Bedfords Park retains Green Flag Award for 19th consecutive year

Bedfords Park in Havering-atte-Bower has won the Green Flag Award for the 19th year in a row. The award, administered by Keep Britain Tidy, recognises parks that meet high standards of maintenance, safety and environmental sustainability. Havering Council confirmed the park’s 2026 award on 15 July, alongside 15 other green spaces in the borough.

The 215-acre site remains one of Havering’s largest public parks. It is designated as a Local Nature Reserve and includes mature woodlands, meadows and panoramic views across east London. A herd of red deer, introduced in the 1930s, still roams the park. The Essex Wildlife Trust Visitor Centre, which opened in 2003, provides refreshments and educational resources near the main entrance.

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A park shaped by history and volunteers

Romford Urban District Council bought Bedfords Park for £9,000 in 1933. The land had been part of the Gidea Hall estate since the 14th century and later belonged to London merchants and the Heaton family. John Heaton, a lawyer for the Duke of Devonshire, purchased the estate in 1771 and built a mansion with ornamental gardens. The house was later used as a museum before being demolished in 1958 after wartime damage and vandalism.

The park’s walled garden, the only remaining structure from the Heaton era, was restored by volunteers between 2000 and 2015. Lois Amos, a retired horticultural lecturer who led the project, received the King’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2025. Havering Council said the garden now serves as a community space for events and education.

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What the award means for residents

The Green Flag Award requires annual assessment of a park’s cleanliness, safety, biodiversity and visitor facilities. Havering Council said Bedfords Park met all criteria for 2026, including litter management, path maintenance and wildlife conservation. The council added that the park’s deer herd, walking trails and visitor centre make it a key destination for families and nature enthusiasts.

Residents can visit the park daily from 8:00 to dusk. The Essex Wildlife Trust Visitor Centre is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 16:00. No formal consultation on the park’s management is planned, but Havering Council said feedback can be submitted via its website or at the visitor centre.