Merthyr Tydfil’s green spaces retain benchmark of excellence awards

Four of Merthyr Tydfil’s flagship green spaces and a further nine community-run projects have been awarded or retained prestigious Green Flag Awards.

The County Borough Council-owned Cyfarthfa Park, Parc Taf Bargoed and Aberfan Cemetery have all retained their awards, the international mark of a quality park or green space presented by Keep Wales Tidy. Garwnant Forest Centre, owned by Natural Resources Wales, also received a full award.

The Green Flag Community Award, the benchmark for parks and green spaces managed by volunteers, has been awarded to the following:

• Nant Llwynog Park
• Gurnos Men’s Project’s Community Garden
• Penywern Top Pond - Merthyr Tydfil Angling Association
• Royal Crescent Allotment’s Woodland Walk
• Pontygwaith Nature Reserve
• Dowlais Community Centre Gardens - Stephens & George Charitable Trust
• Pontsticill Village
• Dowlais Infants’ School & Community Garden
• Cilsanws Nature Reserve - Merthyr Tydfil and District Naturalists' Society

The Green Flag Award programme is delivered in Wales by environmental 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.

“The Green Flag rewards our achievements in a number of areas, particularly in reaching high environmental standards and in encouraging community activity,” said County Borough Council Cabinet member for Regeneration and Public Protection Cllr Geraint Thomas.

“We’re thrilled that so many of our green spaces have been recognised in this way, in particular the Council-managed sites which have retained their flag status - Aberfan Cemetery for the second consecutive year, Cyfarthfa Park for a third, and Parc Taf Bargoed for an incredible consecutive ninth time,” he added.

“We also want to congratulate all the totally dedicated volunteers across the county borough who are continuing to create and sustain beautiful green projects for the enjoyment of their communities.

“Actif Woods Merthyr Tydfil and South East Wales Rivers Trust should particularly be mentioned for all the hard work they have carried out at Pontygwaith Nature Reserve and Nant Llwynog Park - supporting community projects bringing people outdoors into nature for their wellbeing.”