The Hook Nature Reserve receives its first Green Flag Award!
Last updated: 8/8/2024
The Hook Nature Reserve in Lady Bay has been awarded its first coveted Green Flag Award and is now officially recognised as one of the UK’s best green spaces.
The 15-hectare nature reserve has been named among 2,227 other parks and green places across the UK that have received the award, which sets the benchmark standard for the management of recreational outdoor spaces across the UK and around the world.
The site became a nature reserve in 2009 and is managed in partnership with Rushcliffe Borough Council, The Friends of The Hook and Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust.
It consists of a mixture of habitats including amenity grassland, river embankment, mature hedgerows, grassland, ditches and scrub and is home to a variety of flora and fauna including moths and butterflies.
The green space provides a valuable habitat for invertebrates, small mammals such as water voles and nearly 90 species of birds have been recorded over the years, including the purple heron and white egret.
Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Wellbeing, ICT and Member Development Cllr Jonathan Wheeler joined members of the Friends of The Hook group and Council officers to raise the flag earlier this week.
Cllr Wheeler said: “We were all delighted to raise the prestigious Green Flag this week recognising this fantastic milestone as one of the leading green spaces in the UK.
“Bordering the River Trent, the nature reserve has a wide variety of habitats including riverbank, open meadow, wildflower glades, woodland, and more.
“It also boasts a wildlife pond and community orchard as part of the ongoing development of the site.
“The nature reserve is very popular with residents who enjoy its recreational facilities including a playground, skatepark and multi-use games area.
“Receiving this award acknowledges all the hard work that goes into maintaining this space and it’s a credit to the Friends of The Hook volunteer group, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust and our staff for their excellent work in protecting and conserving the site.
“Friends of the Hook won the Environmental Group or Project Award at last year’s Celebrating Rushcliffe Awards, which is an indication of the recognition of the valuable work carried out by the group.
“Thank you to everyone involved in helping to achieve The Hook’s first Green Flag Award.”
Friends of The Hook Secretary of Friends of The Hook Jane Browne added: “It’s been very rewarding to see the transformation of The Hook into a nature reserve, rich in wildlife and I’m pleased it has received its first Green Flag Award.
“Thanks to the many volunteers from the local community who have helped plant native trees, shrubs and wildflowers and have supported all of our work. Together we have created a rich mosaic of habitats which is great for both people and wildlife.”
The Green Flag Award is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities, supported by the Council’s Streetwise team.
The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.
Photo caption from left to right: FoTH Member Anne Laskowski, RBC Senior Environmental Sustainability Officer Paul Phillips, FoTH Member and Ward Member Cllr Richard Mallendar, RBC Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Wellbeing, ICT and Member Development Cllr Jonathan Wheeler, FoTH Chair Jeff Mackintosh, RBC Park Manager Alastair Glenn and FoTH Member Keith Rainford.