PARKS and green spaces across Somerset can proudly fly the prestigious Keep Britain Tidy Green Flag.

This international award, now in its fourth decade, is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained, and has excellent visitor facilities.

Two of the ten parks have also retained their heritage status.

The 10 parks and green spaces awarded Green Flag status are:

• Ham Hill Country Park near Yeovil

• Chard Reservoir Local Nature Reserve

• Yeovil Country Park

• Apex Park and Marine Cove in Burnham on Sea

• Swains Lane Nature Reserve near Wellington

• Vivary Park in Taunton

• Blenheim Gardens in Minehead

• Wellington Park

Congratulations also go to Somerset Council’s grounds management team, who look after Victoria Park, French Weir, and Comeytrowe Park for Taunton Town Council, who also receive Green Flag Awards.

As well as having Green Flag status, both Ham Hill Country Park and Wellington Park retain their Green Heritage Site Accreditation, supported by Historic England, for the management of their historic features.

Ham Hill is an ancient Iron Age hillfort and Wellington Park is a grade II listed former Edwardian Park established in 1927.

Sarah Dowden, Service Director Regulatory and Operational Management at Somerset Council, said: “Each of these 10 flags honours each and every one of our dedicated staff, volunteers, and friends’ groups who all work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.

“We are proud to have so many wonderful award-winning green spaces for the people of Somerset to enjoy.”

Kirsty Larkins, director of Climate and Sustainability at Somerset Council, added: “It goes without saying that access to the countryside and parks is important for our health and wellbeing, we are also proud that our open spaces are managed to support an array of wildlife and are able to play a vital role in supporting nature’s recovery.”

Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award Scheme Manager Paul Todd MBE said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved at Somerset Council for achieving so many Green Flag Awards.

“These parks provide vital green space for the people of Somerset, bringing people together and providing opportunities to lead healthy lifestyles.

“The staff and volunteers do so much to ensure that it maintains the high standards of the Green Flag Award, and everyone involved should feel extremely proud of their achievements.”

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.

A full list of Green Flag Award-winning parks and green spaces is available here.