21/07/2026
North Devon Council is celebrating after receiving Green Flag Awards for two of its much-loved green spaces: Bicclescombe Park in Ilfracombe and Yeo Valley Woodland in Barnstaple.
The announcement comes as the Green Flag Award scheme - the international quality mark for parks and green spaces - celebrates its 30th year.
Bicclescombe Park and Yeo Valley Woodland are among a record-breaking 2,391 sites across the UK to receive the award this year, recognising the hard work, passion and dedication of the team who care for these spaces and maintain them to a high standard for residents and visitors alike.
Councillor Ricky Knight, Lead Member for Climate and Environment at North Devon Council, said: “It is fantastic to see Bicclescombe Park and Yeo Valley Woodland recognised once again with Green Flag Awards. These spaces are hugely valued by local communities, offering beautiful places to enjoy nature, support wildlife and improve health and wellbeing. Retaining this standard year after year is a real achievement, and reflects the continued hard work and dedication of our parks team, alongside the invaluable support of local volunteer groups who help care for these special places. To see Bicclescombe Park retain Green Flag status for a 22nd consecutive year, and Yeo Valley Woodland for a 15th, is something we can all be very proud of.”
Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, said: “Parks are essential public spaces that support our wellbeing, our communities and our economy. Yet for millions of people, particularly in the most deprived areas, local parks simply don’t feel safe or welcoming.
“With public services under pressure, investing in parks is not a luxury, it’s a practical, preventative solution and one of the most visible ways to improve people’s quality of life.
“North Devon Council have shown what can be achieved when parks are properly supported and managed. As we celebrate 30 years of the Green Flag Award, we want every community to have access to green spaces like this that are safe, welcoming and maintained to a high standard.
"Congratulations to everyone involved."
The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under contract 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.
