Celebrations are in order for the Stotfold Watermill team after they bagged a national award for the third time in a row.

The Green Flag Award ceremony took place in London on Monday afternoon, July 28, and the Stotfold Watermill and Nature Reserve was one of more than 1,470 parks and green spaces that came away with honours across the UK.

Judging is taken on by more than 700 volunteer experts who visit applicant sites and assess them against criteria including horticultural standards, cleanliness, sustainability and community involvement.

SWNR management team chairman Paul Redwood said: “This is a real tribute to the creativity and hard work of the Teasel volunteers, who manage the Reserve on behalf of the Mill Preservation Trust.”

Teasel work party leader Patrick Chalmers said: “The Nature Reserve has become a major place for residents and visitors to walk and see wildlife. We have succeeded in our aim of making the area valuable for both people and nature and will continue working to ensure this remains an asset to the town for the future.”

International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “It’s another record-breaking year for the scheme. This is something well worth celebrating and testament to the efforts of the thousands of men and women, supported by some amazing volunteers, who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.

“We know how passionate people are about our parks and green spaces and the recent Heritage Lottery Fund report, State of UK Public Parks, highlighted the need for everyone to work together to ensure they are maintained for future generations.”

For more information about the mill visit www.stotfoldmill.com