Shanklin Voluntary Youth & Community Centre (VYCC) is celebrating after being awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award, recognising the high standard of care and maintenance of its green spaces in the Isle of Wight town.
The internationally recognised Green Flag Award, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, marks its 30th anniversary this year and is regarded as the benchmark for well-managed parks and green spaces across the UK and beyond.
Shanklin VYCC is among a record-breaking 2,391 sites across the United Kingdom to receive the accolade in 2026, recognising the work of volunteers who maintain the centre’s grounds and other green spaces around Shanklin for the benefit of residents and visitors.
Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, has 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.
“Congratulations to everyone involved.”
Article continues below this advertisement
Mark Biddlecombe, Leader of Shanklin VYCC, has 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, and 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 run by Keep Britain Tidy under contract from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government and recognises parks and green spaces that are welcoming, safe and managed to a consistently high standard.
The latest accolade marks another milestone for Shanklin VYCC, with both the organisation and the Green Flag Award scheme celebrating their 30th anniversaries this year.
