Old Bakehouse Millennium Green Keeps Its Green Flag for a 24th Year

Tucked away just off the bustle of Newgate Street, the Old Bakehouse Millennium Green is one of Morpeth's quieter pleasures — and it has once again been judged among the best community green spaces in the country. The volunteer-run garden has retained its Green Flag Community Award for a 24th year.

Created from a patch of wasteland by local residents in the year 2000, the Green has grown into a genuine town-centre haven — a wildlife garden and "secret garden" that offers colour and interest through the seasons and a calm retreat for both people and wildlife, only a few steps from the shops. The Green Flag Community Award recognises exactly this kind of space: high-quality parks and gardens looked after by volunteers rather than a council grounds team.

The award reflects the ongoing work of the trustees and the Friends of the Green, who between them keep the planting, paths and welcoming feel of the site up to the national standard year after year. Judging looks at appearance, safety, and how well the space serves its community.

There is a good chance to see the Green at its best very soon. This Saturday, 25 July from 2pm, the garden hosts a free Music in the Green afternoon, with the Sing Morpeth Choir performing alongside Kim Bibby-Wilson and the Storytellers Street Band. It is the kind of small, warm-hearted event the space was made for.

You can read more about the award in the Northumberland Gazette.

Best for:

Music in the Green: Free entry, Saturday 25 July from 2pm at the Old Bakehouse Millennium Green, off Newgate Street. Featuring the Sing Morpeth Choir, Kim Bibby-Wilson and the Storytellers Street Band.

Twenty-four years of Green Flags is a remarkable run for a garden built and maintained entirely by local hands. If you have never wandered in off Newgate Street, Saturday afternoon is the perfect excuse.

---

Have a story? Get in touch.