Keep Wales Tidy has unveiled this year’s Green Flag Award winners – the international mark of a quality park or green space.

The flag will be flying at Parc Padarn Country Park, Llanberis, in recognition of its excellent visitor facilities, high environmental standards, and commitment to delivering great quality green space.

Situated in 800-acres in the Llanberis area, Parc Padarn offers spectacular scenery across Llyn Padarn towards Dolbadarn Castle on to the magnificent mountains of Snowdonia.

Cllr Gareth Thomas, Gwynedd Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development said: “We’re delighted that Parc Padarn has once again secured the green flag recognition. This prestigious award shows how Gwynedd takes pride in the fact that we have this wonderful park in the county.

“I would like to thank the staff for all their hard work in what is certainly a very difficult period. I would also like to extend my thanks to all of the local volunteers for their dedication and their amazing work in helping to keep the area tidy. Thank you all.”

224 parks and green spaces across the country have received the prestigious Green Flag Award and Green Flag Community Award – from country parks and formal gardens, to allotments, woodlands and churchyards.

The Green Flag Award programme is delivered in Wales by environmental charity Keep Wales Tidy, with support from Welsh Government. Independent green space experts volunteered their time in early autumn to judge applicant sites against eight strict criteria, including biodiversity, cleanliness, environmental management, and community involvement.

Lucy Prisk, Green Flag Coordinator at Keep Wales Tidy said: “The pandemic has shown just how important high-quality parks and green spaces are to our communities. For many of us, they have been a haven on our doorstep, benefitting our health and well-being.

“The 224 flags flying this year are a testament to the hard work of staff and volunteers who have maintained excellent standards under the most challenging circumstances. I’d like to congratulate and thank them all for their outstanding commitment.”

A full list of award winners can be found on the Keep Wales Tidy website www.keepwalestidy.cymru