Green Flag parks

A large pond is the central feature of this woodland, originally developed for the medieval practice of farming fish. The tobacco magnate Walter Melville Wills owned the property from 1915-1945 and changed the pond to its current appearance, raising the level of the dam, building the wildlife island and the small boat-house in the form of a cave at one end of the dam.

Surrounding the pool is idyllic mature woodland containing some enormous oak and beech trees. An abundance of wildlife can be found here including deer, bats and birds, including the occasional kingfisher.

Located on the north west fringe of Weston-super-Mare, set back in an elevated position from the seafront and Birnbeck Pier, Prince Consort Gardens commands fine views over the Bristol Channel. The gardens are terraced over three levels and include lawns, flower and shrub beds, rockeries, an ornamental pond, a wildlife pond, Victorian shelter and plenty of seating for people to relax and enjoy the views.

Situated in the south east of Nailsea, Trendlewood is an important green space in an urban town. The park provides an extensive space for recreation and is an important play space for local children, containing a large play area and  opportunities for natural play.

The park is popular with dog walkers, and a bridleway runs along part of the park. It is used as a community path, linking the town with the surrounding countryside.

Friends of Trendlewood Park meet on the first Sunday and third Tuesday of each month. They work throughout the year in the park and woodland, carrying out a range of activities from planting tree saplings and wild flowers, to controlling scrub and bramble spread.

Watchhouse Hill is a 10-hectare public open space situated on the eastern edge of the village of Pill. The site runs alongside the River Avon which is bordered by mature woodland, in contrast to the landscaped area and large field which is mown as a hay meadow to provide a haven for wildlife. These areas provide a large open space for recreational activities and are popular with dog walkers, whilst two football pitches and a multi-use games area provide facilities for formal recreation.

Watchhouse Hill provides a range of habitat types from a community orchard to scrub margins and wildflower meadow.

The Friends of Watchhouse Hill carry out periodic work days throughout the year, as well as holding a number of community events such as Apple Day in the orchard and a yearly Wassail.

The Green Flag Award scheme recognises the very best and well managed parks and open spaces, with parks being judged against set criteria.