Four local green spaces have been awarded Green Flag status, thanks to local communities working closely with Bath & North East Somerset Council.
The award, presented by the Keep Britain Tidy Group, is the benchmark national standard for parks and green spaces in the UK.
This year Keynsham Memorial Park; Silver Street Local Nature Reserve, Midsomer Norton; and Haycombe Cemetery and Royal Victoria Park in Bath have received the award.
Councillor David Dixon (Lib-Dem, Oldfield), Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “It is excellent news that four green spaces managed by Bath & North East Somerset Council working with local communities have achieved the Green Flag once again.
“Our Parks Team also provides advice and support to local communities who want to look after their own green spaces and we are keen to work with communities who want to gain a Green Flag in future.”
Judges said they were impressed with the quality of Royal Victoria Park and how it is maintained as somewhere to relax, whilst still playing host to big events. They were impressed with long grass areas left for habitat and new tree and shrub planting, in keeping with the original plant list from the conception of the park.
Haycombe Cemetery is one of very few cemeteries to have received a Green Flag. The team working at the cemetery are always trying to improve the service they provide to the bereaved and say they are delighted that their work on the cemetery grounds has been recognised.
The success of Silver Street Local Nature Reserve is due to the beauty of the reserve and the dedicated efforts of a strong Friends Group which meets every week.
The Friends have installed a new pathway through the woods to the pond and also organises activities such as birdsong and bat identification walks. Local schools and nurseries are encouraged to visit the woods to hold outdoor lessons and learn about the wildlife in the woods and in the adjacent meadow. The Friends group is supported locally by the Somerset and Dorset Railway Heritage Trust and the Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership.
Keynsham Memorial Park has lots of attractions including children’s play areas, a café, a picnic area and ball sports. There is also an ecological zone with a duck pond, a bug garden and the River Chew flowing through. Keynsham Town Council manages events at the bandstand and regular entertainment is provided throughout the summer. Keynsham Memorial Park is also the venue for the annual Keynsham Music Festival.
In 2014 Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Parks Team has created colourful new flower displays which have been welcomed by Keynsham residents and the Green Flag judges.
Find out more about the all local parks maintained by the Council at http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/parks
