FOUR local council-owned attractions are celebrating retaining their Green Flag status from Keep Wales Tidy.

Monmouthshire Council’s Tintern Old Station and Caldicot Castle Country Park won the honour for the third year running in recognition of their excellent facilities and commitment to delivering great quality green space.

And Caldicot Town Council-managed sites – Dewstow Cemetery and King George V Playing Field – were also honoured, while Green Flag Community Awards went to Crick Meadow, Crick Woodland and the Cornfield in Portskewett.

The awards recognise the considerable efforts made by volunteers and park managers to reach these standards.

The county council-run parks are popular with residents and visitors and have attracted a number of awards in recent years, said a Monmouthshire Council spokesperson.

Tintern’s Old Station has developed an “excellent reputation as one of the area’s top visitor centres” and was voted the UK’s favourite park in the 2011 People’s Choice Green Flag Award public poll.

Situated in a scenic wooded area next to the River Wye, the Old Station is “a hidden gem” which hosts a wide range of activities in the summer, including a miniature railway and a dog show.

Caldicot’s “magnificent” medieval castle is set in 55 acres of beautiful country park offering an ideal setting for picnics and walks against the background of the castle walls, with picnic tables and barbeques, said the spokesperson.

“The castle is a fabulous destination venue for tourism, special events and concerts, attracting people from far and wide,” they added.

It has recently hosted a conference for medical professions from across the world and a truly medieval experience with a trumpeter fanfare, knights and the opportunity to have a go at archery, while it is also a “beautiful setting” for weddings.

County councillor Paul Jordan, Cabinet member with responsibility for Attractions, said: “It’s wonderful to hear that our attractions have yet again been awarded the Green Flag Award.

“The Old Station and Caldicot Castle with its Country Park are among the venues that people flock to visit.

“I am particularly pleased that the awards recognise the outstanding dedication and role of the volunteers at each site.

“This summer I urge residents to visit our brilliant attractions as there is so much to see and do.’

More than 220 parks and green spaces have met the high standards needed to receive the coveted Green Flag Award and Green Flag Community Award.

They include a diverse range of sites, from urban parks and housing estates, to university campuses and farms.

The Green Flag Award programme 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.

Lucy Prisk, Green Flag Coordinator at Keep Wales Tidy, said: “The Green Flag Award programme continues to go from strength to strength in Wales, thanks to the commitment and enthusiasm of staff and volunteers across the country.

“We can’t underestimate how important high-quality parks and green spaces are to our communities, our health and wellbeing, nature and economy.

“We want to encourage everyone to explore their local area and make the most of the award-winning sites on their doorstep,” she added.

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

For more information, visit www.visitmonmouthshire.com