Birmingham has 591 parks and open spaces,[1] totalling over 3,500 hectares (14 sq mi),[2] more than any other equivalent sized European city.[3] The centrepieces of Birmingham's park system are the five Premier Parks. Fifteen parks have received the prestigious Green Flag Award.[4] The city also has five local nature reserves, one national nature reserve and a number of Wildlife Trust nature reserves.
One of Birmingham's most popular parks is Cannon Hill Park which covers 250 acres (101 ha) consisting of formal, conservation, woodland and sports areas. Recreational activities at the park include boating, fishing, bowls, tennis, putting and picnic areas. The largest of the parks is Sutton Park covering 2,400 acres (971 ha) making it the largest urban nature reserve in Europe.[5] Birmingham Botanical Gardens are a Victorian creation, with a conservatory and bandstand, close to the city centre. The Winterbourne Botanic Garden, maintained by the University of Birmingham, is also located close to the city centre.
- ^ "Birmingham bids to become a Tree City of the World | Birmingham City Council". www.birmingham.gov.uk. Retrieved 1 June 2021.
- ^ Steven, Morris (4 April 2014). "Birmingham joins San Francisco and Oslo in global green cities club". The Guardian. Guardian News and Media. Retrieved 4 April 2014.
- ^ "Quick and Quirky Facts: 2". Birmingham City Council. Retrieved 2 September 2011.
- ^ "Green Flag Award". Birmingham City Council. Retrieved 7 October 2013.
- ^ "Introduction to Sutton Park". Birmingham City Council. Archived from the original on 9 June 2008. Retrieved 7 June 2008.