'Absolutely delighted'- Intact celebrates as their Dobcraft Nature Reserve wins the Green Flag Community Award

A Preston charity is celebrating after their community-managed green space has been recognised by a prestigous national awards system.

The Intact Centre (Ingol and Tanterton Community Trust) says it is “absolutely delighted” after its Dobcroft Nature Reserve received a prestigious Green Flag Community Award for 2026–2027.

This is the second consecutive year that Dobcroft has achieved the internationally recognised quality mark, as the Green Flag Award celebrates its 30th anniversary.

Intact say the achievement is a fantastic testament to the hard work, passion and dedication of Intact’s staff and volunteers, who care for the reserve and ensure its sensitive habitats are protected and managed to a high standard.

Stephanie Parramore, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of The Intact Centre, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Dobcroft Nature Reserve has received the Green Flag Community Award for a second consecutive year. This is a tremendous achievement and recognition of the commitment of our staff, trustees, partners and, most importantly, our wonderful volunteers.

“Dobcroft is incredibly special because it brings together nature, community, learning and wellbeing. As a community charity, we are proud not only to protect an important habitat for Great Crested Newts and other wildlife, but also to help local people connect with nature, develop skills, improve their wellbeing and take pride in their local environment.

“This award belongs to everyone who has helped care for Dobcroft and supported its journey from a former industrial landscape into a thriving and much-valued community nature reserve.”

Originally founded as the Ingol and Tanterton Action Group in 1993, Intact is not a traditional environmental organisation: it is a community charity providing a wide range of services from its community centre in Ingol, including wellbeing activities, advice and support, a community café, food pantry, training, volunteering and opportunities to reduce social isolation.

Alongside these services, Intact owns and manages the five-acre protected Dobcroft Nature Reserve and it says this distinctive model brings community support, wellbeing, education, volunteering and nature conservation together within one organisation.

Situated on part of the former Cottam Brickworks Biological Heritage Site, Dobcraft was created as a receptor site for the nationally protected Great Crested Newt.

It is now an important ecological refuge within an increasingly developed urban area, providing a mosaic of ponds, wetland, woodland, grassland and wildflower habitats.

The reserve also has a rich local history: the name “Dobcroft” can be traced back to the 1838 Tithe Map.

The landscape has evolved from agricultural fields through clay extraction and brickmaking before naturally regenerating into the valuable wildlife site it is today.

Intact took full ownership of Dobcroft in 2018 and has since worked with volunteers, residents, schools, colleges, universities, ecologists and other partners to protect and enhance the reserve.

Improvements have included accessible paths, pond creation, a viewing platform, habitat restoration, species surveys and opportunities for people to develop practical conservation and wildlife identification skills.

Due to the presence of protected species and sensitive habitats, public access is carefully managed through guided walks, school and educational visits, surveys, open days and community events.

Digital resources, including the Virtual Dobcroft tour, also enable more people to explore and learn about the reserve without disturbing its wildlife.

The award recognises the exceptional contribution made by Dobcroft’s Land Management Volunteers, who undertake practical conservation work throughout the year. Their work includes caring for ponds, managing woodland and grassland, creating hibernacula, maintaining pathways, monitoring water quality and supporting wildlife surveys.

Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, said: “Parks are essential public spaces that support our wellbeing, our communities and our economy. Yet for millions of people, particularly in the most deprived areas, local parks simply don’t feel safe or welcoming.

“With public services under pressure, investing in parks is not a luxury, it’s a practical, preventative solution and one of the most visible ways to improve people’s quality of life.

“Intact has shown what can be achieved when parks are properly supported and managed. As we celebrate 30 years of the Green Flag Award, we want every community to have access to green spaces like this that are safe, welcoming and maintained to a high standard.

“Congratulations to everyone involved.”

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under contract from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces.

Dobcroft Nature Reserve is one of a record-breaking 2,391 parks and green spaces across the UK to achieve an award this year, you can take a look at all* the Lancashire winneres here.

*This article looks at the Green Flag Award winners, and excludes the Green Flag Community Award winners. Dobcroft was also joined by Haslam Park and Local Nature Reserve in the latter category.