More than 30 parks and green spaces across Staffordshire have been named among the best in the UK after receiving prestigious Green Flag Awards.
The honours, presented by Keep Britain Tidy, celebrate outstanding parks and green spaces that excel in environmental management, horticulture and visitor experience.
This year marks the scheme’s 30th anniversary, with a record 2,391 sites across the UK receiving the accreditation.
Eight parks and green spaces in Newcastle-under-Lyme and Kidsgrove have been recognised this year.
Westlands Sports Ground has joined Bathpool Park, Bradwell Crematorium, Wolstanton Park and Marsh, Keele Cemetery, Brampton Park, Lyme Valley Parkway and Queens Gardens in receiving the accreditation.
Ben Simpson, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council’s cabinet member for waste, recycling and green spaces, said: “Eight Green Flags flying across our borough is a tremendous achievement and something every resident should be proud of.
“These prestigious awards are not handed out lightly. They are national recognition that our parks and green spaces are welcoming, well cared for and among the very best in the country.
“I am particularly delighted that Westlands Sports Ground has joined our growing list of award-winning sites following significant improvements in recent years, including the installation of the tennis courts and the creation of the woodland walk area.
“This success belongs to the dedicated council staff, volunteers and community groups who work tirelessly throughout the year to look after these treasured spaces.”
Six green spaces in Stafford Borough are on the roll of honour.
Victoria Park and Wildwood Park in Stafford claimed their 20th and seventh Green Flags in a row – with the town’s Tixall Road crematorium, and 160-year-old cemetery in Eccleshall Road, retaining their 15th and ninth awards respectively.
Stonefield Park in Stone is celebrating an 11th Green Flag success and the town’s cemetery has been honoured for an eighth time.
Six of Cannock Chase Council’s parks and green spaces – Cannock Park, Castle Ring, Elmore Park, Hednesford Park, Ravenhill Park and Stile Cop Cemetery – have successfully retained their Green Flag awards.
Castle Ring has also achieved the Green Heritage Site Accreditation for the management and promotion of its historic features.
Councillor John Parkes, operational services and parks portfolio leader said: “We are delighted that all six of our sites have once again achieved Green Flag Award status.
“I would encourage residents and visitors alike to take advantage of these fantastic spaces and join us in celebrating this well-deserved achievement.”
Lichfield District now boasts four Green Flag parks, doubling the number of nationally recognised green spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy. Princes Park and Stowe Pool and Fields achieved the award for the first time, joining Beacon Park and Burntwood Park.
Councillor Phil Whitehouse, Lichfield District Council’s cabinet member for parks, said: “Our parks are much more than green spaces. They’re places where people exercise, spend time with family and friends, connect with nature and support their wellbeing. These awards reflect our continued commitment to investing in high-quality parks that our communities can be proud of.”
In Stoke-on-Trent, Burslem Park and Hanley Park have retained their Green Flag awards. Both are Grade II* listed Victorian parks recognised for their historic significance and for bringing vital green space to their local communities.
Other Staffordshire Green Flag winners include the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, Bramshall Road Park in Uttoxeter, Ladderedge Country Park near Leek, Burton upon Trent’s Stapenhill Gardens, and Strawberry Lane Cemetery in Great Wyrley.
