COUNTRY parks in Rubery and Northfield’s Victoria Common have also been awarded Green Flag Awards in its silver jubilee year.
Both Waseley Hills, run by Worcestershire County Council, and the Lickey Hills, operated by Birmingham City Council, maintained their status at a time when green spaces have been key to a lot of people’s physical and mental wellbeing.
Victoria Common – at the back of Northfield Shopping Centre – was one of 15 Birmingham parks to receive the award.
Parks have played a key role over the past 18 months – especially during the lockdown where going out for a walk or to exercise was one of the few reasons people could leave the house.
Coun Matt Dormer, cabinet member with responsibility for communities at Worcestershire County Council, thanked the staff who maintained the areas and said he was thrilled three of the authority’s country parks had been handed the accolade (the others were Worcester Woods and St Wulstan’s).
“We are really proud of our countryside sites and to have three awards is fantastic recognition of all the work that goes into making these spaces thrive environmentally and as great places to visit.”
Coun John O’Shea, Birmingham City Council’s cabinet member for street scene and parks at Birmingham City Council, said he was delighted with the Second City’s Green Flag line-up.
He congratulated park and grounds maintenance staff and added: “Each flag is a tribute to the efforts of everyone that has a part to play in maintaining and operating the parks, as well as the volunteers and Friends Of groups that put in many hours of their time to support our open spaces.”
