Putting Southampton Parks on the Map: city set to host Green Flag Awards
On Thursday 20 July, the Green Flag Awards, which set the benchmark for the management of recreational outdoor space across the United Kingdom and around the world, will take place in the heart of Southampton
The awards will host representatives of some of the over 800 applications for the prestigious award from across the South of England.
Launched in 1996 and managed by Keep Britain Tidy since 2009, the Green Flag is an international award which highlights the best green spaces to visit and enjoy. To date, more than 2,400 parks in over 16 countries have received a Green Flag Award.
In 2022, six of Southampton’s much-loved parks were presented with a Green Flag and this year, four more of our parks have been put forward for the award:
Parks that apply for a Green Flag Award are judged annually based on the following criteria:
- A Welcoming Place – one with good entrances, signage, and access for all
- Healthy, Safe and Secure – facilities, equipment, and activities
- Well Maintained and Clean site features – landscapes, buildings and other structures or equipment
- Environmental Management – parks should reduce their impact and respond to climate change
- Biodiversity, Landscape and Heritage – supports the conservation of habitats and historic features
- Community Involvement – recognises that it is the people that really bring a park to life
- Marketing and Communication – celebrates all the park has to offer – encouraging more people to visit and explore
- Management – working to an agreed plan is essential, whilst involving the local community
Councillor Eammon Keogh, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport said: ‘We are lucky to have so many wonderful parks in Southampton. Each provides a green oasis at the heart of our communities and across our city. The awarding of a Green Flag is a true testament to the hard work of the staff, volunteers, community groups and Friends Groups who look after our parks. Last year, six of our parks received the prestigious award and it is fantastic that four more are up for consideration this year. To everyone involved in the award applications, I wish you good luck’.
Paul Todd, Green Flag Award Manager said: ‘We are delighted to be holding our 2023 Award Winner’s Ceremony in the historic City of Southampton. We look forward to presenting the Awards to the organisations in the South of England, who have achieved the international accreditation, and celebrating the fantastic work of parks staff and volunteers who work so hard through the year to maintain the standards. Southampton has been the holder of several Green Flag Awards for many years and we wish them luck with their applications this year’.
