Home

Oakwell Hall Country Park in Birstall has been recognised as one of the country’s best green spaces with the announcement of its sixth successive Green Flag Award.

Oakwell Nature Club in action

Green Flag Awards recognise and reward the best parks in the country and the 110-acre Oakwell Hall Country Park impressed the judges once again with its excellent use of green space, well-maintained facilities and high standard of safety and security.

“A Green Flag Award for the sixth year running is a magnificent achievement because not only have standards got to be maintained, the country park has to be seen to be continuing to improve and develop in terms of conservation, the environment, visitor facilities and the educational opportunities it offers. There is a highly-dedicated small team of Rangers at the park but this success could not be achieved without the support of a large number of volunteers who turn up in all weathers and do lots of the hard work needed to keep Oakwell’s status as Kirklees’ only Green Flag holder. Our thanks and credit for this award must be shared with them,” said Councillor Mary Harkin, Kirklees Cabinet Member for Regeneration.

The largest project over recent months was the creation of a wildlife wetland area which involved digging out a series of new ponds and building a 50m raised walkway. Involved in that project and ongoing work to develop the area were Oakwell’s regular helpers - BTCV volunteer groups, students from Kirklees College, the Thursday volunteers, the Friends of Oakwell, Oakwell’s Nature Club and Young Rangers, and Enviroyouth, the council’s conservation group for young people.

Other recent enhancements to the site include a ‘new’ generation play area for 8-13 year olds, which was built as part of the government’s Play Pathfinder programme to make play more challenging, and a Faith Garden, inspired by the major faiths of the world and designed to be a ‘special place’ for quiet reflection and for use as an outdoor classroom where children can learn about common themes of faith and understanding between different communities.

This year has seen a record 1200 Green Flags handed out. Only green spaces that are free to enter and open to the public are eligible to win an award through the scheme, which is run by environmental charities Keep Britain Tidy, BTCV and GreenSpace.

Paul Todd, Manager, Green Flag Award Scheme, commented: “It’s a remarkable achievement that so many parks have successfully reached Green Flag Award status this year. The staff running the parks work very hard throughout the year to ensure their facilities are maintained to a high standard and enjoyed by the entire community. As the recession bites and people look closer to home to enjoy the outdoors, the provision of high-quality, free open spaces is of particular importance.”

The awards coincide with GreenSpace’s ‘Love Parks’ week ( July 24 - August 1), during which people are being encouraged to enjoy the nation’s parks and green spaces.

Oakwell Hall Country Park will provide the perfect location for families during the school holidays. There will be a Yorkshire Day celebration on August 1, children’s activities days throughout August, guided walks and watercolour workshops.