A Barry centre managed by the Barry Uniting Church has retained its Green Flag Community Award.
The Bridge Between Community Centre was recognised by environmental charity Keep Wales Tidy for its high environmental standards, cleanliness, safety, and community involvement.
This was celebrated with a flag-raising event involving the entire congregation.
The community garden, originally established in 2013, was extended in 2021 when the new community centre opened. It now provides a diverse natural landscape around the centre in the Waterfront development.
Managed for wildlife, the garden features wildflower meadows, native trees, a small orchard, a pond, raised beds for flowers and vegetables, and a lawn.
The grounds are maintained by a team from Barry Uniting Church, along with volunteers, including young adults with learning disabilities from Vale People First.
They enjoy regular gardening and litter-picking sessions.
Rev Paul Martin, minister for Barry Uniting Church, said: "As a silver level Eco Church, Barry Uniting Church takes great care in the management of our grounds.
"We are delighted to share the good news that this has been recognised through the awarding of the Green Flag Community Award for our garden.
"I offer thanks to all who have made this possible.
"This work is gospel."
The Green Flag Community Award has been given to 199 community-managed green spaces in Wales.
Lucy Prisk, Green Flag coordinator for Keep Wales Tidy, said: "We’re thrilled to see a new record number of 199 community managed green spaces in Wales have achieved Green Flag status, which is testament to the dedication and hard work of hundreds of volunteers.
"These sites, which play a vital role in the physical and mental well-being of communities across Wales, are now recognised as among the best in the world, having met the high standards required to achieve Green Flag Community status.
"Congratulations!"
The Green Flag Award scheme is now in its third decade, recognising well-managed parks and green spaces in 20 countries worldwide.
In Wales, the scheme is run by Keep Wales Tidy. For more information, visit the Keep Wales Tidy website.
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