Environment

Green flags fly high above Neath Port Talbot parks

Eleven parks and community spaces across Neath Port Talbot have been awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award by environment charity Keep Wales Tidy.

Published

2 months ago

19th July 2023

Editor

Tony Barrett Chairperson of the Friends of Margam Park, Elena Smith Administrative Officer, Cllr. Cen Phillips Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, Catherine Thomas, Estates Worker - pictured at Margam Country Park

Environmental charity Keep Wales Tidy revealed 280 sites across Wales which have received Green Flag and Green Flag Community Awards, including eleven in Neath Port Talbot.

This means parks have met high quality standards across categories including environmental efforts, excellent visitor facilities and community involvement.

Talbot Memorial Park, Victoria Gardens, Margam Country Park and Gnoll Estate Country Park which are all managed by Neath Port Talbot Council have retained their Green Flag title.

Amman Valley Trotting Club, Cilybebyll Community Growers, Cwmafan Community Orchards, Glantawe Riverside Park (Pontardawe), The Friends of Neath Abbey Iron Company, Vivian Park Nature Garden and The Lane Community Garden have all achieved Community Green Flag status.

Neath Port Talbot Council said the awards were thanks to a great team effort by its dedicated staff and passionate volunteers from local communities.

Councillor Cen Phillips, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing said: “We are pleased to be working with Keep Wales Tidy and volunteers across the county borough to protect our park environments for now and for the future. The benefits our parks and green spaces bring to people’s lives are immense, as any of our volunteers will tell you.”

Councillor Cen Phillips, NPT Cabinet Member – Nature Tourism and Wellbeing, Mark Protheroe – Chair, Friends of Gnoll Park, Cathryn Davies, Secretary, Friends of Talbot Memorial Park, Friends of the Parks Volunteers and NPT Council Neighbourhood Staff at Talbot Memorial Park (Image: NPT Council) — Councillor Cen Phillips, NPT Cabinet Member – Nature Tourism and Wellbeing, Mark Protheroe – Chair, Friends of Gnoll Park, Cathryn Davies, Secretary, Friends of Talbot Memorial Park, Friends of the Parks Volunteers and NPT Council Neighbourhood Staff at Talbot Memorial Park
*(Image: NPT Council)*

Mark Protheroe, Chairman of the Friends of Gnoll Park added: “We are delighted our parks in Neath Port Talbot are once again able to fly the coveted Green Flag Award. We are so lucky to have such wonderful, unique, and historic parks in our locality.

“We have a number of dedicated local community volunteer Friends Groups who meet regularly to hold volunteer working parties, events and work on various projects within our parks and green spaces.”

Now in its third decade, the Green Flag Award recognises well-managed parks and green spaces in 20 countries around the world.

Lucy Prisk, Green Flag Coordinator for Keep Wales Tidy said: “Free access to safe, high quality green space has never been more important. Our award-winning sites play a vital role in people’s mental and physical well-being, providing a haven for communities to come together, relax and enjoy nature.

“News that 280 parks and green spaces in Wales have achieved Green Flag Awards is testament to the hard work of hundreds of staff and volunteers. We’re delighted to be able to celebrate their success on the world stage.”

(Lead image: Neath Port Talbot Council)