TWO popular local attractions have retained their Green Flag parks and open spaces status.

Tintern’s Old Station and Caldicot Castle and Country Park, run by Monmouthshire County Council, were recognised as being among the best parks and green spaces in the country and maintaining high standards throughout the year.

The Green Flag Community Award which recognises high quality green spaces managed by voluntary and community groups was also awarded to Crick Woodland, Crick Meadow and Portskewett’s The Cornfield.

Tintern’s Old Station and its tea rooms, situated in woodland beside the River Wye, has developed a reputation as one of the area’s top visitor sites and was voted the UK’s favourite park in the 2011 People’s Choice Green Flag Award public poll. 

Caldicot’s medieval castle is set in 55 acres of beautiful country park and includes picnic tables and barbeques. 

It hosts events throughout the year, including concerts in the past by the likes of pop group Little Mix and rock legends Status Quo.

Volunteer planting of Crick Millennium Wood began in 2003 to compensate for the loss of green space due to house building, and the area is now a maturing wood and pocket park. Crick Jubilee Wood is a new community woodland, where planting began in 2013.

The Crick Meadow group, working with Caerwent Community Council, has obtained a 15-year lease from the county council for a 1.5 acre field beside the village to be used for ‘recreational purposes’, complete with a community wildflower meadow and nature reserve, a pond and a community orchard.

Portskewett Cornfield has been transformed into a community park, with picnic tables, an orchard, flowers, shrubs and a herb garden, plus nest boxes.