A Hitchin nature reserve has been recognised as one of the best managed green spaces in the country.

Oughtonhead Common has scalped yet another Green Flag Award, claiming the prize for the ninth year in a row.

Awarded by Keep Britain Tidy, a record-breaking 2,227 parks across the UK have received the accolade this year in recognition of the high levels of management that go into maintaining them.

Elsewhere in the district Ivel Springs LNR, Howard Park and Gardens, Norton Common and Priory Memorial Gardens have been given Green Flag Awards in the 28th year of the accolades.

To win an award a site must first apply and then and then show an in person inspector around the green space.

Commenting on the announcement of this year's winners, Keep Britain Tidy chief executive Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, said: "Prioritising parks and green spaces is vital for our future, so we are delighted to see that 2,227 sites have met the standards required for a Green Flag Award, reflecting the tireless work of those tasked with looking after these important national assets. 

"We know beyond doubt that our local environment contributes to the wellbeing of individuals and communities, with our parks and green spaces recognised as areas where people can come together and be active. Research shows that time spent in green spaces can positively affect mental and physical health, quality of life and a sense of wellbeing.  

"We believe the standards expected in the Green Flag Award should be a minimum for every park, and it is our ambition that by 2030 we increase the number of sites achieving Green Flag Award status even further so that people across the world, wherever they live, can access and enjoy safe, high-quality green space." 

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Cllr Mick Debenham, of North Herts Council, said: "We are so pleased to continue our run of Green Flag Awards! These parks, gardens and nature reserves across the district play an important role in residents' quality of life. They provide valuable places to relax, exercise, play and meet others in, improving people's physical and mental health.

"These green havens, especially wild areas and nature reserves, also play a vital part in our environment by supporting local biodiversity which helps fight climate change – they provide food and shelter for pollinators such as bees and small mammals like hedgehogs, and store carbon and improve our air quality." 

"We are lucky to have such a wide range of greenspace on our doorstep, and it really is thanks to John O'Conner Grounds Maintenance and all the wonderful volunteers who work alongside Country Management Service, part of Herts County Council.

"Please respect our greenspaces and other users - keep dogs under control and clean up after them, and put your rubbish in a litter or recycling bin or take it home."