Three of Birmingham’s most popular parks have won a prestigious Green Flag Award for 2026. The scheme, operated by Keep Britain Tidy, recognises and rewards only the most well-managed parks and green spaces—with Cannon Hill Park, Kings Heath Park and Handsworth Park all recognised.
Each is maintained by Birmingham City Council and supported by ‘Friends Of’ parks groups, and it’s the first time since 2022 that each park has received a Green Flag Award. They are one of 2,391 sites across the UK honoured this year, with Awards presented at Alexander Stadium yesterday (Wednesday, July 15, 2026).
“I know how much the people of Birmingham love our parks, so it is great to see these sites are reaching the standard for this well-respected scheme,” said Councillor Deborah Harries, Cabinet Member for Culture at Birmingham City Council—who is also founder and chair of a Friends of Park group.
“Our parks provide space for exercise and relaxation and have a great positive environmental benefit, which is why our 25-year City of Nature plan aims to ensure Birmingham’s open spaces continue to enhance the lives of residents.
“Every time we win or retain a Green Flag Award, it is a tribute to every member of our parks staff and the volunteers whose hard work and effort make our open spaces the great assets that they are.
“Last year, Birmingham was declared the UK’s first Nature City, in recognition for its commitment – alongside its partners – to bring nature into urban communities. These Green Flag Awards further underline that ongoing commitment to provide better green spaces.”
Who are Birmingham’s Green Flag Award winners?
Cannon Hill Park
Home to everything from the Midlands Arts Centre to Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park, and even a children’s theme park and boating lake, Cannon Hill Park is abuzz with activities across its 250 acres.
Kings Heath Park
A “unique horticultural gem”, Kings Heath Park’s 35-acre green is spread around a Grade II-listed nineteenth-century house, with beautiful seasonal bedding, herbaceous borders, and a refurbished pool.
Handsworth Park
While a highlight of Victorian Birmingham, Handsworth Park was significantly restored in the early 00s, and its 63 acres now boast a mix of community events and landscaped grass slopes.
