Green Flags for the Essex Country Parks

EXPLORE Essex is delighted that the Essex County Council country parks have been recognised for their excellent standards once again, by being awarded Green Flag status for 2025/26.

The Green Flag awards recognise and reward well managed parks throughout the country and demonstrate that the spaces meet the needs of the communities that they serve.

The international award confirms that the Essex Country Parks, for the fifth year running, boast the highest possible environmental standards, are well maintained and have excellent visitor facilities.

The Essex Country Parks of Belhus Woods, Cudmore Grove, Danbury, Great Notley, Hadleigh, Thorndon and Weald, have all received Green Flag status and will be displaying their flags within the park grounds.

Featuring a diverse range of beautiful landscapes and important wildlife habitats, each country park offers visitors something unique, from the five lakes at Belhus Woods to the fallow deer enclosure at Weald or the Gruffalo trail at Thorndon.

Recent research conducted by BritianThinks - on behalf of Essex County Council and the Essex Climate Action Commission - revealed that 98% of the county’s residents agreed that accessing nature and green spaces was important to them.

Councillor Mark Durham, Essex County Councillor Cabinet Member for the Arts, Heritage and Culture, said: “We are delighted that our country parks have been awarded the prestigious Green Flag status once again.

“It truly is a testament to our park development managers and rangers – as well as our highly regarded and respected voluntary and friends’ groups – and the fantastic work they do which ensures our green spaces meet these high standards.''

Plan your visit to the Essex Country Parks here.