Today, Bournville Village Green has been awarded the coveted Keep Britain Tidy Green Flag Award, a scheme that recognises and rewards the best green spaces in the country.
Bournville Village Green is among a record-breaking 1,476 parks and green spaces that will today receive a prestigious Green Flag Award.
The award, handed out by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, recognises and rewards the best parks and green spaces across the country. A Green Flag flying overhead is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent facilities.
The Village Green sits at the heart of the Bournville conservation area in Bournville Village and has changed very little over the years, largely thanks to the hard work and investment of Bournville Village Trust (BVT) and the Team at Bournville Village Landscapes (BVL).
BVT was established by George Cadbury in 1900, not as a single-handed attempt to solve all Birmingham’s social problems, but in the hope he could prove that good quality housing in a natural, green environment was a necessity for the greater good of society. He challenged the thinking of the day and sought to change current attitudes by practical example.
The Green Flag award is testament to George’s vision to create flourishing communities where people choose to live – a vision that lives on today. BVT has a worldwide reputation for high quality housing and estate management services which are integral to its mission to build sustainable communities.
From the beginning, the Bournville Estate provided houses and gardens for people of all kinds – with green open spaces, local shops and community centres always being a key feature. The Village Green itself is surrounded by many interesting buildings which makes it so important to the Bournville community; the centre piece being The Rest House, now a listed building which was paid for by Cadbury workers to celebrate George and Elizabeth Cadbury’s silver wedding anniversary on 19th June 1913. The Village Green is used extensively by visitors and the local community and hosts events such as the Birmingham Jazz Festival and the Christmas Eve Carol Service and is recognised by everyone as the “Jewel in the Crown” of Bournville.
Lloyd Gower BVL’s Landscapes Manager said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive a Green Flag Award for Bournville Village Green for the first time from Keep Britain Tidy.
This Award recognises and highlights that people in Bournville are benefitting from a green space of the very highest quality”.
Commenting on their success, Duncan Cadbury, Chairman of BVT said, “This award really does recognise and celebrate our Green. It forms such an important part of our community and I think it is right and fitting to be acknowledged in this way. We are committed to preserving the Green for future generations to come.”
Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “We are delighted to announce yet another record-breaking year for Green Flag Awards for parks and green spaces.
“A Green Flag Award provides national recognition for all the parks managers, staff and volunteers who, through their dedication and hard work, have helped to create these fantastic places for everyone to enjoy.
“Quality green spaces are a vital resource for communities and that is why it is so significant that we have given out more awards than ever before.”