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Wales tops global table for Green Flag awards

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More community green spaces than any other country in the world

WALES is once again leading the world in celebrating high-quality green spaces, with 315 sites across the country awarded Green Flag and Green Flag Community status for 2025/26.

Keep Wales Tidy has confirmed that Wales has broken its own record for the number of Green Flags flying—more than any other nation taking part in the international Green Flag scheme.

The awards recognise outstanding green spaces that meet the highest environmental and management standards. In Wales, they include parks, university campuses, community woodlands, cemeteries, allotments and housing estates.

New sites and growing community impact

Newly awarded sites this year include Llandegfedd Lake in Monmouthshire, Bronllys Hospital in Powys, Tredegar Park Sports and Recreation Ground in Newport, and Llandaff Fields in Cardiff.

A record-breaking 223 community sites in Wales have achieved Green Flag Community Awards—more than any other country in the world for the second year running.

Among the 35 first-time community winners are some unique new additions, including Wales’ first Women’s Institute garden in Llanafan, Ceredigion, and the first radio station garden at BGfm in Blaenau Gwent.

A shared effort to green the nation

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change, Huw Irranca-Davies, said:
“I am very proud that Wales continues to lead the world in community-awarded Green Flag sites.

“Our local green spaces play a vital role in connecting us to nature, supporting biodiversity, and providing opportunities for healthy recreation. It is particularly pleasing to see people not only using these spaces but also actively helping to maintain and improve them.

“The standards required to achieve Green Flag status are exceptionally high, so I want to congratulate everyone involved for providing outstanding facilities that benefit both local communities and visitors alike.”

Recognition for community dedication

Owen Derbyshire, Chief Executive of Keep Wales Tidy, added: “We’re delighted to see 315 green spaces across Wales awarded Green Flag and Green Flag Community status this year—a real testament to the hard work and dedication of those who care for these special places.

“We’re especially proud that Wales has broken the record for community award winners for the second year running. This achievement highlights the vital role these spaces play in supporting the health and wellbeing of communities across Wales.”

Community

Festive creativity shines as Kurtz MS meets card competition winner

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SAMUEL KURTZ, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, visited Pembroke Dock Community School on Friday 12th December to present a prize to the winner of this year’s Christmas Card Competition.

The competition invited pupils to design a festive Christmas card, with entries received from schools across the area. The standard of artwork was exceptionally high, showcasing the creativity, imagination and talent of young people in the community.

During the visit, Samuel Kurtz congratulated the winning pupil and thanked all those who took part, as well as the teachers and staff who supported the competition. Each child who entered also received a certificate in recognition of their hard work and effort.

Speaking after the presentation, Samuel said, “It was a real pleasure to visit Pembroke Dock Community School today and announce the winner of my Christmas Card competition. This year the winner is Mair Moseley, aged 10, and she designed a wonderful Santa image that really stood out. She has won a chocolate selection set and a £20 book token to enjoy over Christmas.”

He added, “ The creativity and enthusiasm shown by all the children was fantastic, and it made choosing a winner extremely difficult. I want to congratulate all the entrants and thank the staff for their ongoing support.”

Pembroke Dock Community School Headteacher, Mrs Katie Crockford-Morris, added, “We were delighted to welcome Samuel Kurtz MS to the school to present the prize. The children thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the competition, and they were incredibly proud to receive their certificates.”

The winning design will now be used as Samuel Kurtz’s official Christmas card this year, with one copy already on its way to His Majesty, King Charles.

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Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

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Group marks December meeting with charity collection and Christmas celebrations

NARBELLES WI rounded off the year with a festive December meeting featuring a bring-and-share buffet, party games and a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Members also used the occasion to support families in need across the county, collecting food items and presenting a £120 cheque to Ann Watling from Pembrokeshire Food Bank. The donation represents the proceeds of the group’s bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week 2024.

A spokesperson for the WI said the group was delighted to finish the year “with fun, friendship and a chance to give something back to the community.”

(Photo: Narbelles WI members presenting the cheque to Ann Watling, Pembrokeshire Food Bank.)

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Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

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MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

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