The Friends of Southern Country Park, a group of enthusiastic residents, have played a crucial role in making sure the popular Bishop’s Stortford green space has retained its flag since 2008. The Friends meet monthly and carry out various tasks ranging from counting butterflies, and the management of hedges, trees, and undergrowth, to installing wooden steps and fences.
The Ridgeway in Hertford has held its green flag status since 2009. The upper area of the park is a more formal urban recreation space with a multi-use games area (MUGA), children's play area, ornamental shrub planting and an open grass area ideal for a variety of recreation activities and events. The lower section, referred to as The Dell, is much more informal with a style of play equipment that reflects this, incorporated into the natural landscape.
Councillor Sarah Hopewell, Executive Member for Wellbeing at East Herts Council said: "There’s so much to do and see in both of the parks. They are great places for children to play safely, explore the wildlife, and for dog walkers or anyone who wants to get outdoors and be active.”
Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award Scheme Manager Paul Todd MBE said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved at Southern Country Park and The Ridgeway in achieving a Green Flag Award.
“These green spaces are vital for the community in Hertfordshire, bringing people together and providing opportunities to lead healthy lifestyles. The officers and volunteers do so much to ensure that it maintains the high standards of the Green Flag Award and everyone involved should feel extremely proud of their achievement.”
The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, 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.
A full list of Green Flag Award-winning parks and green spaces is available here.
