Volunteers working at Exmouth's Manor Gardens
Volunteers working at Exmouth's Manor Gardens

Recognised as some of the best in the country, four green spaces in Exmouth, Seaton and Sidmouth achieve a Green Flag Award, the international quality mark for parks and green spaces.

East Devon District Council (EDDC) is celebrating after receiving four Green Flag Awards for: Connaught Gardens and Peak Hill Slope, Manor Gardens, Seafield Gardens - all managed by EDDC’s Streetscene team - and Seaton Wetlands managed by EDDC’s Countryside team.

As the international quality mark for parks and green spaces, this accreditation is testament to the hard work and dedication of the teams and volunteers that care for the green spaces so that visitors and residents alike can enjoy them.

At Exmouth’s Manor Gardens the weekly volunteers, including from the Exmouth in Bloom group, continue to provide valuable support to the Streetscene area team. The judges commented on the level of commitment by staff and volunteers, saying that the horticulture maintenance is very impressive and the array of colours make the park pop.

Seaton’s Seafield Gardens, praised for its various wildflower areas and sustainable planting, has a new volunteer who trained at Kew Gardens. Her extensive knowledge is already helping to improve the gardens.

The Streetscene team with strong support from volunteers, including from the Sidmouth in Bloom group, were praised for Sidmouth’s Connaught Gardens’ delightful appearance, despite the tough environmental conditions due to the soil, shade, rain and sea air.

Managed by EDDC’s Countryside team alongside a committed group of volunteers, Seaton Wetlands has had a remarkable year with over 100,000 visitors and welcomed 52 educational groups. Utilising a specially constructed artificial wall, the site has seen successful nesting of two broods of sand martins for the second year. These spring migrant birds are a favourite among visitors, often seen feeding on flying insects at the pond.

Councillor Geoff Jung, East Devon District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Coast, Country and Environment, commended the hard work of the teams:

"Our dedicated teams and volunteers have worked tirelessly to achieve these awards. I would like to share my heartfelt thanks – we couldn’t have done it without them!

"The volunteers, the Streetscene and Countryside teams work in all weathers to create these special spaces for all to enjoy.

"We’re looking forward to growing our list of Green Flag sites, as we hope more parks and gardens will be added next year."

Cranbrook Town Council also celebrated Green Flags for its Country Parks. Councillor Les Bayliss, Chairman of Cranbrook Town Council, said,

“It is our honour to receive the Green Flag Award. Our team and volunteers have demonstrated dedication in building and maintaining a beautiful and healthy town. We hope everyone can enjoy the magnificent green spaces in Cranbrook.” 

 Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, Paul Todd MBE, said:

"I would like to congratulate everyone involved on achieving the Green Flag Awards.

"These sites are a vital green space for communities in East Devon to socialise, enjoy nature, for children to play safely and it provides important opportunities for park users to improve their physical and mental health.

"We know that staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that it maintains the high standards of the Green Flag Award, everyone involved should feel extremely proud of their achievement. 

"It is important that our free to use spaces are maintained to the Green Flag Award standard, making them accessible for all members of the community while ensuring the environment is protected."

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, 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.