The Grand Western Canal Country Park has gained a five-star ‘Pride in Parks’ award.
The prestigious award, from the Royal Horticultural Society’s Southwest in Bloom, showcases community involvement as well as recognising the standard of the park itself and praising the team of rangers and dedicated volunteers that maintain the 11 mile-long canal.
Judging took place last summer, with the award winners recently announced. This latest award adds to the Country Park’s accolades, which includes Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award.
Visitors to the canal can enjoy a peaceful walk or leisurely cycle ride along the towpath, or if angling, paddling or boating are your thing, these can be enjoyed following the purchase of a permit for a small fee.
The Canal Basin in Tiverton provides a large car park with a range of facilities including a visitor centre, cafes and toilets and is home to the much-loved horse-drawn barge which has been running passenger trips along the canal for over 50 years.
Councillor Jacqi Hodgson, County Council Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity, said:
“Congratulations to everyone connected with the Grand Western Canal Country Park, this is another impressive and well deserved award. The team of rangers and volunteers at the Canal are committed to maintaining a thriving and welcoming environment for wildlife and visitors. They work tirelessly to make sure visitors experience the best of nature while having the opportunity to enjoy a range of recreational activities.”
Councillor Les Cruwys, Vice Chair of the Grand Western Canal Joint Advisory Committee, said: “The Canal has won quite a few awards over the years, and this is another fantastic honour. A lot of people work very hard on the canal and this latest award is very much deserved. Receiving this five-star Pride in Parks award serves to highlight why the canal needs to be maintained in its present condition and its heritage preserved. It’s a wonderful place and a major attraction for the area, bringing in visitors from across the country and all around the world.”
Councillor Neale Raleigh, County Councillor for Tiverton East, said:
“The Grand Western Canal stands as a remarkable testament to human ingenuity, transformed into a thriving natural haven through the dedication of its Rangers and volunteers. Their tireless commitment has nurtured a wonderful environment, making this man-made waterway an invaluable asset to Tiverton. Receiving the prestigious award from the Royal Horticultural Society’s South West in Bloom is a fitting recognition of their efforts in preserving and enhancing this treasured space.”
Councillor Simon Clist, County Councillor for Willand and Uffculme, said:
“The Grand Western Canal is the jewel in the crown of mid Devon’s visitor attractions and it’s an important asset for our local economy. It’s really great news that the canal has won this prestigious award. A big thank you goes to all of the staff and volunteers involved in the canal; they are truly appreciated and this award highlights their efforts.”
For more details please see the Grand Western Canal Country Park webpage.