Five Green Flags help us celebrate Love Parks Week

What better way to celebrate Love Parks Week (29 July - 5 August) than with five Green Flag Awards!

The Green Flag scheme, which recognises the best parks, nature reserves and greenspaces in the UK, is managed by Keep Britain Tidy, which also runs Love Parks Week, encouraging communities to enjoy and look after local greenspaces for both people and wildlife.

Among a record-breaking 2,208 sites, North Herts Council’s five award-winning greenspaces are:

• Oughtonhead Common Local Nature Reserve (LNR) in Hitchin, for the 7th year running
• Ivel Springs LNR in Baldock, for the 8th year running
• Howard Park and Gardens in Letchworth, for the 9th year running
• Norton Common LNR in Letchworth, for the 13th year running
• Priory Memorial Gardens in Royston, also for the 13th year running

Get busy with park bingo!

This Love Parks Week and throughout the summer we’re inviting you to play North Herts Park Bingo! Visit your local park and see how many of the nine items you can spot, from bees, butterflies and black squirrels – particularly found in North Herts, to trees planted for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, drinking fountains and recycling bins.

Councillor Steve Jarvis, Executive Member for Environment and Leisure, said: “We are so pleased to continue our run of Green Flag Awards. These greenspaces, as well as others, play a vital role in the district as places for residents to relax, exercise and meet others. Did you know being in a green environment automatically reduces your heart rate, aiding your physical and mental health? Wild areas of greenspace and well-managed nature reserves also help fight climate change by improving biodiversity and habitats and storing carbon. We are so lucky to have these invaluable assets on our doorstep.”  

Cllr James Denselow, Deputy Executive Member for Environment and Leisure, added: “Whether you want to take your dog for a walk or have a picnic at Norton Common in Letchworth or Ivel Springs in Baldock, watch English Longhorn Cattle graze at Oughtonhead Common in Hitchin, or need some peaceful contemplation at the Priory Memorial Gardens in Royston – there is something for everyone. Not to mention the many sport and play activities for people of all ages across some of these sites and our North Herts Park Bingo.” 

Keep Britain Tidy’s Accreditation Manager Paul Todd said: “These awards are testament to all the hard work of staff and volunteers, who do so much to ensure that greenspaces maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.”

We work closely with Countryside Management Service, John O’Conner Grounds Maintenance and various volunteer Friends groups to keep these sites well maintained and thriving for people to enjoy. Please respect them and other users by keeping dogs under control and cleaning up after them, and putting your rubbish in a litter or recycling bin or taking it home.