The award recognises high quality green spaces managed by volunteers and community groups and contains flowers, shrubs and vegetables while offering opportunities for wildlife. The Village in Clifton is one of only 11 communities in the Nottingham area to receive an award.

A small version of the flag has been hung in the main village hall to mark the Village Gardening Club's achievement.

Residents Sue Wilson and Sue Thompson organise the 30-strong group. They entered last year's East Midlands in Bloom and were told about the Green Flag Community Award, entries for which are facilitated by Nottingham City Council's Parks Department.

Sue Wilson explains that they have developed a clean open space at the back of the Village which includes a man-made pond. This has become home to a wide variety of animals and insects including a group of baby ducks. The inclusion of reeds and insect nests have encouraged other wildlife to move back to the area and there have been sightings of pheasants, hares and different birds of prey.

She adds that the planting of lavender has encouraged bees to collect pollen and villagers are now looking into the possibility of having their own hives in an appropriate place in the Village grounds.

"We're now glad we entered," says Sue. "The Club and all the residents, friends and staff are thrilled about our win."

Village Manager Ian Finnie says the work of the Club has transformed the Village into a place of colour and beauty whilst offering opportunities for wildlife. He reports that the full-sized flag will be flying over the Village in the near future.

Pictures, clockwise from top

Sue Thompson, Ian Finnie and Sue Wilson

From left: Kath Dexter, Jean and Jeff Todd, John Dexter, Ian Finney, Sue Thompson and Sue Wilson

Sue Thompson, Ian Finnie and Sue Wilson

See more photos on Flickr.

For further information, please contact:

Lucy Henson, PR officer
0789 105 3062
lucy.henson@extracare.org.uk