Parks and green spaces across Worcester have once again earned the coveted Green Flag Award – an international benchmark for excellence in their management.
The awards recognise the continued commitment and hard work of local volunteers and Worcester City Council staff in maintaining high standards for the city's parks and spaces.
Gheluvelt Park, Fort Royal Park, Cripplegate Park and Riverside Park have all retained their Green Flag status, highlighting their importance as well-kept and welcoming areas for residents and visitors alike.
The awards were made after independent Green Flag inspectors visited each park, and ‘mystery shoppers’ checked that high standards were being maintained all year round.
Councillor Zoe Cookson, Chair of Worcester City Council’s Environment Committee, said: “We’re thrilled that our parks have once again achieved Green Flag status.
“Worcester is fortunate to have such well-maintained, attractive green spaces that can be enjoyed by residents and visitors throughout the year.
“Each of our parks and green spaces has its own unique character, and we’re incredibly grateful to the dedicated volunteer groups who help care for them, working alongside the City Council’s green space team.”
Over the past year, a range of improvements at Gheluvelt Park have helped more plants to thrive, enhancing the park’s natural beauty.
The Worcester Rotary Club has contributed by installing ‘chatty benches’ to promote social interaction and by upgrading the area surrounding the refurbished Splashpad.
The Victorian Pump House has been revamped as Kyndfolk, a café, community room and community garden. The opening of Kepax Bridge has also made Gheluvelt Park more accessible for Worcester residents.
Worcester’s award-winning parks will be among the hundreds across the country that will be celebrated as part of Love Parks Week from 25 July to 3 August.
Councillor Karen Lewing, Vice-Chair of Worcester City Council’s Environment Committee, added: “It’s great to know that our prestige parks are among the UK’s very best, and are being recognised in the Green Flag Awards and during Love Parks Week.
“Residents and visitors love the beauty, quality and variety of Worcester’s parks – and with the sun shining, it’s the perfect time to pay them a visit.”
The Green Flag Award scheme is managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
The scheme 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.
The Worcester sites are four of 2,250 in the UK to achieve the award, which is the international quality mark for parks and green spaces.
Any green space that is freely accessible to the public is eligible to enter for a Green Flag Award.
Awards are given on an annual basis and winners must apply each year to renew their Green Flag Award status.
Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, Paul Todd MBE, said: “Congratulations to everyone involved in Worcester who has worked tirelessly to ensure that the parks and green spaces achieve the high standards required for the Green Flag Award.
“Quality parks and green spaces like the five in Worcester make the country a heathier place to live and work in, and a stronger place in which to invest.
“Crucially, they are vital green spaces for communities in Worcester to enjoy nature, and during the ongoing cost of living crisis it is a free and safe space for families to socialise.
“It also provides important opportunities for local people and visitors to reap the physical and mental health benefits of green space.”
