Devon's country parks are top of the tree
Devon County Council’s (DCC) country parks have both been named as two of the best in Britain for the ninth time in succession.
The two DCC-managed parks, The Grand Western Canal Country Park, Mid Devon and Stover County Park, Teignbridge, have once again scooped the prestigious Green Flag Award 2017 from the charity, Keep Britain Tidy.
They are listed among a record-breaking 1,797 UK parks and green spaces that will receive the prestigious award, the mark of a quality park.
The Grand Western Canal Country Park and Local Nature Reserve is jointly funded by DCC and Mid Devon District Council. It stretches more than 11 miles from Tiverton to the Somerset border and has now won the award for the last nine years.
Stover County Park and Nature Reserve, funded by DCC and Teignbridge District Council, is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It consists of 114 acres of woodland, heathland, grassland, lake and marshland and has won the award for the last 14 years.
A Green Flag Award tells the public that the park boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.
The awards are judged by over 700 volunteers who visit sites across the country and assess them against strict criteria including horticultural standards, cleanliness, sustainability and community involvement.
Councillor Roger Croad Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for country parks, said: “I am pleased that for nine years in a row now both our parks have been judged to be among the very best in Britain.
“We know how much these two parks matter to residents and visitors, and this award celebrates the dedication that goes into maintaining them to such a high standard.
“It also recognises and highlights that people in Devon are benefitting from a green space of the very highest quality.”
Councillor Colin Slade, Devon County Council’s local member for Tiverton East, said: “To maintain The Grand Western Canal Country Park, which is over 11 miles long, takes an enormous amount of work and I want to thank all the Rangers and volunteers who work every day to ensure that the park continues to provide a wonderful location for people to enjoy a peaceful walk or cycle ride year after year.”
Councillor Ray Radford, Devon County Council’s local member for Willand & Uffculme and Mid Devon District Council’s local member for Halberton said: “The Grand Western Canal Country Park is a great asset to everyone in Devon giving people the chance to enjoy a range of recreational activities, appreciate wildlife as well as helping boost the local economy by attracting visitors to the area. This award is a clear indication to visitors and local people that this park is high quality.”
Councillor George Gribble, Devon County Council’s local member for Bovey Rural said: “I speak for everyone in Teignbridge when I say how grateful we are to the Rangers and volunteer helpers who work tirelessly to maintain Stover Country Park so that it continues to meet the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award every year.”
Councillor Ron Peart, Devon County Council’s local member Kingsteignton & Teign Estuary said: “I am delighted that Stover Country Park has once again won the Green Flag. That’s 14 years in a row now, something that the local community should be immensely proud of. It’s a fantastic asset for everyone and is Teignbridge’s jewel in the crown.”
International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme. Each flag is a celebration of the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award. The success of the scheme, especially in these challenging times, demonstrates just how much parks matter to people.”
