Award-winning parks and green spaces

At Keep Britain Tidy our mission is to create cleaner, greener and more welcoming places for everyone. We believe that protecting our parks is a powerful way to do that. By championing these vital places, we're not just improving the local environment—we're helping to build places we can all be proud to live in.

That's where the Green Flag Award comes in. 

Green Flag Award for parks and green spaces 

The Green Flag Award is a sign of a great park. It celebrates the amazing work of the park teams and volunteers who keep our green spaces clean, safe, and beautiful for everyone to enjoy. 

When you see the Green Flag flying, you can be confident you're in a welcoming park that's cared for to the highest standards. It's our way of helping to protect these wonderful places for you and your family, today and for future generations. 

What makes a park a Green Flag Award park? 

When you see a Green Flag flying, you know you’re in a special place. But how do parks earn this great honour? It’s all about creating an amazing experience for the people who visit! 

Judges look at eight key areas to make sure the park is: 

• A place for everyone: It's designed to be welcoming and accessible to all.
• Safe and clean: You can feel safe and relaxed, knowing the park is well-maintained and clean.
• Environmentally friendly: The team takes great care of the environment, using sustainable practices.
• A haven for wildlife: They work hard to protect the local wildlife and preserve the park’s natural beauty and history.
• Part of the community: It’s a place that brings people together and listens to the local community.
• Managed with care: The park is run by a dedicated team with a clear plan to keep it a wonderful place for years to come. 

Green Flag Community Award: For volunteer-run spaces 

The Green Flag family also includes a specific recognition for volunteer-run sites: the Green Flag Community Award.

If you are part of a 'Friends of' group or manage a garden or green space primarily through community effort, this is the award you can apply for. It recognises the dedication of volunteers in achieving and maintaining the highest standards across all core criteria. 

Find out more

Discover the history in your local park 

Did you know that many of our parks also have a rich history? The Green Heritage Site Accreditation, a special distinction  supported by Historic England, celebrates parks that are fantastic green spaces and are also dedicated to preserving their unique history. 

When a park has this special accreditation, it's a sign that you're not just visiting a place to relax and play—you're stepping into a living piece of history. You'll find the park's story brought to life through things like historic trails, engaging signs, and special events. It’s a wonderful way to connect with the past while enjoying a beautifully managed Green Flag Award-winning park.

Enjoy your park 

Our parks and green spaces are a huge part of our communities—and you can be part of making them even better. Whether you're a casual visitor or a hands-on enthusiast, there’s a way for you to help. 

Ready to get started? Here’s how: 

• Just enjoy it! The simplest way to support your local parks is to use them! Take a stroll, have a picnic, or play a game. Check your local council’s and the Green Flag Award website to find new parks to explore and see what exciting events are happening near you.
• Join the team Feel like getting your hands dirty? Join a local 'Friends of' volunteer group! These friendly groups of residents get together to help with gardening, litter picking, and even planning community events. It’s a great way to meet new people and have a direct impact on your local green space. You can often find them on social media or your council’s website.
• Share the love Every summer, we celebrate our amazing parks during Love Parks Week. Get involved by attending a local event or simply sharing a photo of your favourite park on social media using the hashtag #LoveParks with a short note about why you love it!
• Become a judge! Do you have professional experience in parks management or related disciplines such as community engagement? You could help us to support more parks to reach the Green Flag Award standard! We’re always looking for new volunteer judges to help us assess and reward well-managed parks. It’s a rewarding way to give back and see the incredible work being done all over the UK and around the world. Check out the Green Flag Award website for more information.