Green Flag status for 26 sites across Caerphilly County Borough

Twenty-six green spaces across Caerphilly County Borough have been awarded Green Flag status for 2024/25.

The Green Flag Award scheme recognises well-maintained parks and green spaces across the UK and around the world.

In Wales, the Green Flag Awards are overseen by Keep Wales Tidy.

Of the 26 winners, two sites are new recipients of the Green Flag Community Award – Pontygwindy Allotments in Caerphilly, and Ynys Hywel Farm, near Cwmfelinfach.

They join the likes of Cefn Fforest Eco Park, Blackwood’s Libanus Lifestyle community garden, and Aber Valley Community Allotments in holding the award.

Another group to receive the award again this year is Caerphilly Miners Centre’s climate change garden.

Chris O’Meara, lead gardening volunteer at Caerphilly Miners, said: “We feel it is a recognition of our ability to create a safe and stimulating green space which is beautiful and informs the public on how a garden can be planted to be resilient in the changing climate we are experiencing. 

“It is an encouragement to the whole team of gardening volunteers that our work reaches the standards set by the Green Flag organisation.”

She continued: “We get regular feedback from the local community that they enjoy the garden when they use the community centre. It is a place for families to play and picnic in, for dog walkers to wander through and inspiration for the centre’s children and adult art classes.”

Cllr Chris Morgan, Caerphilly Council’s cabinet member for green spaces, said: “We are thrilled to announce that CCBC has been awarded the second most Green Flag and Green Flag Community Awards in Wales.

“This news a testament to the natural beauty that we have here in Caerphilly County Borough, and to the work that our team and volunteers carry out year-round, to keeping our green spaces looking so great.

“A big thank you and well done to everyone involved.”