A record number of parks and green spaces have been given the Green Flag Award this year, partly due to the scheme’s expansion into new territory.
The Keep Britain Charity has presented Green Flag Awards to a total of 1,582 parks, cemeteries, universities, shopping centres and community gardens in the UK this year. Plus Green Flags are on their way to three parks in Abu Dhabi.
Green Flag has been piloted by the National Trust for Ireland An Taisce this year and the scheme is being extended to The Netherlands, Australia and New Zealand.
According to Keep Britain Tidy, the Green Flag Awards are judged by an army of more than 700 green space experts. Sites are assessed against eight criteria, including horticultural standards, cleanliness, sustainability and community involvement.
International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: 'We are delighted to be celebrating another record breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme. All the flags flying this year are a testament to the efforts of the thousands of men and women, both staff and volunteers, who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.'
Photo: Burchan Country Park
