Harlow Town Park and Parndon Wood Nature Reserves both named as some of the best open spaces in Britain

27 Jul Harlow Town Park and Parndon Wood Nature Reserves both named as some of the best open spaces in Britain

Harlow Town Park and Parndon Wood Nature Reserve are among the best kept green spaces in the UK – and that’s official.

Both green spaces are among a record-breaking 1,686 parks and green spaces that will today receive a prestigious Green Flag Award – the mark of a quality park or green space.

The Town Park has been awarded its first ever Green Flag following its major regeneration and restoration project. Parndon Wood Nature Reserve wins its eighth Green Flag in a row. The Town Park is maintained by Harlow Council and Kier Harlow with support from local volunteers.The Nature Reserve is also maintained by Harlow Council and volunteers with local organisation ECCO managing the Conservation Centre and running community activities as part of a partnership agreement.

The award, now celebrating its 20^th year, recognises and rewards the best parks and green spaces across the country. A Green Flag is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent facilities.

Councillor Tony Durcan, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, said: “I am absolutely delighted that the Town Park has won its first ever Green Flag – a sign to the public that this is one of the best parks in the country. Harlow is quite rightly very proud of its Town Park and following its major restoration it is truly a fantastic facility which deserves to have a prestigious Green Flag. The Town Park is Harlow’s jewel in the crown and today is a very proud day for everyone who works hard to keep the Town Park maintained.  I want to say well done to Council Officers, volunteers and the Town Park Users Group who work really hard so residents can enjoy fantastic open spaces like this.”

Talking about Parndon Wood Nature Reserve’s Green Flag, Councillor Danny Purton, Portfolio Holder for Environment, said: “It’s not easy to keep winning the award year after year which makes Parndon Wood Nature Reserve’s Green Flag number eight even more remarkable. It’s great to see all the hard work that Council Officers, volunteers and ECCO put in pay off. This Award recognises and highlights that people in the town continue to benefit from a green open space of the very highest quality.”

International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme, especially as we celebrate the 20^th anniversary of the Awards.

“All the flags flying this year are a testament to the efforts of the thousands of men and women, both staff and volunteers, who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.”