Green Flag for eighth time at Haden Hill Park

Haden Hill Park  has now won the award more times than any other park in the borough.

Six council-run parks, one in each of the borough's towns now boasts the prestigious award - the first time this has happened.

They are Barnford Park in Oldbury, Haden Hill Park in Cradley Heath, Victoria Park in Smethwick, Victoria Park in Tipton, Sandwell Valley in West Bromwich and Brunswick Park in Wednesbury.

The latter was entered for the first time this year.

Community-run Warley Woods, which was voted top Green Flag park in England in a public poll last year, has retained its Green Flag.

Meanwhile, council-run Tipton Cemetery retains its status and Sandwell Valley Crematorium, West Bromwich, has gained a Green Flag for the first time following a major £3.25 million refurbishment. This is the first crematorium to achieve such an award in the Midlands.

Moorlands Allotments, West Bromwich/Wednesbury, and Barnford Park & Farm Road Allotments have kept their status, and Dingley Road Allotments, Wednesbury, has also now earned a Green Flag.

Haden Hill Park has also been granted the Green Heritage Award for the fifth year.

It is part of the Green Flag Award except it looks at parks of historical importance. There are only 51 winners of this award nationally.

Sandwell Mayor Councillor Keith Davies said: "One of the most important factors with Haden Hill Park is that there is a very strong, active and committed friends group

"These are people who give their free time to help at community events, raising money and helping with various projects in the park.

"Currently the park is staging a series of bat walks and earlier this year 430 trees were planted as part of the Woodland Trust's Jubilee Woods Project."

The staff work closely with the local primary schools providing outdoor learning, whether its pond dipping, bug hunting, nature walks/activities or tree planting.

They also works very closely with Sandwell Museums Service to deliver activities and community events.