Best parks in Bradford district named in Green Flag Awards

The Green Flag Award, the international quality mark for parks and green spaces, celebrates the highest quality parks and green spaces. 

There were 93 sites across Yorkshire which won over judges - whether it was for meeting the needs of the community, maintenance, or the opportunities for healthy and happy lifestyles. 

Six Bradford Council-run parks made the prestigious list including Lister Park, Peel Park, Roberts Park, Harold Park and Central Park.

Autumn in Lister Park, captured by T&A Camera Club member Lee Halliday (Image: Lee Halliday)

Cliffe Castle Park - which has a cafe, childrens play area and aviary - was not only awarded the title but honoured for its work to conserve the site’s heritage. 

The park, in Keighley, is one of eight parks in Yorkshire to receive a Green Heritage Site Accreditation for the management of historic features.

Blooming blossom trees at Cliffe Castle captured by Hobo Tom Photography of the T&A Camera Club (Image: Hobo Tom Photography)

The award was handed to just 130 places nationwide for helping people to understand and enjoy the area’s unique history. 

The Green Flag Award scheme is managed by Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Launched 28 years ago, the award aims to set the benchmark standard for the management of recreational outdoor spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.

World Heritage Day in Roberts Park, Saltaire, captured by Philip Lickley (Image: Philip Lickley)

Keep Britain Tidy Chief Executive, Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, said: “Prioritising parks and green spaces is vital for our future, so we are delighted to see that 93 sites in Yorkshire and the Humber have met the standards required for a Green Flag Award, reflecting the tireless work of those tasked with looking after these important regional assets. 

Central Park, Haworth, captured by T&A Camera Club member Albert Humperdink (Image: Albert Humperdink)

 “We know beyond doubt that our local environment contributes to the wellbeing of individuals and communities, with our parks and green spaces recognised as areas where people can come together and be active. Research shows that time spent in green spaces can positively affect mental and physical health, quality of life and a sense of wellbeing.  

Photo of a glowy sunny sky in Peel Park by T&A Camera Club member Paul Dalton (Image: Paul Dalton)

 “We believe the standards expected in the Green Flag Award should be a minimum for every park, and it is our ambition that by 2030 we increase the number of sites achieving Green Flag Award status even further so that people across England, wherever they live, can access and enjoy safe, high-quality green space.” 

This photo of luscious green nature along the Riddlesden section of the Leeds-Liverpool was taken by T&A Camera Club member Vivienne Hills (Image: Vivienne Hills)

Other award-winning parks and green spaces on 2024’s list of winners include Pudsey Park, Otley Chevin Country Park, and the Leeds & Liverpool canal, which runs through the district. 

Awards are given on an annual basis and winners must apply each year to renew their Green Flag Award status. 

The submissions can be sent by local authorities and other land managers across the country for a range of sites.