Three parks in Birmingham have been awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award for 2026. Cannon Hill Park, Kings Heath Park, and Handsworth Park all received the honour, marking their first win since 2022.
Nationally, 2,391 sites were shortlisted for the award, which is operated by Keep Britain Tidy. The award recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting a benchmark standard for management across the UK and worldwide.
Council Praise for Parks Staff and Volunteers
Councillor Deborah Harries, Cabinet Member for Culture at Birmingham City Council and founder and chair of a ‘Friends Of’ park group, 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.
“Our parks provide space for exercise, relaxation and have a great positive environmental benefit, which is why our 25-year City of Nature plan aims to ensure Birmingham’s open spaces continue to enhance the lives of residents.
“Every time we win or retain a Green Flag Award, it is a tribute to each and every member of our parks staff and the volunteers whose hard work and effort make our open spaces the great assets that they are.
“Last year Birmingham was declared the UK’s first Nature City, in recognition for its commitment – alongside its partners – to bring nature into urban communities. These Green Flag Awards further underline that ongoing commitment to provide better green spaces.”
Success in Sandwell: Britannia Park Wins First Green Flag
Nearby Britannia Park in Rowley Regis also received the award, one of 17 parks in the Sandwell area to be recognised. Sandwell Council leader Councillor Ray Nock said: “We know the important role our parks and green spaces play within our communities and recognise they serve all our residents.
“Well-maintained spaces are vital for leisure, exercise and good health and wellbeing.
“Residents have told us how much these sites mean to them, so it’s fantastic for Sandwell to achieve a record-breaking 17 Green Flags – 14 of which are council-run sites.
“After applying for the very first time for Britannia Park, we are honoured to accept the Green Flag for our newly transformed green space.
“I would like to thank all of our staff, community organisations, volunteers and Friends’ groups who work hard to ensure our parks, green spaces, cemeteries and crematoria grounds are of the highest standard.
“Building on this success, the council will continue to invest in much-loved parks and green spaces across Sandwell to provide enjoyable, safe spaces for residents, as part of our continuing journey to become an outstanding council.”
