Solihull strengthens position as region’s leading authority for Green Flag parks

Solihull has strengthened its position as the West Midlands’ leading local authority for high-quality parks and green spaces after achieving a record 21 Green Flag Awards.

Widney Manor Cemetery and Blythe Valley Park have both been awarded Green Flag status for the first time, taking the borough's total to 21 award-winning sites.

The Green Flag Award is the international quality mark for parks and green spaces, recognising some of the best-managed public spaces in the UK.

The award celebrates sites that are welcoming, safe, clean, sustainably managed and support biodiversity.

Widney Manor Cemetery, which is maintained by environmental contractor Veolia, achieved the award after meeting rigorous judging criteria covering everything from accessibility and cleanliness to environmental management and conservation.

Blythe Valley Park, maintained by Whiting Landscape Ltd, also secured Green Flag status this year.

Alongside the two new awards, every existing Green Flag site across the borough has successfully retained its status, reinforcing Solihull's reputation for providing outstanding parks, open spaces and cemeteries for residents and visitors.

Solihull Council's Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, Cllr Ken Hawkins, said: “We are rightly proud of our green spaces and for Solihull to obtain its 21st Green Flag Award is a fantastic achievement.

“It is testament to the hard work and dedication of our Council staff, our partners at Veolia and Whiting Landscape Ltd, and the many volunteers and community organisations who work tirelessly throughout the year to ensure these spaces remain safe, welcoming and beautiful places to visit.

“The award for Widney Manor Cemetery is particularly special as it means all three of our cemeteries have now achieved Green Flag status, ensuring they continue to provide peaceful and well-maintained places where residents and visitors can reflect and remember their loved ones.”

Sue Cummine, senior contract manager at Veolia Solihull, said: "This award reflects our commitment to excellence in caring for Solihull's parks and green spaces.

“Through our dedicated grounds maintenance service with Solihull Council, we take great pride in maintaining the community's cherished spaces, keeping sites like Widney Manor Cemetery beautiful, accessible and welcoming for everyone."

The Green Flag Award, organised by Keep Britain Tidy, is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026. A record-breaking 2,391 sites across the UK have achieved Green Flag status this year.

Solihull's 21 Green Flag Award sites are:

• Babb's Mill Recreation Ground & Local Nature Reserve
• Bentley Heath Recreation Ground
• Blythe Valley Park
• Castle Bromwich Historic Parkland
• Damson Lane Park
• Dickens Heath Allotment
• Dorridge Park & Wood
• Elmdon Park
• Hillfield Park & Local Nature Reserve
• Hope Coppice
• Knowle Park
• Lavender Hall Park
• Malvern and Brueton Park
• Meriden Park
• Olton Jubilee Park
• Palmers Rough Recreation Ground
• Robin Hood Cemetery
• Shirley Park
• Tudor Grange Park
• Widney Manor Cemetery
• Woodlands Cemetery