Thirteen Rochdale parks win top Green Flag status for 2025

Wednesday, 23 July 2025 09:18

By David Murphy

Thirteen green spaces across Rochdale have been recognised in the latest round of Green Flag Awards, marking another successful year for the borough’s parks.

Twelve parks have held on to their Green Flag status, and a community space in Spotland has picked up a new award, bringing Rochdale’s total to 13.

The Green Flag Award, run by the charity Keep Britain Tidy, recognises well-managed parks and green spaces that meet high standards of cleanliness, maintenance, biodiversity and community involvement.

Among those to retain their flags are Queen’s Park and Hopwood Park in Heywood, and Middleton Memorial Gardens, Middleton Cemetery, Jubilee Park and Truffet Park in Middleton. In central Rochdale, Broadfield Park, Rochdale Memorial Gardens and St Chad’s Gardens were judged as one entry and retained their shared award. Denehurst Park, Balderstone Park and Springfield Park also made the list, with the latter being judged for the first time this year.

In the Pennines, Hare Hill Park in Littleborough and Milnrow Memorial Park were again successful.

Stoney Hill Community Wildlife Area in Spotland was awarded a Green Flag Community Award, the first of its kind for Rochdale, thanks to a submission by Spotland Tenants and Residents Association. Judges praised the site's safety, environmental standards and volunteer support.

Councillor Tricia Ayrton, deputy leader and cabinet member for climate change and environment, said: “Winning a Green Flag is not down to luck, it’s down to hard work from council teams, community groups and volunteers who care about these spaces and keep them clean, safe and welcoming. These parks are places where people come to relax, exercise, and connect with nature and each other.”

Paul Todd MBE, who manages the Green Flag scheme, added: “These awards show the value of local parks and the effort that goes into looking after them. Especially now, when many people are struggling with the cost of living, quality green spaces offer free, accessible places to unwind.”

The awards set the benchmark for parks and green spaces across the UK and are considered the gold standard for public space management