Clapham Common, Lambeth’s biggest and most popular green open space, has retained its Green Flag for the sixth year running having first been awarded the prize in 2018.
The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the UK and around the world.
Since 2018, Lambeth Council and the Clapham Common Management Advisory Committee (CCMAC) has worked in partnership to implement works on the Common to retain its Green Flag by addressing the climate and ecological emergencies; improving mental and physical wellbeing; and encouraging people to socialise, enhancing community spirit and social cohesion.
These measures include –
- Creation of a registered local nature reserve
- Renovation of the historic Bandstand
- Refurbishment of the children’s playground by Windmill Drive
- Installation of perimeter bollards along Windmill Drive
- Refurbishment of the basketball courts
- Closure of a section of Windmill Drive
- Reconditioning of the “events” site
- Installation of a new composting facility
- Installation of 30 new bins
- The repair and cleaning of 70+ big bins
- Noticeably improved litter collection
- Addition of 37 new light columns
- Creation of wildflower meadows
- Planting of new trees and shrubs by the Friends
- Installation of 50 new bird and box boxes
- Removal of obsolete and out-of-date signs
- Opening of two new cafes – Megans and Pear Tree Cafe
- Installation of CCTV cameras
- Introduction of biodiversity-friendly grass cutting regime
- Creation of a new waterplay
- Introduction of the summer concerts on the Bandstand
- The start of a programme to restore paths
Simon Millson, Chair of CCMAC, said: “With more plans in the pipeline to improve both the biodiversity and infrastructure of the Common, we aim to retain the award for years to come. We should all congratulate and thank the Lambeth Council staff and many local volunteers who have worked together to make this happen.”
Clapham Common joins 22 other open green spaces in the Borough of Lambeth which now hold this coveted award. A full list of the UK’s Green Flag Award-winning parks and green spaces is here.
This international award, now into its third decade, is judged annually by experienced independent judges. Flying the Green Flag is a sign to the public that a site boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is safe, welcoming, accessible to all, well maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.
Clapham Common Management Advisory Committee works with Lambeth Council to manage Clapham Common. It is made up of three Lambeth Councillors (from Clapham Town and Clapham Common & Abbeville wards), two Lambeth Council officers, ten elected community representatives, and one representative each from the Friends of Clapham Common, Clapham Society and Bandstand Beds.