Green Flag Community Award

A Welcoming Place

First impressions are all too important and the site should look inviting. Issues that must be considered are: good and safe access, welcome, signage and equal access for all. The site should be freely accessible to the public. However, we are fully aware that sites may well have to be locked at night for security reasons or that access to the site may be restricted to regular, advertised open days, with a designated member being the key holder.

Healthy, Safe and Secure

It is of paramount importance that the site is safe. Issues such as personal security, safe equipment and facilities, appropriate level of facilities and control of dogs, and dog fouling must be considered. Sites should encourage people to live healthy lifestyles through the facilities, activities and events provided.

Well Maintained and Clean

There should be an appropriate standard of maintenance throughout the site and effective management skills to combat issues including: litter, fouling and waste management, as well as graffiti and vandalism.

Environmental Management

Judges will examine environmental issues such as peat and pesticide use, sustainable material use, waste and its minimisation.

Biodiversity, Landscape and Heritage

Each green space is unique and has its own character. The judges will be looking at how the natural and historic features are identified on site, and what measures have been taken to enhance them where appropriate.

Community Involvement

This is a key criterion for the Green Flag Community Award as it looks to how well the site relates to and encompasses the local and wider community.

Management/Achievements

Here judges will be looking at what you have achieved, not only in terms of managing the green space, but also what funding and resources you have secured and how you have used them. How creative and innovative you have been with projects on your site will also be of interest.