Daventry Country Park has again been awarded a Green Flag – an award that recognises the best green spaces in the country given by the Civic Trust and the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment.

In 2008 the park, managed by Daventry District Council (DDC), missed out on the award after a series of minor problems were spotted by judges.

However, this time around the hard work of Dewi Morris and the other countryside rangers who look after the Country Park for the district’s residents, was recognised and rewarded with a flag.

Alan Hills, DDC’s community, culture and leisure portfolio holder, said: “I am absolutely delighted that the park has received its ninth Green Flag.

“It’s excellent recognition for not only what a great attraction the park is for the public, but for all the hard work and tireless efforts of the council’s open spaces team, including its countryside rangers.

“The park has been the focus for a number of measures this year to ensure the beauty spot remains a popular and well-used attraction.

“This has included improvements to the café and visitors’ centre as well as conservation area status for the reservoir and surrounding land.

“It has also been the venue for a variety of community events all year round, including the recent celebrations for the opening of the new headquarters of the 2nd Daventry Scouts, and we look forward to improving the facilities for our visitors for many years to come.”

Green Flag judges visited the park back in June and said they were impressed with several aspects of the park, and also gave recommendations on how to improve visitors’ experiences.

The Country Park has received a Green Flag every year since 1999 except last year when inspectors recommended improving the park maintenance and facilities, creating wildlife corridors, removing redundant tree stakes, better entrance signage and maintenance of the entrance area.

n Last week DDC said it would be looking into whether to turn the park into a charity in an attempt to give it extra protection from development.

The park is already a conservation area and parts have local nature reserve status following a campaign by the Daventry Express.