One of Barnstaple’s best-loved green spaces has achieved national recognition after securing a prestigious Green Flag Award at the first time of asking, marking a milestone for the park and those who help care for it.
Rock Park has been awarded Green Flag status, recognising it as one of the UK’s best-managed parks and green spaces. The award was presented on Tuesday, July 14, with the park achieving the internationally recognised standard on its first application.
The award recognises the work carried out by Barnstaple Town Council, its town rangers, volunteers and members of the public in maintaining the park.
Estates manager Wayne Palmer said: “We are absolutely delighted that Rock Park has achieved the international quality mark for parks and green spaces.
“This award highlights the Town Council’s commitment to a greener Barnstaple as well as recognising the hard work of our Town Rangers, Volunteers and the public in maintaining our green spaces. Well done to everyone involved.”
The Mayor of Barnstaple, Cllr Dawson, said: “This award reflects the hard work that goes into caring for Rock Park, but it also highlights the role the wider community plays.
“Simple actions, such as picking up dog fouling and disposing of litter responsibly, help keep the park welcoming for everyone.”
Cllr Sables, chair of Rock Park Trust, said: “The Green Flag award echoes the important role Rock Park plays within the community.
“Maintaining and protecting parks and open spaces for the benefit of residents and the environment, now and for future generations, remains a key strategic priority for Barnstaple Town Council.”
Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award manager at Keep Britain Tidy, said: “Barnstaple Town Council have shown what can be achieved when parks are properly supported and managed.
“As we celebrate 30 years of the Green Flag Award, we want every community to have access to green spaces like this that are safe, welcoming and maintained to a high standard.”
The Green Flag Award scheme is managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under contract from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. It recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.
