Three Birmingham parks fly the Green Flag again

Three of Birmingham's best-loved parks are flying the Green Flag this year, after winning the award for the first time since 2022.

Cannon Hill Park, Kings Heath Park and Handsworth Park were among 2,391 parks and green spaces recognised across the UK by Keep Britain Tidy, which runs the scheme. The awards were presented at Alexander Stadium in July, in the Green Flag Award's 30th anniversary year.

The parks

Cannon Hill Park covers 250 acres in the south of the city and includes the Midlands Arts Centre, a boating lake, the Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park and a children's theme park.

Kings Heath Park, at 35 acres, is described as a horticultural gem. It is centred on a Grade II listed 19th-century house, with seasonal bedding displays and a refurbished pool.

Handsworth Park covers 63 acres and was restored in the early 2000s. It hosts community events and is known for its landscaped slopes, lake and boating pool.

What the council said

Councillor Deborah Harries, Cabinet Member for Culture, said: "I know how much the people of Birmingham love our parks, so it is great to see these sites are reaching the standard for this well-respected scheme."

What the award means

The Green Flag Award is the international quality mark for parks and green spaces. Judges assess sites on how welcoming, safe, clean and well maintained they are, how they protect nature and heritage, and how they involve the local community.

A city of parks

Birmingham has more than 500 parks and green spaces, including Sutton Park, one of the largest urban parks in Europe and a National Nature Reserve. Budget pressures have made maintenance harder in recent years, which is why regaining Green Flag status has been welcomed.

Enjoying autumn in the parks

Autumn is a good time to visit, with changing colours in the trees and fewer crowds than in summer. Many parks have Friends groups that welcome new volunteers.