Kennet and Avon Canal in Wiltshire awarded Green Flag

The Kennet & Avon Canal was given the prestigious award by Keep Britain Tidy, as an international quality mark for parks and green spaces.

At 87 miles long, the Kennet & Avon Canal links London with the Bristol Channel and passes through some iconic landmarks including the Devizes Locks, as well as Berkshire and the rolling Cotswolds.

But despite its luscious green backdrop, the Green Flag award has not come easy as the canal has faced significant challenges in recent years, such as successive storms and floods.

Richard Parry, chief executive at Canal & River Trust, said he could not be more proud to pick up the award.

The Kennet & Avon Canal at Caen Hill (Image: Canal River Trust)

“Our canals span 2,000 miles across England and Wales, and Green Flags have been awarded the length and breadth of the network, demonstrating the benefits these historic navigable waterways continue to bring to the 21st century," he said.

"They offer free, accessible green space to millions of people across the country and provide vital homes for wildlife, and support the nation’s nature recovery.

“These Green Flags are a testament to our colleagues and volunteers who work hard to keep our canals clean and welcoming places for local communities and visitors.

"Caring for a 250-year-old canal network is a challenge, with our ageing waterways vulnerable to changing weather patterns, daily wear and tear, and perennial problems like litter and encroaching vegetation.

“But we are redoubling our efforts to keep canals alive, working with funders, partners and our growing volunteer support."

Not only is the canal trust working extra hard to maintain its high standard, but the group has also started a dialogue with Keir Starmer's new government about the role the canal network can play in communities across the country.

The canal also spans the impressive Dundas Aqueduct in Bath (Image: Canal River Trust)

“The Canal & River Trust’s waterways provide vital green spaces for communities across England and Wales to socialise, enjoy nature, for children to play safely," said Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Manager at Keep Britain Tidy.

“We know that staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that these spaces maintain the high standards of the Green Flag Award, everyone involved should feel extremely proud of their achievement.

"It is important that our free-to-use spaces are maintained to the Green Flag Award standard, making them accessible for all members of the community while ensuring the environment is protected.”