Record Green Flags haul for Merthyr Tydfil’s parks and gardens

Merthyr Tydfil has been awarded a record number of Green Flags for Council and community-run parks and gardens, currently ranking it sixth in the table of 22 local authority areas across Wales.

A total 16 green spaces – three County Borough Council parks and Aberfan Cemetery and a further 12 community projects - have been given or retained the prestigious Keep Wales Tidy accolades.

Cyfarthfa Park, Parc Taf Bargoed, Thomastown Park and the cemetery have all retained their awards, the international mark of a quality park or green space.

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

• Cilsanws Nature Reserve - Merthyr Tydfil and District Naturalists' Society
• Dowlais Community Centre Gardens - Stephens & George Charitable Trust
• Ty Dysgu Dowlais Nature Garden
• Edward and Trevor Nature Garden, situated between Edward Street and Trevor Close,     Pant
• Gurnos Men’s Project’s Community Garden
• Muriel & Blanche Community Nature Garden, situated between Muriel Terrace       Blanche Street and Cross Blanche Street in Dowlais.
• Penywern Top Pond - Merthyr Tydfil Angling Association
• Nant Llwynog Park (Pitwoods Park), Treharris
• Pontsticill Village & Park
• The Hafod Community Nature Garden
• Twynyrodyn Community Hub
• Woodland Walk

Representatives from each of the groups were invited to the Mayor’s Parlour to receive framed certificates commissioned by Mayor Cllr Declan Sammon.

Now in its third decade, the international Green Flag Award is a sign to the public that a park or green space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.

Portfolio Member for Neighbourhood Services Cllr David Hughes said: “Merthyr Tydfil is going from strength to strength in terms of Green Flag Awards, year on year, and for us to place sixth in the Welsh table is a fantastic achievement.

“I’m thrilled that the Council’s parks and Aberfan Cemetery consistently win awards, which is down to the hard work carried out in maintaining them by our Parks Department.

“We also have a growing number of community groups and volunteers who give up their time to maintain their local green spaces for the benefit of residents – so many thanks to those as well.”

Welsh Government Minister for Climate Change Julie James said: “The standard required to achieve Green Flag status is very high so I want to congratulate all of the sites recognised for providing excellent, year-round facilities to local people and visitors alike.”

“It’s fantastic to see we still hold more than a third of the UK’s Green Flag community sites in Wales – especially as the last two years have taught us all of the importance of nature and green spaces on our mental and physical wellbeing.”

A full list of award winners can be found on the Keep Wales Tidy website www.keepwalestidy.cymru

Keep Wales Tidy is always on the lookout for new places to join the Green Flag Awards. If you’d like to put your park or green space on the map, visit the Keep Wales Tidy website www.keepwalestidy.cymru for more information.