Coveted Green Flags continue to fly high at five parks and nature reserves in North Herts, following a national announcement by Keep Britain Tidy last week.
The award is the international quality mark for parks and green spaces and having such areas on your doorstep is invaluable – but residents have particularly reaped the benefits in recent times with local nature reserves and parks playing a vital role for people through lockdowns as a place to relax, exercise and meet friends and family safely.
North Herts Council’s sites are among a record-breaking 2,127 parks and green spaces that received a Green Flag Award this year. Our five award-winning sites are:
- Oughtonhead Common Local Nature Reserve (LNR) in Hitchin, for the sixth year running
- Ivel Springs LNR in Baldock, for the seventh year running
- Howard Park and Gardens in Letchworth, for the eighth year running
- Norton Common LNR in Letchworth, for the twelfth year running (pictured)
- Priory Memorial Gardens in Royston, also for the twelfth year running
Cllr Steve Jarvis, North Herts Council’s Executive Member for Environment and Leisure said: “We are lucky to have such rich and diverse green spaces in the district all aiding our physical and mental wellbeing – whether you want some peaceful contemplation at the Priory Memorial Gardens in Royston, watch English Longhorn Cattle graze at Oughtonhead Common in Hitchin, seek out the many species of wildlife at the carefully managed mixed habitat at Ivel Springs in Baldock, or take your children to play at Howard Park’s Paddling pool and splash fountains in Letchworth – there is something for everyone.
“We work closely with Countryside Management Service, John O’Conner Ground Maintenance and various volunteer Friends groups to keep these sites well maintained and thriving for people to enjoy and we are very pleased that these efforts have been acknowledged by the awards.”
The Green Flag Award scheme marks its Silver Jubilee (25-year anniversary) this year and is managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. The scheme 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.
Green Flag Award Scheme Manager Paul Todd said: “To meet the requirements demanded by the scheme is testament to the hard work of the staff and volunteers who do so much to ensure that these sites have high standards of horticulture, safety and environmental management and is a place that supports people to live healthy lives.”
More information about our parks and green spaces
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