Severn Valley Country Park wins top honours for 10th year
A country park in Shropshire has been voted one of the best in Britain – for the 10th year in a row.
The Severn Valley Country Park, between Alveley and Highley, has scooped the Green Flag Award for cleanliness and tidiness.
Environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, which distributes the award, said the country park had joined another 1,447 parks and green spaces across the country that had received the prestigious award.
The country park, which is managed by Shropshire Council Outdoor Recreation Service, started life as a coal mine.
But it has been designated a country park for more than 20 years – and now attracts more than 130,000 visitors a year.
The green flag is a sign to visitors that it boasts the highest possible standards, is well maintained and has excellent facilities.
Councillor Gwilym Butler, for Shropshire Council, 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 benefiting from a green space of the very highest quality.
"I would urge as many people as possible to take advantage of such a local asset, both for its natural beauty and for the benefits to individual health."
Tina Woodward, 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 to maintaining and improving the site."
Paul Todd, 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."
The park boasts a play area, teashop, walking routes and a cycle path. The surroundings include ancient woodlands, wildflower meadows and views down the Severn Valley.
A dedicated team of volunteers help to manage the site and also help with fundraising.