Our Green Flag Awarded Parks & Memorial Grounds
In Rossendale we have proudly been awarded Green Flag Status to three of our parks and open spaces.
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| 1. Whitworth Memorial Gardens |
| 2. Stubbylee and Moorlands Park |
| 3. Library Gardens |
Whitworth Memorial Gardens
"Whitworth Memorial Gardens is a popular memorial garden close to the centre of Town. Its main draw is the Cenotaph and Remembrance Day commemorations which occur each year.
The gardens include a symmetrical matrix of well maintained footpaths bordered by quaintly painted pin kerb edges and sturdy benches. These are interspersed with manicured lawns and a number of large well stocked beds, the largest of these wrapping attractively around the obelisk and performance space. The site is home to the Rochdale 41st Scout group and Whitworth in Bloom group and lies adjacent to the Ashcroft Centre and it's many attractions. This makes the site a vibrant space that caters for local residents and visitors alike."
Whitworth Memorial Gardens - Green Flag Award
Stubbylee and Moorlands Park
"Stubbylee and Moorlands park is a picturesque, invigorating green space located close to Bacup Town Centre in the heart of the beautiful Rossendale Valley and South Pennine Moors. Both the park and area is steeped in Victorian heritage. The park boasts the Grade 2 listed Stubbylee Hall, Memorial fountain, and fully restored gateway, whereas Bacup is regarded as one of England’s best preserved Mill Towns.
The Park offers a wide variety of facilities, from wild woodland areas to thriving, themed gardens, plus play areas, sports pitches, and a fully signposted 1 mile walking loop. Must see corners include the recently opened pump track, stables café, and the charming dell with its unique hamlet of fairy houses.
The park is easy to access with ample free parking, toilet facilities, and most areas reachable by wheelchair. The best way to arrive however, is the Valley of Stone cycleway which was a £2m project which alights at both the park and the adrenaline pumping, mountain biking hotspot, Lee Quarry.
The parks greatest asset is its warm welcome and enriching atmosphere. Many organised groups call the park home, from Bacup Pride, Park friends, the bowling club, and Citizens Advice Bureau, to the wonderful Community Greenhouse Project. Furthermore, the park has an ambitious Masterplan in place. It was produced in partnership with the local community and reflects their aspirations for this constantly improving, vibrant, community space.
Whether you’re visiting from near or far, want to relax, play, create or socialise, Stubbylee and Moorlands park has something to offer everyone."
Stubbylee and Moorlands Park - Green Flag Award
Library Gardens
"The Library Gardens is an impeccably formed, popular pocket park and memorial garden which is sandwiched fortuitously between the grand Carnegie Library building and attractive St. Mary's Anglican Church. Together they are located in the heart of Rawtenstall which was named in the Sunday Times best places to live in 2023. The gardens are easily accessible by car or public transport and is a short walk from either the East Lancashire Heritage Railway station, the bus terminus, and charming Town Centre shopping area on Bank Street. The whole area is steeped in rich industrial history and set amongst beautiful South-East Pennine moorland.
The Library Gardens contain a number of striking features from the grade 2* listed Shap granite cenotaph, manicured lawns to the numerous quality benches and pretty tree lined access along Church Pad. The gardens are a mixture or formal beds and informal shrubbery, all of which are expertly managed to create year round colour, interest and ecological benefits. In all, the space provides the perfect opportunity for all members of the public to take a short stroll, sit, meet friends and admire the charming character of the gardens and the wider Rawtenstall area.
For many years the gardens have hosted Remembrance Day commemorations, informal music-filled tea parties, acted as a pleasant overspill space from Church occasions and also a gallery to view passing processions and carnivals. Today the space receives special attention from members of Rossendale Civic Pride who expertly supplement the works of the Council's Green Spaces Team and provide a host of volunteering opportunities in the Town."
Library Gardens - Green Flag Award