Four Barnsley parks and green spaces celebrate Green Flag success

We are once again celebrating success, as four of the borough’s green spaces have been awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award, as the internationally recognised standard for parks and green spaces celebrates its 30th year.

Elsecar Park and Local Nature Reserve, Cannon Hall Parklands, Locke Park, and Carlton Marsh Nature Reserve have all been recognised for meeting the highest standards in the management of parks and green spaces. Each site is one of a record-breaking 2,391 parks and green spaces across the UK to achieve a Green Flag Award this year. The international Green Flag Award highlights excellence in areas including cleanliness, safety, accessibility and community involvement.

This year marks continued success for all four sites, with Locke Park achieving its second Green Flag Award after receiving its first accreditation last year. Cannon Hall Parklands has retained the award every year since 2020, while Elsecar Park continues its long-standing success, achieving the honour for the 19th time.

The awards reflect the ongoing dedication of council teams, volunteers and partners who work year-round to maintain and enhance these valued spaces for residents and visitors.

• Elsecar Park and Local Nature Reserve continues to impress with its beautifully maintained grounds, community events programme and connection to the historic Elsecar Heritage Centre. With its scenic lake, gardens and recreational facilities, it remains a popular destination for all ages.

• Cannon Hall Parklands, one of the most visited free attractions in England, attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Its historic landscape offers something for everyone, from family trails and a fairyland experience to walled gardens and open parkland.

• Locke Park spans 47 acres of green space Just a mile from Barnsley’s town centre. With its iconic tower, bandstand, café and bowling club, the park combines heritage and recreation, and securing its second Green Flag award highlights its continued high standards.

• Carlton Marsh Nature Reserve has been recognised for its strong focus on conservation and biodiversity. The site provides a peaceful haven for wildlife and visitors alike, while showcasing best practice in sustainable land management.

Cllr Paul Kelly, Cabinet Spokesperson for Environment and Highways, said: "I'm delighted that Barnsley has once again achieved four Green Flag Awards, recognising the quality of some of our borough's most valued green spaces.

“These awards are a testament to the dedication of our Parks Team, volunteers, Countryside Rangers, Museums and Neighbourhoods Teams, who work year-round to ensure these spaces remain welcoming and accessible for residents and visitors.

“We remain committed to protecting and investing in these valued community assets as part of our ambition to create a cleaner, greener and more sustainable borough for residents now and in the future."

Cllr Andy Cudworth, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Assets, said: "Winning four Green Flag Awards once again is a fantastic achievement for Barnsley and reflects the high standards maintained across our parks and green spaces.

“The awards recognise the hard work of our staff, volunteers and partners who help keep these spaces attractive, accessible and well maintained for everyone to enjoy.

“Our parks and green spaces play an important role in supporting health and wellbeing, bringing communities together and helping make Barnsley a great place to live, work and visit."

Find out more information about our parks and green spaces across the borough at www.barnsley.gov.uk/parks. For more information about Cannon Hall Museum, Park and Gardens visit www.barnsley-museums.com