Castle Bromwich Community Website

Solihull received its seventh Green Flag Award this year and in celebration held special flag raisings across the borough. On Wednesday 28 July Green Flags were hoisted in the seven parks by the Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Ian Courts, Cabinet Member for Environment, Councillor Tim Hodgson  and representatives from a number of Friends of Parks groups and conservation volunteers, who work with the Council’s Park Rangers to keep Solihull’s park clean, tidy and green. 

This year Meriden Park joined Malvern & Brueton, Shirley, Knowle, Elmdon, Lavender Hall and Dorridge parks to gain Green Flag status.A record number of Green Flags Award winners in the UK were announced by the Award body this year who encouraged all parks to raise their flags on Wednesday as part of Love Parks Week. The Green Flag Award scheme is the benchmark national standard for parks and green spaces in England and Wales. Solihull Council received its first Green Flag in 2002 for Elmdon Park.  For the second year running Solihull has the second highest number of Green Flags in the West Midlands region.

Cabinet Member for Environment, Councillor Tim Hodgson was at the morning hoistings at Malvern & Brueton, Shirley and Knowle parks and the Mayor of Solihull attended the flag raisings in the afternoon at Meriden, Lavender Hall and Dorridge parks.

The Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Ian Courts said: “We have a great range of beautiful parks in Solihull, which offer spaces to relax, play, socialise and exercise in.   I would also like to thank all those who help in our parks.  These volunteers dedicate their time to improve and maintain our parks for all residents and visitors to enjoy. The Mayoress and I were personally involved in the four acre woodland planting at Lavender Hall Park, Katherine's Wood, and helped organise Lottery Funding through Meriden Rotary Club.  This enabled its early designation as a Nature Reserve, as well as helping its Green Flag achievement"

More information on parks administered by Solihull Council can be found HERE

Councillor Tim Hodgson said: “Receiving seven Green Flags in Solihull is a remarkable achievement and something everyone in Solihull should be proud of.  Last year we narrowly missed out on a Green Flag in Meriden Park but after a lot work from Park Rangers and volunteers we have been awarded with a flag. We have a great range of parks in the borough where people can enjoy the outdoors and nature.  We also hold many events throughout the year which really bring the parks alive. I would urge all residents to get outside this summer and see what your local park has to offer.”