Shanklin Voluntary Youth & Community Centre is celebrating after securing a prestigious Green Flag Award, recognising the quality of green spaces it maintains.
Shanklin VYCC has achieved the internationally recognised quality mark for its maintenance of the centre and other locations across Shanklin.
It is among a record-breaking 2,391 parks and green spaces across the UK to achieve a Green Flag Award in 2026 – the 30th anniversary year of the scheme.
The accolade recognises the hard work, passion and dedication of those who care for green spaces and ensure they are maintained to a high standard for residents and visitors.
Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, said:
“Parks are essential public spaces that support our wellbeing, our communities and our economy. Yet for millions of people, particularly in the most deprived areas, local parks simply don’t feel safe or welcoming.
“With public services under pressure, investing in parks is not a luxury, it’s a practical, preventative solution and one of the most visible ways to improve people’s quality of life.
“Shanklin VYCC have shown what can be achieved when parks are properly supported and managed. As we celebrate 30 years of the Green Flag Award, we want every community to have access to green spaces like this that are safe, welcoming and maintained to a high standard.
Article continues below this advertisement “Congratulations to everyone involved.”
The award has particular significance for Shanklin VYCC as the organisation also began its journey 30 years ago, in 1996.
Mark Biddlecombe, leader of Shanklin VYCC, said:
“SVYCC also started our journey 30 years ago in 1996, and my late mother Bridget was the driving force behind our success, also helping with Green Town Volunteers.
“This award is a credit to all our volunteers involved over 3 decades – with a commitment to the future.”
The Green Flag Award scheme is managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under contract from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government.
It recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting a benchmark for the management of green spaces across the UK and around the world.
