The site won the award for marketing, through their use of MP3s and developments made to their website which have improved accessibility for all parts of the community.
Bill Quay Community Farm has already won a Green Flag Award this year and has gone on to win this Special Award because of the outstanding benefits that the site has made to not only their site but their local community.
Local resident and access auditor Dave Lucas has worked with Bill Quay Farm for a number of years. He devised a series of audio trails with farm manager Doug Tuck and worked with Gateshead’s Access to Information and Reading Service (AIRS) to bring the farm experience to life for those with visual impairments.
A series of audio tours have been developed to describe three trails which explore the farm. Beating the Bounds – a perimeter walk, the Daisy Chain focusing on landscape and habitat maintenance and the Corn Stalk Walk, offers close access to animal enclosures and the nature reserve. The audio tours have made the community farm more accessible to those with visual impairments.
Paul Todd, Manager, Green Flag Award Scheme, said: “It is fantastic not only to see the increase in the number of sites achieving the Green Flag Award and Green Pennant Award, but that many are seeking to improve the park or green space to meet the needs of the local community by innovative projects. We hope this year's winners provide an inspiration to others who are looking to improve accessibility and make their local green space inclusive.
Gateshead Council Member for Culture Coun. Linda Green, said : “This award is testament to the pioneering work of everyone involved. It is well deserved and they are to be congratulated. Once again, Gateshead is leading the way in safeguarding and improving our environmental spaces for the benefit of everyone.