Wivenhoe Park one of best green spaces in UK

Green Flag Award winners have the highest possible environmental standards, are beautifully maintained and have excellent visitor facilities.

The Green Flag judges praised the whole Wivenhoe Park team, with particular mention for efforts to ensure that “biodiversity, landscape and heritage are both maintained and enhanced.” University of Essex “has a well-known and respected reputation in this area and many within the industry will be looking to take their lead from those working here.”

Marcus Clayton, Grounds Manager, said: “It’s fantastic to have retained our Green Flag status. Our green spaces play a vital role in both staff and student wellbeing. We must not only maintain, but enhance, our green spaces.

"Being the custodian of this historic parkland is an honour and I have a great team who understand the importance of not only meeting the benchmark standards but going beyond, to the next level."

In recent years, the University of Essex team have taken a number of steps to encourage biodiversity. These include adding new wildflower areas, bird and bat boxes.

A planned reduction in the use of chemical fertilisers mean the park team now uses 97% organic products, with the aim to be 100% organic by 2020.

Wivenhoe Park, home since the 1960s to the University of Essex, has a rich history. Painted by Constable - and with Wivenhoe House home to the Special Air Service (SAS) during World War II – its 200 acres of parkland are home to a wide range of wildlife, including rare bees, moths and spiders.

Wivenhoe Park is among a record-breaking 1,970 Green Flag Award winners across the UK, with a further 131 parks and green spaces recognised around the world.

The Green Flag Awards scheme is run by Keep Britain Tidy, a leading environmental charity.

Any green space that is freely accessible to the public can apply for a Green Flag Award.  The Awards are announced annually and previous winners must re-apply if they wish to retain their status.