Green Flags flying at Stover and Grand Western Canal Country Parks

The Grand Western Canal Country Park and Stover Country Park have been officially recognised among the country's best parks by being presented with the coveted Green Flag Award.

They are among a record breaking 2,208 UK winners of the award this year, which is the international quality mark for parks and green spaces.

The news that Devon County Council's Country Parks at the Grand Western Canal and Stover have achieved the Green Flag Award is testament to the hard work and dedication of the teams that make them green spaces that everyone can enjoy.

Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, said: "The Country Parks at the Grand Western Canal and Stover are extremely special places to visit and retaining their Green Flag Awards is thoroughly well deserved. Congratulations to all of the staff and volunteers who dedicate a huge amount of time and effort which makes it possible to achieve the highest standards for parks year after year. They make these parks the well-loved green spaces that provide so many benefits for our local environment and our health and wellbeing."

The Grand Western Canal is celebrating 14 consecutive years of receiving the coveted award. The Green Flag Award judge was impressed with the ongoing improvements in visitor information provision, with several new signs and panels installed and more in the pipeline later this year. The Canal Ranger Service was also congratulated on the high level of community engagement it achieves, working with a range of volunteers, community groups and local schools.

Councillor Ray Radford, Chair of the Grand Western Canal Joint Advisory Committee, Mid Devon District Councillor for Halberton and County Councillor for Willand and Uffculme, said: "This is absolutely fabulous, another green flag award. This is down to the hard work done by the Canal Rangers and staff. Also special thanks to all the volunteers, who give their time for free. The canal has now become a well known attraction, bringing in visitors from many parts of the country and contributing to our local economy. It is an 11 mile delight for ramblers and full of wildlife."

Councillor Colin Slade, County Councillor for Tiverton East and Vice Chair of the Grand Western Canal Joint Advisory Committee, said: "This is such good news! Fourteen consecutive years is a major achievement and very well deserved. I would like to add my thanks to Canal Manager Mark Baker and his team of Rangers and Volunteers for all their hard work throughout the year. Also, to all those who use the canal county park: walkers, cyclists, anglers and those who take to the water and ride on the Horse Boat. The fact that the canal is so well used contributes to its success, making it one of our top local attractions and bringing huge benefit to the economy of Tiverton and Mid Devon."

For Stover, this year's award is the 19th in a row. The Green Flag Award Judge commented that Stover is "a very pleasant visit with a hive of activities going at the time with various local groups. Well deserving of the Green Flag." The park also won praise for its well-maintained paths and additional access for people with mobility problems to most areas.

Councillor George Gribble, County Councillor for Bovey Rural, said: "The Green Flag Award is very much appreciated as Stover Park is a wonderful venue, kept in very good order by the local staff and volunteers. Thanks to everyone who keep our much valued parks in such good condition to welcome all comers to enjoy."

Keep Britain Tidy's Accreditation Manager Paul Todd said: "I would like to congratulate everyone involved in making Stover Country Park and the Grand Western Canal Country Park worthy of a Green Flag Award.

"They are vital green spaces for the community in Devon. This award is testament to all the hard work of staff and volunteers, who do so much to ensure that it maintains the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award."

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.

For more information about Green Flag Award-winning parks and green spaces please visit the Green Flag Awards website.