'Congratulations to all' - Fylde coast scoops 20 coveted honours at the Green Flag Awards held in Lytham

A record number of Blackpool and Fylde coast parks have earned a coveted Green Flag Award.

Eight parks in Blackpool, seven in Fylde and five in Wyre have been awarded the honour this year, achieving the international quality mark for well-managed parks and green spaces.

Seven of the Blackpool parks, each jointly managed by Blackpool Council, Enveco and dedicated volunteer groups have retained their flags for a second or third consecutive year, and one has won for the first time.

Highfield Road Park and Devonshire Road Rock Gardens will each fly their Green Flags for the third year running. Anchorsholme Park, Crossland Road Park, Kingscote Park, Watson Road Park, and Stanley Park have all won for the second consecutive year. And Claremont Park has received its first Green Flag Award.

Wyre Council is celebrating receiving Green Flag Awards for Poulton's Vicarage Park, Wyre Estuary Country Park and Hawthorn Park in Thornton, and Memorial Park and The Mount in Fleetwood.

And Fylde had its best ever result since the scheme began.

Ashton Gardens, Elswick, Fairhaven Lake and Gardens, Lowther Gardens, Lytham War Memorial and Garden and Promenade Gardens have all retained their Green Flag status, while Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee Garden in St Annes – also known locally as Crescent Gardens – has been recognised for the very first time, having entered the competition this year.

The honours come as the internationally recognised standard for parks and green spaces celebrates its 30th anniversary.

Cllr Jane Hugo, Deputy Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “This is fantastic news for Blackpool and a real tribute to everyone who has helped care for our parks. While we're rightly famous for our coastline, our parks and green spaces are every bit as important. They improve people's health and wellbeing, provide places for families to spend time together, support nature and biodiversity, and help make our neighbourhoods great places to live.

“These Green Flag Awards don't happen by chance. They are the result of the dedication of our council and Enveco teams, working alongside incredible volunteers who give up their time because they care so deeply about their local parks. Their commitment, from planting trees and flowers to organising community events and helping keep our parks looking their best, deserves enormous thanks.

“We're already celebrating a special year as Stanley Park marks its centenary, and now having eight Green Flags, including Claremont Park receiving the award for the first time, is something the whole town can be proud of. I hope these awards encourage even more people to get out, enjoy our wonderful green spaces and appreciate the people who work so hard to look after them.”

Judges commended the “strong community focus” of the eight parks, which each benefit from active Friends Of groups or volunteers.

The “strong range of recreational facilities” were also praised, including “free access opportunities” which “encourage inclusive participation”. Active management to prevent littering and anti-social behaviour was also commended.

In Claremont Park, judges praised the commitment of volunteers who have created a “welcoming and well-used environment”, as well as features like its living ‘woven willow’ fence and a community orchard.

Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council and ward councillor for Claremont, said: “I'm especially delighted that Claremont Park has achieved Green Flag status for the very first time.

“This award reflects years of hard work by volunteers, council staff and everyone who has believed in creating a welcoming, vibrant space for the whole community to enjoy. Seeing the park full of people during Claremont Gala just a couple of weeks ago showed exactly what it means to local residents.

“My heartfelt thanks go to Karen, the whole team and every volunteer whose dedication has made this possible.

“The award is particularly poignant as it comes just days after the sad passing of Cllr Ivan Taylor, who was one of Claremont's greatest champions. I'm so pleased he knew about this achievement before he died and was able to share in the pride of seeing his community receive the recognition it so richly deserves.”

The Fylde coast winners are among 2,391 parks and green spaces awarded nationally – a record-breaking number of Green Flag recipients.

Cllr Simon Bridge, Portfolio Holder for Street Scene, Parks and Open Spaces at Wyre Council, said: "Wyre continues to shine through its outstanding parks and open spaces, and receiving Green Flag Awards once again is a truly remarkable achievement.

“These awards reflect the dedication and hard work of our staff and volunteers, who work tirelessly throughout the year to create welcoming, well-maintained spaces for everyone to enjoy.

“Spending time in nature plays an important role in supporting our wellbeing. It can help reduce stress, encourage physical activity and bring communities together. Our parks and open spaces are more than just beautiful places to visit – they are vital assets that contribute to healthier, happier communities.

“I would like to thank everyone involved for their continued commitment and contribution to this fantastic achievement."

The results were announced today at a special regional Green Flag Awards ceremony hosted at Lowther Pavilion Theatre & Gardens in Lytham – a first for the Fylde coast – bringing together winning local authorities, environmental organisations and community groups from across the North West, Yorkshire and the Humber, and the North East.

Cllr Jayne Nixon, Lead Member for Tourism, Leisure and Culture at Fylde Council, said: “To see all seven of our nominated sites awarded Green Flag status is a brilliant achievement, and one the whole borough should be proud of. From Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee Garden earning recognition on its very first entry, to our much-loved Promenade Gardens retaining their status, this is a real reflection of the pride and dedication our teams put into these spaces every single day.

“To have these results announced right here in Fylde, at the Lowther Pavilion, makes the achievement even more special. I’d like to thank everyone involved – our parks staff, In Bloom volunteers, friends groups and partners – for making Fylde’s green spaces something we can all be proud of.”

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under contract from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, 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.

Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, said: “Parks are essential public spaces that support our wellbeing, our communities and our economy. With public services under pressure, investing in parks is not a luxury, it’s a practical, preventative solution and one of the most visible ways to improve people’s quality of life.

“ As we celebrate 30 years of the Green Flag Award, we want every community to have access to green spaces like this that are safe, welcoming and maintained to a high standard.

“Congratulations to everyone involved.”