Green Flag Accolades for Bedford Borough's Parks
Bedford Borough's outstanding parks have again been recognised with a string of prestigious Green Flag awards this year.
Remarkably, Priory Country Park's Green Flag is its 17th in a row, while Addison Howard Park, Bedford Park and Harrold-Odell Country Park have also been awarded the coveted Green Flag.
The Green Flag Award recognises and rewards well managed parks and green spaces and this international award is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.
Two local volunteer-managed sites have also been recognised, winning the Green Flag Community Award: Mowsbury Hillfort and the Hill Rise Nature Reserve.
Commenting, Mayor Dave Hodgson said "It is fantastic to see our parks winning the prestigious Green Flag Awards year after year. This really is a huge mark of achievement, showing the high quality of our local parks. Congratulations and thanks also go to the volunteer groups whose hard work has been recognised by the Green Flag Community Awards."
Dave Parratt, Chairman of the Friends of Putnoe Wood and Mowsbury Hillfort said: "We are absolutely delighted to receive a Green Flag Community Award for the first time. We know how much quality green spaces matter to residents and visitors, and this award celebrates the hard work and dedication that goes into maintaining Mowsbury Hillfort to such a high standard."
Shalaine Aldis from Hill Rise Nature Reserve said "We are really pleased to have won this Award for the eighth year in a row, recognising the hard work of our volunteers and the high quality of this hidden Bedford gem. We are always on the lookout for more volunteers, and anyone who might be interested can visit www.hillrisenaturereserve.org.uk to find out more."
If you are interested in volunteering in one of the Council's parks and green spaces, you can visit www.bedford.gov.uk/volunteering or sign up to the Community Volunteering email bulletin at www.bedford.gov.uk/stayconnected