WELLINGTON Town Council is going to have to invest in a large trophy and awards cabinet – thanks to the hard-working members of the authority’s open spaces team and local community groups.

During the past year Wellington has won an impressive array of local, regional and national awards in recognition of its work to protect, enhance and celebrate the area’s green spaces.

These include a prestigious Heritage Green Flag for Wellington Park, a Green Flag for Swains Nature Reserve, a Gold Award in South West in Bloom, various awards from the Royal Horticultural Society for Transition Town Wellington, Friends of Wellington Park and the Wellington Basins Volunteer Group, and an environmental award from the Council for the Preservation of Rural England.

“These achievements are a testament to the dedication and commitment of everyone involved – from council staff to the many volunteers who generously give their time to care for Wellington’s parks, green spaces and natural environment,” said Cllr Chris Booth, chairman of the town council’s environment committee.

The committee has had an important 12 months in the 2025-26 financial year as it has been responsible for making decisions relating to local open spaces and the council’s tree and climate strategies – after taking on more responsibilities and services from Somerset Council.

Cllr Booth added: “We’ve taken a big step forward over the past year in caring for the town’s parks, play areas and green spaces.

“We now own and manage Wellington Park, the Playing Field, the Recreation Ground, 19 play areas, two nature reserves, Dobree Park football pitch and pavilion, and the public toilets at North Street Car Park as well as numerous other verges and green areas.

“This means these much-loved places are now looked after locally with decisions made for the benefit of residents.”

To support the extra workload the council has created a brand new open spaces team, bought the equipment required and leased a depot.

“This has given the council the skills and resources needed to maintain these spaces to a high standard and respond quickly to local needs,” added Cllr Booth.

And Cllr Booth said that working in partnership with local community groups had been key to success.

“None of this work happens in isolation,” he said. “Throughout the year, the council worked closely with local groups including Transition Town Wellington, Wellington Community Food and the Basins Volunteer Group. “These partnerships have helped shape plans for the Green Corridor and strengthened community involvement in caring for local green spaces.”

Protecting and improving nature remains a priority for the council and it has adopted a Nature Recovery Policy which sets out how its land will be managed to support wildlife and biodiversity.

Cllr Booth added: “Management and development plans have also been prepared for the Green Corridor, helping to guide future improvements for nature, walking and enjoyment.

“The trees that were planted as part of the Green Corridor Woodland Creation Scheme in partnership with the Woodland Trust are thriving with a 90 per cent survival rate in their first year.”