THREE locations in Flintshire have been awarded a prestigious Green Flag award - which is the international mark of a quality park or green space.
Keep Wales Tidy has unveiled the list of this year's award winners who are all commended for their excellent visitor facilities, high environmental standards, and commitment to delivering great quality green space.
As a result, the Flags will soon be flying at Wepre Park, Bailey Hill and Greenfield Valley in Flintshire.
Wepre Park is 160 acres of green space, nestled in the heart of Connah’s Quay.
PIC: Wepre Park, Connah's Quay.
It is a unique setting with its various habitats and geology. Features of the park include; Old Hall Gardens, fishing pond, brook and waterfall and Ewloe Castle for the public to discover.
A Flintshire Council spokesperson said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to recognise the work put into the park by volunteers and the Friends of Wepre Park - a special thank you to all."
Bailey Hill is a public park built around the remains of a Norman Motte and Bailey Castle in the centre of Mold.
PIC: Bailey Hill, Mold.
The park is managed by a tripartite group of Flintshire County Council, Mold Town Council and the Friends of Bailey Hill.
The group continues to work together to maintain and further enhance the park for visitors.
A Flintshire Council spokesperson said: "Special thanks go to all volunteers involved who give their time and expertise freely to the project. The tripartite group is pleased that this has been recognised again with its second consecutive Green Flag Award."
Greenfield Valley Heritage Park is situated in Holywell and encompasses 70 acres of industrial history.
PIC: Greenfield Valley Heritage Park, Holywell.
Historically, Greenfield Valley employed hundreds of people in both its copper factories and cotton mills and is now fabulous open green space.
The Valley is home to a number of scheduled ancient monuments and is a haven for wildlife.
All three are quality spaces Flintshire Council says it is proud of. They are accessible for the community to explore and enjoy.
Cllr David Healey, cabinet member for climate change, countryside and economy, said: “Flintshire boasts three fantastic award winning green spaces. Wepre Park, Bailey Hill and Greenfield Valley and all rich in history, and wildlife. It’s such an achievement to receive the Green Flag award for all three.
"Flintshire’s natural spaces are a highly valued excellent quality resource for local people. I would like to extend my thanks to all volunteers and staff who work hard to maintain these high standards and allow us to fly the ‘Green Flag’ at our parks.
"The diverse range of wildlife and historic features of these parks are of great interest to residents and tourists and are a credit to Flintshire and something to be proud of. They have become a hub for local people and visitors, and are held in high regard within our local community and to receive this Award for 2022/23 is an honor.”
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