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18.
July
2017.
Capital’s award-winning green spaces revealed

Capital's award-winning green spaces revealed

 

Cardiff's beautiful parks and green spaces have once again achieved the accolade of gaining the coveted Green Flag Award.

 

Eleven parks and green spaces in the city maintained by Cardiff Council have been awarded Keep Wales Tidy's coveted international mark of quality, including Cardiff Bay Wetlands, which receives the recognition for the first time.

 

Bute Park, Cardiff Bay Barrage, Cathays Cemetery, Flat Holm Island, Grange Gardens, Parc Cefn Onn, Roath Park, Rumney Hill Gardens, Thornhill Cemetery and Victoria Park have once again met the high standard needed to receive the Green Flag.

 

The announcement comes during the11th annual Love Parks Week (14 - 23 July),organised by Keep Britain Tidy, when people across the country come together celebrate parks and show the world that parks matter to them.

The Wetlands is an area of around eight hectares on the northern shore of the bay and supports a rich diversity of plants and animals, including invertebrates, fish and other wildlife. A viewing area extends out over the water providing the perfect location for bird watching.

The Green Flag was flying at the Wetlands today in recognition of its new status where Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, Cllr Peter Bradbury, was joined by staff from the Council's Parks department, Bereavement Services and Cardiff Harbour Authority to celebrate the city's success.

Cllr Bradbury said: "Eleven Green Flags for Cardiff is testament to the excellent facilities we have in our parks and the Council's commitment to delivering high quality green spaces.

 

"I'm delighted we have been able to add to the number of flags we have been awarded this year with the Cardiff Bay Wetlands being recognised for the first time and that the city has continued to gain more of the prestigious Green Flags than anywhere else in Wales.

"Such recognition evidences the effective partnerships that the council has and the contribution made from Friends of Groups and individual volunteers.

"Congratulations also to all staff involved in this achievement. They should be extremely proud of our parks and green spaces, as am I, and I encourage people in Cardiff to get out and about and enjoy them this summer."

In total, 183 parks and green spaces in Wales have achieved the Green Flag Award or the Green Flag Community Award. The scheme is delivered in Wales by Keep Wales Tidy, with support from Welsh Government. It is judged by green space experts, who volunteer their time to visit applicant sites and assess them against eight strict criteria, including horticultural standards, cleanliness, environmental management and community involvement.

Lucy Prisk, Green Flag Coordinator at Keep Wales Tidy, said: "The Green Flag Award is all about connecting people with the very best parks and green spaces. Keep Wales Tidy is proud to run the scheme in Wales because we know having a good quality environment can have a big impact on our communities, health and well-being, and economy.

"I'd like to congratulate Cardiff Council and thank everyone who works tirelessly to maintain the standards demanded by the Green Flag Award. I'd encourage everyone to get outdoors and explore the diverse range of fantastic facilities we have on our doorstep."

A full list award winners can be found on the Keep Wales Tidy websitewww.keepwalestidy.cymru/greenflag