Wivenhoe Park voted a top ten UK green space for fifth year

Wivenhoe Park, home since the 1960s to the University of Essex, in Colchester, is among the ten winners in the Green Flag 2022 People’s Choice Awards.

It is the only university campus to achieve this prestigious honour.

Research conducted by Keep Britain Tidy last year showed that more than nine in ten people (93%) think that parks and green spaces are important to their local community

The public was invited to vote for their favourite park and tens of thousands did just that and the University of Essex’s Wivenhoe Park campus was voted as one of the nation’s favourites.

Marcus Clayton, Grounds Manager, said: “To be named as one of the nation’s top ten favourite parks for the fifth year running is absolutely incredible.

“It is an amazing milestone and a real testament to the hard work and dedication of our green fingered Grounds team.

“The recognition from the community also makes this award so special and we are overjoyed that so many students, staff and Colchester residents enjoy Wivenhoe Park.

“Being the custodian of this historic parkland is an honour and is such an important part of the role myself and the whole team play.

“Thank you so much for your support and I hope everyone enjoys Wivenhoe Park as much as we love working here.”

Boasting three lakes, 2,800 trees, car-free jogging routes and 40 acres of sports fields, our 220-acre Colchester campus really does have something for everyone.

It has an incredible history which dates to 1759 when Isaac Rebow asked Thomas Reynolds to build him a mansion house.

The park itself was designed by Richard Woods and was remodelled in 1846-7 by T. Hopper.

It is so beautiful it inspired a masterpiece by famous landscape artist John Constable which now hangs in the National Gallery of Art, Washington DC.

Today, it is our home, and the parkland provides a vital resource to staff, students and the local community.

With many students and locals able to explore the rolling greenspace and exercise in nature.