Delight as four Monmouthshire locations pick up Green Flag awards
The Monmouthshire sites to gain a Green Flag award this year were Rogiet Countryside Park (an award recipient since 2024), Tintern Old Station (a recipient since 2009), Caldicot Castle and Country Park (honoured since 2013), and Castle Meadows in Abergavenny (since 2014).
Twelve community sites were recognised with the Green Flag Community Award, including: Bailey Park, Busy Bees Garden, Caerwent Meadows, Caldicot Community Garden, Crick Meadow, Crucorney Allotments, Goytre Community Garden, Incredible Edible Usk, Laurie Jones Community Orchard, Mardy Park, Rogiet Wildlife Friendly Village and The Cornfield.
Keep Wales Tidy administers the Green Flag Award programme in Wales, with support from the Welsh Government.
Monmouthshire County Council's cabinet member for rural affairs, housing and tourism Cllr Sara Burch said: 'We have a wealth of fantastic green spaces and attractions across Monmouthshire.
'From family days out to those seeking something more nature or activity focused, there is something for everyone.
'I am proud that the hard work of volunteers has been rewarded once again with these Green Flag Awards.'
Cabinet member for climate change and the environment Cllr Catrin Maby said: 'It is so pleasing to see that many of our locations within the beautiful county of Monmouthshire have received awards this year.
'It is fantastic to see sites at from Tintern Old Station to Castle Meadows in Abergavenny have been recognised with Green Flag awards.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Golden beach an hour from London starred in famous film but is miles from the sea
Nestled between Farnham and Hindhead in Surrey, Frensham Great Pond is just an hour and a half drive away from London and has golden sands despite not being near the sea Just a stone's throw from London lies an idyllic sandy beach that has featured on the big screen – but interestingly, it lies nowhere near the sea. It's easy to forget that you don't need to travel all the way to the coast to enjoy a brilliant beach day – especially as the weather continues to heat up. Instead, you can make your way to Frensham Great Pond in Surrey. The Green Flag award-winning site boasts excellent water quality and soft yellow sands. Located between Farnham and Hindhead, Frensham Great Pond is just an hour and a half drive away from London. This makes it the perfect daytrip spot for anyone around the area. While the pond is a popular spot for families during bouts of warm weather, there are times when the pond quiets down and you can enjoy a much more peaceful swim. As reported by The Sun, one swimmer wrote on Facebook: "Cracking swim at the famous Frensham Ponds in Surrey. Had the whole place to ourselves, bliss!" Another described it as a "lovely place for a stroll.' They also said that the pond was 'ideal for families' going for a swim. The pond is part of the larger Frensham Common, which is about a thousand acres, and which includes Frensham Little Pond. It is owned and managed by the National Trust and Waverley Borough Council. Both ponds were built in the Middle Ages under the direction of the Bishop of Winchester William de Raleigh, in order to provide fish for his visits to Farnham Castle. Frensham Little Pond was also used as a tank training ground during World War II, after it was drained. The pond was then acquired by Mr Atherton in 1949, who had it refilled, before giving it to the National Trust 1974. It's also a hotspot for wildlife lovers. Frensham Common is one of only two sites in Surrey where you can find all six of the UK's native reptiles: the smooth snake, grass snake, adder, sand lizard, common lizard and the slow-worm. Occasionally, Blue-Green Algae can be found during summer months. In this case, a sign will go up to warn swimmers about entering the pond. Frensham Pond also has an extensive star-studded legacy. One of its most notable appearances was in the 1999 film, The Mummy, for a Nile scene. The pond also stole the limelight in Snow White and the Huntsman when it was used to depict a fishing village. The cast included Kristen Stewart and Chris Hemsworth. It's also been used as a backdrop in several TV series, including the 1960s Carry On Jack. The popular series, The Witcher, starring Henry Caville, also includes Frensham. Meanwhile, Frensham Little Pond made an appearance in the Netflix series, Cursed. There, it was used to portray Nimue's home village.
BBC News
2 days ago
- BBC News
Ulverston's charity-owned park awarded green flag
A charity-run park has been awarded a green flag in recognition of its Park in Ulverston, Cumbria, was handed the award by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, which recognises high-quality green spaces."Ford Park is a vital green space for communities in Ulverston to enjoy nature and during the ongoing cost of living crisis it is a free and safe space for families to socialise," said Paul Todd, the awards scheme park's management said they were "thrilled" with the award, which recognised the hard work of volunteers. "We're incredibly proud to be recognised for the care and commitment that goes into maintaining our eight-acre community greenspace," a spokesman park has a kitchen garden, an orchard, trails and an adventure play is situated just below the Sir John Barrow Monument on Hoad Hill, which has been portrayed by celebrated artist LS Lowry. Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Hidden park just 30 minutes from major city is 'like going back in time'
This beautiful park just a short drive from a major UK city is a true hidden gem and has been a staple in many people's childhoods over the years Ask any North East native or resident with children to recommend a must-visit park - and one name will repeatedly come up: South Marine Park in South Shields. Nestled in a scenic spot by the seaside and just a stone's throw from the beautiful Sandhaven beach, South Marine Park is a location that many of us fondly recall from our childhood. It still evokes a sense of nostalgia for those strolling through it years later. The North East boasts an array of stunning parks, many of which were awarded a Green Flag just last month. However, residents say there's something uniquely special about South Marine. With the school summer holidays in full swing, and the small matter of tens of thousands flocking to the neighbouring Bents Park every Sunday for the South Tyneside Festival concerts, South Marine Park has seen a surge in visitors this year. It's a hit with all ages, attracting families for a day out, as well as couples and adults seeking relaxation, unwinding, or a nostalgic trip down memory lane. With its own steam train offering park tours, a lake for leisurely swan-shaped pedalo rides, and a charming bandstand, South Marine boasts features that many of its North East rivals can't. It also has the added perk of housing a branch of the legendary South Shields cafe, Toney Minchella, reports Chronicle Live. The South Tyneside Council website's description of South Marine Park hits the nail on the head; it "holds a special place in the heart" of both locals and tourists. Surrounded by woodland, it offers a genuine retreat from the outside world, if only for a few hours. And, if you fancy injecting some excitement after all the relaxation, Ocean Beach theme park is just across the road. Trip Advisor reviews for South Marine Park speak volumes about its high regard, with one five-star reviewer declaring: "South marine park is by far the best." Echoing this sentiment, another wrote: "Worth a visit whatever your age".
