BARNSLEY Council is celebrating after four of the town’s beautiful green spaces were awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award.
Elsecar Park, Cannon Hall Parklands, Worsbrough Mill Country Park and Carlton Marsh Local Nature Reserve have all been recognised for their commitment to providing beautiful, well-maintained, and accessible green spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy.
The Green Flag Award, an international quality mark for parks and green spaces is given out to demonstrate the highest standards in areas such as cleanliness, safety, and community involvement.
The award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the volunteers and teams who make them a great space for everyone to enjoy.
Elsecar Park is celebrated for its well-maintained landscape, vibrant community events, and the rich history of the Elsecar Heritage Centre. The park offers a peaceful retreat with its picturesque lake, well-kept gardens, and recreational facilities that cater to all ages. This will be Elsecar Park’s 17th Green Flag Award.
Cannon Hall Parklands is visited by hundreds of thousands of people each year. The historic landscapes welcome people from across the region and offer free family trails, a fairyland, walled gardens and trips on swan boats.
Worsbrough Mill Country Park has been recognised for its unique combination of history, nature, and wildlife. The working watermill, set in a 240-acre country park, provides a unique opportunity to see history come to life alongside scenic walking trails and stunning natural habitats.
Carlton Marsh and Local Nature Reserve stands out for its commitment to conservation and biodiversity. The nature reserve offers a sanctuary for wildlife and a peaceful escape for nature lovers. Efforts to preserve and enhance the natural environment have made it a model for sustainable park management.
Coun James Higginbottom, Cabinet Spokesperson for Environment and Highways, said: "I’m extremely proud that Barnsley has achieved four Green Flag Awards this year.
“These awards are a testament to the hard work of our Parks Team and volunteers who put in so much time and effort to protect these beautiful green spaces along with our Countryside Rangers, Museums and Neighbourhood Team.
“The Green Flag Awards underline our commitment to making Barnsley the cleaner, greener, and more sustainable place we can all be proud to call home.”
Coun Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture said: "Winning four Green Flag Awards is a fantastic achievement for Barnsley.
“It highlights the exceptional quality of our parks and green spaces and recognises the hard work and dedication of our staff and volunteers.
"Our parks and green spaces play a crucial role in the well-being of our community. They provide places for relaxation, recreation, and connection with nature. We are immensely proud of this recognition and will continue to invest in and enhance these treasured local assets."