Green spaces all around the district have been recognised as some of the best in the world.

Herts Advertiser: Harpenden Common recieved a Green Flag award. Picture: Harpenden Town CouncilHarpenden Common recieved a Green Flag award. Picture: Harpenden Town Council (Image: Archant)

Local parks which have been awarded a Green Flag Award for 2018 include Harpenden Common, Lydekker Park, and Rothamsted Park in Harpenden, Chiswell Green’s Greenwood Park, Sopwell Nunnery Green Space in Cottonmill, Hatfield Road Cemetery, Bricket Wood Common, and Jersey Farm Woodland Park

Additionally Verulamium Park was named a Green Heritage Site.

The 22-year-old international award marks any public space which can boast the highest environmental standards, maintenance and visitor facilities.

Chair of the Woodland Park Committee in Jersey Farm, Jenny Roberts, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive a Green Flag Award for the eighth year.

Herts Advertiser: Jersey Farm Woodland Park recieved a Green Flag award. Picture: Sandridge Parish CouncilJersey Farm Woodland Park recieved a Green Flag award. Picture: Sandridge Parish Council (Image: Archant)

“We know how much quality green spaces matter to residents and visitors, and this award celebrates the dedication that goes into maintaining the woodland park to such a high standard.”

Chair of the Community Services Committee at Harpenden Town Council, Cllr Brian Ellis, said: “We know how much quality green spaces matter to residents and visitors, and this award celebrates the dedication from council staff, contractors, friends groups and volunteers that goes into maintaining the common and Lydekker Park to such a high standard.”

There were 1,883 parks around the UK which received the accolade on July 16, more than 100 more than in 2017.

Award winners were not restricted to parks this year, as university campuses, shopping centres, war memorials and burial sites were among the recognised spaces.

International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme, with more Green Flags awarded this year than last year.

“Each flag honours the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.

“We are proud to have so many wonderful green spaces in the UK for people to enjoy, and hope that next year, we award even more flags.”