Watford’s green spaces have won more Green Flag awards than any other district in Hertfordshire for the second year running.

Goodwood Recreation Ground, Paddock Road Allotments and North Watford Cemetery have now joined Watford’s eight existing Green Flag parks to bring the total number of exceptional green spaces in the town to 11.

Deputy Mayor Peter Taylor said it was a “magnificent achievement for such a densely populated town”.

“We are delighted to have achieved the highest ever number of Green Flag awards for Watford. Our open spaces now have more Green Flags than any other area of Hertfordshire. What fantastic news to receive right in the middle of Love Parks Week,” he said.  

“We are so proud of what we have achieved through the hard work of our own staff and that of our partners at Veolia. We hope that people who live and work in Watford – and those who visit - will continue to enjoy our wonderful parks for many years to come.”

This latest success has been achieved thank to an effective partnership between Watford Borough Council and Veolia.

Matthew Crane, senior contract manager at Veolia – which looks after and maintains all Watford parks and green spaces – said: “Winning the record-breaking 11 Green Flags is a fantastic achievement which once again proves our exceptional collaborative partnership working with Watford Borough Council.

“Each flag is a celebration of the entire team who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.”

Watford’s award-winning parks and open spaces are among a record-breaking 1,797 UK parks and green spaces that will today (Wednesday) receive a prestigious Green Flag Award.

Watford’s 11 Green Flag parks and open spaces are Cassiobury Park, Woodside Playing Fields, Cheslyn House and Gardens, Waterfields Recreational Ground, Callowland Recreational Ground, North Watford Playing Fields, Oxhey Park, St Mary’s Churchyard, Goodwood Recreation Ground, Paddock Road Allotments and North Watford Cemetery.