A RECORD-BREAKING number of Green Flag Awards have been given to parks in the Wychavon District Council area for the first time.
The council has retained all six Green Flag Awards it held last year, with St Richard’s Open Space in Evesham bringing the total to seven – the highest number the district has achieved.
The Green Flag Award is the recognised quality mark for parks and green spaces, celebrating places that are welcoming, safe, well maintained and loved by the communities who use them.
This year’s award-winning Wychavon sites are Abbey Park in Pershore, Droitwich Lido/St Peter’s Fields, Vines Park and Droitwich Community Woods in Droitwich, Abbey Park, Workman Gardens and St Richard’s Open Space, off Fairfield Road, all in Evesham.
For St Richard’s Open Space, the award is a first and recognises several years of development prompted and supported by the Friends of St Richard’s Open Space.
Improvements include a new play area, a surfaced path to replace an informal, muddy track, as well as fruit orchards and wildflower areas, helping to create a more enjoyable and accessible space for residents.
According to the council a lot of hard work goes on behind each Green Flag that is not always obvious at first glance.
This includes mowing, planting and maintenance to inspections, biodiversity improvements with support from volunteers.
Councillor Beverley Hardman, Wychavon’s executive board member for environment, said: “Our parks and green spaces are places people turn to every day – for a lunchtime walk, a family visit, a play in the park, a bit of fresh air, a community event or a quiet moment in nature.
“To see Wychavon achieve seven Green Flag Awards for the first time is wonderful news, and I am especially pleased to see St Richard’s Open Space receive its first award.
“This achievement is a real credit to the officers, contractors, volunteers, and partners who care for these spaces throughout the year.”
The Green Flag Award scheme is managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, with awards renewed annually to make sure sites continue to meet the standard.
Visit: wychavon.gov.uk/park-and-open-spaces for more information.
