Nine of Swansea’s parks and green spaces have once again been named among the best in Wales.
The list spans the whole city. In the west, Clyne Gardens — famous for its spring rhododendron and azalea displays — keeps its flag alongside Brynmill Park and, out at Penllergare Valley Woods, the restored Victorian landscape near junction 47 of the M4.
In and around Singleton Park, both the Botanical and Ornamental Gardens and Swansea University’s Singleton Campus retained their status, as did nearby Cwmdonkin Park — the Uplands green space immortalised by Dylan Thomas.
To the east and north, Victoria Park by the seafront, Parc Llewelyn and the grounds of the former Mount Pleasant Hospital — now housing association flats — complete the nine.
The Green Flag Award is an international mark handed to parks and green spaces that meet the highest standards — judged on being safe, clean, well looked after and welcoming.
The winners were announced today by Keep Wales Tidy, which runs the scheme in Wales with support from the Welsh Government.
A further 13 volunteer-run green spaces across Swansea picked up Green Flag Community Awards — the tier that recognises allotments, community gardens and local nature reserves.
Among them was Kilvey Community Woodland, which earned its first community award last year after decades of volunteer care.
The awards are a repeat success for the city, which saw the same run of parks recognised last year.
Both Penllergare Valley Woods and the Singleton Campus were again given Green Heritage Site Accreditation — a supplementary award, backed by Cadw, for sites that also protect and promote their history.
Keep Wales Tidy said just 14 sites across the whole of Wales hold that heritage accreditation, making two in Swansea a notable haul.
This year’s recognition for the Botanical and Ornamental Gardens carries extra weight, landing as the much-loved gardens mark their 100th birthday.
Owen Derbyshire, chief executive of Keep Wales Tidy, said he was delighted to see so many Swansea green spaces recognised, from flagship parks and woodlands to community gardens, farms and a university campus.
“Green spaces play a vital role in supporting the health and wellbeing of our communities,” he said, thanking everyone involved in caring for the sites.
Cllr Andrew Stevens, Swansea Council’s cabinet member for environment and infrastructure, said the city was “blessed with some beautiful parks which we are proud of and work hard to maintain.”
“They all provide a space where families and visitors can relax, have fun and enjoy the outdoors,” he said. “I’m thrilled that these locations have been recognised on a national level.”
He said the accolade for the Botanical Gardens was “especially welcome” in its centenary year, and that free access to parks supported families through the cost of living and helped protect nature across the city.
Keep Wales Tidy said 93 sites across Wales achieved full Green Flag status this year, with Wales holding more Green Flag Community Awards than any other country running the scheme worldwide for the third year running.
Yes, Swansea parks look fantastic! However, Mumbles supposedly is the jewel in Swansea’s crown and gateway to Gower. Such a pity the same care is.is not so in Mumbles. The community orchard in Oyster mouth Castle is like a jungle, the hedge around the Bowls Green is a disgrace, and likewise Southend Gardens.
Richard Thomas