Bridgford Park and Bridge Field in West Bridgford have officially been recognised as one of the UK’s best green spaces after receiving their first Green Flag Award.
The park is among 2,391 parks and green spaces across the UK to achieve the prestigious accreditation, which is regarded as the international benchmark for the quality management of recreational outdoor spaces. The award comes as the Green Flag Award scheme celebrates its 30th anniversary.
Owned and managed by Rushcliffe Borough Council (RBC), with support from the Friends of Bridgford Park (FoBP), the park has become a much-loved destination for residents and visitors alike, offering a blend of heritage, recreation, biodiversity and community engagement.
Bridgford Park features a wide range of facilities, including two play areas for different age groups, a Multi-Use Games Area, bookable tennis courts, a café, historic formal gardens and a recently upgraded tree trail.
Interpretation boards located throughout the park highlight its rich history and wildlife, with information on subjects including the park’s butterfly scheme, Bridgford Hall, the former railway and the park’s centenary celebrations.
The park is easily accessible, with multiple entrances from Central Avenue, nearby residential areas and surrounding car parks.
Established and opened to the public in 1923, the park’s heritage is centred around the Grade II listed Georgian Bridgford Hall. Alongside its historic assets, the park supports a variety of habitats and wildlife through additional tree planting, a butterfly meadow, woodland areas and the former railway embankment.
The recognition also reflects continued investment in the park, with recent additions including a new maple leaf hemisphere focal point and a tree sculpture, enhancing its appeal as a welcoming space for residents and visitors.
In 2022, a memorial garden was created to honour those who lost their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic, incorporating additional seating and shrub planting to create a reflective space for visitors.
The park also benefits from an active programme of community events throughout the year. Popular highlights include Lark in the Park, Proms in the Park, outdoor cinema screenings and regular markets held on the croquet lawn. These community events are free to attend, attracting residents and visitors to the park.
RBC’s Streetwise team maintains the park throughout the year, undertaking grass cutting and grounds maintenance across its play areas, formal gardens and open spaces to ensure they remain welcoming and attractive for visitors.
This week, RBC Leader Cllr Neil Clarke, Cabinet Member Cllr Jonathan Wheeler, representatives from the Friends of Bridgford Park, council officers and Streetwise staff gathered to celebrate the achievement.
Leader Cllr Clarke said: “It’s a tremendous achievement for Bridgford Park to receive its first Green Flag Award.
“This recognition reflects the dedication and hard work of our officers, Streetwise staff, the Friends of Bridgford Park and everyone who helps care for and champion this wonderful community asset.
“The park sits at the heart of West Bridgford and offers something for everyone, from play areas and sports facilities to beautiful formal gardens and open green spaces. It is a place where people can meet friends, walk their dogs, enjoy a picnic or simply spend time outdoors in an attractive and welcoming environment.”
Cllr Wheeler added: “We’re delighted to see Bridgford Park receive this well-deserved recognition.
“The park continues to benefit from investment in its facilities, helping to ensure it remains inclusive, accessible and enjoyable for residents and visitors of all ages.
“With excellent walking routes leading into the park, it is a valued green space used daily by the local community. Achieving Green Flag status is a fantastic milestone, and I would like to thank everyone who has played a part in making this possible.”
FoBP Secretary Lorraine Salt-Pulford said: “We’re proud of this achievement, and the Friends of Bridgford Park wish to congratulate Rushcliffe Borough Council, and particularly the Streetwise team, for the hard work they have put in to achieve Green Flag status for the park.”
The Friends of Bridgford Park formed in 2006 and, over the years, have been involved in creating features such as a willow tunnel, a storytelling area and flower beds, a spring meadow on Bridge Field, and have had a team of litter pickers.
The group continues to maintain certain features and has participated in events such as period dress croquet on the Croquet Lawn. The croquet set is available for loan to local groups and charities.
Anyone interested in joining the Friends group should email lorrainesalt81@gmail.com.
The Green Flag Award is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.
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.
