The 7 Manchester parks and cemeteries awarded Green Flag status

Seven parks and cemeteries across Manchester are celebrating after their Green Flag status was confirmed this week.

The Green Flag Awards mark the pinnacle of achievement for green spaces in the UK.

Setting the international benchmark for excellence, the awards look to celebrate places where people feel safe and welcome, where biodiversity is protected and enhanced and where members of the local community can feel their needs are being met.

Manchester City Council is proud to announce the following locations have retained their Green Flag Status:

• Alexandra Park

• Heaton Park

• The Southern Cemetery

• Manchester General Cemetery

• Blackley Cemetery

• Philips Park Cemetery

• Gorton Cemetery

These awards recognised the groups, volunteers and staff who devote themselves year-round to the maintenance and upkeep of these areas.

In the past year, Manchester Southern Cemetery has also been designated as a local nature reserve, recognising the important role it plays in its local ecosystem.

Councillor Lee-Ann Igbon, Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods, said: “I am so proud of everyone whose work led to our retention of this prestigious award.

“Parks and cemeteries play a hugely significant role in the ebb and flow of our daily lives and I am so pleased to see our colleagues and stakeholders rewarded in this way.

“Whether it is the friends-of groups which play an important role in the running of Alexnadra Park, to the business owners that help people enjoy our green spaces, to our partners who help us put on events and attractions all year round, these Green Flags are something everyone should be proud of.”