Three new sites, including Walsall's first Green Flag Award-winning allotments, have helped the borough achieve its highest-ever number of internationally recognised Green Flag Awards.
The prestigious awards judge parks and green spaces across a range of criteria, including their safety, maintenance, cleanliness, community involvement and management, recognising the very best managed green spaces in the country.
The achievement marks a significant milestone for Walsall, with three new additions receiving Green Flag status in 2026: Swannies Field, Pleck Park and Grenfell Allotments, the latter becoming the first allotment site in Walsall's history to receive the award.
Councillor Matthew Eason, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Health & Wellbeing at Walsall Council, said, "We are absolutely delighted to have achieved a record 16 Green Flag Awards, the highest number ever awarded to sites in Walsall.
"It's a particularly special year, with three new sites joining Walsall's Green Flag family, including Grenfell Allotments, the first allotment site in the borough to receive the award.
"Our parks and green spaces play an important role in supporting residents' health and wellbeing, encouraging biodiversity and providing welcoming places for people to spend time outdoors. Achieving this record number of awards reflects both the quality of these spaces and the dedication of those who care for them throughout the year.
"I would like to thank everyone involved, from our Healthy Spaces and Operations teams to the many volunteers and community partners whose dedication helps make these spaces thrive. This is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when we work together."
Richard McVittie, Healthy Spaces Locality Manager at Walsall Council, said, "Receiving 16 Green Flag Awards is a tremendous achievement and a testament to the collaborative effort that goes into managing and improving our parks and green spaces.
"This year's awards highlight the breadth and quality of green spaces across Walsall, from community-focused nature sites and community-managed fishing pools to thriving allotment spaces.
"We are incredibly grateful to our staff, volunteers and partners who contribute so much time, energy and expertise throughout the year."
The following sites have retained their Green Flag Award status for 2026: Barr Beacon, Blackwood Park, Doe Bank Park, Fibbersley Local Nature Reserve, George Rose Park, Kings Hill Park, Palfrey Park, Pelsall Common, Reedswood Park, Rough Wood and Bentley Haye, Walsall Arboretum and Willenhall Memorial Park.
The awards reflect the continued work of Walsall Council's Healthy Spaces and Operations teams, alongside volunteers, Friends groups, community organisations and local residents who help care for and enhance sites across the borough through maintenance, community activities and biodiversity projects.
Collectively, Walsall's Green Flag Award-winning sites provide opportunities for recreation, community activity and nature recovery, while ensuring residents have access to high-quality outdoor spaces close to home.
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