Green heart of our communities recognised in Green Flag Awards

From family walks and community events to volunteering opportunities and spaces that support health and wellbeing, Bury's parks and green spaces are at the heart of life across the borough.

They bring people together, help communities thrive and create places where residents can connect with nature, stay active and take pride in where they live.

As Love Parks Week approaches, Bury Council is proud to announce that all 13 of the borough’s main parks - along with two cemeteries - have once again been awarded the prestigious Green Flag status for 2026. This national recognition highlights the ongoing commitment to providing welcoming, well-maintained green spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy.

With 15 awards, Bury has the most Green Flag sites in Greater Manchester and is amongst the highest in the Northwest. Remarkably, eight of these sites have now held the award for 21 consecutive years, a milestone that reflects over two decades of consistent excellence and community pride.

The Green Flag Award scheme recognises and rewards well managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of recreational outdoor spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.

Councillor Lucy Smith, Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate Change and Operations said: “We are proud of all our green spaces in the borough providing a living, breathing space visitors to enjoy and improved quality of life for residents.

“A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved for your continued commitment to nurturing and improving these valued spaces for our communities.”

Green Flag sites across the Bury borough are:

• In Bury: Burrs Country Park, Clarence Park, Manchester Road Park, Openshaw Park, Hoyles Park and Whitehead Park.
• In Prestwich: St Mary’s Park
• In Radcliffe: Bolton Road Park, Close Park and Radcliffe Cemetery
• In Ramsbottom: Nuttall Park and Ramsbottom Cemetery
• In Tottington: Private Peachment VC Town Meadow Park
• In Whitefield: Whitefield Park and Hamilton Road Park

The sites that have held the award for 21 years running are Clarence Park, Burrs Country Park, Close Park, Nuttall Park, Openshaw Park, St Mary’s Park, Whitehead Park and Whitefield Park.

Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, Paul Todd MBE, said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved in Bury’s sites on achieving these Green Flag awards.

“We know that council staff and volunteers work hard to ensure that high standards are maintained and the Green Flag award standards are met. Everyone involved should feel extremely proud.”

To find out more about Bury’s Green Flag parks and the facilities within them visit www.bury.gov.uk/parks