Harlow Council is celebrating a significant achievement after three of its most cherished green spaces were once again honoured with Green Flag Awards, the international benchmark for excellence in parks and open spaces.
Harlow Museum & Walled Gardens, Harlow Town Park, and Parndon Wood Nature Reserve have each been recognised for their outstanding maintenance, community value, and environmental standards.
The awards place them among 2,247 sites across the United Kingdom that have met the rigorous criteria set by the Green Flag Award Scheme, managed by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy.
This year marks a remarkable 17th consecutive Green Flag Award for Parndon Wood Nature Reserve, a tranquil woodland haven that continues to be a model of conservation and community engagement.
Harlow Town Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country, celebrates its 10th consecutive award, while Harlow Museum & Walled Gardens receives its sixth.
In a further accolade, the Museum & Walled Gardens has also been granted the Green Heritage Site Accreditation, supported by Historic England.
This distinction recognises the site’s commitment to preserving and promoting its historical features, and highlights the council’s ongoing investment in heritage-led regeneration.
The success of these sites is attributed to the collaborative efforts of Harlow Council staff, the council’s maintenance company HTS, and a dedicated network of local volunteers.
Their combined work ensures that these spaces remain accessible, safe, and enriching for residents and visitors alike.
Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, praised the achievement: “Congratulations to everyone involved in the Harlow Museum Walled Gardens, Harlow Town Park and Parndon Wood Nature Reserve.
“These awards reflect the hard work and dedication required to meet the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award. Quality green spaces such as these are vital for the health and wellbeing of communities, particularly during challenging economic times.”
Councillor Nicky Purse, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment, commended the teams behind the awards: “Achieving Green Flag status year after year is a significant accomplishment. It reflects the high standards of care and commitment shown by our staff, HTS operatives, and volunteers.”
Councillor Danielle Brown, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Culture and Community, added: “As we continue to build Harlow’s future and transform our council, maintaining and enhancing our green spaces remains a priority. The Green Heritage Site Accreditation for the museum is a testament to the dedication of our museum staff and volunteers, and to our ongoing efforts to restore and celebrate Harlow’s rich history.”
The Green Flag Award Scheme, operated under licence from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, sets the standard for the management of parks and green spaces across the UK and internationally.
