A dozen parks and green spaces in Cheshire East have been recognised among the country's best.

Green Flag Awards have been achieved by 12 sites across the borough, including Congleton Park and Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve.

This is the international quality mark for parks and green spaces and reflects the ongoing work of parks staff, volunteers and community partners, who help care for these public spaces throughout the year.

Keep Britain Tidy's Green Flag Award scheme manager, Paul Todd MBE, said: "Parks are essential public spaces that support our wellbeing, our communities and our economy.

"Yet for millions of people, particularly in the most deprived areas, local parks simply don't feel safe or welcoming.

"With public services under pressure, investing in parks is not a luxury, it's a practical, preventative solution and one of the most visible ways to improve people's quality of life.

"All the Green Flag award-winners in Cheshire East have shown what can be achieved when parks are properly supported and managed.

"As we celebrate 30 years of the Green Flag Award, we want every community to have access to green spaces like this that are safe, welcoming and maintained to a high standard.

"Congratulations to everyone involved."

Cheshire East's Green Flag award-winning sites 2026

• Bollington Recreation Ground
• Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve
• Congleton Park
• Fountain Fields, Middlewich
• Macclesfield Riverside Park
• Milton Park, Alsager
• Queens Park, Crewe
• Sandbach Park
• Tatton Park
• Tegg's Nose Country Park, Macclesfield
• The Carrs, Wilmslow
• The Moor, Knutsford

Green Flag Award status is reviewed annually and recognises excellence across a range of areas, including environmental management, biodiversity, cleanliness, safety and community involvement.

One particular success story this year is The Carrs in Wilmslow, which has achieved Green Flag status for the first time.

Councillor David Jefferay, Cheshire East Council's cabinet member for environment, sustainability and waste management, said: "We are delighted that a number of Cheshire East parks and green spaces have once again achieved Green Flag Award status.

"These awards are a reflection of the dedication and hard work of our environmental services teams, volunteers and community partners who help care for these important community spaces throughout the year.

"It is particularly pleasing that The Carrs has achieved Green Flag status for the first time. This recognition demonstrates the commitment that has gone into ensuring the park continues to provide a welcoming and high-quality environment for residents and visitors.

"Parks and green spaces play a vital role in supporting health and wellbeing, encouraging people to be active and helping communities connect with nature. We are proud that so many of our sites continue to receive this prestigious recognition."