Two Northampton parks gain Green Flag status as another is awarded it for the first time

A local park has been awarded Green Flag status for the first time as two others have retained the status.

Bradlaugh Fields in Fulford Drive gained the accolate as a result of key initiatives and a successful collaboration between several partners.

Northampton Borough Council’s Park Rangers worked alongside idverde, which is the park’s ground maintenance company, the Neighbourhood Watch and Friends of Bradlaugh Fields & Barn to introduce measures to improve biodiversity and conservation practices at the former golf course.

Two key initiatives included sowing wildflower seeds into the bunker areas to attract pollinating insects and allowing grass to grow longer in sections of the park so that wildlife was not disrupted.

Volunteers from the Northampton community, including local businesses, also donated their time regularly to pick up litter and care for the community garden that is a centrepiece of the park and community payback contributed by repairing fences and general maintenance.

Abington and Delapre parks also retained their Green Flag Awards for the seventh and eighth years in a row, respectively.

Councillor Mike Hallam, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “We are delighted that Bradlaugh Fields, Abington Park and Delapre Park have rightly been awarded the Green Flag Award – the challenge now is to retain this benchmark next year and beyond.

“Each park will be subject to a five-year management plan to ensure that these green spaces continue to be welcoming and safe while meeting the highest environmental standards.”

Michael Mitchell, Contract Manager of idverde, added: “It is a pleasure to be part of such a dedicated group of stakeholders all working to achieve the same goal – a wonderful park for all users to enjoy – with the added bonus of a Green Flag Award to recognise the hard work of staff, volunteers, sponsors and community payback all working together.

“Achieving a Green Flag Award at Bradlaugh Fields deserves a hearty congratulations to everyone involved, while retaining the two Green Flag Awards at Abington and Delapre parks is always a satisfying achievement and a reflection of the everyday hard work that goes in.

“Each park has its unique attributes, and this adds to the dedication to continuous improvement and good practice embraced by all.”

The Green Flag Awards aim to recognise and reward well-managed parks and green spaces and are considered the benchmark for the management of recreational outdoor spaces.

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