Somerset beauty spots Ham Hill and Chard Reservoir awarded

Somerset beauty spots Ham Hill and Chard Reservoir have both received Green Flag Awards, an international quality mark for well-managed parks and green spaces <i>(Image: Supplied)</i>
Somerset beauty spots Ham Hill and Chard Reservoir have both received Green Flag Awards, an international quality mark for well-managed parks and green spaces (Image: Supplied)
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Two Somerset beauty spots have been recognised with a top award.

Ham Hill and Chard Reservoir have both received Green Flag Awards, an international quality mark for well-managed parks and green spaces.

The recognition marks Ham Hill's 20th consecutive Green Flag and also includes Green Heritage Site Accreditation, supported by Historic England, for the management and promotion of its historic features, recognising the exceptional care of its historic Iron Age hillfort.

Both sites are managed by Somerset Council.

Cllr Graham Oakes, Somerset Council’s lead member for public health, climate change and environment, said: "It’s fantastic to see both Chard Reservoir and Ham Hill awarded Green Flags again.

"These sites are vital green spaces for our communities, and this recognition reflects the hard work of our staff and volunteers and Friends Groups.

"Thank you to everyone who helps keep these places special for people and wildlife alike."

The Green Flag Award scheme is managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government.

The award sets the benchmark for green space management in the UK and internationally.

Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award scheme manager, said: "Congratulations to everyone involved at Ham Hill and Chard Reservoir, who have worked tirelessly to ensure that it achieves the high standards required for the Green Flag Award.

"Quality parks and green spaces like Ham Hill and Chard LNR make the country a heathier place to live and work in, and a stronger place in which to invest.

"Crucially, they’re a vital green space for communities in Somerset to enjoy nature, and during the ongoing cost of living crisis, and are a free and safe space for families to socialise."

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