Green Flag Awards 2022: which parks and open spaces in Birmingham have the award - how are winners decided?

Over a dozen parks and open spaces in Birmingham have retained their coveted Green Flag status.

Each of the areas are managed by Birmingham City Council and are supported by groups of volunteers who work hard to maintain them.

Here’s what you need to know about which areas in Birmingham have been given a Green Flag Award, and the criteria needed to be met in order to receive one.

Where in Birmingham has a Green Flag?

In total, 15 parks and open spaces have been awarded a Green Flag Award in Birmingham, each one of these has retained their award from last year.

The full list of Birmingham City Council-maintained sites to win a Green Flag in 2022 is:

• Aston Park
• Cannon Hill Park
• Castle Vale Centre Park
• Cotteridge Park
• Eastside Park
• Handsworth Park
• Kings Heath Park
• Kings Norton Park
• Lickey Hills Country Park
• Newhall Valley Country Park
• Perry Hall Playing Fields
• Selly Oak Park
• Sunset and Moonlit Parks
• Victoria Common
• Ward End Park

How many Green Flag Awards have been handed out across the UK?

Across the country 2,208 sites are on the roll of honour this year – and in Birmingham all 15 sites that earned the honour last year have retained their prestigious flags this time around.

What is the Green Flag Award Scheme?

The Green Flag Award scheme, the international quality mark for parks and green spaces is managed by Keep Britain Tidy and recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.

How is a Green Flag awarded?

A Green Flag is awarded by a team of experienced judges who visit each site and to meet volunteers who look after the areas.

The judges assess each area using eight criteria and the Green Flags are given to the sites which fit these.

These criteria are listed below:

• A welcoming place;
• Healthy, safe and secure;
• Well maintained and clean;
• Environmental management;
• Biodiversity;
• landscape and heritage;
• Community involvement, Marketing and communication;
• Management

Has Birmingham City Council commented on the Green Flag Awards?

Cllr Majid Mahmood, who is the Cabinet Member for Environment at Birmingham City Council, has spoken about how much the award means for those in the city who love the local parks.

He said: “I know how much the people of Birmingham love our parks, so it is great to see these sites are continuing to reach the standard for this well-regarded scheme.

“Our parks provide space for exercise, relaxation and have a great positive environmental benefit, which is why we have developed a 25-year City of Nature plan to ensure Birmingham’s open spaces continue to enhance the lives of residents.”

Cllr Mahmood added: “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.”