Five parks and green spaces, managed by Bath & North East Somerset Council in partnership with local communities, have been awarded Green Flag Awards this year.
Alexandra Park; Royal Victoria Park and Haycombe Cemetery in Bath have all received the prestigious national award, as have Silver Street Local Nature Reserve in Midsomer Norton and Keynsham Memorial Park.
The Green Flag Award recognises and rewards the best parks and green spaces across the country. A Green Flag flying overhead is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent facilities.
Councillor Martin Veal (Conservative, Bathavon North), Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “Although this area is renowned for its floral displays, we are absolutely delighted that five of our local parks and green spaces have received Green Flag Awards from Keep Britain Tidy. This demonstrates that we have parks of the very highest quality in our area, available free for local people to use as well as visitors. Congratulations to everyone involved in looking after these areas which bring huge benefit to local communities.”
Opened in 1902, Alexandra Park offers magnificent panoramic views of the city, and surrounding hills and wooded vales. The lawns and fine trees create a restful atmosphere, and it also features popular sports facilities. The park is supported by a strong friends group which was instrumental to winning the Green Flag Award.
Silver Street Nature Reserve, Midsomer Norton, features woodland, a pond and meadow. Located next to the Somerset and Dorset Railway Heritage Trust’s station. The reserve is cared for by an active friends group.
Keynsham Memorial Park is used and loved by all parts of the community and is home to the most diverse range of natural flora and fauna possible.
Royal Victoria Park was officially opened on October 23rd, 1830, by Princess Victoria following an immense plantation of 25,000 trees and shrubs. The 23-hectare park is a well-used and much loved public amenity situated in the centre of Bath.
Haycombe Cemetery has flower rich habitats in a number of areas, creating strong landscape features and providing a haven for wildlife. The area is managed in a way that encompasses the sensitivities of those that use the space.
The announcement of this year’s Award winners comes in the same week that thousands of people up and down the country are enjoying Love Parks Week (July 24 to August 2), an annual celebration of green spaces and the community groups that bring them to life.
