Gems of the great outdoors
8:00am Thursday 28th July 2011
A NUMBER of parks in north Essex have been recognised for their beauty and popularity.
Six north Essex venues, ranging from gardens on the coast to sprawling acres of woodland, have been handed the Green Flag award.
Colchester’s Castle Park and High Woods Country Park have now won the recognition for the last ten and nine years respectively.
Castle Park, which is Grade II listed, also won a Green Heritage award.
But the judges from Keep Britain Tidy are looking for more than just acres of sprawling wildlife or a picturesque looking garden.
Ian Baalham, Colchester Council’s parks and recreation officer, said ensuring people wanted to return again and again to the parks, by putting on a range of events and providing toilets and other facilities, was equally crucial.
He said: “It’s much more than just having an attractive garden.
“It’s a combination of having a good programme of events, creating a safe environment in which to come and enjoy the outdoors, and obviously things like the new playground.”
The team at the council, helped by groups, such as the Friends of Castle Park, ensure the park remains attractive and continues to improve year on year.
Mr Baalham added: “It is, at the end of the day, Colchester’s park. We think they respect and enjoy it.”
Down at the coast, Clacton's Seafront Gardens and Frinton’s Crescent Gardens, run by Tendring Council with the help of volunteers, both received the honour.
Stephen Mayzes, Tendring Council’s councillor responsible for tourism, said: “We are proud to retain our two Green Flags. It is a tribute to all those involved, whether it be the council’s staff or volunteers who get involved in helping to maintain the sites.”
Country parks managed by Essex County Council, including Cudmore Grove, in East Mersea and Great Notley, near Braintree, have also been recognised.
While Cudmore Grove is a popular destination to look for snakes, Great Notley boasts the largest adventure playground in Essex.
The park also boasts a large variety of wildlife.
Great Notley site manager Steve Bunn said: “It takes a lot of work and a lot of effort.
“Once you have a got a green flag, you’re a park of excellence and we are aiming for that standard all the time.”
This year saw a record 1,288 Green Flags and community awards handed out.