Posted on: Tuesday 26 July 2022
Keep Wales Tidy has unveiled this year’s Green Flag Award winners – the international mark of a quality park or green space.
Seven Torfaen sites have been awarded the prestigious Green Flag title in recognition of their excellent visitor facilities, high environmental standards, and commitment to delivering great quality green space.
They are Cwmbran Boating Lake, Garn Lakes, Panteg Park, Pontypool Park, Blaen Bran Community Woodland, Henllys Local Nature Reserve and Llanfrechfa Grange Walled Garden.
Councillor Mandy Owen, Torfaen Council's Executive member for the Environment, said: “We are very proud of our parks and open spaces in Torfaen and we are delighted that all of the Council and community sites put forward for 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 which includes volunteers.”
265 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.
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, said: “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.”
A full list of award winners can be found on the Keep Wales Tidy website www.keepwalestidy.cymru
Find out about Play in the Park sessions organised by Torfaen's Play Service as part of the Summer of Fun programme.