Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18Country parks Country parks attract millions of visitors every year and provide areas that have a natural, rural atmosphere. They are the stepping stone between city green spaces and the countryside. They are also the perfect location for a peaceful walk, a bike ride, picnics, wildlife watching or just enjoying the scenery. They are a great places to escape from our busy everyday lives. Benefits • The Green Flag Award complements the Country Park accreditations and demonstrates that the park meets the criteria required • Measure of the quality of facilities • Highlights and raises the profile of park to visitors • Recognises its contribution to conservation of the natural environment • Recognises commitment and contribution to education Cudmore Grove Country Park, Essex This is a 40-hectare grassland and scrub site situated at the eastern end of Mersea Island and has beautiful views across the mouth of the Colne Estuary. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of this unspoilt section of the Essex coast, making it the perfect place for walking the sea wall, bird-watching and exploring the shore. This country park is a place to stretch your legs, take the dog for a walk, enjoy a picnic, kick a ball with family and, on hot days, cool off with a paddle in the sea while watching the yachts sail by. A daily presence of rangers ensures the park is maintained and kept clean. There is an information room located next to the car park for visitors to find out all they need to know about the park. Cudmore Grove Country Park has held the Green Flag Award since 2009. “Achieving Green Flag Award standard is the best way of demonstrating to visitors that Cudmore Grove Country Park is being managed and maintained to the high national standard of excellence.” Dougal Urquhart, Site Manager, Cudmore Grove 17