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Environment
Cardiff has more green space per person than any other UK core city as well as having Europe's largest waterfront regeneration project, and being within striking distance of one of the UK's most beautiful National parks.
Green Space
Cardiff parks and open spaces make up 10% of the total area of the city and include some impressive parks, three of which have achieved national Green Flag status. Cardiff is also the proud holder of the National Britain in Bloom Award for the Large City category 2005 and Gold in the European Entente Florale competition 2006. Cardiff recognises that parks and green spaces play a vital role in making the city an attractive place to both live and work and boasts more parks than any other city across the UK.
The Council is the major provider of this resource and owns and
manages over 1,500 hectares including: -
• 25 formal parks
• 77 recreational grounds
• 135 areas of informal open space
• countryside areas
• 15 woodlands
• 25 allotment sites
• 150 sports pitches
Conservation and sustainability are extremely important and Cardiff Council manages 14 Sites of Scientific Interest, 114 Sites of Nature Conservation Importance along with 2 extensive country parks and 236 hectares of woodland.
Cardiff is also surrounded by renowned beautiful countryside and coastline including a number of areas of outstanding natural beauty designated by the government including the Gower Peninsula and the Wye Valley, providing opportunities for walking, cycling and water sports.
National Parks
Wales is home to some of the most spectacular and valued landscapes in Britain including three national parks, Pembrokeshire Coast in the West; the Brecon Beacons in the South and Snowdonia National park in the North. The three national parks cover 20% of the land area in Wales. The closest National Park to Cardiff is the Brecon Beacons National Park which was established in 1957 and covers 519 square miles. The park is located in mid-Wales, easily accessible from Cardiff,and contains some of the most spectacular and diverse landscapes in Europe. Find out more here.
