Parish and town councils celebrated in the 2026 Green Flag Awards
Parish and town councils have once again demonstrated their vital role in creating and caring for high-quality green spaces, with more than 50 councils across England recognised in the 2026 Green Flag Awards for their outstanding parks and open spaces.
The Green Flag Award, managed by Keep Britain Tidy, is the international quality mark for parks and green spaces. The awards recognise the very best managed parks and green spaces, celebrating excellence in environmental management, biodiversity, accessibility and community engagement.
This year's success highlights the significant contribution parish and town councils make to improving residents' health and wellbeing, supporting nature recovery and creating welcoming places for communities to enjoy.
Aldenham Parish Council, Ampthill Town Council, Ashby de la Zouch Town Council, Barnstaple Town Council, Botley Parish Council, Branston Town Council, Broomfield Parish Council, Calne Town Council, Camborne Town Council, Central Swindon North Parish Council, Chippenham Town Council, Christchurch Town Council, Cranbrook Town Council, Devizes Town Council, Dorchester Town Council, Dunstable Town Council, Farnham Town Council, Filton Town Council, Frome Town Council, Gillingham Town Council, Great Baddow Parish Council, Harpenden Town Council, Hedge End Town Council, Henley Town Council, Houghton Regis Town Council, Leighton-Linslade Town Council, Little Paxton Parish Council, Minehead Town Council, Newbury Town Council, Oulton Broad Parish Council, Portland Town Council, Rayleigh Town Council, Rushden Town Council, Sandhurst Town Council, Sevenoaks Town Council, Shenley Brook End and Tattenhoe Parish Council, Shepton Mallet Town Council, South Swindon Parish Council, Stotfold Town Council, Swanage Town Council, Swanley Town Council, Taunton Town Council, Trowbridge Town Council, Warminster Town Council, Wellington Town Council, Weymouth Town Council, Woodley Town Council and Yeovil Town Council achieved Green Flag Award status in 2026. The award recognises the high standards of management, environmental quality and visitor experience delivered in parks and green spaces across their communities.
Codsall Parish Council, Grappenhall and Thelwall Parish Council, Heworth Without Parish Council, Houghton Regis Town Council, Newark Town Council, Okehampton Town Council, Sandridge Parish Council, Shefford Town Council and Syston Town Council achieved Green Flag Community Award status in 2026. The award recognises the outstanding contribution made by volunteers and local communities in creating and maintaining quality green spaces.
Dunstable Town Council, Leighton-Linslade Town Council and Wellington Town Council achieved Green Heritage Site Accreditation status in 2026.
The accreditation, supported by Historic England, recognises parks and green spaces that successfully conserve and celebrate their historic features.
Around 2,400 parks and green spaces across the UK were recognised this year. Congratulations to every parish and town council recognised in this year's Green Flag Awards. Their achievements showcase the essential role councils play in creating greener, healthier and more sustainable communities while providing valued public spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy.
