Dozens of Lancashire parks and green spaces have been praised at this year's Green Flag Awards.

A record number of parks and green spaces across the UK have reached the high standards required to receive a coveted Green Flag Award in 2024.

A total of 2,227 parks and green spaces have achieved the Green Flag Award,  the international quality mark for parks and green spaces, 67 of which are in Lancashire.

Hyndburn Council has not only retained its Green Flag Award status for 10 parks but has also added a new location to its impressive roster.

Hyndburn now boasts 11 Green Flag-awarded parks and green spaces, setting a new record for the highest number of any district in Lancashire.

The newest addition to the list is Memorial Park in Great Harwood, which achieved the Green Flag Award after significant investment from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the council and the Lancashire Environment Fund.

A grant of £247,450 from the Heritage Fund, made possible by National Lottery players, contributed to the improvements to Memorial Park.

Councillor Kimberley Whitehead, portfolio holder for parks and open spaces, said: “This achievement is a testament to our ongoing commitment to providing high-quality green spaces for our residents.

"The addition of Memorial Park to our Green Flag roster demonstrates that all the investment in green spaces is paying off.

"We're proud to offer 11 internationally recognised parks that contribute to community well-being, health, and environmental conservation."

Ian Wilkinson, chair of the Friends of Memorial Park, said: "This is a momentous achievement for Memorial Park and the entire Great Harwood community.

“The Green Flag Award is a testament to the tireless efforts of our Friends group during the past 20 years, working hand in hand with the Council and various organisations including local schools.

"It's been a true collaborative effort, and we're thrilled to see our beloved park recognised at this level.

“So much work has gone into enhancing Memorial Park by all concerned.”

Cath Holmes, chair of Hyndburn Green Spaces Forum, said: “It's wonderful that Memorial Park has achieved a Green Flag.

"It's a much loved and cared-for park, and the recent renovations have really added to the parks' appeal and biodiversity.

“Many congratulations to the Friends of Memorial Park volunteers and the council's parks team.”

Burnley and Padiham's six main parks have also been judged to be among the best in the country after all winning Green Flag Awards.

Towneley Park, Thompson Park, Ightenhill Park, Scott Park, Queen’s Park and Memorial Park have all achieved the accreditation.

Councillor Jack Launer, the council's executive member for housing, health and culture, said: "Burnley was one of the first councils in the UK to take part in the Green Flag award scheme and won its first award for Thompson Park in 1999.

“It is a testament to the continued dedication of our staff and volunteers that we continue to have these amazing parks.

"I am delighted that we have won Green Flag Awards for our six main parks yet again.”

Parks in Pendle and Rossendale were also recognised by the awards, but no parks in the Ribble Valley or Blackburn with Darwen made the cut.

Full list of Green Flag Award winners in East Lancashire

Hyndburn

  • Milnshaw Park, Accrington
  • Oakhill Park, Accrington
  • Peel Park, Accrington
  • Rhyddings Park, Oswaldtwistle
  • Gatty Park, Church
  • Cutwood Park, Rishton
  • Lowerfold Park, Great Harwood
  • Mercer Park, Clayton-le-Moors 
  • Wilsons and Woodlands, Clayton-le-Moors 
  • Accrington Cemetery and Crematorium, Accrington
  • Memorial Park in Great Harwood

Burnley and Padiham

  • Towneley Park
  • Thompson Park
  • Ightenhill Park
  • Scott Park
  • Queen’s Park
  • Memorial Park

Pendle

  • Heyhead Park, Brierfield 
  • Victoria Park in Nelson,
  • Barrowford Park, Barrowford
  • Ball Grove Park, Colne
  • Walverden Park, Nelson
  • Marsen Park, Nelson
  • Valley Gardens, Barnoldswick

Rossendale

  • The Library Gardens, Rawtenstall
  • Stubbylee and Moorlands Park, Bacup