Wales has set a new record with 330 Green Flag Awards in 2026, up from 315 in 2025 and 291 in 2024, marking the 30th anniversary of the international accolade. The awards, founded in 1996 and now recognised in over 20 countries, recognise the highest standards in parks and green spaces.
Record-Breaking Community Awards
For the third consecutive year, Wales holds the record for the most Green Flag Community Awards globally, with 237 sites achieving this status—up from 223 in 2025. These awards celebrate volunteer-run spaces such as community gardens, churchyards, and local nature reserves. Among the 29 first-time community award winners are Sirhowy Hill Woodlands in Blaenau Gwent, Glas Meadows in Denbighshire, Fairyland Community Garden in Neath Port Talbot, and six new sites in Carmarthenshire, including Cegin Hedyn, Alltwalis Community Garden, and Tycroes Park & Woodland.
Full Green Flag Award Winners
Ninety-three sites achieved full Green Flag Award status, up one from 2025/26. First-time full award winners include Mold Cemetery and Dee Park Community Woodland Place for You in Flintshire, and Linda Vista Gardens in Monmouthshire. The 330 award-winning sites span parks, university campuses, community woodlands, cemeteries, and housing estates, all meeting criteria for safety, maintenance, cleanliness, environmental management, and welcoming atmosphere.
Green Heritage Site Accreditation
Fourteen sites received Green Heritage Site Accreditation, supported by Cadw, for preserving and promoting historic features. Three new sites achieved this in 2026: Caldicot Castle and Country Park in Monmouthshire, Gnoll Country Park in Neath Port Talbot, and Roath Park in Cardiff.
Leadership and Impact
Owen Derbyshire, Keep Wales Tidy Chief Executive, said: "Wales is truly setting the standard when it comes to outstanding green spaces, with 330 places recognised in this year’s Green Flag Awards. From flagship parks and vibrant woodlands to historic sites and community spaces, Wales has shown year after year that it has an unwavering commitment to nurturing inclusive green spaces that can be enjoyed by everyone." He added: "Green spaces play a vital part in supporting the health and wellbeing of communities across Wales so we are especially excited to see that Wales has broken the record for the number of community award winners for the third year running, with 237 sites."
List of 82 Welsh Parks Named Among the Best
The following parks and green spaces received full Green Flag Awards in 2026: Bryn Bach Park (Blaenau Gwent); Bryn Garw Country Park, Coychurch Crematorium, Maesteg Welfare Park (Bridgend); Bute Park, Cardiff Bay Barrage, Cardiff Bay Wetlands Reserve, Cathays Cemetery, Cathays Park, Flat Holm Island, Forest Farm, Grange Gardens, Hailey Park, Heath Park, Hendre Lake, Llandaff Fields, Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs, Parc Cefn Onn, Parc Tredelerch, Parc Y Maltings, Rumney Hill Gardens, St Fagans: National Museum of History, Thornhill Cemetery and Cardiff Crematorium, Victoria Park, Waterloo Gardens, Western Cemetery (Cardiff); Bishops Park, Llyn Llech Owain Country Park, Mynydd Mawr Woodland Park, Pembrey Country Park, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Carmarthen (Carmarthenshire); Aberystwyth University - Penglais Campus, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Lampeter (Ceredigion); Bailey Hill, Dee Park Community Woodland, Greenfield Valley Heritage Park, Mold Cemetery, Wepre Park (Flintshire); Aberfan Cemetery, Cyfarthfa Park, Taff Bargoed Park, Thomastown Park (Merthyr Tydfil); Caldicot Castle and Country Park, Linda Vista Gardens, Llandegfedd Lake, Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal, Old Station Tintern, Rogiet Country Park (Monmouthshire); Gnoll Estate Country Park, Margam Country Park, Swansea Bay University Campus, Talbot Memorial Park, Victoria Gardens (Neath Port Talbot); Beechwood Park, Belle Vue Park, Gwent Crematorium, Tredegar Park Sports & Recreation Ground (Newport); Scolton Manor Country Park (Pembrokeshire); Bronllys Hospital (Powys); Aberdare Park, Dare Valley Country Park, Taff's Well Park, Ynysangharad War Memorial Park (Rhondda Cynon Taf); Clyne Gardens, Botanical & Ornamental Gardens, Brynmill Park, Cwmdonkin Park, Mount Pleasant, Parc Llewelyn, Penllergare Valley Woods, Swansea University Singleton Campus, Victoria Park (Swansea); Cwmbran Boating Lakes, Garn Lakes, Pontypool Park (Torfaen); Merthyr Dyfan Cemetery (Vale of Glamorgan); Acton Park, Alyn Waters Country Park, Bellevue Park, Ponciau Banks Park, Ty Mawr Country Park, Wrexham Cemetery (Wrexham).
