Flags fly high in Sheffield’s award winning parks

Green flag parks 2019

Sheffield’s wonderful parks and green spaces have once again been recognised by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, with 13 Green Flags awarded to parks across the city.

The winning parks, green spaces and woodlands have been recognised for their environmental character, maintenance and visitor experience.

Each of the flags are testament to the hard work of staff, friends’ groups and volunteers, who work together to maintain the high standards expected by the Green Flag Award.

Sheffield’s award winning parks are the Botanical Gardens, Cholera Grounds and Clay Wood, Devonshire Green, Ecclesall Woods, Firth Park, Meersbrook Park, Millhouses Park, Norfolk Heritage Park, Peace Gardens, Weston Park, Wheata Woods, Winter Gardens and Tinsley Green.

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Councillor Mary Lea, Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Leisure at Sheffield City Council, said: “I believe we have some of the best parks, green spaces and woodlands in the country so I’m delighted that they’ve been recognised once again. These awards are testament to the hard work, passion and dedication of the many staff, friends’ groups and volunteers who work tirelessly to uphold the high standards we have come to expect. 

“Our parks play an essential role within our communities, not only providing excellent outdoor leisure and play facilities but also contributing to the improved health and wellbeing of Sheffielders. Whether that’s through running, cycling, gardening, being part of a Friends Group, climbing on playgrounds or a simple stroll, these outdoor spaces offer so many ways to be physically active and mentally stimulated. 

“It’s no secret that we are managing our parks through extremely challenging times, so it’s fantastic to see them continuing to flourish and get the recognition they deserve.”

Manor Fields (submitted by Green Estate) and Wyming Brook Nature Reserve (submitted by Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust) also retained their Green Flag awards.

In addition to the main awards, Green Flag Community Awards were also awarded for the second year running to Devon Gardens (Friends of Devon Gardens), Grenoside Green (Friends of Grenoside Green), Meersbrook Community Walled Garden (Meersbrook Park Users Trust), and Firth Park Community Allotment, Heeley City Farm, Wortley Hall Walled Garden and Norfolk Park Community Garden (Heeley City Farm).

John Chapham from Friends of Devon Gardens said: “Although this is a small park, it is greatly valued by the local community. Having the Green Flag award gives people that extra recognition that it is looked after and a place to be proud of.” 

International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “It’s fantastic that we have more Green Flag Awards in the UK than ever before, joined this year by 131 International winners.”

“Each flag honours the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award. We congratulate each and every winner on their fantastic achievement.”

Sheffield has more than 800 parks, green spaces and woodlands. The Parks and Countryside Service value feedback from local people and those who visit the city’s open green spaces and are asking people to complete a short survey about their experiences in Sheffield’s parks. People can have their say at http://bit.ly/SHEFFPKSURV19 until 16 August.

For more information about Green Flag go to http://www.greenflagaward.org.uk/

Sheffield also has six parks nominated for the Fields in Trust UK's Best Park 2019 Award!

The well-deserving nominees in the Yorkshire and Humber category are Endcliffe Park, Graves Park, Hillsborough Park, Millhouses Park, Norfolk Heritage Park and Weston Park.

All eligible nominated parks have now progressed to a public vote to find the winner. Voting closes at noon on Monday 19th August 2019. People who love these parks can vote for their winner at http://www.fieldsintrust.org/best-park