A dozen delightful spaces achieve coveted Green Flag Award

In addition, for the first time, this year Springfield Park in Rochdale has secured the accolade; taking the total to 12.

Heywood retains flags at Queen’s Park and Hopwood Park, and in Middleton you can find the perfect quartet at Middleton Memorial Gardens, Middleton Cemetery, Jubilee Park and Truffet Park.

In Rochdale, visitors benefit from award-winning green spaces at Denehurst Park, and Rochdale Town Centre parks, which include Broadfield Park, Rochdale Memorial Gardens and St Chad’s Gardens.

Balderstone Park achieved Green Flag status for the first time last year and has retained its flag along with Springfield Park as the latest newcomer to be added to the coveted list.

Milnrow Memorial Park and Hare Hill Park in Littleborough also retained top status.

Councillor Tricia Ayrton, deputy leader of the council, and portfolio holder for climate change and environment, said:

“Achieving Green Flag status – the international quality mark for green spaces is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our teams and local volunteer groups who care deeply for these spaces, allowing visitors and residents to enjoy beautiful urban spaces on their doorstep.

“Maintaining our parks is a year-round commitment and proudly flying Green Flags provides a significant statement that our parks are the best of the best, with the bonus that Springfield Park now makes a dozen delightful award-winning spaces.”

Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, Paul Todd MBE, said:

“I would like to congratulate everyone involved at Rochdale Borough Council on achieving Green Flag Awards.

“These spaces provide a vital green space for communities to socialise, enjoy nature, for children to play safely and it provides important opportunities for park users to improve their physical and mental health.

“We know that staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that it maintains the high standards of the Green Flag Award, making them accessible for all the community, while ensuring the environment is protected. Everyone involved should feel extremely proud of their achievement.”

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.