The Green Flag Award Scheme has again recognised two of Wellington’s green spaces as among the very best in the country.

Wellington Park retained its Green Flag – and its Green Flag Heritage Award, one of only two in the Westcountry. Swains Lane Nature Reserve, managed by the Swains Lane Community Group, kept its Green Flag.

The sites are among a record-breaking 2,000 parks and green spaces across the country that have received Green Flag Awards this year from the scheme managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Cllr Richard Lees, executive member for Sports, Parks and Leisure at Somerset West and Taunton Council, said: “These awards are a sign to the public that our parks and open spaces boast the highest possible environmental standards, are beautifully maintained and have excellent visitor facilities.

“SWT knows how much green spaces like these matter to our residents and visitors, particularly during the Coronavirus pandemic when people have seen the value of having great quality green spaces on their doorstep.

“We are extremely proud to retain these awards – the awards are testament to the dedication of our staff and the wonderful volunteers who put so much effort into maintaining our parks and open spaces, and I would like to thank everyone who has worked with us to gain this international recognition.”

Keep Britain Tidy chief executive Allison Ogden-Newton OBE said: “This year, more than ever, our parks and green spaces have been a lifeline and we know that millions of people have used them to relax, meet friends, exercise or simply escape for a short time.

“It is testament to the incredible dedication and hard work of parks staff and volunteers that, despite the challenges that went along with record numbers of visitors, these parks and open spaces have achieved the highest international standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.