Green Flag flying at Ogmore Vale Fire and Rescue Station

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

Ogmore Vale Fire and Rescue Station has become the first Fire and Rescue Station in the UK to achieve the coveted Green Flag Community Award in recognition of its high environmental standards, cleanliness, safety, and community involvement.

Station Commander for Ogmore Vale, Matt Bradford, said:

“On behalf of myself and the team at Ogmore Vale, we are extremely honoured and privileged to receive this reward. It’s amazing that we are the first and only Fire Station in the UK to receive this award. The garden is for the community that we serve 24/7, 365 days a year.

“We hope the garden will bring lots of community engagement and offer a space for reflection and well-being.

“We welcome the community to join us at every opportunity – it’s their community garden.”

The station’s garden had its grand opening on Saturday 15 July 2023, and is open to all.

180 community managed green spaces across the country have met the high standards needed to receive the Green Flag Community Award. Now, in its third decade, Green Flag recognises well-managed parks and green spaces in 20 countries around the world.

In Wales, the awards scheme is run by Keep Wales Tidy.

Lucy Prisk, Green Flag Coordinator for Keep Wales Tidy said:

“Free access to safe, high quality green space has never been more important. Our award-winning sites play a vital role in people’s mental and physical well-being, providing a haven for communities to come together, relax and enjoy nature.

“News that a record number of community managed green spaces in Wales have achieved Green Flag status is testament to the dedication and hard work of hundreds of volunteers. We’re delighted to be able to celebrate their success on the world stage.”

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