Green Flag Award 2020 secured for third year running

The network of green spaces implemented through Better Bankside’s Bankside Urban Forest programme have been recognised with a Green Flag Award for the third year running. The internationally recognised standard is applied to green spaces that are beautifully maintained, boast the highest possible environmental standards and provide excellent facilities.

Bankside Urban Forest is Better Bankside’s programme for transforming the public realm across the neighbourhood, implementing more and improved urban greening and channelling investment to support increased walking and cycling in streets and spaces. Bringing forward healthy streets for people living and working in Bankside, and delivering new open spaces for social interaction and access to nature is more important than ever.

The maintenance of these green spaces is achieved in collaboration with local volunteers; last year 51 businesses and nearly 200 voulunteers participated in our gardening programme. As well as the obvious mental health benefits of conecting people to nature, the programme provides additonal opportunities for learning new skills, spending lunchtimes away from the workplace and forming connections in the community.

Better Bankside remains the only Business Improvement District to have a Green Flag Award.