A handful of city parks have achieved international quality marks.

“Our city has some beautiful parks and green spaces and seeing five of them named among the best in the country is something we can all be proud of,” says the city councillor in charge of environment after local parks gained international quality marks.

Marina Hallam, Environmental Services Manager, with Environmental Services team members from Mowbray Park | Submitted

placeholder image — Marina Hallam, Environmental Services Manager, with Environmental Services team members from Mowbray Park | Submitted

Green Flags will now fly at Barnes Park, Herrington Country Park, Hetton Lyons Country Pak, Mowbray Park and Roker Park after all were given Green Flag Awards.

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under contract from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces.

The awards are the internationally recognised standard for parks and green spaces.

Herrington Country Park was also awarded the status | Sunderland City Council.

Councillor Bill Blackett, Sunderland City Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Enforcement, said: “It is fantastic to see five of Sunderland’s parks recognised with Green Flag awards once again.

“Our city has some beautiful parks and green spaces, and seeing five of them named among the best in the country is something we can all be proud of. These prestigious awards are testament to the hard work and dedication that goes into maintaining them.”

Sunderland’s five winners are among 2,391 in the UK to achieve the award for 2026/27, as the Green Flag Awards celebrates its 30th year.

Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, said: “Parks are essential public spaces that support our wellbeing, our communities and our economy. Yet for millions of people, particularly in the most deprived areas, local parks simply don’t feel safe or welcoming.

“With public services under pressure, investing in parks is not a luxury, it’s a practical, preventative solution and one of the most visible ways to improve people’s quality of life.

“Sunderland’s winners have shown what can be achieved when parks are properly supported and managed. As we celebrate 30 years of the Green Flag Award, we want every community to have access to green spaces like this that are safe, welcoming and maintained to a high standard.

"Congratulations to everyone involved."