Watford has continued its winning streak after its parks received the most awards in Hertfordshire for the ninth year running.

Seventeen parks and greenspaces were recognised at the 2024 Green Flag Awards, run by the charity Keep Britain Tidy, which judges outdoor spaces on their cleanliness and level of management. 

Cassiobury Park and the Cheslyn House and Gardens also retained their “Green Heritage Site” accreditation due to their historic features and high standard of conservation.Watford has received Green Flag awards for 17 of its parks and green spaces. (Image: Watford Borough Council)

Watford mayor Peter Taylor said he was pleased Watford had again received the most awards in the county and was one of the highest across the UK.

“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," he added.

“I want to thank Veolia staff and the ‘Friends of’ groups who do so much to keep our parks in a good condition.”

Portfolio holder for parks councillor Tim Williams said: “We are committed to enabling people access to places where they can connect with nature, take exercise and have fun.”

Oxhey Park is among those with a Green Flag award.Oxhey Park is among those with a Green Flag award. It is the ninth year that Watford performed the best in Hertfordshire, as Dacorum Borough Council also had six at this year's edition and St Albans City and District Council received four.

Founded in 1996, the Green Flag Awards aim to ensure everyone has access to quality green spaces and to reward groundskeeping staff and volunteers for their work.

Keep Britain Tidy CEO Allison Ogden-Newton OBE said: “Prioritising parks and green spaces is vital for our future, so we are delighted to see that 2,227 sites have met the standards required for a Green Flag Award, reflecting the tireless work of those tasked with looking after these important national assets.”

The following Watford parks have Green Flag status for 2024: 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.