Three Shropshire Council Parks and Countryside sites have again been awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award.

This international award, now celebrating 30 years, is a sign of the highest possible environmental standards, highest levels of maintenance and excellent visitor facilities.

The award-winning standards at Severn Valley Country Park, The Mere at Ellesmere and Stanmore Country Park are achieved through the hard work of the Shropshire Council Parks and Countryside team and the dedication of the volunteers.

The sites, between them, attract over ½ million visitors each year. The aim is to provide green spaces that are safe and welcoming for families and individuals to meet, socialise and enjoy nature. This, in turn, provides both physical and mental health benefits to those enjoying the outdoors.

At Severn Valley Country Park, there are regular activities including parkrun every Saturday and Nordic Walking sessions on Wednesdays. No 92 Coffee Severn Valley are now operating the café and they are serving delicious meals, 7 days a week.

During term time, schools can book visits led by Field Studies Council allowing children to get hands-on with nature. At Ellesmere, it’s possible to get out on Shropshire’s largest glacial lake (after getting annual membership or paying the day rate) on your own canoe, kayak or paddle board. You can explore the history of Stanmore on the Family Art Trail.

Volunteering green spaces similarly has a positive impact. The NHS advocate ‘green social prescribing’ which supports people in engaging with community groups delivering nature-based activities to improve their mental and physical health.

New volunteers are always welcome. The Friends of Stanmore, especially, are looking for people to take part in regular volunteer work parties which manage the park infrastructure and habitats. For more information of how to get involved, please email stanmorecountrypark@gmail.com.

For further information, visit shropshiregreatoutdoors.co.uk