North Devon Council is celebrating after retaining it's Green Flag Award for two of it's green spaces.

The news that Bicclescombe Park, Ilfracombe and Yeo Valley Woodland, Barnstaple has achieved the accreditation - the international quality mark for parks and green spaces - is testament to the hard work and dedication of the team that care for the green space so that visitors and residents alike can enjoy it.

2024 is the 20th consecutive year that Bicclescombe Park has achieved Green Flag status, with Yeo Valley Woodland receiving the award for the 13th time in a row. Both spaces are owned and managed by North Devon Council, with the help of active community groups including the Friends of Yeo Valley Woodland and the Bicclescombe Park User Group. 

Councillor Ricky Knight, Lead Member for Climate and Biodiversity, said: "I am thrilled to receive the news that Bicclescombe Park and Yeo Valley Woodland have retained their Green Flag Awards for another year. This achievement is testament to the dedication and hard work of our staff and brilliant volunteers. These green spaces continue to be cherished community hubs for everyone to enjoy."

Paul Todd MBE, Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved at Bicclescombe Park and Yeo Valley Woodland on achieving a Green Flag Award.

“Bicclescombe Park and Yeo Valley Woodland are  vital green spaces for communities in North Devon to socialise, enjoy nature, for children to play safely and it provides important opportunities for park users to improve their physical and mental health.

We know that staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that it maintains the high standards of the Green Flag Award, everyone involved should feel extremely proud of their achievement. 

It is important that our free to use spaces are maintained to the Green Flag Award standard, making them accessible for all members of the community while ensuring the environment is protected.”

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.