Severn Valley Country Park named one of the best in the country again
Severn Valley Country Park in Alveley and Highley, managed by Shropshire Council’s outdoor recreation service, has been awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award for a Shropshire record tenth successive year .
Severn Valley Country Park was among a record-breaking 1,447 parks and green spaces who were awarded the Green Flag for 2013.
The national award, handed out by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, recognises and rewards the best parks and green spaces across the country. A Green Flag flying overhead is a sign to visitors that the space boasts the highest possible standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent facilities.
Severn Valley Country Park started life as a busy coal mine, but has been designated a country park for over 20 years. It now attracts over 130,000 visitors a year, who can enjoy a wide range of facilities including a natural play area, a teashop, way-marked walking routes and a cycle path. The surroundings are spectacular, with ancient woodlands, wildflower meadows and wonderful views down the valley. The park also recently hosted its first fun run through the grounds. The site is managed by a dedicated team of volunteers who also help with fundraising.
Gwilym Butler, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for leisure, libraries and culture, said:
“We are very pleased to receive a Green Flag Award for the tenth year running. This award recognises and highlights that people in Shropshire are benefitting from a green space of the very highest quality. I would urge as many people as possible take advantage of such a local asset, both for its natural beauty and for the benefits to individual health.”
Tina Woodward, local Shropshire Councillor for Alveley and Claverley, said:
“I am delighted that Severn Valley Country Park has been awarded the Green Flag again this year. It is a real credit to the small team of Shropshire Council staff and volunteers who dedicate a lot of their time in maintaining and improving the site, year on year.”
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 well-being.
Paul Todd, Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, said:
“We are thrilled to announce yet another record-breaking year for Green Flag Award parks and green spaces.
“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.”
