Two of Wellington’s green spaces are again recognised in this year’s Green Flag award scheme.

Swains Lane Nature Reserve, managed by the Swains Lane Community Group, retained its Green Flag, and Wellington Park kept its Green Flag Heritage Award.

They are among seven Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT) parks and open spaces recognised in the award scheme as some of the best in the country thanks to the efforts of the council’s grounds team and volunteers.

Taunton’s Vivary, Victoria and French Weir Parks retained their Green Flags, and Comeytrowe Park, managed jointly by the council and the Friends of Comeytrowe Park, retained its Community Green Flag Award. Blenheim Gardens in Minehead received a Green Flag award for the second year.

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 UK and around the world.

The seven SWT sites are among a record-breaking 2,127 parks and green spaces to receive Green Flag awards as the scheme marks its Silver Jubilee, this year.

Cllr Derek Perry, executive member for Sports, Parks and Leisure, said: “I am delighted that we have retained all our awards this year proving that our parks and open spaces boast the highest possible standards.

“SWT appreciates how much these spaces are valued by our residents and visitors, particularly during the last 18 months when they have played a vital role as a place to relax, exercise and meet friends and family safely.

“I would like to thank the council staff and everyone who has worked with us to maintain this international recognition.”

Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved in making these parks and green spaces worthy of a Green Flag Award.

“To meet the requirements demanded by the scheme is testament to the hard work of the staff and volunteers who do so much to ensure that they have high standards of horticulture, safety and environmental management and support people to live healthy lives.”