UK Parks Secure Green Flag Awards, Highlighting Investment in Accessible Green Spaces

Northumberland awarded Green Flags to 14 parks and green spaces this year, including Alexandra Park in Cramlington and Druridge Bay Country Park, reflecting the county's emphasis on environmental management, accessibility and biodiversity.
Whitley Bay Cemetery in North Tyneside joined the Green Flag list for the first time, as part of eight sites named across the borough this year.
Hampshire’s country parks are taking part in the Government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme, with discounts on children’s meals and admission at sites including Lepe, Staunton, Royal Victoria and others.
Stanmore Country Park covers about 40 hectares on land that was once part of RAF Bridgnorth, with ongoing management supported by the Friends of Stanmore volunteers and Shropshire Council rangers to boost biodiversity and visitor experience.
Parks across the UK are flying the Green Flag this summer, with hundreds of sites earning the world's most recognised quality mark for green spaces. The awards come in the Green Flag's 30th year, a milestone overseen by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, according to Northumberland Council.
From Northumberland to Hampshire and Shropshire, councils, volunteers, and community groups are being recognised for keeping parks clean, safe, and rich in wildlife. The awards signal a wider push to give the public access to high-quality outdoor spaces this summer.
Northumberland secured 14 Green Flags this year — one of the highest tallies in the region. Sites recognised include Alexandra Park in Cramlington and Druridge Bay Country Park, according to Northumberland Council. The awards reflect the county's focus on environmental management, accessibility, and biodiversity.
The council said the recognition aligns with its broader environment policy. Green Flag status is not handed out lightly. Parks must meet strict standards covering safety, cleanliness, community involvement, and wildlife habitats to qualify.
North Tyneside named eight sites this year, including parks, greenspaces, and cemeteries. Whitley Bay Cemetery earned a Green Flag for the first time, a notable addition to the borough's list. The achievement reflects close teamwork between council staff, volunteers, and local community groups.
Cemeteries are increasingly recognised as important green spaces. They provide quiet refuges for wildlife and communities alike. Whitley Bay Cemetery's first-time win shows the Green Flag standard is expanding beyond traditional parks.
Hampshire's country parks, including Lepe and Staunton, secured Green Flag status this year. Both also kept their Green Heritage Site Accreditation. The parks are part of the Government's Great British Summer Savings scheme, which offers discounts on children's meals and admission at sites including Royal Victoria Country Park.
The savings scheme is designed to make outdoor visits more affordable for families this summer. Hampshire's parks are pitching themselves as a low-cost option for quality outdoor experiences, combining award-winning environments with practical financial perks.
Stanmore Country Park in Shropshire claimed its 8th consecutive Green Flag Community Award. The park covers about 40 hectares on land once used by RAF Bridgnorth. Shropshire Council rangers and the Friends of Stanmore volunteer group manage the site together, steadily improving biodiversity and the visitor experience.
Eight straight years is a rare achievement. It signals that consistent volunteer effort and professional ranger support can sustain a park's quality over the long term. Stanmore's run stands as a model for community-led green space management across the UK.
Publishers
41
Articles
10
Reach
51