Cheltenham Borough Council proudly now boasts eight Green Flag award-winning parks, thanks to the recent addition of Burrow’s Field in Leckhampton. Known for its breathtaking Pittville Park—with its serene lake, café, expansive adventure playground, and small animal enclosures—the area also treasures several other nationally recognized green spaces.
This year, across the country, 2,391 sites received the prestigious Green Flag Award, marking the scheme’s 30th anniversary. Cheltenham has not only retained its previous seven flags but has also welcomed an eighth, highlighting the council’s commitment to green spaces.
Joining Burrow’s Field are Sandford Park, Hatherley Park, Montpellier Gardens, Naunton Park, Pittville Park, Springfields Park, and Winston Churchill Memorial Gardens, complemented by four acclaimed parks in Gloucester and the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal.
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The Green Flag Award is an internationally respected symbol of excellence in park management and community value. Notably, Pittville Park has also secured the Green Heritage Site accreditation, supported by Historic England, underscoring its well-preserved historic features.
Steve Harvey, Cabinet Member for Waste, Recycling, and Green Open Spaces at Cheltenham Borough Council, expressed enthusiasm: “It’s fantastic to see Cheltenham’s parks and green spaces recognized once again with eight Green Flag awards. This achievement reflects the dedication of our green space teams, Ubico staff, volunteers, and Friends groups who care for these areas year-round.
“Our parks are vital for the wellbeing of residents and visitors alike, offering spaces to relax, exercise, and connect with nature. The inclusion of Burrow’s Field as a Green Flag recipient is especially gratifying—an outstanding accomplishment for all involved.”
Mark Beany of Leckhampton Rovers Football Club praised the collaboration that enhanced Burrow’s Field: “The partnership between Cheltenham Borough Council and Leckhampton Rovers Football Club over recent years has transformed Burrow’s Field into a special place. It provides the community with a fun, safe, and welcoming environment to stay active or socialize.”
Burrow’s Field encompasses approximately 6.3 hectares in Leckhampton and serves as the home ground for Cheltenham’s largest youth and mini football club, Leckhampton Rovers, along with the Broadlands pre-school playgroup. Facilities include four adult-sized football pitches, two cricket squares, a pavilion with a café, a BMX pump track, and a children’s play area. The field attracts dog walkers and ramblers alike, with excellent connections to public rights of way and the surrounding countryside.
Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, highlighted the importance of parks: “Parks are essential communal spaces that nurture wellbeing, foster community spirit, and contribute economically. Yet many parks, especially in deprived communities, don’t always feel safe or inviting. Amid pressures on public services, investment in parks is not a luxury but a practical, preventative measure that visibly enhances quality of life.”