Falmouth may have lost out on its Blue Flag this year, but there was cause to celebrate this week as prestigious Green Flags were hoisted above three of the town’s gardens and park.

Only seven Green Flags were awarded in Cornwall with three of them coming to Falmouth for Gyllyngdune Gardens and Queen Mary Gardens on the seafront, which are managed by Cormac on behalf of Cornwall Council, and Falmouth Town Council owned Kimberley Park where Cormac is again responsible for managing the grounds and facilities.

Jacqui Owen, visitor and education office at Gyllyngdune Gardens, said: We have a fantastic team here and are really proud that all the hard work and dedication has been recognised with this award. Gyllyngdune has so much to offer with beautiful gardens, mixed with local heritage, fun activities and great facilities.

“So many people, including the staff, Cormac gardening team, community volunteers and schools have been involved in gaining this achievement. It is fantastic that Gyllyngdune has been recognised for being the special place that it is.”

Falmouth’s mayor, John Body had the honour of raising the flag in the park and said: “Kimberley Park is a wonderful community asset close to our busy town centre. The council has invested heavily in the site and it is fantastic that it has been recognised nationally.

“It is thanks to our excellent working relationship with Cormac, and the involvement of our community partner, the Kimberley Park Residents Association and Source FM, that the park has been recognised. Lots of people have worked extremely hard for this.”

Commenting of Queen Mary Gardens’ award, Cormac’s Simon Penna said: “The management of these unique gardens to such a consistently high horticultural standard is so important to the people of Falmouth and Cornwall who benefit from the tourist industry.

“Tom Carthey’s operational team that work so hard to keep the gardens looking magnificent, invite children from Falmouth’s primary schools to help plant the annual bedding displays which are among the finest to be found anywhere in the UK. Cormac produce all the plants for the garden from the nursery facilities in Falmouth and are committed to preserving this practice in the interest of horticultural diversity for the benefit of future generations.”

 Jacob Garvin, head gardener Julian Kay, Luke Reed; town clerk Mark Williams; Cormac works supervisor Martyn Hawkins; Cormac’s area manager Viv Bidgood and Falmouth mayor John Body celebrate in Kimberley Park.

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