Watford’s green spaces have won the most awards in Hertfordshire from a national charity for the seventh year running.

In total, 17 parks and open spaces in Watford were awarded Green Flag awards, which reward areas with the highest possible environmental, maintenance, and visitor standards.

The Green Flag Award Scheme is run by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy.

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Cassiobury Park was also nominated by Keep Britain Tidy as one of the top 10 parks in the UK and Oxhey Park in the top 25.

Cassiobury Park and Cheslyn House and Gardens were also awarded with Green Heritage Site accreditation because of their historic features and standard of conservation.

Watford Observer: Oxhey Activity ParkOxhey Activity Park

Cllr Tim Williams, who is responsible for parks, said: “There is strong evidence that parks have a huge impact on people's health and well-being, and we are committed to enabling people access to places where they can connect with nature, take exercise, and also have fun."

Watford Observer: Learn 2 Ride facility Learn 2 Ride facility

Any green space that is freely accessible to the public is eligible to enter for a Green Flag Award.

Watford Observer: Cassiobury ParkCassiobury Park

Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor said: “When I speak to residents, many of them tell me that our fantastic parks and green spaces are one of the things they love most about Watford.

"That’s why I’m pleased that we’ve got the highest number of green flags in Hertfordshire, and one of the highest in the country.”

Watford Observer: Professional Skateboarder Lucy Adams at Oxhey Activity ParkProfessional Skateboarder Lucy Adams at Oxhey Activity Park

Future improvements include proposals to provide a sports village with modern up-to-date facilities for cricket, football, and boxing for participants of all ages at Woodside Playing Fields.

Watford Observer: Oxhey ParkOxhey Park

Watford Borough Council also plans to plant more trees to boost biodiversity across the town and look at improvements for Watford’s play facilities over the coming years.

Watford Observer: Callowland Recreation GroundCallowland Recreation Ground

The 2022 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.

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