The Leader of Nottingham City Council says she is ‘delighted’ to hear of its success with Green Flag accreditation – and especially the Green Heart’s inclusion.
It was announced on Tuesday (14) that the council had secured ten Green Flag awards and five Green Heritage site accreditations, marking a significant milestone in the city’s journey back to being one of the UK’s leading local authorities for high-quality parks and green spaces.
The awards, run by Keep Britain Tidy, recognise the very best-managed parks and green spaces across the country and are an international benchmark for quality, safety, sustainability and community value.
The Green Heart opened in September 2024 as part of the wider Broad Marsh regeneration and has since been shortlisted for, and won, national awards.
Judges said: “A most impressive green space to visit and one that embraces the key factors that Green Flag stands for.
“The garden will continue to evolve and, with the aid of a dedicated and enthusiastic contract team and passionate officers from the city council, has the potential to be used as a template of good practice not only within Nottingham but wider afield.
“Thank you for a rewarding judging experience. The garden is a most impressive addition to your Green Flag portfolio.”
The Green Heart boasts 38 trees, 34 of them planted ahead of its opening, plus areas of colourful planting, a marsh pond area, two rain garden areas and several footpaths and places to sit.
A diverse range of trees were introduced from different species to make sure that as many as possible can cope with and survive potential disease or extreme weather.
It contains three distinct planting areas, a superbloom with a variety of colourful and striking plants providing nectar to insects and wildlife year-round, a flowering meadow, and a marsh and rain garden areas featuring wetland planting. These areas are complemented by lawned spaces.
Councillor Neghat Khan, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “I’m delighted that we’ve picked up these Green Flag accreditations, which show how well maintained and popular our parks and open spaces are.
“I’m especially pleased that the Green Heart has been recognised so soon after its opening. It’s a special place that we’ve created in our city centre – a little oasis of calm where once stood three lanes of heavy traffic.
“It was bold and innovative to decide to transform the space in this way and I’m so pleased that the Green Flag judges already feel that it meets the requirements they’re looking for. As the wider Broad Marsh site develops over the coming years, I’m certain the Green Heart will continue to be a striking centre piece for people to enjoy.”
The full list of Green Flag awards for Nottingham this year is:
- Arboretum
- Bilborough Park
- Forest Recreation Ground
- Highfields Park
- King Edward Park
- Sandy Banks Nature Reserve
- The Green Heart
- Victoria Embankment
- Wollaton Hall and Deer Park
- Woodthorpe Grange Park
The achievement reflects the commitment of park staff, gardeners, rangers, operational teams, volunteers, Friends Groups and community organisations who have worked tirelessly to improve and maintain the city’s green spaces for residents and visitors.