Parks retain prestigious Green Flag Award
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
Five Council-run parks across the Wakefield district have once again achieved the prestigious Green Flag status.
Anglers Country Park, Haw Park Wood, Pontefract Park, Pugneys Country Park and Vale Head Park have all retained the award. Recognising them as being amongst the best in the country.
“Our beautiful parks and green spaces are wonderful assets to the district, providing places for people to relax, exercise, have fun and connect with nature.
"Retaining Green Flag status across all five sites is a fantastic achievement. It reflects the hard work and dedication of our staff, volunteers and community groups who help care for them.
"We are immensely proud that these parks continue to meet the highest standards and provide residents and visitors with safe, welcoming and attractive places to enjoy."
Cllr Julian Carter
Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services
This year marks the 18th and 19th times that Anglers Country Park and Haw Park Wood respectively have been awarded Green Park Status. Pugneys Country Park has been recognised for the sixth time and Pontefract Park for the fourth time. Whilst Vale Head Park has won it for the second year running.
The Green Flag Award scheme is an internationally recognised quality standard. In 2026, it celebrates 30 years of rewarding well-managed parks and green spaces, both in the UK and aboard.
Sites are judged on issues such as how welcoming they are, their safety and security; how well maintained and clean they are. They are also assessed on how the environment is managed, their biodiversity, landscape and heritage and on their community involvement.
Find out more about the district’s parks and green spaces at https://www.wakefield.gov.uk/parks-countryside-and-outdoor-spaces/