Did you know Wales still holds more than a third of the UK’s award-winning Green Flag community sites?
Volunteers put their heart and soul into running them and keeping them beautifully maintained and it shows as 265 parks and green spaces in Wales have received the prestigious Green Flag Award and Green Flag Community Award.
They include a diverse range of sites, from country parks and formal gardens, to allotments, woodlands and churchyards.
Keep Wales Tidy runs the scheme in Wales, with support from the Welsh Government, as it understands the importance of having a good quality environment. Green parks and spaces have a big impact on communities, economy and health and wellbeing, so it’s important we look after them.
Below are some of the lovely sites which have proudly received the award - a full list of award winners can be found on the Keep Wales Tidy website.
West House Community Garden
Where to find it: Stanwell Road, Penarth CF64 2YG
West House Community Garden sits at the front of the Penarth Town Council offices. In recent history, it was primarily used by those visiting West House on Council business. In 2018, however, the funding enabled a change in direction for the site; raised beds were added, a new and improved, bee-friendly planting scheme was created and more seating was included to allow visitors to spend more time in the garden than ever before.
The Council has engaged with a local school, girl guides and a local growing group as well, who have taken on the responsibility for the raised beds and some of the borders of the site.
Ynyslas Visitor Centre
Where to find it: Ynyslas, Borth SY24 5JZ
Gavin Bown, NRW’s Head of Operations for Mid Wales said: “We are very proud that the Ynyslas Visitor Centre has earned the Green Flag Award. Green Flags are only awarded to visitor destinations that meet the highest of standards, and we are delighted to have met them.
“Popular with locals and visitors, Ynyslas is a special place where we continue to try to strike the right balance of protecting a national nature reserve with enabling access to an internationally important site.”
“This award was made possible only through the hard work and dedication of our staff. They make sure that visitors have a great time, and want to come back.”
Tywi Gateway Trust
Where to find it: The Old Bishop's Palace Abergwili Carmarthen Carmarthenshire SA31 2JG
Piers Lunt, Head Gardener with the Tywi Gateway Trust, said: "We are thrilled that Bishop’s Park, Abergwili has won a Green Flag award. It is a wonderful recognition of the hard work of the staff and the tireless enthusiasm of a dedicated group of local volunteers without whom the restoration of the park to its former glory would not have been possible.
"We want to thank our fantastic group of funders, including players of the National Lottery, who have helped to ensure that Bishop’s Park is finally getting the recognition that this historic site deserves."
Now in its third decade, the international Green Flag Award is a sign to the public that a park or green space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.
Speaking about the importance of the award, Welsh Government Minister for Climate Change, Julie James said: “Our local green spaces have a vital role to play in connecting us to nature. These awards go to prove that Wales’ parks and similar areas are doing a wonderful job in providing quality places to relax and enjoy.
“The standard required to achieve Green Flag status is very high so I want to congratulate all of the sites recognised for providing excellent, year-round facilities to local people and visitors alike.
“It’s fantastic to see we still hold more than a third of the UK’s Green Flag community sites in Wales – especially as the last two years have taught us all of the importance of nature and green spaces on our mental and physical wellbeing.”
Lucy Prisk, Green Flag Coordinator at Keep Wales Tidy also added: “The last few years have really shown us just how important high-quality parks and green spaces are to our communities. With more visitors than ever enjoying our green spaces, I’d like to congratulate the hard work of staff and volunteers who have maintained excellent standards at these sites.”
Keep Wales Tidy are always on the lookout for new places to join the Green Flag Awards. If you’d like to put your park or green space on the map, visit the Keep Wales Tidy website for more information.
