This month, a record number of parks and green spaces collect the prestigious Keep Britain Tidy Green Flag Award. Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust are delighted that Cockington Country Park, in Torquay, has been recognised, once again, by the Green Flag Award Scheme as one of the very best in the world.
The park is among a record-breaking 1,797 UK parks and green spaces that have received a Green Flag Award – the mark of a quality park or green space.
This international award, now into its third decade, is an indication to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.
Cockington Country Park has been recognised by the Green Flag initiative for the past 21 years, every year that the awards have been running. Cockington is one of only 5 sites that have held the award for these 21 years.
Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust (Torbay’s independent conservation charity) is responsible for looking after Cockington Country Park and could not achieve this without a massive contribution from volunteers. The Green Heart Appeal is a dedicated fundraising project that has provided means to refurbish parts of the park including the stunning lakes, the Game-keepers cottage which is now home to the park’s voluntary trainee team and The Linhay, which now serves as the Country Park Visitor Centre.
Damian Offer, Director of Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive a Green Flag Award for 21st year running. We know how much quality green spaces matter to residents and visitors and this award celebrates the dedication and effort that goes into maintaining Cockington Country Park to such a high standard.
We could not achieve this without the huge commitment and help of our volunteers and friends groups, for which we are extremely grateful”.
Hannah Worthington, Cockington Green Heart Access Officer said “Receiving the Green Flag award is yet another opportunity for us to shout about what a fantastic green space Cockington is. Being awarded the flag is further recognition of how much involvement there is from local people. Without all the passion, commitment and of course, hours of effort that our volunteers have put in, the Trust would not have been able to work towards the restoration of the Lakes area and get the Memorial Rose Garden looking so good again this year.”
International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Fla g Award scheme.
“Each flag is a celebration of the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award. The success of the scheme, especially in these challenging times, demonstrates just how much parks matter to people.”
