Two Stockport parks are among the first in the country to be recognised as Accredited Country Parks by Natural England. Mersey Vale Nature Park and Reddish Vale Country Park are among the first four parks across the country to be given this accreditation from Natural England.

In order to achieve accreditation, parks must meet a range of strict criteria for essential services and facilities, high quality signage and disabled access. Parks must be at least ten hectares in size, free to enter and have a daily staff presence in order to put themselves forward.