Hollybush Conservation Centre has one of the best green spaces in the country

Keep Britain Tidy announces a record-breaking number of award-winning parks and green spaces for 2013.

Hollybush Conservation Centre has one of the very best green spaces in the UK – and that’s official. The green space is among a record-breaking 1,447 parks and green spaces that will receive a prestigious Green Flag Award.

The national award, handed out by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, recognises and rewards the best parks and green spaces across the country. A Green Flag flying overhead is a sign to visitors that the space boasts the highest possible standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent facilities.

Green Flag Award Scheme Manager Paul Todd said: “Quality green spaces are absolutely essential to happy, healthy communities. They are fundamental to our quality of life, whether in cities, towns or villages. That is why it is so significant that we have given out more awards than ever before.”

The record number of awards across the country means more people than ever before will have access to well-managed, quality green space, which is vital to people’s health and wellbeing.

Hollybush Conservation Centre is run by The Conservation Volunteers and undertakes a wide range of practical conservation tasks across West Yorkshire, providing lots of opportunities for volunteers to get involved and improve their local environment.

The garden at Hollybush Conservation Centre has been transformed by volunteers from a formally derelict site into a thriving community space, a haven for wildlife and an inspiration to visitors. The garden is managed in a wildlife friendly way and consists of a variety of habitats including ponds, meadows and woodland as well as a herb garden, food growing areas and living willow structures. The garden is home to a variety of birds and butterflies as well as hedgehogs, newts and the occasional deer. The wildlife garden is open to visitors from Tuesday to Friday and there is a cafe on site which offers light refreshments.

If you are interesting in volunteering with The Conservation Volunteers, please contact our volunteer coordinator Jess Kandola J.Kandola@tcv.org.uk. The Lottery funded gardening groups provide an excellent opportunity for volunteers from different backgrounds and abilities to work in the garden and learn about food growing and conservation.