A GREEN space in Yate has been recognised with an international award.
Wapley Bushes Local Nature Reserve and the Orchard for the Future, just to the south of Yate, has been named by the Green Flag Award Scheme as one of the best in the world.
The nature reserve is among a record-breaking 1,797 UK parks and open spaces that have today received a prestigious Green Flag Community Award – the mark of a quality park or green space.
This international award, now into its third decade, is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.
Committee member Paul Hulbert said ““We are absolutely delighted to receive a Green Flag Award for the 6th time.
“We know how much quality green spaces matter to residents and visitors, and this award celebrates the dedication that goes into maintaining Wapley Bushes to such a high standard.
“The real credit for this award must go to our hard-working volunteers, and to Dodington Parish Council for their unfailing practical and financial help.”
The Wapley Bushes Nature Reserve is a mixture of flower-rich meadows, ancient woodland and younger plantations. It is managed by volunteers of the Wapley Bushes Conservation Group on behalf of site owners Dodington Parish Council.
International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said that the success of the reserve and the award scheme demonstrates “just how much” green spaces matter to people.
He added: “We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme.
“Each flag is a celebration of the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award”.