Grounds maintenance team gains green glory

01 December 2021

North Northamptonshire Council has won an International Green Apple Environment Award in the national campaign to find the greenest individuals, companies, councils and communities. 

The authority competed against more than 800 other nominations in the Green Apple Awards for Environmental Best Practice with the project, “Pardon the Weeds, We are Feeding the Bees”.

They were presented with their trophy and certificate at a glittering presentation ceremony hosted by Liz Kendall MP and sponsored by whatimpact.com and greenpixie.com at the Royal Horseguards Hotel, London.

As a result of this Green Apple Award success, they have been invited to have their winning paper published in The Green Book, the leading international work of reference on environmental best practice, so that others around the world can follow their example and learn from their achievement. 

They could also progress to represent their country in the Green World Awards 2022 and have 100 trees planted in their name as part of the United Nations Billion Trees initiative.

Well done to the team for all their hard work in delivering this campaign which has allowed wildlife to flourish on a number of our grass verges. This is a great achievement for them and I’m delighted that they and the project have received international recognition.Cllr Graham Lawman, the council’s executive member for Highways, Travel and Assets

Protecting natural habitats and encouraging biodiversity is key to looking after our beautiful green environment and innovative schemes like this make a huge difference. Not only is the project wildlife-friendly but seeing so many beautiful flowers by the roadside is a stunning sight – congratulations to all involved!Cllr Harriet Pentland, executive member for climate and the green environment

Protecting the natural environment is a key priority for the council and this project demonstrates how a simple idea can have far-reaching effects.Cllr Jason Smithers, Leader of the Council

The Green Apple Awards began in 1994 and have become established as the country’s major recognition for environmental endeavour among companies, councils, communities and countries.  

The awards are organised by The Green Organisation - an international, independent, non-political, non-profit environment group dedicated to recognising, rewarding and promoting environmental best practice around the world.

The Green Apple Awards are supported by the Environment Agency, the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, the Chartered Institution for Wastes Management, REHIS and other independent bodies.