Two of Colchester’s best-loved green spaces have once again been recognised as among the best in the country, after Castle Park and High Woods Country Park both received the prestigious Green Flag Award for 2026.
As well as receiving its 24th Green Flag award, Castle Park again received the Green Heritage award, supported by Historic England, which recognises its work to promote its historic surroundings. The 2026/27 assessment recognised the park as a complex and hugely important site, both as a valued local community resource and as a place of significant historic importance.
The feedback also highlighted the care, knowledge and long-standing experience of the parks team, noting the attention to detail across the site and the way Castle Park continues to be “many things to many people”, while offering exciting opportunities for the future.
High Woods Country Park, one of Colchester’s most important natural spaces, was also named among the East of England’s Green Flag Award winners for 2026, alongside Castle Park.
Councillor Martin Goss, Portfolio Holder for Waste, Neighbourhoods and Leisure, said: “These awards are something Colchester can be really proud of. Castle Park and High Woods Country Park are much-loved spaces that play an important role in people's daily lives, and this recognition reflects the dedication of the teams and volunteers who care for them.
“Retaining Green Flag status is a fantastic achievement, and we're particularly delighted that Castle Park has once again been recognised for its outstanding heritage value through Green Heritage Site Accreditation.”
Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, said: “Parks are essential public spaces that support our wellbeing, our communities and our economy. Yet for millions of people, particularly in the most deprived areas, local parks simply don’t feel safe or welcoming.
“With public services under pressure, investing in parks is not a luxury, it’s a practical, preventative solution and one of the most visible ways to improve people’s quality of life.
“Colchester City Council has shown what can be achieved when parks are properly supported and managed. As we celebrate 30 years of the Green Flag Award, we want every community to have access to green spaces like this that are safe, welcoming and maintained to a high standard.
“Congratulations to everyone involved.”
The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under contract from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for green space management across the UK and around the world.
Awards are given annually, with winners required to apply each year to renew their Green Flag Award status.
Pictured above, L-R: Parks & Countryside Rangers Nicola Downs, Nick Shimwell, Riley-Anne Prydderch, and Parks & Countryside Ranger Team Leader Tim Betts.
Pictured above, L-R: Parks & Countryside Rangers Nicola Downs, Nick Shimwell, Riley-Anne Prydderch, and Parks & Countryside Ranger Team Leader Tim Betts.