A host of locations across the city have been honoured as some of the country’s best parks.
The Green Flag Awards have for years been the benchmark of excellent for green spaces.
Awarded to parks and other green spaces which excel not only in terms of their natural beauty, but what they offer to the community and, the dedication of the staff and volunteers who maintain them.
Manchester has been no stranger to these awards with a host of locations throughout the city having been honoured in previous years.
Now, in 2026, it has been announced that seven of the city’s parks and cemeteries have been awarded a green flag.
They are:
Alexandra Park
Heaton Park
Blackley Cemetery
Gorton Cemetery
Manchester General Cemetery
Philips Park Cemetery
Southern Cemetery
These awards are entirely the result of the people and communities who pour their heart and soul into the preservation and promotion of green spaces. Whether it is the groundskeeping staff to the array of volunteers and ‘Friends of’ groups who are the custodians of many of the city’s parks – this recognition is theirs to enjoy.
This recognition comes as the Green Flag Awards celebrates its 30th year.
The seven sites recognised in Manchester are just a few of the record breaking 2,391 in the UK to achieve the award this year – a fantastic testament to the hard work, passion and dedication of the team who care for this green space, ensuring it is maintained to a high standard for visitors and residents to enjoy.
Councillor Basat Sheikh, Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “Come rain or shine our colleagues are out in our parks and cemeteries every day of the year, putting their time and effort into making them the internationally recognised locations they are.
“I’m deeply proud of their efforts and I want to dedicate the seven Green Flags we have been awarded to them. It’s no overstatement to say none of this would be possible without them.
“I also want to pay tribute to the volunteers who give up their time to support our green spaces. Through Friends of groups, arranging litter picks, or hosting community events we know that green spaces are defined by the people who use them. They have my deep thanks and appreciation for helping our green spaces thrive.”
