MARINE Cove Gardens has once again been recognised as the best public spaces in UK as part of the Green Flag Award scheme.

The gardens in Burnham-on-Sea’s Esplanade are among 1,883 parks and green spaces in the UK that have received a Green Flag Award – which is widely known as the mark of quality.

The international award scheme, which is now in its third decade, is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.

A spokesman for Sedgemoor District Council said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive a Green Flag Award for Marine Cove Gardens.

“We know how much quality green spaces matter to residents and visitors and this award celebrates the dedication by the Friends of Marine Cove Gardens and the council’s parks and clean surroundings staff that goes into maintaining the gardens to such a high standard, as well as organising the many events that take place there.”

The awards are judged by an army of more than 700 green space experts who volunteer their time to visit application sites and assess them against eight strict criteria, including horticultural standards, cleanliness, sustainability and community involvement.

As well as traditional public parks, some more surprising green spaces have achieved the awards this year, including university campuses, shopping centres, the Thames Barrier Park in London, war memorials and even burials sites.

This year’s flag is set to be raised at a special ceremony at the gardens later this year but no date has been set for it yet.

Paul Todd, international Green Flag award scheme manager, said it has been another record breaking year for the scheme.

“We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme with more Green Flags awarded this year than last year,” Mr Todd said.

“Each flag honours the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.

“We are proud to have so many wonderful green spaces in the UK for people to enjoy, and hope that next year, we award even more flags.”

For more information about the scheme, visit its website at greenflagaward.org.uk.