Countryside Rangers and members of the Friends of Yeovil Country Park were ecstatic to find out that the site has recently been awarded a 5 star Best Park 2017 award from the RHS South West in Bloom.
Yeovil’s popular Country Park, which is owned, managed and maintained by South Somerset District Council, won the top rating after the Friends of Yeovil Country Park group applied for the award as part of the Britain in Bloom Pride in Parks Awards.
Representatives from The Friends of Yeovil Country Park group met with judges from the awards and toured the site last summer and received the community-led award in March this year.
Gary Cashmore, Chairman of the Friends of Yeovil Country Park said “This prestigious award came as somewhat of surprise to us and that makes it even more special. It recognises all the hard work done by so many individuals to improve and develop the park into what it is today. We will strive to develop the park for the community and want to say a big thank you for the considerable effort of the Rangers, volunteers and the public who support us.”
Yeovil Country Park comprises of five main areas including a recent extension along the River Yeo adjacent to the Wyndham Park development. All of the areas have very different characteristics, habitats and unique places to explore. The site is well used by the local community and is situated on the outskirts of the town centre, ideal for visitors to the town.
Councillor Sylvia Seal, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture at South Somerset District Council added, “This award is testament to the hard work of the Friends and volunteers who support the rangers in managing the Country Park. Without the help of the Friends fundraising and helping at events such as the Spring and Halloween Trails, the Country Park would not be the heart of the community that it is. The Country Park is an important part of the community of Yeovil town and now also offers a great destination for visitors; our thanks go to Yeovil Town Council and its members for their important and ongoing support for the facility”.
The Countryside Team have an exciting events programme throughout 2018 at Yeovil Country Park to look forward to, including photography sessions, fairy tale trail, bat walks, woodland explorers and so much more. Visit www.southsomersetcountryside.com to find out more or follow ‘Yeovil Country Park’ on their community Facebook page.