10 parks in and around Birmingham shortlisted for UK’s Favourite Park 2022 - how to vote for your favourite

Ten parks in and around Birmingham are in the running for a prestigious award that sets out to recognise the best-loved green space in the UK, and voting has now opened to crown a winner.

From taking the dogs for a walk to heading out for a stroll to having a picnic, everyone knows what it’s like to spend time in a local park, and many will have their own favourites. Fields in Trust, an organisation that champions and supports green spaces throughout the UK, is hoping to reward the country’s very best.

The award recognises the urban green spaces where local people most like to spend their time and which best serve the needs of the communities living nearby. So which park deserves to take number one spot? Will it be one in Birmingham? It’s time to have your say.

Which parks in Birmingham have been nominated for the award?

Ten parks in and around Birmingham have been nominated for the UK’s Favourite Park Award 2022, all of which have a significant impact on our local communities.

One of the most well-known on the list is Grove Park, which is steeped in history. It’s described by Fields in Trust as a ‘beautiful neighbourhood park’ filled with ‘picnic goers and families playing’, and a ‘lovely spot for a short dog walk’.

Perry Hall Park, which has over 150 acres of land, is also nominated for the award. With a stunning water feature and plenty of space for sports, walking and adventuring, Perry Hall Park is great for locals and is deservedly recognised as a green flag park.

Beside the prettiest stretch of canal in the Black Country is Bumble Hole Local Nature Reserve, and, you guessed it – it’s on the list of nominations. With a historical pump house and an array of canoeists, cyclists and dog walkers passing you by, this is a superb place to have a relaxed walk.

These aren’t the only three recognised by Fields in Trust, as a full list of nominees in and around Birmingham can be found below.

• Barn Lane Recreation Ground, Solihull
• Bumble Hole Local Nature Reserve, Dudley
• Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham
• Grove Park, Birmingham
• Haden Hill Park, Sandwell
• Kings Heath Park, Birmingham
• Lickey Hills Country Park, Rednal
• Perry Hall Park, Birmingham
• Shire Country Park, Birmingham
• Warley Woods, Sandwell

What is the UK’s Favourite Park award?

The UK’s Favourite Park 2022 is open to any urban green space in the country and can reflect any of the various ways people living near their local park value it. This year’s award also specifically recognises areas that were vital in supporting residents living through the Covid-19 pandemic.

The nominations were put forward by residents who live in the area and love their local park, and with Birmingham being one of the biggest cities in the UK, there’s no surprise that ten parks have been put forward.

Fields in Trust Chief Executive, Helen Griffiths, said: "We’re absolutely delighted to see that hundreds of parks and green spaces have been nominated up and down the country. It is incredibly heartening to hear the individual stories of significance for these spaces and this process has only emphasised the collective importance of having natural areas in our communities.

"We look forward to seeing the votes roll in. I urge everyone to vote for their local parks and green spaces. This advocacy and support is so important to demonstrate their importance, and by voting for yours, you can send a message to show just how valued they truly are."

How do I vote for my favourite park?

Voting is done directly via the Fields in Trust website. Voting closes at noon on Thursday 18 August, so make sure you support your favourite Birmingham park as soon as possible.

After that, national awards will be handed out to the green spaces with the most votes in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, before the one with the highest total of all gets the accolade of the UK’s Favourite Park 2022.