Robinswood Hill Country Park and Barnwood Park and Arboretum named as two of the best parks in Britain

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Two of Gloucester’s most popular outdoor attractions will be flying the Green Flag Award this year.

Barnwood Park and Arboretum and Robinswood Hill Country Park are two of the very best parks and green spaces in the UK – and that’s official.

They are among a record-breaking 1,686 parks and green spaces which have received a prestigious Green Flag Award – the mark of a quality park or green space.

The award, now celebrating its 20th year, recognises and rewards the best parks and green spaces across the country.

A Green Flag flying overhead is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent facilities.

Barnwood Park and Arboretum is a local nature reserve owned by Gloucester City Council. The arboretum has many mature trees and much grassland making it a great habitat for birds, insects and small mammals. The grass is managed by grazing ‘Dexter’ cattle in the summer and rare breed sheep in the autumn and winter.

Robinswood Hill Country Park is set in 250 acres of open countryside with extensive views, pleasant walks, a traditional orchard, and way-marked trails. The summit has fabulous views of the Severn Bridge to the south, the Malvern Hills to the north and the Black Mountains to the west. The hill is a fantastic habitat for wildlife including some interesting species such as glow worms and bats.

Cllr Colin Organ, cabinet member for housing and planning at Gloucester City Council said: “We’re absolutely delighted to receive a Green Flag Award for the sixth year at Barnwood Park and Arboretum and for the first year at Robinswood Hill Country Park from Keep Britain Tidy.

“This award recognises and highlights that people in the city are benefitting from a green space of the very highest quality.

Paul Todd, International Green Flag Award scheme manager said, “We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme, especially as we celebrate the 20^th anniversary of the awards.

“All the flags flying this year are a testament to the efforts of the thousands of men and women, both staff and volunteers, who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.”

On the evening of Saturday 30^th July an outdoor performance of Midsummer Night’s Dream will take place in Barnwood Park and Arboretum. For more information visit www.rainorshine.co.uk

For more events at Barnwood Park and Arboretum visit  www.barnwoodarboretumpark.yolasite.com/events

Robinswood Hill Country Park has a café which is open seven days a week during the summer months, and a brand new menu has recently been introduced.

To find activities taking place at Robinswood Hill Country Park visit www.gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk or for general information go to www.gloucester.gov.uk

ENDS

Gloucester News Centre – http://gloucesternewscentre.co.uk