Volunteers who manage community greenspaces can now apply to the Green Flag Community Award.

Managed by Keep Scotland Beautiful, the award is the benchmark for parks and green spaces which are managed by volunteers. Wherever you see a Green Flag, you know you’re visiting an exceptional place with the highest standards.

It’s free to apply and all community green spaces can apply, as long as they’re freely accessible to all and unlocked as much as possible. Some of the benefits of applying are:

• You can fly the publicly recognised Green Flag pennant
• Your site will be advertised on the Keep Scotland Beautiful and UK Green Flag Award websites and will be included in press and publicity
• Many Green Flag sites report increased visitor numbers following a Green Flag Award
• Each park receives a feedback report and recommendations, featuring good practice and areas for improvement
• Awarded parks can benefit from external funding and grants that recognise the award as a standard, for example, the Heritage Lottery Fund

Awards are given on an annual basis and winners must apply each year to renew their Green Flag status. The application process opened on 1 November, and 28 February is the deadline for submitting your online application

Judging takes place during the spring and all Green Flag Award winners are announced in July.

If you would like more information on how to apply, please visit the Keep Scotland Beautiful website