Green Flag Continues To Fly At Bryngarw Country Park

Bryngarw Country Park in Bridgend County Borough has once again been awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award, marking its eleventh consecutive year of recognition for high standards in environmental management, visitor experience and community involvement.

Keep Wales Tidy announced today that a record 330 parks and green spaces in Wales have reached the high standards required to receive a Green Flag in 2026. Fourteen of these sites, including Bryngarw Country Park, also achieved Green Heritage Site Accreditation, supported by Cadw.

Bryngarw Country Park, which is managed by registered charity Awen Cultural Trust on behalf of, and in partnership with, Bridgend County Borough Council, was recognised for being safe and secure, well-maintained and clean, having excellent environmental management and for being welcoming to visitors.

One of Bridgend’s best-loved green spaces, Bryngarw welcomes around 200,000 visitors each year. Set within 113 acres of woodlands, meadows and gardens, the park provides a place for people to connect with nature, improve their wellbeing and take part in conservation activities.

Over recent years, the park has benefited from significant improvements including an upgraded visitor centre, improved interpretation and signage, bike shelter and dog wash facility, natural play equipment, solar panels, refurbished public and accessible toilets and a new sculpture trail.

Following investment from Welsh Government, as part of the Valleys Regional Park initiative, the development of Y Nyth has created a purpose-built education and wellbeing centre, supporting Awen’s commitment to outdoor learning, environmental awareness and community wellbeing.

More recently, Bryngarw received over £200,000 through the All Wales Play Opportunities Grant from Welsh Government and Play Wales, in collaboration with Bridgend County Borough Council, to refurbish the children’s play area. It will officially reopen to the public tomorrow (Wednesday 15th July).

The park’s Green Flag success is testament to the people who care for it throughout the year. The Bryngarw ranger team work alongside volunteers every Tuesday and the first Saturday of each month to support maintenance and environmental management tasks.

Staff and trainees from B-Leaf and Wood-B also make an important contribution through grass cutting, woodland and bramble maintenance, litter picking, repairs to paths and bridges. They also make benches and picnic tables and recently built a new wooden outdoor classroom structure.

Their involvement demonstrates the wider social impact of Bryngarw Country Park; creating opportunities for adults with learning disabilities to develop skills, build confidence, contribute to their community and take pride in looking after a well-loved green space.

Volunteer-led conservation work, such as Himalayan balsam control, dead hedging, pond clearance, bramble management and tree planting, supports biodiversity and habitat management while enabling participants to gain practical skills, stay active and feel more connected to nature.

Richard Hughes, Chief Executive of Awen Cultural Trust, said:

“Receiving the Green Flag Award for the eleventh consecutive year, and retaining our Green Heritage Site Accreditation, is a huge achievement and a tribute to everyone who look after Bryngarw Country Park all year round.

“Bryngarw is much more than a beautiful place to visit. It is a vital community asset that supports people’s health and wellbeing, helps children and families learn about nature, and provides meaningful volunteering and training opportunities.

“At Awen, our purpose is to make people’s lives better. Bryngarw shows that purpose in action every day, whether someone leaves after a walk feeling better than when they arrived, a child discovers something new about the world around them or a volunteer helps protect a local habitat.

“We are proud to manage the park in partnership with Bridgend County Borough Council and grateful to our staff, volunteers, trainees, partner organisations and visitors who all play a part in making Bryngarw such a special place.”

Green Flag Awards are recognised in more than 20 countries and reward the very best parks and green spaces, so visitors know that wherever there is a Green Flag, they are visiting an exceptional place with the highest standards.

In Wales, the awards scheme is run by Keep Wales Tidy. Chief Executive, Owen Derbyshire, added:

“Wales is truly setting the standard when it comes to outstanding green spaces, with 330 places recognised in this year’s Green Flag Awards. From flagship parks and vibrant woodlands to historic sites and community spaces, Wales has shown year after year that it has an unwavering commitment to nurturing inclusive green spaces that can be enjoyed by everyone.

“Green spaces play a vital part in supporting the health and wellbeing of communities across Wales and we’d like to thank all the staff and volunteers who play a part in ensuring these special places thrive and can be enjoyed by all.”

Deputy Leader of Bridgend County Borough Council, Cllr Jane Gebbie, added:

"We are delighted that Bryngarw Country Park has once again achieved Green Flag Award status and retained its Green Heritage Site Accreditation. Receiving this prestigious recognition for an eleventh consecutive year is a tremendous achievement and reflects the continued commitment of Bridgend County Borough Council, working in partnership with Awen Cultural Trust, alongside staff, volunteers, trainees and community groups.

"As the owner of Bryngarw Country Park, the council has continued to invest significantly in the site and provide the strategic leadership that has enabled it to flourish. Recent improvements, including the refurbished play area, Y Nyth education and wellbeing centre and a range of enhanced visitor facilities, demonstrate our long-term commitment to ensuring the park remains one of the county borough's premier green spaces.

"Bryngarw plays a vital role in supporting the health and wellbeing of our communities by providing opportunities for people of all ages to enjoy nature, stay active, learn new skills and connect with the outdoors. This award recognises not only the excellent day-to-day management of the park, but also the strength of the partnership that continues to deliver high-quality facilities and experiences for residents and visitors alike.

"I would like to thank everyone involved in helping Bryngarw achieve this success. This award is thoroughly deserved and reinforces Bryngarw's reputation as one of Bridgend County Borough's most valued and cherished destinations."