Date published: 22 July 2026
Wychavon has even more reason to celebrate its parks and green spaces this year, after achieving seven Green Flag Awards for the first time.
The council has retained all six Green Flag Awards it held last year, while St Richard’s Open Space in Evesham has received the award for the first time. It brings Wychavon’s total to seven, the highest number the district has achieved.
The Green Flag Award is the recognised quality mark for parks and green spaces, celebrating places that are welcoming, safe, well maintained and loved by the communities who use them.
This year’s award-winning Wychavon sites are Abbey Park, Pershore; Droitwich Lido/St Peter’s Fields, Droitwich Spa; Vines Park, Droitwich Spa; Droitwich Community Woods, Droitwich Spa; Abbey Park, Evesham; Workman Gardens, Evesham; and St Richard’s Open Space, Evesham.
For St Richard’s Open Space, the award is a first and recognises several years of development prompted and supported by the Friends of St Richard’s Open Space. Improvements include a new play area, a surfaced path to replace an informal, muddy path, and fruit orchards and wildflower areas, helping to create a more welcoming, accessible, and enjoyable green space for local residents.
Pictured: Abbey Park, Pershore, with (L-R) Jonathan Hulbert, Senior Parks & Greenspace Officer; Jayne O'Connor and Graham Redfern, Wychavon Parks & Greenspace Officers; Cllr Beverly Hardman, and Clive Spires from Krinkels UK (Service Delivery Manager).
Behind each Green Flag is a lot of work that is not always obvious at first glance, from mowing, planting and maintenance to inspections, biodiversity improvements, repairs, cleansing, partnership working, and support from local volunteers.
Councillor Beverley Hardman, Wychavon Executive Board Member for Environment, said: “Our parks and green spaces are places people turn to every day - for a lunchtime walk, a family visit, a play in the park, a bit of fresh air, a community event or a quiet moment in nature. To see Wychavon achieve seven Green Flag Awards for the first time is wonderful news, and I am especially pleased to see St Richard’s Open Space receive its first award. This achievement is a real credit to the officers, contractors, volunteers, and partners who care for these spaces throughout the year.”
The Green Flag Award scheme is managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, with awards renewed annually to make sure sites continue to meet the standard.