3 South Somerset sites some of the UK’s best green spaces
Released On 6th Jul 2019
The three sites are among a record-breaking 1,883 UK parks and green spaces that have recently received a prestigious Green Flag Award / Green Flag Community Award - the mark of a quality park or green space.
This international award, now into its third decade, is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.
Yeovil Country Park is a busy site located only 5 minutes walk from the bustling town centre and offers open access green space to residents and visitors. The Country Park comprises five different areas, all of which have very different characteristics and land features to explore including woodland, meadows and waterways. There is a surprising array of wildlife living so close to the town, including kingfishers and water voles.
Ham Hill Country Park is a nationally important geological area and is home to rare and exciting wildlife and plant life. The country park has a fascinating history with a peaceful and leafy woodland area and glades, flower rich meadows, impressive ramparts with wide reaching views and iconic hamstone memorials and sculptures.
Above: Friends Groups from each of the sites celebrate receiving Green Flag Awards for each sites, along with Rangers at their recent away day at Studland. The away day is organised by the Countryside Team to thank the volunteers for their support, hard work and dedication.
Chard Reservoir is a haven for birdwatchers, anglers and local walkers. The outer wildflower meadows are excellent examples of unimproved grassland awash with orchids and alive with insects in the summer months. The woodland that edges the reservoir itself is home to many bird species and is managed to maintain that diversity.
Councillor Sylvia Seal, Portfolio Holder for Leisure & Culture at South Somerset District Council said: "We are absolutely delighted to receive a Green Flag Award for the fourteenth time at Yeovil & Ham Hill and the tenth year running at Chard Reservoir.
"We know how much quality green spaces matter to residents and visitors, and this award celebrates the dedication that goes into maintaining our three marvellous sites to such a high standard.
International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: "We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme, with more Green Flags awarded this year than last year."
"Each flag honours the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award. We are proud to have so many wonderful green spaces in the UK for people to enjoy, and hope that next year, we award even more flags."
