Five South Ribble parks and green spaces have been awarded Green Flag Awards – with one receiving special recognition.
South Ribble Borough Council said it was delighted to see all five locations retaining Green Flag Award status, something which recognises them as among the very best-managed parks and green spaces in the country.
The Green Flag Award is the international quality mark for parks and green spaces and this year marks the scheme’s 30th anniversary. At a ceremony in Lytham, Worden Park was named as the only park outside of London to have achieved the recognition every year since the awards’ inception.
Read more: Five Preston parks retain Green Flag status but Moor Park remains a work in progress
Last November, it was named among the country’s 10 best green spaces in a public vote.
The five Green Flag Award-winning sites for 2026 are:
- Worden Park
- Hurst Grange Park
- Withy Grove Park
- Longton Brickcroft Nature Reserve
- Farington Park
These parks and green spaces are part of a record number of sites across the UK to achieve Green Flag status this year, recognising the dedication, hard work and passion of those who care for and maintain them to a high standard for residents and visitors alike.
Councillor Matthew Farnworth, cabinet member for parks, events, and culture in South Ribble, said: “Achieving Green Flag status for all five of our parks and green spaces is a fantastic accomplishment and one that reflects the pride we take in our outdoor spaces.
“Our parks are valued by residents and visitors alike, offering places to be active, enjoy the outdoors, experience nature and spend time with others in attractive, well-maintained surroundings.
“This recognition highlights the dedication of our parks staff, volunteers and community organisations, whose continued support helps make these spaces such important assets for South Ribble.
“We know how much these parks mean to our communities, and we will continue working to ensure they remain welcoming, accessible and enjoyable places for everyone, now and in the future.”
The Green Flag Award scheme is managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy and recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces. The award sets the benchmark standard for the management of recreational outdoor spaces across the UK and around the world.
Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Scheme Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, said: “Parks are essential public spaces that support our wellbeing, our communities and our economy.
“With public services under pressure, investing in parks is not a luxury, it’s a practical, preventative solution and one of the most visible ways to improve people’s quality of life.
“South Ribble Borough Council has demonstrated what can be achieved when parks and green spaces are properly supported and managed. As we celebrate 30 years of the Green Flag Award, we want every community to have access to green spaces that are safe, welcoming and maintained to a high standard. Congratulations to everyone involved.”
