Earlier this month, dozens of our sites across the UK were awarded Green Flag status, recognising excellence and good practice in the management and development of parks and open spaces internationally. Green Flags represent more than just a benchmark; they are a means of managing the green spaces that our communities cherish for their positive impact on our well-being and nature. Additionally, they highlight the vital contributions of dedicated volunteers and friends’ groups.
As July draws to an end, we celebrate Love Parks week which runs from 26 July to 4 August. The keep Britain Tidy’s annual campaign highlights the vital role green spaces play in boosting the health and wellbeing of residents and communities. Keep Britain Tidy work on vital initiatives, and has worked as part of the Safer Parks Consortium to ensure everyone has the right to enjoy our parks and green spaces, feeling safe and confident to relax, socialise or exercise. ‘research has revealed that 3.5 million women in the UK - around 13% - are put off using parks over fears about safety ‘. It is encouraging local authorities and landowners to take on board the recommendations from a recent report to improve access and security.
Here's how you can celebrate:
- Volunteer - Participate in park clean-up events to help preserve their beauty
- Join Keep Britain Tidy
- Visit your local park and explore hidden gems
We are fortunate to play a part in refurbishing parks to ensure that our parks and green spaces are designed to provide significant health, climate change and environmental benefits well into the future. We reflect on recent and ongoing schemes including Oxhey Activity Park, Watford, South Cliff Gardens, Scarborough & Queens Gardens, Hull.
Over the last few years, pocket parks/ gardens are beginning to play a vital role in our towns and cities, providing instant access to greenspaces, spaces for people to relax, whilst adding more greenery within urban areas and neighbourhoods. We are working on a number of these exciting projects but have also recently visited other sites for inspiration. They include Moor Lane Community Garden, London; & Fenham Pocket Park, Newcastle
South Cliff photograph (first photo below) ©Historic England
Oxhey Activity Park photograph (second below on the left) ©LOGIC
