Green Flag Award for increasingly popular Tiddenfoot Waterside Park in Linslade

Recognised for being a well-managed area of open parkland with walks around a lake, the site is much used by the public - never more so since lockdown in late-March and even after those restrictions were eased.

The Friends of Tiddenfoot Waterside Park say more people than ever have discovered the park. Apart from the anglers who fish the lake, there has been an increase in the number of people walking their dogs, joggers, family groups and people who simply like the park as a place to recharge their spiritual batteries.

Tiddenfoot Park is maintained by the Friends volunteers in partnership with the Greensand Trust and Central Bedfordshire Council and last week saw the first of the autumn working parties begin the work of repairing fences and hurdles and cutting back undergrowth.

Allison Ogden-Newton, Chief Executive of Keep Britain Tidy, said: “This year, more than ever, our parks and green spaces have been a lifeline and we know that millions of people have used them to relax, meet friends, exercise or simply escape for a short time.

“It is testament to the incredible dedication and hard work of volunteers that, despite the challenges that went along with record numbers of visitors, areas like Tiddenfoot Waterside Park have achieved the highest international standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.”

Linslade Wood has also been awarded a Green Flag.

Central Beds Councillor Ian Dalgarno, Executive Member for Community Services for Central Bedfordshire Council, said: “The green flags flying across Central Bedfordshire are a testament to the efforts of both the staff and volunteers, who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Awards.”