Heaton Park and Alexandra Park along with Gorton, Philips Park, Southern and Blackley cemeteries have been awarded the Green Flag Award and Heaton Park has also achieved the much-coveted Green Heritage Site Accreditation, supported by Historic England for the management of its historic features.
After 18 months that have seen parks and green spaces everywhere play such a vital role for people through lockdowns as a place to relax, exercise, and meet friends and family safely it is testament to the hard work and dedication of the teams that make all these green spaces a wonderful place for everyone to enjoy.
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.
Councillor Rabnawaz Akbar, executive member for Neighbourhoods said: “Our parks and green spaces have always been well used but never moreso than in the last year and a half. As the green lungs of our city, they have been a lifeline for many people during lockdown. Although we know how good these spaces are, how dedicated our staff are as the custodians of our parks and cemeteries, the wonderful volunteers that help to make our green spaces what they are, it is also a fantastic achievement to get recognition that we are doing an excellent job for the benefit of all.”
