Harrison Park, 2007/08 awardee
The Green Flag Award scheme has expanded into Northern Ireland. The move follows on from a successful pilot scheme in Scotland last year.
Three green space sites in Northern Ireland will be entered for a prestigious Green Flag Award, marking a step forward into raising the standard of parks and green spaces across the UK.
Paul Todd, applications manager for The Civic Trust, said: “Northern Ireland is the next crucial step in our expansion plans for the scheme. I am delighted to say we have already been received with a great deal of enthusiasm from those keen to take the scheme out there.
“A Green Flag Award has become the hallmark of a quality green space and the scheme has attracted a great deal of international interest, from Holland to Australia, as it continues to grow.
"Our plans to roll the scheme out across Northern Ireland and Scotland are a natural next step once funding has been secured."
Last year, three sites in Scotland were successful in gaining a Green Flag Award – Barnhill Rock Garden, managed by Dundee City Council, Braidburn Valley Park and Harrison Park, managed by The City of Edinburgh Council. The pilot scheme will be increased in Scotland this year to incorporate six sites.
A total of 554 Green Flags were awarded for 2007/08, an increase of 30% compared to the previous year. A total of 31 sites achieved Green Heritage Site Accreditation and 77 community run sites gained a Green Pennant Award.
Entries for the 2008/09 scheme are now being invited.
