A record number of English and Welsh parks and public green spaces have attained the Green Flag scheme’s national standard for green spaces.
A grand total of 253 parks spread across both countries have won Green Flag status, meaning that they have been judged to be welcoming, safe, well-maintained and valued places for locals and visitors alike. All good news for the walking public, especially those in urban areas who will have improved facilities for urban walking away from busy roads.
The Green Flag scheme is the national standard for public green spaces; designed to recognise and reward good management and maintenance of parks and green spaces, with an emphasis on diversity and distinctiveness. The scheme aims to highlight the importance of individual green spaces and their value to the people who use them.
First awarded in 1997, a Green Flag award can be made to any publicly accessible green space I England and Wales that has attained the standard, and has been an important force for driving improvements to green spaces. Awards are given on an annual basis and winners must apply each year to maintain their Green Flag status.
Run by urban environment charity The Civic Trust, the Green Flag awards have been well received by both Local Authorities and the Government, with the latter putting the scheme at the heart of its liveability public service agreement.
Cllr David Sparks, chair of the Local Government Association’s environment board, said, “We recognise the value of accessible, safe and well-maintained green spaces and also their contribution to liveability.”
“ The environmental value of green space is self evident, but what is becoming more obvious are the tremendous ‘spin offs’ in other areas – ranging from increasing economic attractiveness to reducing strokes and heart attacks.”
For more information on the Green Flag scheme and a full list of the award winners for 2005, visit the Green Flag Scheme
