TWO local parks have once again received the Green Flag Award, an initiative that “rewards well-managed parks and green spaces”.

Marine Cove Gardens in Burnham-on-Sea and Apex Leisure and Wildlife Park in Highbridge have been recognised by Keep Britain Tidy, which runs the Green Flag Award. 

Both parks are managed by Sedgemoor District Council (SDC) in partnership with volunteer groups (Friends of Apex Park and The Friends of Marine Cove).

The Marine Cove Gardens judges described the space as “a welcoming park accessed through numerous flat and level points”.

They said: “The park is open and level with good sight lines throughout. Although dogs were present on the site, no evidence of fouling was seen.

“Despite its size, Marine Cove Gardens manages to cram lots in with wildflower areas, different mowing regimes, hedges and both annual and perennial beds, all of which help the biodiversity of the park which has been validated with the ecological survey.”

They also praised the park's “strong community contribution” and “enthusiastic volunteers”.

The judges added: “The addition of the Heritage Trail QR code was an excellent way to gain additional interest in the park and further bring the history of the park alive.” 

The awards are handed out annually, and winners must apply each year to renew their Green Flag status. 

An SDC spokesperson said: “Now, more than ever, people are seeing the benefit of parks and green spaces, which is why Sedgemoor District Council is delighted to have been awarded two Green Flags for Apex Park and Marine Cove Gardens in Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge. 

“SDC have also donated bedding plants to the Friends of Marine Cove who have planted them up, adding colour and a warm welcome to visitors and residents.”

Both parks have received the accolade for a number of years.

Apex Leisure and Wildlife Park is a 42-acre former clay digging area. It includes a large children's play area, a woodland walk, a lake, an outdoor gym, and a skate park.

Marine Cove was originally part of the Old Vicarage estate and first opened as a formal public gardens in 1927.

A total of 2,208 UK parks and green spaces across the UK have achieved the Green Flag Award this year.