TWO Somerset green spaces have been awarded coveted Green Flag Awards – recognising their quality.

Somerset Council-managed Ham Hill and Chard Reservoir Local Nature Reserve (LNR) are celebrating after receiving the accolade.

The sites are two of 2,250 in the UK to achieve the award, with Ham Hill receiving it for the 20th consecutive year.

Ham Hill has also achieved the Green Heritage Site Accreditation, supported by Historic England, for the management and promotion of its historic features, recognising the exceptional care of its historic Iron Age hillfort.

Councillor Graham Oakes, the council’s lead member for public health, climate change and environment, said: “It’s fantastic to see both Chard Reservoir and Ham Hill awarded Green Flags again.

“These sites are vital green spaces for our communities, and this recognition reflects the hard work of our staff and volunteers and Friends Groups. Thank you to everyone who helps keep these places special for people and wildlife alike.”

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Green Flag Award scheme manager, Paul Todd MBE, said: “Congratulations to everyone involved at Ham Hill and Chard Reservoir, who have worked tirelessly to ensure that it achieves the high standards required for the Green Flag Award.

“Quality parks and green spaces like Ham Hill and Chard LNR make the country a heathier place to live and work in, and a stronger place in which to invest.

“Crucially, they’re a vital green space for communities in Somerset to enjoy nature, and during the ongoing cost of living crisis, and are a free and safe space for families to socialise.

“It also provides important opportunities for local people and visitors to reap the physical and mental health benefits of green space.”

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.