On the 17th March 2016, environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy announced the winners of its very first 'Love Parks Awards' at a ceremony held at the Council House in Nottingham, following its first Love Parks conference. Nine winners celebrate after picking up awards for helping to protect, improve and promote parks and green space.

The Awards recognise the achievements of community groups, volunteers and local authorities who have helped to make a positive difference to parks and green space across the county, through inspiring diverse communities and innovative ideas.

Nine community groups, volunteers and local authorities, ranging from friends groups to a tenants’ and residents’ association, won awards in nine categories, including Young Green Space Volunteer of the Year and Love Parks Week Event of the Year.

Winning a prestigious Love Parks Award shows the public and local communities that the winners are committed to improving and maintaining parks and green spaces, to create safe, inviting and enjoyable spaces for now and in the future.

The award categories are:
* Innovation Award
* Diversity Award
* Young Green Space Volunteer of the Year
* Partnership Award
* Tree Trail Award
* Love Parks Week Event of the Year Award
* Love Your Park Award
* Volunteer of the Year Award
* Group of the Year – Outstanding Achievement Award

The judges of the awards were made up of a mixture of green space professionals and volunteers, including Sarah Reece-Mills from Groundwork, Jamie Leeson from Fields in Trust, Eddie Curry from Nottingham City Council, Sarah Royal from Open Spaces Forum, Alistair Bayford from the Landscape Group and Pauline Buchannan-Black from the Tree Council.

Allison Ogden-Newton, Chief Executive of Keep Britain Tidy, said: “This is our first Love Parks Conference and Awards event and it was great to see community groups, volunteers and local authorities coming together to share ideas, network and build new partnerships. Well done to all the winners and everyone who was nominated. You all work hard to make a difference to local parks and green space and we hope that recognising this not only thanks you for your commitment, but also helps to inspire others to get involved too.”

Councillor Dave Trimble, Portfolio Holder for Leisure & Culture, said: “We are very proud of all our parks and open spaces here in Nottingham, and it’s fantastic to have been host to the very first Love Parks conference. We are especially proud that some of our volunteers have been nominated for awards. We recognise how important it is for us to work with our local communities, involving them in the great work that takes place in our parks. Open spaces are so important to people’s lives and wellbeing here in Nottingham, and much loved by local people.”