South Somerset District Council is celebrating a trio of Green Flag Awards for their countryside sites including Chard Reservoir, Ham Hill Country Park and Yeovil Country Park.
It is the 9th year running that Ham Hill and Yeovil have received this award and the 5th year for Chard Reservoir. Ham Hill Country Park received their award in the form of a Green Heritage Award which recognises the historic importance of the site and that the site is being managed to protect its heritage features.
The national award, handed out by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, recognises and rewards the best parks and green spaces across the country. A Green Flag flying overhead is a sign to visitors that the space boasts the highest possible standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent facilities. Each site is judged on a number of factors including cleanliness, conservation, and community.
Rachael Whaites, Countryside Manager said, “The countryside team would not be able to achieve these awards without the dedication and hard work of the volunteers that carry out practical work, undertake surveys, are members of the Friends groups, fundraise and much more. The volunteers support the ranger teams every week with many volunteers working alongside the rangers for several years.
“The awards for our sites recognise and highlights that people in South Somerset are benefitting from a number of green spaces managed to the very highest quality.”
Councillor Sylvia Seal, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture at South Somerset District Council added, “We are very pleased to once again be awarded with a Green Flag Award from Keep Britain Tidy. Our rangers and volunteers do a fantastic job in ensuring the sites are all maintained to a superb standard for all our residents to enjoy.”
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at one of the Country Parks, either through the practical volunteer days or by becoming a member of our Friends groups please contact the countryside team on 01935 462282 or email [email protected]