Somerset Council is thrilled to announce that four of their managed open spaces have been awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award for 2024.
Ham Hill, Yeovil Country Park, Wellington Park, and Blenheim Gardens in Minehead have been given the prestigious accolade.
Special recognition goes to Ham Hill Country Park and Wellington Park for retaining their Green Heritage Site Accreditation, supported by Historic England, for their exceptional management of historic features. Ham Hill is an ancient Iron Age hillfort, and Wellington Gardens is a Grade II listed former Edwardian Park established in 1927.
The Green Flag accreditation reflects the dedication and hard work of the council’s grounds teams, rangers, and the amazing volunteers and friends’ groups who care for these sites, ensuring they are enjoyed by visitors, residents, and wildlife alike.
Somerset Council took the difficult decision not to enter their parks into the Green Flag Award competition this year due to budget constraints. We continue to maintain previous winning parks to Green Flag standard. Those that retain their green flag status were entered thanks to the Friends of Ham Hill, the Friends of Yeovil Country Park and Wellington and Minehead Town Councils. We thank them for their support with entry costs.
As part of the devolution process, as of 1 August, the management of Yeovil Country Park transferred to Yeovil Town Council. From 1st April next year, the management of Wellington Park and Blenheim Gardens will transfer to Wellington and Minehead Town Councils. Somerset Council wishes them all continued success for Green Flag status in their capable hands. Somerset Council will continue to manage Ham Hill.
Somerset Council congratulates the Town Council-run parks that received the Green Flag accolade. Shepton Mallet Town Council retains its Green Flag for Collett Park in Shepton Mallet. Comeytrowe Park, French Weir Park, and Victoria Park, managed by Taunton Town Council and maintained by our dedicated grounds team also retained their Green Flag status, with Comeytrowe Park also securing the Green Flag Community Award.
Councillor Dixie Darch, Lead Member for Environment and Climate Change said:
Parks and open spaces are essential for nature as they provide habitats for diverse wildlife, act as corridors for species movement, support pollinators, regulate climate, manage water, and maintain soil health.
These areas are crucial for nature’s recovery, offering refuge for species threatened by habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. By fostering biodiversity and ecosystem health, parks and open spaces play a vital role in sustaining our natural environment. Each of these flags honours every one of our dedicated staff, volunteers, and friend groups who tirelessly maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.
Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts, Lead Member for Communities, Housing and Culture, added:
Congratulations to everyone involved in making sure our parks and green spaces are the heart of our communities. They provide a place for families to gather, children to play, and individuals to connect with nature. These spaces are essential for our physical and mental wellbeing, offering a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of daily life. We are committed to maintaining and enhancing these green spaces to ensure they continue to benefit everyone in our communities.
A full list of Green Flag Award-winning parks and green spaces is available here.
