetery, Stone Cemetery, Stonefield Park, Victoria Park, Wildwood Park
- Staffordshire Wildlife Trust: Ladderedge Country Park, near Leek.
- Stoke-on-Trent City Council: Burslem Park, Hanley Park
The awards are part of a UK-wide celebration of green spaces, with more than 2,250 sites recognised nationally this year.
