The Grand Western Canal Country Park has once again received the five-star ‘Pride in Parks’ award.
It’s the second consecutive year that the country park has gained the highest rating from the Pride in Parks initiative operated by the Royal Horticultural Society’s Southwest in Bloom.
The award winners were announced at a spring event at RHS Rosemoor in Torrington. Feedback from the judges this year highlighted how impressed they were with the displays in the Canal Visitor Centre, the extensive towpath resurfacing work that took place last year, and the role that volunteers play in helping the Canal Rangers to maintain the area to such a high standard.
Tiverton Town Mayor, Councillor Neal Davey, recently presented the award plaque and certificate to the Canal Ranger Service team.
Councillor Jacqi Hodgson, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity, said:
“It speaks volumes that the Grand Western Canal Country Park has retained this prestigious five-star status from the Royal Horticultural Society’s Southwest in Bloom. A lot of hard work and dedication from staff and volunteers goes into maintaining the canal and the park. Their efforts ensure it’s a great place for wildlife as well as being a popular attraction with visitors and local people.”
Councillor Les Cruwys, Chair of the Grand Western Canal Joint Advisory Committee, said: “As the years go by the Tiverton Canal and the Country Park go from strength to strength, its use by locals and those from further afield grows every year. While many see it as a natural beauty spot they don’t see the work put in to keep it looking so natural. This is down to Mark Baker and his team plus volunteers whose efforts over and above his job description are greatly appreciated. The stream of awards the canal has received over many years is testament to their hard work and the care shown to it by our own community. The Tiverton Canal Co is a major part of the Canal’s attraction and we are so pleased with the successful transfer to its new owners.”
Councillor Simon Clist, County Councillor for Willand and Uffculme, said:
“The Grand Western Canal is the premier tourist destination in Mid Devon, and this five star award reaffirms that. It’s great to see that the work of staff and volunteers who keep the canal and country park in such good order, is getting thoroughly deserved recognition with this latest award. The canal already attracts people to the area, and I’ve no doubt people will see this award as a mark of quality which will encourage others to pay a visit, and hopefully there will be additional economic benefit to Devon.”
Councillor Neale Raleigh, County Councillor for Tiverton East, said:
“I’m delighted to see the Grand Western Canal Country Park once again recognised with a five star Pride in Parks award. This is a well-deserved achievement that reflects the hard work, pride, and care shown by everyone involved in looking after this much loved local asset.
“The judges’ praise for the Visitor Centre displays, last year’s extensive towpath resurfacing, and—most importantly—the dedication of the volunteers who support the Canal Ranger Service highlights what makes the canal such a special place for residents and visitors alike. My thanks go to the Canal Rangers and the volunteer teams.
“The Grand Western Canal continues to be one of Mid Devon’s greatest treasures, and this recognition is something the whole community can take pride in.”
The Pride in Parks award is another impressive achievement for the Grand Western Canal Country Park, which will also be aiming for its 18th consecutive Keep Britain Tidy Green Flag Award later this year.
The canal extends more than 11 miles through Mid Devon. The Canal Basin in Tiverton provides a range of facilities including a visitor centre, and it is home to the traditional horse drawn barge, operated by the Tiverton Canal Co, which has been running passenger trips along the canal for over 50 years.
For more information please visit the Grand Western Canal Country Park webpage.