Six open spaces in Chorley recognised as some of the best parks in the UK after receiving Green Flag Awards

Astley Park, Yarrow Country Park, Withnell Nature Reserve, Coronation Recreation Ground, Rangletts Recreation Ground and Harpers Recreation Ground have been named as the Green Flag Award winners for 2023.

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, 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.

Chorley Council are proud of their parks and open spaces and have made continuous investment over many years to sites across the Borough through the delivery of the Open Space Sports and Recreation Strategy. 

The parks are vitally important to residents of the Borough to provide access for sport, recreation as well as improving the health and wellbeing of people living in the Borough.

The news that the sites have achieved the accreditation - the international quality mark for parks and green spaces - is testament to the hard work and dedication of the team that care for the green spaces so that everyone can enjoy them.

Councillor Mark Clifford, Member Responsible for Environment and Green Space, said: "We are delighted that Chorley has out done themselves yet again and now has six parks with Green Flag Awards.

"It is well known that green spaces reduce pollution levels and improve air quality and provide space for people to commute, socialise and exercise.

"We will not rest on our laurels and we hope to increase the number of parks being awarded Green Flags in Chorley."

Councillor Adrian Lowe, Executive Cabinet Member for Customer, Streetscene and Environment said, "These parks are truly beautiful, and we must thank our teams that work tirelessly to ensure they are kept to the highest standard. 

"I encourage everyone to visit these parks in Chorley as they show just how scenic our borough is".  

Chorley Council declared a Climate Emergency in November 2019 and the climate change strategy puts parks and greenspaces at the forefront to help limit the rate of climate change. This is evidenced, not only on the public open spaces but on highway verges where the Council have introduced mini meadows and a wildlife corridor program, with over 50 mini meadows created so far.