Every
year judges from the Keep Britain Tidy scheme inspect thousands of Parks,
Nature Reserves and Green spaces to assess the work done to keep these special
places in good order and the Green Flag Award is a mark of the quality of
these areas. It is a sign to the public that the space has reached a high
environmental standard and is well maintained.
Each Flag is a celebration of the volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain
the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award judges. This scheme is
run by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry
of Housing, Communities and Local Government, it recognises and rewards well-managed
parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for their management
across the UK.
2020
When the application for 2020 was submitted, we could have had no idea what
a dreadful year lay ahead. The Coronavirus affected each and every person,
claiming the lives of thousands and limiting the way that everyone lived their
life. Freedoms we took for granted were taken away. As a result of the restrictions
many more people became aware of the nature reserve and the amount of local
residents using the area for their daily exercise increased enormously. Unfortunately,
the covid restrictions meant that the ‘Friends group’ had to stop
working on the reserve, it also meant that the inspection for the Green Flag
award was postponed several times. However, towards the end of the summer
we were pleased to be awarded our fourth ‘flag’, which was put
on display in the noticeboard at the entrance to the reserve. Like everyone
else we hope for better times next year.
2019
During 2019 the ‘friends group’ worked hard to ensure that the
points raised by the judge in 2018 were acted upon and the improvements suggested
incorporated into the monthly task sessions. Throughout the year we were helped
by a number of local residents who spent time collecting litter, around the
reserve. This is an important part of the work done on the reserve and is
vital to ensure success in gaining the Green Flag award. We are always extremely
grateful to anyone who helps in this way. This year when judging took place,
members of the friends group were able to attend and gain valuable feedback.
The judges’ comments were incredibly positive and a great boost to everyone
involved. The Annual award ceremony was held in Walsall and a representative
from the group attended to collect the ‘flag’ on behalf of everyone
involved in helping to improve this lovely green space and to ensure that
it remains a place for everyone to enjoy, not only now but for future generations
too.
2018
Unlike the previous year we would not know when the judge would attend as
the reserve was to be ‘blind shopped’, we could only hope that
the judge chose a nice sunny day to do his inspection, meaning that the reserve
would look at its best. Being ‘blind shopped’ brings several challenges.
Throughout the whole of the summer the ‘friends group’ had to
keep a close eye on general maintenance, litter picking and path maintenance,
just two tasks which needed constant attention. Judging took place in mid
August and shortly afterwards we were notified that we had been successful
for the second time. The judge had lots of very positive comments to make
and as always these were appreciated and incorporated into the annual work
schedule.
2017
2017 was the first time the ‘Friends’ group applied to be considered
for a Green Flag Award. The reserve was inspected in June, at a time when
the whole area was looking wonderful, with 100’s of orchids and wildflowers
covering the grassland areas. We all waited patiently for the results to be
released and were delighted to find that we had been successful at our first
attempt. Representatives of the ‘Friends group’ attended the presentation
at Pride Park Stadium, along with volunteers representing groups from the
whole of the East of England. It was so good to have all the hard work recognised,
it makes all those cold, wet days when we work on the reserve worthwhile.
One day we would love to be able to display the flag and would like to be
able to raise funding to erect a flagpole near to the entrance to the reserve.
A sign that our local reserve is valued and special.
