In 2022 the nature reserve was Mystery Shopped, meaning that the ‘friends’ group did not know when the judging would take place. This is always a more difficult scenario and sadly this year the inspection did not start well.
A few days prior to the judges visit in October, a stolen vehicle was left in the Car Park on Bensley Close and set on fire. Unfortunately, we could do nothing other than report it to the relevant authorities. (Shortly after the inspection the vehicle was removed and the Car Park tidied up).
Fortunately, this did not stop us being awarded a sixth Green Flag. After the bad start to the inspection the judge found many positives, commenting on the range of woodland, wildflower and grass meadows and the Community Orchard, which had been extended in the early part of the year.
The presentation of awards was held at the National Memorial Arboretum and members of the friends group were proud to attend on behalf of everyone who helps maintain the reserve.
