Green fingered volunteers from Emmaus Merseyside are celebrating after Seaforth Green collected its first Green Flag Award.

Seaforth Green, a public space located next to the Emmaus Merseyside community building, has been recognised by the Green Flag Awards Scheme as one of the very best in the world. The site is maintained by community members from Emmaus Merseyside with support from Sefton Council, local schools, volunteers and businesses.

On Tuesday 16 July, representatives from Emmaus Merseyside collected the Green Flag Community Award at a prestigious event at Hulme Hall in Port Sunlight.

Phil, one of the companions at Emmaus Merseyside who has volunteered to transform the site, said: “A lot of hard work has gone into developing Seaforth Green over the last couple of years. We are so grateful to the efforts of the local schools, volunteers and organisations who have helped us get to where we are. This award recognises the achievement of these individuals, and reflects the engagement, respect and enjoyment of the local community.”

Emmaus Merseyside supports formerly homeless people by providing a home and work for as long as they need it. The charity’s beneficiaries maintain Seaforth Green along with their own Participation Garden which includes food growing areas, polytunnels and a wild flower meadow.

Community impact

Claire Roberts, Assistant Head Teacher at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School, said: “It has been lovely for our school to work with Emmaus this year to develop an outside area in the local community. Our children enjoyed throwing the wild seed bombs. Reception class released their butterflies amongst all the beautiful flowers earlier this month.

“Staff, parents and children have all commented on how amazing the area is now; blooming with flowers and with an added touch of our children’s paint work too on the flower posts. Phil and his team’s passion to improve the area has inspired our children to care more for the environment and it has taught them more about respect and caring for our world.”

Seaforth Green is among a record-breaking 1,970 UK parks and green spaces that have received one of this year’s prestigious Green Flag Awards – the mark of a quality park or green space. This international award, now into its third decade, is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.

Paul Todd, International Green Flag Award scheme manager, said: “It’s fantastic that we have more Green Flag Awards in the UK than ever before, joined this year by 131 International winners. Each flag honours the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award. We congratulate each and every winner on their fantastic achievement.”

To find out more or support Emmaus Merseyside, head to www.emmaus.org.uk/merseyside. If you would like to get involved or donate an item call 0151 928 1588 or visit the visit the Emmaus charity reuse shops or superstore at 38 Sandy Road, Seaforth, Sefton L21 3TW.