Liverpool ONE's Chavasse Park named among UK's top green spaces for 13 years running

LIVERPOOL ONE's Chavasse Park has once again been recognised as 1 of the UK's best green spaces. For the 13 consecutive year, the retail and entertainment destination has secured the prestigious Green Flag Award. Liverpool ONE has also maintained Green Heritage Site status for 2 years in a row, which is the maximum recognition within the Green Flag programme and highlights its commitment to exceptional park management and enhanced visitor experience keeping heritage and green spaces at heart.

The Green Heritage Site Accreditation; backed by Historic England and run by Keep Britain Tidy; recognises not only Chavasse Park's pristine upkeep, but its commitment to keeping heritage elements at the forefront, not:- "boxed off or hidden" behind barriers or plaques.

The accolade makes Liverpool ONE the only retail and entertainment destination in the country to achieve both Green Flag and Green Heritage Site status; a double win for Liverpool's City centre.

Across Liverpool only another location has been recognised as part of the Green Flag programme, with Sefton Park retaining its Green Flag status.

Judges praised Liverpool ONE for its:- "innovative and inclusive" approach to heritage and green space, highlighting several standout features:

Nature and Heritage Trails that guide visitors through the site's park and rich maritime history with free to enjoy self-guided tours for the whole family

Meticulously maintained gardens and trees, putting the spotlight on the biodiversity present at the park and offering a relaxing space at the heart of the City

Striking water features, to highlight the rich maritime heritage, especially with the Liver Pools near the Liverpool sign

Preservation of the Old Dock, thanks to the collaboration with National Museums Liverpool to bring a living historic landmark to life

Donna Howitt, Place Strategy Director at Liverpool ONE, said:- "We're honoured to have received the Green Flag Award for the 13 consecutive year and be recognised with the Green Heritage Site accreditation for a second year running. These recognitions mean the world to us; it's not just about having beautiful green spaces, but about creating somewhere that genuinely enriches people's lives and allows everyone to enjoy our green spaces. The fact that we're the only retail and entertainment destination in the UK to achieve both Green Flag and Green Heritage Site status shows our unwavering commitment to excellence in everything we do."

Research from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation highlights the serious impact of air pollution, which affects millions of lives each year. With nearly 68% of the global population expected to live in cities by 2050, the need for healthier, greener urban spaces has never been clearer. The Green Wall by one of the entrances of Chavasse Park improves air quality and contributes to absorb over 100kg of carbon dioxide every year.

Published in Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, recent studies highlight how urban green spaces; like Chavasse Park and the wider landscaped areas across Liverpool ONE; can play a vital role in improving mental and physical wellbeing, offering places to exercise, socialise, and recharge.

This summer, Chavasse Park will take centre stage as part of the packed summer calendar at Liverpool ONE.

The schedule includes:- free sport sessions that welcome participants of all ages, plus the return of ChessFest which last year drew over 1,000 participants in a single day. A series of guided nature trail tours that introduce visitors to the park's biodiversity and heritage will also take place, helping to strengthen the connection between:- the community and these vital green spaces.

Donna Howitt, Place Strategy Director at Liverpool ONE, added:- "These awards aren't just about recognition; they highlight how integral our green spaces are to creating a vibrant experience and bringing communities together. We're particularly excited about our packed summer programme, which will truly bring these unique environments to life, offering fantastic opportunities for visitors to try new sports, talent to shine, and everyone to simply enjoy the outdoors at Liverpool ONE. We're proud to continue to prove that thriving urban centres can still make room for nature and make it flourish. It's quite rare to find this level of integration between:- retail, heritage and green spaces, and our summer activities are designed to help people of all ages make the most of this unique environment."

A breath of fresh air:- Edge Hill University's guided walk, connects community with nature

EDGE Hill's Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine brought together staff, students and local community groups for a nature walk around the University's Ormskirk campus.

The walk, attended by Edge Hill honorary doctor and former professional footballer Chris Kirkland, was an opportunity for people to connect with nature, boost their wellbeing and come together as a community. It built on the success of a previous event in October 2024, and another is planned for the Autumn.

Drawing on Dr. Michelle Howarth's research, the event championed nature-based, person centered approaches to health and wellbeing. Her research:- "Time for a Natural Health Service," investigates how nature can enhance wellbeing and mental health when integrated with traditional medical care.

Dr Michelle Howarth, Professor in Health and Social Care and host of the event, said:- "The weather was perfect, and the campus provided a beautiful backdrop that encouraged everyone to connect with nature and each other. In a world often full of stress, where nature is sometimes overlooked, this walk was a refreshing reminder of the importance of taking time to appreciate our surroundings. The walk culminated in a mindfulness session led by Lauren from Wild Warriors, Wellness CIC who provide a range of holistic practises, wellness programmes and wellbeing training workshops. It was a fantastic way to end such a lovely day. It allowed everyone to relax and reflect, making the experience even more meaningful."

The event, attended by over 90 people and started at The Sports Centre, was opened by Edge Hill's new Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Young. He was joined Chris Kirkland, a big advocate for mental health. Chris now promotes wellbeing walks and community activities following his own experience with a long-term addiction to painkillers, struggles with his mental health and nearly taking his own life.

One of the walkers, Emma Taylor, Social Prescribing Team Lead for the Ormskirk Region, working through West Lancashire, plays a key role in ensuring that proactive care is fully integrated into all local practices, empowering patients to take control of their own health and well-being.

During the walk she said:- "I really see the value in green social prescribing, walking and getting out there and talking, the health benefits are huge. We've got a lot of people that have become isolated, some people need a push or a commitment to make them leave the house and do something, but when they've done it, everybody reports that they feel better, so I am always looking for new groups that I can signpost people to. I wanted to come along today to support the event and connect with other people. For myself it's an important part for my own mental health, going for a walk, going for a run, getting outside, even if it's a quick walk around the block on my lunch break, it's important."

Mike Bird, Managing Director of Wirral Forest Wellbeing CIC, a community interest company that provides free community led walks, believes that:- "social prescribing is all about making connections; connecting to one another and connecting to nature. People these days seem to think that connecting through social media is the same as talking face to face and it's not. Doing something like this, in person, outside, is so much more beneficial. The University team are doing an exceptional job with these Dose of Nature walks."

Michelle shared a big thank you to the collaborative team behind the walk:- Dr Victoria Foster, Dr Nicola Relph, Lynsey Roocroft. Yasmin Armstrong, Andy Rimmer, Faye Walters, Dr Millie Grindley Bell, Dr Eve Allen, Shania Hudson and Corryn Brown, and members of the community who came along on the day.

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