STROUD'S Stratford Park has been named as one of the country’s best parks.

In a record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award, as the scheme marks its Silver Jubilee, Stratford Park is one of 2,127 outdoor spaces celebrating success.

Last week Stroud District Council raised its Green Flag Award at Stratford Park, demonstrating its commitment to maintaining the park and recognising the hard work of volunteers.

The award scheme rewards well managed parks and green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.

During the past 18 months, outdoor spaces have played a vital role in people’s lives as a place to relax, exercise and meet friends and family safely.

The Green Flag award is a testament to the dedication of the team at Stratford park as well as the volunteers, who create a great space that is accessible to everyone.

Two of the council’s three main priorities for the next five years are Environment and Climate Change, and Community Resilience and Wellbeing.

Stratford Park joins a host of diverse Green Flag Award winners, such as the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, Woodhouse Park in Peterlee and Chiswick Old Cemetery in London.

Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, Paul Todd said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved in making Stratford Park worthy of a Green Flag Award.”

“To meet the requirements demanded by the scheme is evidence of the dedicated staff and volunteers who ensure that Stratford Park has high standards of horticulture, safety and environmental management and is a place that encourages people to live healthy lives.”

The Green Flag Award scheme is managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under license from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

Stroud District Council Senior Community Services Officer, Rob Griffiths said: “We feel truly honoured and recognised to have received this award. Both employees and volunteers have made the park what it is today and we are excited to continue making improvements and create an amazing outdoor space that can be appreciated by everyone.”

Environment Committee Chair Chloe Turner added: “Stratford Park is one of a number of green spaces which have become even more valued by residents during the pandemic. This award is down the hard work of staff and volunteers who continue to make it a special place for people and nature, and continued investment from the council.”