We have held Green Flags for all the stretches we submitted, with waterways across England and Wales maintaining the standard required for the international quality mark for parks and green spaces. In addition, we will be resubmitting a 35-mile stretch from Stanley Flight to Wigan Top Lock on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. This is an existing stretch of Green Flag waterway.
Playing an important role
The Green Flags demonstrate the important role the 2,000-mile navigable canal network plays for boaters and local communities, bringing nature into the heart of the UK’s towns and cities and providing popular, accessible beauty spots across the country.
Richard Parry, our former chief executive, said: “Our canals run through the hearts of communities across England and Wales, providing free, accessible green spaces where people can boat, walk, cycle, spend time with family, and connect with nature right on their doorstep. The Green Flag Award scheme recognises just how important these historic waterways are for people’s health, wellbeing and quality of life, as well as for the wildlife that depends on them.
“These awards are a tribute to the incredible dedication of our charity’s volunteers and staff, who work tirelessly to keep the canals clean, safe and welcoming.”
A healthier place to live
Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, Paul Todd MBE, said: “Congratulations to everyone involved, who have worked tirelessly to ensure that so many stretches of our inland waterways have achieved the high standards required for the Green Flag Award.
“Quality parks and green spaces like our canal network make the country a heathier place to live and work in, and a stronger place in which to invest.
“Crucially, canals provide vital green spaces for communities across the country to enjoy nature, and during the ongoing cost of living crisis it is a free and safe space for families to socialise. It also provides important opportunities for local people and visitors to reap the physical and mental health benefits of green space.”
Setting the bench mark
The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.
