THE Bridgwater and Taunton Canal has been awarded Green Flag status by Keep Britain Tidy.

The Canal and River Trust (CRT) described the near 15-mile-long Somerset canal as 'a wonderful place for nature enthusiasts.'

The news comes shortly after CRT announced plans to re-open the Albert Street Cutting in Bridgwater, years after it was closed in 2021.

After years of questioning from disgruntled residents, it was confirmed that work would start to reopen the section of canal in October 2024.

The Canal and River Trust also announced it had retained all of its existing Green Flags across waterways in England and Wales.

Richard Parry, chief executive at Canal & River Trust, said: “Our canals span 2,000 miles across England and Wales, and Green Flags have been awarded the length and breadth of the network, demonstrating the benefits these historic navigable waterways continue to bring to the 21st century.

"They offer free, accessible green space to millions of people across the country, provide vital homes for wildlife, and support the nation’s nature recovery, as well as being navigated, as they have been for centuries, by thousands of boats.

“These Green Flags are testament to our colleagues and volunteers who work hard to keep our canals clean and welcoming places for local communities and visitors."