Keighley’s Cliffe Castle has once again achieved a remarkable feat by retaining its prestigious double Green Flag Award status. The park, which is owned and managed by Bradford Council and located within the Cliffe Castle Museum grounds, has not only been recognised as a Green Flag park but also as the sole Green Heritage Site in the district. This esteemed award is supported by Historic England, adding further significance to Cliffe Castle’s achievement.
Judges from the Green Heritage panel commended the efforts of Cliffe Castle in preserving and showcasing its rich natural, visual, and physical heritage throughout the year. The park’s dedication to ensuring the public’s ability to experience its historical features and heritage value was highly praised. The commitment exhibited by the park’s staff, the Cliffe Castle Support Group, and the local volunteers in restoring and maintaining the park was also acknowledged.
The Green Heritage Site category, within the framework of the Green Flag Awards, sets high standards for conservation practices. Sites seeking this distinction must actively celebrate, restore, and maintain their historic features. Furthermore, they are required to provide comprehensive information about these features to the public and incorporate the historical character into the site’s trees and plants.
In addition to its historical significance, Cliffe Castle impressed the judges with its strong community involvement. The park boasts a well-established friends group, which operates as a registered charity and maintains regular communication with park management teams and local residents. This collaboration was deemed exemplary by the judges. The well-maintained grass areas, the reintroduction of Victorian plants, and a wide range of events organised within the park also contributed to the judges’ admiration. They also highlighted Cliffe Castle’s commitment to supporting the diverse community in its vicinity.
The retention of the double Green Flag Award status and Green Heritage Site recognition underscores Cliffe Castle’s status as a leading green space in the Keighley area. Visitors can continue to enjoy the park’s unique blend of natural beauty, historical charm, and community spirit, all made possible by the dedication and hard work of the park’s staff, volunteers, and supporters.
Cllr Sarah Ferriby, Portfolio Holder for Healthy People and Places, said: “This is fantastic news for all those who work so hard to make Cliffe Castle Park one of the gems of our district. Over the years it has become an active part of the Keighley community, as well as attracting visitors from further afield. Congratulations to everyone involved in achieving these two accolades.”
Cliffe Castle’s achievement serves as a shining example of the commitment to conservation and community engagement, setting the bar high for other parks and heritage sites across the district.
