THE KYMIN has won its first Green Flag Award for parks and green spaces.

Keep Wales Tidy has unveiled this year’s Green Flag Award winners – the international mark of a quality park or green space and the Beach Road site is on the list for the first time.

Belle Vue Park has won a Green Flag Award for the 13th year running and Alexandra Park and Windsor Gardens are successful for the fourth year in a row.

In total, 183 parks and green spaces in Wales have met the high standard needed to receive the coveted Green Flag Award or the Green Flag Community Award.

Flags are flying at a wide range of green spaces this year – from wetlands and cemeteries, to woodlands and universities.

The Green Flag Award scheme is delivered in Wales by environmental charity, Keep Wales Tidy, with support from Welsh Government.

It is judged by green space experts, who volunteer their time to visit applicant sites and assess them against eight strict criteria, including horticultural standards, cleanliness, environmental management and community involvement.

Town clerk, Emma Boylan, said: "The quality and standard of work exhibited at the Kymin which has resulted in the council achieving Green Flag status is testament to the hard work and commitment of the town council who are striving to provide excellence at its strategic venues in the town. 

"The council is delighted to be awarded its first Green Flag  and hopes that the residents and tourists to Penarth will visit the Kymin and benefit from the displays of horticulture and biodiversity."

Cllr John Thomas, leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that the Vale has once again excelled to gain so many Green-Flag parks.

"Given our resources compared to other authorities, this is a truly remarkable achievement and testament to the hard work put in by our parks staff.

"It is their commitment that keeps our green spaces looking fantastic all year around.

"Congratulations also to the volunteer and community groups who have been recognised for their on-going hard work.

"The standard required to achieve Green Flag status is extremely high and a great deal of effort is put in behind the scenes to ensure residents have so many fantastic outdoor areas to enjoy in the Vale."

Lucy Prisk, Green Flag coordinator at Keep Wales Tidy said: "The Green Flag Award is all about connecting people with the very best parks and green spaces.

"Keep Wales Tidy is proud to run the scheme in Wales because we know having a good quality environment can have a big impact on our communities, health and well-being, and economy.

"I’d like to congratulate our winners and thank everyone who works tirelessly to maintain the standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.

"I’d encourage everyone to get outdoors and explore the diverse range of fantastic facilities we have on our doorstep."

A full list of award winners can be found on the Keep Wales Tidy website www.keepwalestidy.cymru/greenflag