Parndon Wood Nature Reserve and Harlow Town Park have both been recognised by the Green Flag Award Scheme as two of the very best green spaces in the world.
It is the 11th consecutive year for Parndon Wood, whilst the Town Park celebrates a fourth year in a row.
They are among a record-breaking 1,970 UK parks and green spaces, and 131 in 13 other countries around the world, that today receive a prestigious Green Flag Award – the mark of a quality park or green space.
This international award, now into its third decade, is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.
The Town Park is owned by Harlow Council and is maintained by officers, HTS and volunteer teams. Parndon Wood Nature Reserve is maintained by the council and local organisation ECCO.
Councillor Danny Purton, Portfolio Holder for Environment, said: “We are absolutely delighted that both Parndon Wood and the Town Park have received Green Flag Award for the 11th and fourth years in succession.
“Maintaining this level of quality for this long is no easy task, and is a testament to the exceptional work that our officers, HTS, ECCO and brilliant volunteers carry out each and every week. Our teams of local volunteers give us fantastic support; the Green Team, Parndon Wood’s Wildspace Volunteers, the Harlow Conservation Volunteers, Town Park Volunteers and the Friends of Pets’ Corner give up their own time to turn up, rain or shine, and put in a lot of hard work to keep both spaces looking beautiful. Harlow’s community spirit shines through these great people and that makes these awards all the more special.”
News of the Town Park’s Green Flag Award comes after Pets’ Corner was inducted into the TripAdvisor Hall of Fame and the Pets’ Corner playground received a Gold Standard award from Plan Inclusive Play Areas (PiPA).
