Green Flag Parks Scheme

It was quickly recognised by the Parks and Amenities Working Group, within “The Farnborough Society”, that we needed to look into the declining quality of our parks and lack of focus upon rural green spaces. This is undoubtedly a cause for concern, for the local community within the Farnborough Municipal Wards.  Therefore, it was felt, that we needed to address this situation.  After some investigation, it was found that the “The Green Flag Award” which is a recognised national standard, would be the vehicle to achieve this goal.

The Green Flag Award

The Green Flag Award is the national standard for parks and green spaces in England and Wales.  The award scheme began in 1996 as a means of recognising and rewarding the best green spaces in the country.  It is now recognised as a benchmark of excellence in recreational green areas.

Winning a Green Flag Awards brings excellent publicity.  Both the media and the public are becoming increasingly aware that a site flying a Green Flag is a high quality green space. It is realised that all green spaces are different and this diversity is welcomed.  Each site is judged on its own merits and suitability to the community it serves.

While the standards for the Green Flag Award are high, each application is considered on its own merits.  Every park green space has its own unique character and this is reflected in the assessment process.

Key Criteria

The following is an outline of the Key Criteria against which every park or green space for which an application is made, will be judged:

• A Welcoming Place
• Healthy, Safe and Secure
• Clean and well Maintained
• Sustainability
• Conservation and Heritage
• Community Involvement
• Marketing
• Management

Benefits

There are huge benefits from the scheme:

• Management of award winners may use the Green Flag Award logo on stationary, promotional literature.
• A Green Flag Award visibly demonstrates to the local community and local councillors a clear improvement to that park or green space.
• Regeneration of a park or green space benefits whole communities and raises the profile of a particular area.
• The Local Community, Councils and Supporters from the Business Community, get noticed and are praised by the government as examples of good practice.
• Improvements to community facilities and the engagement of local people will improve health & education, reduce crime and be a visible benefit to an area.

For further information please contact David Jennings