Posted on: Wednesday 14 October 2020
Keep Wales Tidy has unveiled this year’s Green Flag Award winners – the international mark of a quality park or green space.
Flags will be flying at Cwmbran boating lake, Garn Lakes, Panteg Park, and Pontypool Park in recognition of their excellent visitor facilities, high environmental standards, and commitment to delivering great quality green space.
Councillor Mandy Owen, executive member for the environment, said: “We are very proud of our parks and green spaces in Torfaen, and we're thrilled that four of our spaces have been awarded Green Flag status.
"Wherever you see a Green Flag you know you’re visiting an exceptional place with high standards. It takes pride and dedication to achieve this status so well done to everyone who made it possible.”
224 parks and green spaces across the country have received the prestigious Green Flag Award and Green Flag Community Award – from country parks and formal gardens, to allotments, woodlands and churchyards.
The Green Flag Award programme is delivered in Wales by environmental charity Keep Wales Tidy, with support from Welsh Government. Independent green space experts volunteered their time in early autumn to judge applicant sites against eight strict criteria, including biodiversity, cleanliness, environmental management, and community involvement.
Lucy Prisk, Green Flag Coordinator at Keep Wales Tidy said: “The pandemic has shown just how important high-quality parks and green spaces are to our communities. For many of us, they have been a haven on our doorstep, benefitting our health and well-being.
“The 224 flags flying this year are a testament to the hard work of staff and volunteers who have maintained excellent standards under the most challenging circumstances. I’d like to congratulate and thank them all for their outstanding commitment.”
A full list of award winners can be found on the Keep Wales Tidy website www.keepwalestidy.cymru