Bedford Borough Council is delighted to announce that four of its parks have again been awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award for 2024. This internationally recognised quality mark celebrates well-managed and welcoming parks and open spaces. The award winning parks are Bedford Park, Addison Howard Park, Priory Country Park, and Harrold-Odell Country Park.
The Green Flag Award criteria covers all aspects of park management such as community involvement, biodiversity, cleanliness, maintenance and ensuring parks are welcoming and safe. The judges feedback particularly noted the work put in by staff and volunteers; therefore making our parks an invaluable space for people and wildlife alike.
Councillor Sarah Gallagher, Portfolio Holder for Customer Experience, Leisure and Culture, said, "We are incredibly proud to see our commitment to high-quality green spaces recognised once again. The Green Flag Award is a testament to the tireless dedication of our staff and volunteers who work hard to ensure our parks are welcoming and well-maintained for the benefit of the entire community.
“Parks are vital resources for our physical and mental wellbeing, and we are committed to their continued improvement."
Further to this, The Friends of Hill Rise Nature Reserve and Friends of Putnoe Wood and Mowsbury Hilfort both successfully retained their Green Flag Community Awards.
Hill Rise Nature Reserve is a 0.9 hectare site owned by Bedford Borough Council and jointly managed with local volunteers. Despite its small size, the reserve is able to support a great variety of wildlife and there is always something to see at any time of the year.
The Friends of Putnoe Wood and Mowsbury Hillfort help to safeguard the future of these two sites. The group works with Bedford Borough Council to manage, promote and enhance the areas with regular task sessions.
Learn more about these and other park volunteer groups at www.bedford.gov.uk/leisure-parks-and-sport/parks-and-open-spaces/get-involved/park-volunteer-groups.
The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world. Learn more at www.greenflagaward.org/.
For more information about Bedford Borough's award-winning parks and green spaces, please visit the Bedford Borough Council website: www.bedford.gov.uk/leisure-parks-and-sport/parks-and-open-spaces