Northumberland has achieved an impressive 14 prestigious Green Flags – the international quality mark for parks and green spaces.

The award, now in its 30th year, honours parks and green spaces that meet the highest standards of environmental management, maintenance and community involvement.

The 14 Northumberland parks that have been awarded a Green Flag in 2026 are as follows: Alexandra Park (Cramlington), Astley Park (Seaton Delaval), Bolam Lake Country Park, Carlisle Park (Morpeth), Castle Vale Park and Coronation Park (Berwick), Doctor Pit Park (Bedlington), Druridge Bay Country Park, Eastwoods Park (Prudhoe), Flagstaff Park (Berwick), Hexham Parks, Hirst Park (Ashington), Plessey Woods Country Park, Ridley Park (Blyth) and Tyne Riverside Country Park (Prudhoe and Wylam).

This achievement directly supports the long-term commitments laid out in Northumberland County Council’s Environment Policy Statement and Action Plan, which sets out clear goals to enhance the quality, accessibility and biodiversity of Northumberland’s green spaces, ensuring they are protected and improved for future generations.

From left, Adam Young, Coun John Riddle, Bryan Ford and Stephen Bain pictured at Carlisle Park in Morpeth.

placeholder image — From left, Adam Young, Coun John Riddle, Bryan Ford and Stephen Bain pictured at Carlisle Park in Morpeth.

Coun John Riddle, the council’s cabinet member for environment, rural and farming, said: “We know how much local residents appreciate having these lovely parks which are places they can visit for free, enjoy nature and reap the physical and mental health benefits of being outdoors.

“These 14 awards reflect not only the incredible work carried out by our staff and volunteers, but also our clear commitment to improving and protecting our parks.”

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces.

Paul Todd, Green Flag Award manager at Keep Britain Tidy, said: “Parks are essential public spaces that support our well-being, our communities and our economy. Yet for millions of people, particularly in the most deprived areas, local parks simply don’t feel safe or welcoming.

“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.”

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Green Flag Award, with a record 2,391 parks and green spaces across the UK meeting the internationally-recognised standard.