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Five more green spaces in Caerphilly County Borough have been awarded Green Flag status for 2022/23.

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. A third of the UK’s Green Flag sites are in Wales.

Parc Penallta, near Ystrad Mynach, has received the Green Flag Full Award, while four green spaces were given the Green Flag Community Award.

Among the Community Award winners were the Parish Trust Community Garden in Trethomas and the Pontywaun County School Memorial Garden.

Also receiving the Community Award was the Libanus Lifestyle Community Garden in Blackwood and the new climate change garden at Caerphilly Miners’ Centre.

Across Wales, 265 parks and green spaces received the awards, including sites such as country parks, gardens, allotments, woodlands and churchyards.

Lucy Prisk, Green Flag Coordinator at Keep Wales Tidy, said: “The last few years have really shown us just how important high-quality parks and green spaces are to our communities. With more visitors than ever enjoying our green spaces, I’d like to congratulate the hard work of staff and volunteers who have maintained excellent standards at these sites.”

Wales’ Climate Change Minister, Julie James, said: “The standard required to achieve Green Flag status is very high so I want to congratulate all of the sites recognised for providing excellent, year-round facilities to local people and visitors alike. 

“It’s fantastic to see we still hold more than a third of the UK’s Green Flag community sites in Wales – especially as the last two years have taught us all of the importance of nature and green spaces on our mental and physical wellbeing.”