Four popular parks and gardens across Rossendale are celebrating after receiving a prestigious international award. The sites have been recognised for their high standards of care, maintenance, and community involvement. Local authority teams and dedicated volunteers have worked throughout the year to keep the areas welcoming for visitors.
Milestone for Green Flag Scheme
The accolade marks a special milestone as the scheme celebrates 30 years of rewarding well-managed spaces. One of the winning locations has retained its title for a sixth consecutive year, while another spot in the borough has secured the standard for the first time.
Winning Locations
The winning locations include Stubbylee and Moorlands Park in Bacup, alongside the Rawtenstall Library Gardens. Visitors can also enjoy the high standards at Whitworth Memorial Gardens and Hempstead Peace Gardens.
Council Praise
The local authority lead for the environment expressed his gratitude to the people who look after the grounds. Councillor Adrian Lythgoe, portfolio holder for environment and corporate services, said: "Securing four Green Flag Awards shows just how far Rossendale’s parks have come. Our Green Spaces Team, volunteers and community groups put in an incredible amount of work, and this recognition reflects the pride people have in these places. Each of our award-winning parks and gardens has its own unique character and offers something for everyone, whether that's a place to relax, enjoy nature, spend time with family and friends, or take part in local activities."
Community Impact
Community leaders highlighted how important these outdoor spots are for the health of local people. Councillor Andrew Walmsley, ward councillor for Britannia and Lee Mill and member of Bacup Pride, added: "This is fantastic news for Rossendale and something we can all be proud of. Our parks and gardens are at the heart of our communities, providing welcoming spaces where people can enjoy the outdoors, connect with nature and support their health and wellbeing. I'd like to thank the council, our volunteers and our community partners for their continued hard work and dedication. These awards are a reflection of everything they do to make our green spaces places that everyone can enjoy."
National Recognition
The scheme is run by Keep Britain Tidy, an environmental charity, to set the quality benchmark for public areas across the country. Organisers want to ensure that everyone has access to safe and well-supported environments. Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award scheme manager at Keep Britain Tidy, commented: "Rossendale has shown what can be achieved when parks are supported and cared for. 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."
