Four parks in Bedford retain their Green Flag status
Bedford Park, Addison Howard Park, Priory Country Park and Harrold-Odell Country Park have all kept their status as some of the best-managed green spaces in the country.
They’ve all retained the prestigious Green Flag Awards this year – and if that wasn’t enough, Mowsbury Hill Fort, Hill Rise Local Nature Reserve and Putnoe Woods have also kept their community Green Flag titles for 2026-27.
The Green Flag Awards – managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under contract from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government – recognises well-managed parks and green spaces by setting an international benchmark standard for park management.
It covers how welcoming, safe and clean a park is, along with the facilities provided, environmental management, community involvement and supporting biodiversity.
Cllr John Wheeler, portfolio holder for customer experience, said: “Our park teams and volunteers work tirelessly to maintain and improve these areas – retaining these awards are recognition for their dedication and professionalism.”