Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Bancroft Gardens has retained its coveted Green Flag Award for a second consecutive year.

It comes as the internationally recognised standard for publicly accessible parks and green spaces celebrates its 30th year.

Councillor Lorraine Grocott, Portfolio Holder for Environmental and Neighbourhood Services, said: "We are delighted that Bancroft Gardens has once again been recognised with a Green Flag Award. Retaining this prestigious accolade reflects the continued dedication of our staff and the District Council's grounds maintenance contractor, Krinkels UK, whose hard work ensures that the gardens remain a clean, safe and welcoming space for everyone to enjoy.

"Located in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon, Bancroft Gardens is one of the District's most popular green spaces, attracting residents and visitors throughout the year. This award demonstrates our commitment to maintaining high-quality parks and open spaces that support wellbeing, biodiversity and community pride, and we are extremely proud to have achieved this national recognition for a second consecutive year."

Bancroft Gardens 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.

Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, said: "Parks are essential public spaces that support our wellbeing, 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.

"Stratford-on-Avon District Council has 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."

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under contract from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.

Background information

The Green Flag Award Scheme is run by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, under contract from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, in partnership with Keep Scotland Beautiful, Keep Wales Tidy and Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful.

Any green space that is freely accessible to the public is eligible to enter for a Green Flag Award.  Awards are given on an annual basis, and winners must apply each year to renew their Green Flag Award status.  A Green Flag Community Award recognises quality sites managed by voluntary and community groups.

Keep Britain Tidy is a leading environmental charity. We set the standard for the management of parks and beaches, inspire people to be litter-free, to waste less and live more sustainably. We run campaigns and programmes including the Great British Spring Clean, Eco-Schools, Love Parks Week (24th July - 2nd August 2026), Buy Nothing New Month, Eco-Schools, the Green Flag Award for parks and green spaces, the Blue Flag/ Seaside Awards for beaches and blue spaces, and the Green Key for sustainable tourism and hospitality. To find out more about Keep Britain Tidy, our campaigns and programmes visit www.keepbritaintidy.org.