Wivenhoe Park flies the Green Flag for ninth year in a row

The picturesque parkland that stunningly surrounds the University of Essex has received the prestigious Green Flag Award.

The Colchester Campus is celebrating after receiving a Green Flag Award for Wivenhoe Park for the 9th year running.

The site is one of 2,250 in the UK to achieve the award, which is the international quality mark for parks and green spaces.

Wivenhoe Park, which includes three lakes, 2,800 trees, car-free jogging routes and 40 acres of sports fields, has been recognised with numerous awards in the past decade, and is a key attraction for many of our students.

The fact it has met the standards required for the accreditation is testament to the hard work and dedication of the grounds team that care for the green space so that visitors and residents alike can enjoy it.

Mick Minshull, Head of Grounds, said: “Being awarded the Green Flag for the ninth year in a row is a tremendous accolade—one that truly reflects the dedication and passion of our entire grounds team.

“Their unwavering commitment ensures that Wivenhoe Park campus consistently looks its best, regardless of the challenges posed by the weather and our changing climate.

“This park is more than just a beautiful space—it’s a valuable asset to our students, staff, and the wider local community. To have its quality recognised yet again is a source of great pride for us all.”

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.

Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, Paul Todd MBE, said: “Congratulations to everyone involved in the University of Essex who have worked tirelessly to ensure that it achieves the high standards required for the Green Flag Award.

“Quality parks and green spaces like Wivenhoe Park make the country a heathier place to live and work in, and a stronger place in which to invest.

“Crucially, Wivenhoe Park is a vital green space for students, staff and the local communities to enjoy nature, and during the ongoing cost of living crisis it is a free and safe space for families to socialise.

“It also provides important opportunities for local people and visitors to reap the physical and mental health benefits of green space.”