Park adds first time Green Flag to Blue Flag
CARMARTHENSHIRE’S Pembrey Country Park has become the only place in Wales to hold a Blue Flag and a Green Flag, owing to its fantastic environment and friendly welcome.
The park has been a long-time holder of the prestigious Blue Flag for Cefn Sidan Beach, but has for the first time been awarded a Green Flag by Keep Wales Tidy in recognition of achieving the international mark of a quality park.
More than 220 parks and green spaces have met the high standards needed to receive the coveted award on sites as diverse as urban parks, housing estates, university campuses and farms.
While Pembrey Country Park has won the full award, three other Carmarthenshire attractions have won community awards – Pontyberem Park, Troserch Woodland and the National Wool Museum Dye Garden.
Councillor Peter Hughes Griffiths, executive board member for culture, sport and tourism, helped raise the flag at Pembrey Country Park last week.
“This is a fantastic achievement for Pembrey Country Park, and we are proud to be the only place in Wales to hold both the Green and Blue Flags – a sign of the quality attraction we have here in Carmarthenshire,” he said.
“We are lucky to have this beautiful space on our doorstep, which is enjoyed by thousands of local families as well as tourists who flock to the park to enjoy its stunning scenery and attractions.”
To receive the award, , the park has to meet international standards in key areas, including being welcome, healthy, safe and secure; being well maintained and clean, with well-managed environment and biodiversity; involving the community in maintaining the landscape and heritage of the park; as well as management, marketing and communication.
The Green Flag Award programme is delivered in Wales by environmental
PRESBYTERIAN: Capel Newydd
Bethel, Cefncaeau charity, 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 biodiversity, cleanliness, environmental management and community involvement.
Lesley Jones, Keep Wales Tidy chief executive, said: “We’re delighted to be celebrating this year’s Green Flag Awards
Community of Christ (Trostre Road) at Pembrey Country Park. It’s particularly special as this is the only site to hold both a Blue Flag and Green Flag this year – a huge achievement for the team of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by these two awards.
“You have amazing sites on your doorstep. Make the most of the summer and explore your local award-winning parks and green spaces.”