Four of Bedford Borough’s beautiful parks have retained the prestigious Green Flag Awards this year.
Bedford Park, Addison Howard Park, Priory Country Park and Harrold-Odell Country Park have all reaffirmed their status as some of the best-managed green spaces in the country.
And three community Green Flag sites in the Borough have also retained their awards for 2026-27 - Mowsbury Hill Fort, Hill Rise Local Nature Reserve and Putnoe Woods.
The Green Flag Awards, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under contract from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, recognises well-managed parks and green spaces by setting an international benchmark standard for park management.
Benchmarking covers how welcoming, safe and clean a park is, along with the facilities provided, environmental management, community involvement and supporting biodiversity.
Bedford Borough’s parks continue to be safe, welcoming and beautifully maintained spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy. The Council’s ongoing investment, dedication to high standards, and committed park staff and volunteers ensure these spaces remain vibrant hubs for recreation, wildlife and community activities.
The Council has an army of volunteers who help to maintain our parks and open spaces. To learn more about what they do and how you can get involved, please visit www.bedford.gov.uk/ParkVolunteerGroups
For a full list of Bedford’s Green Flag Award-winning parks and details on visiting, go to www.bedford.gov.uk/Parks
Cllr John Wheeler, Portfolio Holder for Customer Experience (inc. Leisure, Recreation and Culture) said; “I am proud that Bedford’s parks and community sites have once again retained the Green Flag Awards, meeting its high environmental, community and biodiversity standards.
“These popular green spaces in the Borough offer places to relax, play and connect with nature. Our park teams and volunteers work tirelessly to maintain and improve these areas – retaining these awards are recognition for their dedication and professionalism.”