Make a date with nature this spring

31 March 2010

The clocks have gone forward; spring has arrived! And there’s never been a better time to visit your local park or green space.

At this time of year there’s lots to see on a visit to any park or green space – spring bulbs will be in full bloom and a variety of birds will be busy nest building.

If you fancy making a date with nature lots of parks around the country have spring themed events taking place from this weekend.  Learn about the heritage and diversity of spring flowers at Coombe Country Park, West Midlands on 3rd April, or join in Yeovil Country Park’s Spring Watch on 7th April.

These are just a small selection of events taking place up and down the country at Green Flag awarded parks.  For details on events taking place near you visit www.greenflagaward.org

The Green Flag Award, which was set up in 1996, is the national standard for parks in this country. The Award recognises well managed, high quality green spaces and for any park wishing to join the scheme they must demonstrate they meet a list of eight criteria.

Any green space is eligible to win an award provided they are free of charge to enter. At present there are over 1000 parks flying the Green Flag, however this is set to increase very soon.

For 2010/11 Green Flag Award have received a record number of applications.  More than 1300 parks and green spaces have applied for an Award, up 15% on last year.  Judges will be visiting all our applicants over the next couple of months and winners will be announced on 28th July.

So what are you waiting for?  Now that spring is in the air, visit your nearest Green Flag park or green space and make a date with nature.