The Old Station in Tintern has been voted the UK’s favourite park in the annual People’s Choice Award public poll.
All Green Flag Award-winning parks and green spaces were entered into the annual poll, which saw thousands of people voting for their favourite green space. Topping the list with over 2,400 votes was The Old Station, Tintern.
Matthew Lewis, Monmouthshire County Council’s Countryside Manager, and John Sterry, The Old Station Manager, were presented with their award by Baroness Hanham, Minister for Department for Communities and Local Government, at a prestigious awards ceremony at City Hall, London yesterday (21/09/11).
The poll has revealed the passion that people have for their much-loved local green spaces. As one voter put it:
“Tintern Old Station is a fantastic site in the heart of the stunning Wye Valley. A great place for families, lots of interesting local information on site and excellent views of the countryside.”
Councillor Giles Howard, Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Countryside, said:
“I want to thank those who voted and congratulate Matthew and John who have worked so hard to make the Old Station beautiful. Thanks also to the staff, volunteers, the friends group and partners.
“I think what is most outstanding for me, is that although we already know what a fantastic site it is, it was able to hold its own against some pretty big and well-known destinations with large population centres close by. Also that in the light of the public vote, it’s refreshing that sometimes quality does mean the most.”
Built as a Victorian country railway station, the Old Station is a charming site for a quiet relaxing day out or to start a walk in the beautiful Wye Valley.
The Old Station received the prestigious Green Flag Award in 2009 retaining it in 2010 and 2011. These awards recognise and reward the best parks in the country.
The site features a riverside walk and meadows, children’s play area, picnic site with barbeques, tearoom, souvenir shop, tourist information and a secluded basic camp site. The signal box houses changing exhibitions from local artists and crafts people, and the ‘Destination Wye Valley’ exhibition.
Paul Todd, Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, said:
“Congratulations to The Old Station for winning the People’s Choice Award 2011, proof that the park has a special place not only in the heart of the Tintern community but visitors to the area as well. Quality parks and green spaces play a vital role within local communities and having access to places like The Old Station is important to us all.”
Over 13,000 votes were received with a diverse range of sites featuring in the top ten – from traditional parks and country parks to university campuses and cemeteries.
The People’s Choice Award 2011 top ten are:
- The Old Station, Tintern, Monmouthshire
- Warley Woods, Sandwell, West Midlands
- Cassiobury Park, Watford
- Whiteknights, University of Reading
- Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Waterlooville, Hampshire
- Harcourt Hill Campus, Oxford Brookes University
- Apex Leisure & Wildlife Park, Burnham on Sea, Somerset
- Victoria Park, Tower Hamlets, East London
- Oxford Brookes University Headington Campus
- Tipton Cemetery, Sandwell, West Midlands
The Green Flag Awards are given to the best free-to-enter green spaces in the country. In 2011 nearly 1,300 sites received the award. To find out more visit www.greenflagaward.org.uk
