The Green Flag Community Award. July 2016
The Cowbridge Charter Trust cio was pleased to receive the Green Flag Community Award, the international mark of a quality park or green spacefor the third year running.
Comments from the report by the Judges included, “It is an amazing garden with so many different areas and features with many distinct natural areas within the garden.
There is a fernery, wildflower meadow, wisteria walk, pond with fish and more with excellent opportunities for events, photography and educational visits.
The volunteers are knowledgeable and passionate about the gardens. They have developed and improved a very interesting and diverse garden. Old Hall Gardens is a very special place to visit and is a wonderful attraction for Cowbridge town.
Download the full report opposite by clicking on "oldhallgardensfeedbackform" opposite
A new dragon garden is being created with the help of the local beaver scout group as the latest project of volunteers.
Story circle created with an award from Biffa in 2009 is a lovely area for groups to read and enjoy stories outside.
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The Cowbridge Charter Trust was pleased to be commended in class 2 of the Award.
The Judge's comments were;
"This project will provide a wildlife haven in the middle of Cowbridge. I was impressed with the number of projects that are being undertaken within a relatively small area and the wildlife meadow will certainly look striking when it is ready."
"The pond had very well thought out features and you have clearly got very good advice on hand. Fish free waters, however, would go a long way in improving its biodiversity value!"
Category Winner Old Hall
“Excellent value achieved by a local group. Shows the power of an engaged community that want to achieve something.”
The grounds of the Old Hall in Cowbridge, in the Vale of Glamorgan, had been neglected for decades by a unitary authority which couldn’t afford to maintain the impressive historic structures or to improve the garden.
But Cowbridge Charter Trust (CCT) have used the efforts of volunteer action to transform the grounds into a beautiful community garden rich in biodiversity, as welcoming to wildlife as to human visitors.
CCT’s initial project was the restoration of the (Grade 2 listed) Town Walls which were in a ruinous state and overwhelmed by vegetation. The Vale Council commissioned a survey which estimated a repair cost of £406k; CCT did its own professional study and applied to the Council for a grant of £60k to carry out the work. This was achieved in 2011 to the satisfaction of CADW and within budget.
Winner of the “Small Grants” category
2013 marked the 15th year of the Biffa Awards – an annual ceremony which recognises the dedication and hard work of those delivering some of those remarkable projects on the ground
Part of the Judge's comments.
“There is an emphasis on stories about the natural and historic heritage, drawing on experts from the Trust’s own committee as well as those involved in the Local history society.”
The Children’s Outdoor Story Telling Circle.
