Sidmouth and Exmouth fly the flag with pride

Connaught Gardens in Sidmouth and Manor Gardens in Exmouth are still among the best in the country – and that’s official!

Both have again received the prestigious Green Flag Award, a sign to visitors that the park is a well-maintained and well-managed high quality green space, with excellent facilities. It’s the tenth year in a row for Sidmouth, while Exmouth has now won the award nine times consecutively.

The gardens are among a record number of parks and green spaces receiving the Green Flag Award this year, ensuring that even more of us now have access to well-managed, high-quality green spaces.

This year, 1,447 parks and green spaces will fly the Green Flag, a sign to visitors that the space boasts the highest possible standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent facilities.

National award

The national award, handed out by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, recognises and rewards the best parks and green spaces across the country.

Councillor Iain Chubb, EDDC’s Cabinet Member for the Environment, said: “I’m truly proud of the gardening staff who work so hard in all weathers to provide our towns with the kind of gardens and floral displays that give East Devon the wow factor. To continue winning this prestigious award against a backdrop of reduced funding is indeed an impressive achievement”.

The record number of awards across the country means more people than ever before will have access to well-managed, quality green space, which is vital to people’s health and wellbeing.

Green Flag Award Scheme Manager Paul Todd said: “We are thrilled to announce yet another record-breaking year for Green Flag Award parks and green spaces.

Recognition

“A Green Flag Award provides national recognition for the hard work and dedication of all the parks managers, staff and volunteers who have helped to create these fantastic places for all to enjoy.

“Quality green spaces are absolutely essential to happy, healthy communities. They are fundamental to our quality of life, whether in cities, towns or villages. That is why it is so significant that we have given out more awards than ever before.”