11 May 2015
At a recent Green Flag Award judges training session we
wanted to see what made someone want to be a Green Flag Award
judge, what they were most excited about and their own favourite
parks.
Jo from Fylde was kind enough to share her answers after
attending last month's training in St. Helens.
What brought you here today? What made you want to
be a Green Flag Award judge?
"In my role of landscape designer for Fylde Borough
Council I manage six Green Flag sites and I figured being a judge
would give me more insight into managing these sites
effectively. Also, I think that in terms of personal career
development you must keep learning and keep visiting other parks
and greenspace for inspiration!"
What do you do with your time when you aren't
attending judges' training?
"I run a busy private garden design practice,
beautifying residential gardens which I love and I am a mum of two
kids and a whippet so no time for resting! I also love
cinema, great TV and books."
Outside of your day job, what was the last thing
you did in a park?
"Probably take the kids to play and the Whippet
to run."
What are you most looking forward to about getting
out and judging?
"Seeing other sites, nicking good ideas and
being out and about."
What are you most apprehensive about for your
first judging?
"Getting it right ! not 'bringing my pet to the party'
Michele! that phrase will stick with me!"
What do parks and green spaces mean to
you?
"A chance to stop and breathe and take it all in,
listen to the world around me, people watch, engage with my family
and see beautiful things."
In your opinion, what makes Green Flag Award parks
so special?
"The understanding of different sites and their
inherent character, recognising the impact of the outdoors on
health and well being, celebrating that and encouraging the
protection and development of better greenspace."
If you were Prime Minister, what would you do for
parks and green spaces?
"Invest : Educate : Enjoy"
What are your memories of parks and green spaces
from your childhood?
"Ha ha, the 70's :-) freedom, ice cream, bluebell
woods, getting lost and Dad swinging on a tree branch and breaking
it !"
Which is your favourite park or green
space?
"Couldn't choose just one! I have a soft spot
for Battersea Park, also Styal woods, Cheshire, Walkden Gardens
in Sale and The Lost Gardens of Heligan in
Cornwall were an early inspiration, oh and The Japanese Garden
at Tatton. There are so many awesome
places."