Green Flag Award for parks and green spaces

At Keep Britain Tidy, we know that great parks and green spaces don't happen by accident. They are a result of dedicated management and a commitment to quality. As the official operator of the Green Flag Award on behalf of the UK government, we provide the international quality benchmark for well-managed parks and green spaces.

Close-up of a Green Flag Award flag flying from flag pole in a Green Flag Award-winning park

The Green Flag Award is a sign that your site meets strict criteria for environmental and operational management, ensuring it is a welcoming, clean, and safe environment for all visitors. This prestigious recognition is achievable for a wide range of public green spaces—large and small—from community gardens and cemeteries to city parks and nature reserves. We work with many organisations worldwide to deliver the programme globally. 

Why you should apply 

Earning a Green Flag Award brings a wealth of benefits to your site and organisation:

  • A mark of quality: Gain international recognition and prove that your site is managed to the highest standard.
  • Increased visitor numbers: A Green Flag is a powerful marketing tool that assures the public they are visiting a high-quality green space.
  • Staff recognition: Motivate and reward your team by celebrating their hard work and dedication.
  • Professional development: The judging process and feedback report provide a framework for setting and achieving goals for continuous improvement. 
Graphic illustration of helping hands grasping
95%
found the support and advice of the team helpful
Graphic illustration of a stack of coins
94%
agree the programme offers good value for money
Graphic illustration of an application form on a clipboard
98%
found the online application easy

How you will be evaluated 

The awards are judged on a set of rigorous criteria to ensure every winning site meets the same high standard. The process is straightforward: 

  1. Application: You submit a detailed management plan and an application form.
  2. Assessment: Your site is then assessed by our industry professional volunteer judges provide valuable, impartial feedback to recognise achievements and help with future improvements. 

The Green Flag Award criteria 

Sites are judged on eight key pillars: 

  • A welcoming place
  • Healthy, safe, and secure
  • Well maintained and clean
  • Environmental management
  • Biodiversity, landscape, and heritage
  • Community involvement
  • Marketing and communication
  • Management 

Ready to apply? 

If you're ready to showcase your commitment to quality, here's everything you need to know about the application process. 

  • Who can apply: The awards are open to any free to enter, publicly accessible green space, including parks, nature reserves, cemeteries, and more.
  • How to apply: The application period opens each autumn. Simply apply online through the Green Flag Award website by submitting a detailed application form and your site's management plan.
  • The timeline: The judging process takes place throughout the spring and early summer, and the winners are announced in July.
  • Costs: Application fees vary based on the size of your site. 

Check out the Green Flag Award website for more information.

Green Flag Award website

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People enjoying their local park

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Wooden posts with the words community garden surrounded by flowers

Green Flag Community Award

The Green Flag Community Award celebrates the efforts of dedicated volunteer groups, such as 'Friends of' groups, who work tirelessly to manage and enhance their local green spaces.