Yeovil's popular Country Park, which is owned, managed and
maintained by South Somerset District Council, won the top rating
after the Friends of Yeovil Country Park group applied for the
award as part of the Britain in Bloom Pride in Parks Awards.
Representatives from The Friends of Yeovil Country Park group
met with judges from the awards and toured the site last summer and
received the community-led award in March this year.
Gary Cashmore, Chairman of the Friends of Yeovil Country Park
said "This prestigious award came as somewhat of surprise to us and
that makes it even more special. It recognises all the hard work
done by so many individuals to improve and develop the park into
what it is today. We will strive to develop the park for the
community and want to say a big thank you for the considerable
effort of the Rangers, volunteers and the public who support
us."
Yeovil Country Park comprises of five main areas including a
recent extension along the River Yeo adjacent to the Wyndham Park
development. All of the areas have very different characteristics,
habitats and unique places to explore. The site is well used by the
local community and is situated on the outskirts of the town
centre, ideal for visitors to the town.
Councillor Sylvia Seal, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture
at South Somerset District Council added, "This award is testament
to the hard work of the Friends and volunteers who support the
rangers in managing the Country Park. Without the help of the
Friends fundraising and helping at events such as the Spring and
Halloween Trails, the Country Park would not be the heart of the
community that it is. The Country Park is an important part of the
community of Yeovil town and now also offers a great destination
for visitors; our thanks go to Yeovil Town Council and its
members for their important and ongoing support for the
facility".
The Countryside Team have an exciting events programme
throughout 2018 at Yeovil Country Park to look forward to,
including photography sessions, fairy tale trail, bat walks,
woodland explorers and so much more. Visit www.southsomersetcountryside.com
to find out more or follow 'Yeovil Country Park' on their community
Facebook page.
Photo above: Friends of Yeovil Country Park and Countryside
Rangers celebrate the recent 5 star Best Park 2017 award from the
RHS South West in Bloom.