Flying high: Five North Lincolnshire parks receive coveted Green Flag Awards

Five of North Lincolnshire’s most loved parks have been recognised among the country’s best parks after receiving prestigious Green Flag Awards. 

The internationally recognised Green Flag Award is the benchmark for excellent quality parks and green spaces, celebrating sites that provide welcoming, safe and well-maintained places for communities to enjoy. 

The five award-winning parks are: 

• Central Park, Scunthorpe 

• Baysgarth Park, Barton-upon-Humber 

• Jubilee Park, Scunthorpe  

• Woodlands Crematorium and Memorial Gardens, Scunthorpe 

• Humber Bridge Viewing Area, Barton-upon-Humber  

This year’s awards coincide with the 30th Anniversary of the Green Flag Award scheme, the international standard for parks and green spaces.  

The awards recognise the hard work and dedication of the council’s parks and open spaces teams, alongside volunteers who help care for and improve these valued community spaces throughout the year. 

Each park, except for Woodlands Crematorium and Memorial Gardens, has a Friends group made up of volunteers who care about their local park. Members take part in activities such as litter picking and bulb planting, as well as contribute to future developments, funding bids and act as a key consultation group for the council.  

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: 

“This is a brilliant achievement and one we are incredibly proud of. This national recognition reflects the dedication of the parks and open spaces teams, volunteers and local communities who work tirelessly to keep these spaces looking their very best. 

“We are continuing to invest in our parks and open spaces, helping to improve health and wellbeing, encourage active lifestyles and protect the area’s natural environment for future generations.” 

Each park offers something unique, from formal gardens and family play areas to heritage features, memorial spaces and habitats that support local wildlife. 

Cllr David Rose, cabinet member for environment and planning, said: 

“Our parks are at the heart of our communities. They provide places for people to relax, exercise, spend time with family and friends, and connect with nature. Receiving these awards demonstrates our ongoing commitment to investing in high-quality green spaces that everyone can enjoy. 

“Without the volunteers who lead the Friends groups at these parks, they simply wouldn’t be the wonderful places they are today. Their dedication has undoubtedly played a major part in securing these awards.” 

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under contract from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.