Watford Borough Council and parks maintenance partner Veolia are celebrating today after receiving 17 Green Flag Awards for parks and open spaces across the town...
It comes as the internationally recognised standard for parks and green spaces celebrates its 30th year. This year, Watford is also among the top Green Flag Award councils across the East of England, matching or exceeding the level of provision offered by much larger authorities, when measured per person.
To celebrate, including 11 consecutive years of Watford earning the highest number of Green Flag Awards in Hertfordshire, the Green Flag Award Ceremony with representatives across the county was held in St Mary’s Churchyard this year. The open space benefited from improvements last year, including new wildflower and plant areas, enhanced entrance, bee hotels, birdhouses, new informal play elements and better pathways.
The 2026 Green Flag status parks in Watford are: Callowland Recreation Ground, Cassiobury Park, Cheslyn House and Gardens, Garston Park, Goodwood Recreation Ground, Harwoods Recreation Ground, KGV Playing Fields, Lea Farm Rec, North Watford Cemetery, Orchard Park, Oxhey Activity Park, Oxhey Grange/Watford Heath, Oxhey Park, Paddock Road Allotments, St Mary’s Churchyard, Waterfields Recreation Ground and Woodside Playing Fields.
The parks are part of the record breaking 2,391 in the UK to achieve the award this year – a fantastic testament to the hard work, passion and dedication of the team who care for this green space, ensuring it is maintained to a high standard for visitors and residents to enjoy.
Cassiobury Park and Cheslyn House and Gardens have also achieved the Green Heritage Site Accreditation for the management and promotion of its historic features.
Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, said: “Parks are essential public spaces that support our wellbeing, our communities and our economy. Yet for millions of people, particularly in the most deprived areas, local parks simply don’t feel safe or welcoming.
“With public services under pressure, investing in parks is not a luxury, it’s a practical, preventative solution and one of the most visible ways to improve people’s quality of life.
“Watford have shown what can be achieved when parks are properly supported and managed. As we celebrate 30 years of the Green Flag Award, we want every community to have access to green spaces like this that are safe, welcoming and maintained to a high standard. Congratulations to everyone involved.”
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “Winning 17 Green Flag Awards is a fantastic achievement and reflects the care and commitment that goes into keeping Watford’s parks welcoming, attractive and enjoyable for everyone. I am especially proud that we continue to lead Hertfordshire and offer such an outstanding range of green spaces for a town of our size.”
Portfolio Holder for Parks, Cllr Tim Williams, said: “We know how important our green spaces are to residents, so I am delighted that 17 of our parks are among the very best in the UK. A big thank you goes to our partners Veolia, along with the army of volunteers who have helped us to achieve this fantastic recognition.”
Veolia, said: “We are incredibly proud to help Watford achieve 17 Green Flag Awards. This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our teams, who work throughout the year alongside the council to maintain and improve the town’s parks and open spaces for residents, visitors and wildlife.”
The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under contract from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, 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.
This huge success has been achieved thanks to a strong partnership between Watford Borough Council and Veolia. You can find out more at www.watford.gov.uk/parks
