Six parks in north Northamptonshire have been handed the prestigious Green Flag award, recognising and rewarding well-managed parks and green spaces across the UK.

In the north of the county, Coronation Park in Corby, East Carlton Country Park, Irchester Country Park, Hazel and Thoroughsale Woods, Rockingham Road Pleasure Park in Kettering and Sywell Country Park have all received the accolade for 2026/2027.

For one, Irchester Country Park, it’s the first time being handed the accolade, which is the internationally recognised standard for parks and green spaces.

Cllr Ken Harrington, North Northamptonshire Council’s executive member for assets, waste and environmental services, said: "Parks across north Northamptonshire are at the heart of communities and it is great to have six of our fantastic sites on the list for this year.

Six parks in north Northamptonshire were handed a Green Flag Award for 2026/27

placeholder image — Six parks in north Northamptonshire were handed a Green Flag Award for 2026/27

“It is especially wonderful to see Irchester Country Park receiving the accolade for the first time, under North Northamptonshire Council. Like all our parks, it is an excellent asset and I am glad that it has been recognised accordingly.

“Teams work incredibly hard to ensure all our parks are kept clean and tidy and I want to take this opportunity to thank them for their work.”

While six parks maintained by North Northants Council received the honour, Hall Park in Rushden also received the award for its 12th consecutive time, having maintained its status since 2014.

A Rushden Town Council spokesman said: “Hall Park is one of a record breaking 2,391 in the UK to achieve the award this year– a fantastic testament to the hard work, passion and dedication of the team who care for this green space, ensuring it is maintained to a high standard for visitors and residents to enjoy.”

The Green Flag Awards are managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy

The Green Flag Award Scheme is run by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, who also organise the Great British Spring Clean.

The awards are run under contract from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, in partnership with Keep Scotland Beautiful, Keep Wales Tidy and Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful.

The accolades come as the Green Flag Awards Scheme celebrates its 30th year, with a record breaking 2,391 parks in the UK achieving the award this year.

Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award manager at Keep Britain Tidy, said: “Parks are essential public spaces that support our well-being, our communities and our economy.

"Yet for millions of people, particularly in the most deprived areas, local parks simply don’t feel safe or welcoming.

“With public services under pressure, investing in parks is not a luxury, it’s a practical, preventative solution and one of the most visible ways to improve people’s quality of life.

“North Northamptonshire Council have shown what can be achieved when parks are properly supported and managed.

"As we celebrate 30 years of the Green Flag Award, we want every community to have access to green spaces like this that are safe, welcoming and maintained to a high standard.

"Congratulations to everyone involved."