THE number of green spaces in Wales has grown to a record-breaking size, a leading environmental protection charity has revealed.
Keep Wales Tidy (KWT), an environmental protection charity partnered with the Welsh Government (WG) and Natural Resources Wales, has revealed that 201 green spaces have been awarded to sites across Wales as part of its Green Flag Awards.
The awards, run in conjunction with the WG, aim to recognise and reward well-managed parks and green spaces, and set a standard for the management of recreational outdoor spaces.
This can include town parks, country parks, university campuses, woodlands, hospitals, cemeteries and allotments.
KWT send expert judges to applicants’ sites for assessment against eight strict criteria, such as horticultural standards, cleanliness, environmental management and community involvement.
Nine sites in Denbighshire have been awarded, including Bodfari Community Park, Llanferres Playing Field, St Marcella’s Churchyard (Denbigh) and the River Elwy Riverside.
The other sites are the Ffrith Common Land Park (Prestatyn), Marine Lake (Rhyl), Maes Derwen (Rhuddlan), Maes Ysgawen and Prestatyn Community Woodland.
AM Hannah Blythin, Minister for Environment said: “Parks and green spaces play an important role in our communities, so it’s encouraging to see such a diverse range of sites in Wales receiving Green Flag Awards.
“Our parks and green spaces are a haven for wildlife and are vital to our own health and wellbeing. I’d like to congratulate all of the sites for providing excellent, year-round facilities and events for people in Wales.”
Lucy Prisk, Green Flag coordinator at Keep Wales Tidy said: “We’re delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Awards in Wales.
“The 201 flags flying are a testament to the dedication and enthusiasm of the staff and volunteers across the country who work tirelessly to maintain Green Flag Award standards.
“I’d encourage everyone to get outdoors this summer and enjoy the incredible parks and green spaces we have on our doorstep.”
For more information on the Green Flag Awards visit the Keep Wales Tidy website at www.keepwalestidy.cymru/greenflag
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