An impressive 126 parks and green spaces across the West Midlands have been recognised by the Green Flag Award Scheme, as some of the very best in the world.

Awarded parks and green spaces include: West Park, Blackwood Park, Park Hall Country Park and Eccleshall Road Cemetery.
 
These are among a record-breaking 1,883 UK parks and green spaces that will today receive a prestigious Green Flag Award – the mark of a quality park or green space.
 
This international award, now into its third decade, is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.
 
The news comes as research from Keep Britain Tidy reveals that a whopping 75% of children would like to spend more time outdoors and almost one in ten only visit a park once a month. Surprisingly, nearly half of children (49%) have never climbed a tree, while a third of children (34%) have never learned to ride a bike. International Green Flag Award scheme manager, Paul Todd, said:

“We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme, with more Green Flags awarded this year than last year.

“Each flag honours the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award. We are proud to have so many wonderful green spaces in the UK for people to enjoy, and hope that next year, we award even more flags.”