Three Merthyr parks and Aberfan Cemetery named among best green spaces in Wales in 2026/27 Green Flag Awards, while local volunteers are recognised with 18 Community Awards

Three of Merthyr’s flagship parks and Aberfan Cemetery have once again been named among the best green spaces the best in Wales, as Keep Wales Tidy today announces the 2026/27 Green Flag Awards. 

Cyfarthfa Park, Taff Bargoed Park and Thomastown Park all achieved Green Flag Award status for 2026/27, alongside Aberfan Cemetery. 

The Green Flags represent that all four locations have achieved the highest standards in being safe and secure, well-maintained and clean, having excellent environmental management, and being a welcoming place. 

They are among 93 places across Wales to achieve full Green Flag Award status in the 2026/27 Green Flag Awards. The internationally recognised award celebrates the very best parks and green spaces, so that visitors know wherever there is a Green Flag, they’re visiting an exceptional place with the highest standards. 

In addition to this,18 green spaces in Merthyr have achieved Green Flag Community Awards. These awards celebrate high-quality, volunteer-run spaces such as allotments, community gardens, and local nature reserves.  

Chepstow Close Green, Dowlais Stables Community Gardens and Penywern Middle Pond all secured Community Awards for the first time, thanks to the efforts of dedicated volunteers working hard to ensure these spaces can be enjoyed by the whole community. 

A total of 237 green spaces across Wales have achieved this accolade for 2026/27, helping Wales retain the honour for the third year running of holding more Green Flag Community Awards than any other country delivering the Green Flag scheme in the world. 

In Wales, the Green Flag Awards are run by Keep Wales Tidy, and supported by the Welsh Government.  

Keep Wales Tidy’s Chief Executive Owen Derbyshire, said:   

“We are delighted to see so many green spaces in Merthyr Tydfil recognised in this year’s Green Flag Awards, with an impressive 22 awards in total. From parks and nature reserves to woodlands and community gardens, it's clear the county prioritises quality across all kinds of green spaces, so they can be enjoyed by everyone. 

"Congratulations to all winners, including Chepstow Close Green, Dowlais Stables Community Gardens and Penywern Middle Pond for gaining their first Green Flag Community Awards. Dedicated volunteers at all community sites have worked hard to ensure these green spaces can be enjoyed by the whole community.” 

Cllr David Jones, Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Communities added:  

“Attaining the Green Flag status, for another year running, truly demonstrates the hard work that goes into maintaining our parks and green spaces, by all of the wonderful staff and volunteers involved. 

“As Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Communities, on behalf of the whole Council, I want to pass on our gratitude and congratulations to everyone involved. 

“I would urge all those visiting our County Borough this summer to consider spending time at our award-winning green spaces and making the most of these beautiful nature spots.”