Its status was even confirmed in 2017 when Sheffield was named the UK’s sixth greenest city by mapping company Esri UK – the study found that more than 22 per cent of the local landscape was made up of greenery.
Fifteen of Sheffield’s parks have been deemed to be so well-managed that they have been given Green Flag Awards for 2020/21, some for the fifteenth year running.
The scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, is designed to set a benchmark for the UK and the rest of the world.
To win one of the annual awards, parks must meet the highest environmental standards, have exceptional facilities and be excellently maintained.
These are the sites with Green Flag Awards in Sheffield – and they’re all free to visit.
9. Weston Park
Weston Park - home to Weston Park Museum, a distinctive bandstand and one of the country's oldest weather stations - was developed from the grounds of Weston Hall, which was owned by sawmaker Thomas Harrison. The grounds were acquired by Sheffield Council and the gates opened to the public in 1875. Photo: Marie Caley
10. Tinsley Green
Tinsley Green, or Tinsley Recreation Ground, is a valuable area of open space for the community in the north-east Sheffield suburb. Photo: Google
11. Manor Fields Park
Manor Fields Park is owned by Sheffield Council and maintained by the social enterprise Green Estate. Rich in flowers and wildlife, it has two playgrounds, 'Parkletics' equipment and hosts a weekly Parkrun. Photo: JPIMedia
12. Firth Park
Firth Park was Sheffield's first publicly-owned park, donated by steel boss and former Lord Mayor Mark Firth in 1875. It has sports facilities and a walled garden. Photo: JPIMedia