The Green Flag Award scheme began in 1996 as a means of recognising and rewarding the best green spaces in the country. It was also seen as a way of encouraging others to achieve the same high environmental standards, creating a benchmark of excellence in parks and green spaces. A Green Flag Award is an excellent way to generate interest and raise the profile of local parks or green spaces.

The Green Flag Award scheme is managed by the Civic Trust for the Department of Communities and Local Government, and English Heritage is a sponsor of the award and a member of the steering group.

The Green Flag Award is part of the Government’s target to improve the quality of public spaces. The Green Flag Award target is for 60% of local authority areas nationally, and 60% of local authority areas in receipt of Neighbourhood Renewal Funding to have achieved at least one Green Flag Award by 2008. 

Each site is judged on its own merits and suitability to the community it serves. Awards are given on an annual basis and winners must apply each year to renew their Green Flag status.  All sites receive a personal visit from highly experienced and respected judges to assess suitability for an award. Judging is conducted on a points system and any entry that reaches the benchmark standard is eligible to fly a prestigious Green Flag.

The criteria for the Green Flag Awards include conservation and heritage. Full details are available on the Green Flag Award website.