The National Memorial Arboretum awarded Green Flag status for fifth consecutive year

The National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire has been awarded Green Flag status for the fifth consecutive year, recognising the continued efforts of the Arboretum team, and labelling the 150-acre estate as a well-maintained and environmentally responsible outdoor destination. On the official assessment, the Arboretum has been placed in the ‘Excellent’ scoring category, which is the highest ranking that the site has achieved to-date.

Presented by Keep Britain Tidy, the Green Flag Award is the benchmark for well-managed parks and green spaces across the UK, and beyond. It celebrates spaces that uphold high standards of horticulture, environmental stewardship, and visitor experience.

Set within 150-acres of gardens and woodland, the Arboretum provides a welcoming and reflective space for Remembrance and exploration, welcoming over 300,000 visitors every year. This latest award acknowledges the Arboretum’s ongoing commitment to maintaining an inspirational year-round landscape that promotes biodiversity. It also follows the granting of the Arboretums first-ever ‘National Plant Collection’ status by Plant Heritage; in October 2024, full collection status was bestowed for the site’s conservation work on the Hamamelis (Witch Hazel) and a provisional collection status was applied to the Amelanchier.

The team at the Arboretum has continued to uphold high standards in the face of some significant extreme weather-related challenges over the past year, a reflection of the wider environmental pressures being faced by green spaces across the country.

“Looking after the Arboretum’s 150-acre site is a year-round commitment; our small, but brilliant team works tirelessly in all seasons to care for the landscape and memorials. This fifth consecutive Green Flag award recognises the high standard of our work and our efforts to embrace sustainable estate management practices to ensure the site is protected and preserved for future generations”, said Andy Ansell, Head of Estates at the National Memorial Arboretum.

“Congratulations to everyone involved in the National Memorial Arboretum who have worked tirelessly to ensure that it achieves the high standards required for the Green Flag Award,” said Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Scheme Manager. “Quality parks and green spaces like the Arboretum make the country a heathier place to live and work in, and a stronger place in which to invest. 

“Crucially, the National Memorial Arboretum is a vital green space for communities 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.”

For a full list of all Green Flag winners, visit: https://www.greenflagaward.org/.