Colchester parks go digital this summer

Date issued: 28 July 2020

Colchester’s wonderful parks and green spaces have been more important to residents’ health and wellbeing this year than ever before, with so many people using them for exercise during the coronavirus pandemic.

The ongoing pandemic means that Colchester Borough Council will not be able to organise its much-loved parks and countryside events this summer, but you can still get involved in celebrating the best of the borough’s outdoor spaces through its new Wild About Colchester initiative.

Building on the popular #ParksAtHome activities, launched in April, Wild About Colchester offers a range of FREE activities for children and adults, encouraging residents and visitors to explore their own gardens and Colchester’s great parks and green spaces.

The programme launches on Colchester Council’s social media channels (Facebook @EnjoyColchester, Instagram @BetterColchester and Twitter @YourColchester) today (Monday 27 July) and will run throughout the summer holidays (but activities can be used all year long).

The council will be sharing fun activities on a different theme every week, including:

• A weekly Wild Bingo activity to get the whole family out exploring the garden, local park or green open spaces. Although aimed at children, anyone can give them a go!
• A range of self-led activities for you to do at home or at a park, from making a bird box and trying Roman recipes to playing pooh sticks and relaxing with mindfulness videos – suitable for any age.
• Adults can help the council’s Ranger team by looking out for a rich variety of wildlife from protected birds to sneezewort. Use the weekly Big 5 Safari sheet and when your spot one of the rarer plants and wildlife, use social media to share your sightings with the team.

Cllr Martin Goss, Portfolio Holder for Waste, Environment and Transportation, said: “Our Parks and Countryside teams are usually busy running activities during the summer holidays but as that will not be possible this year, they’ve teamed up with Colchester Museums to bring the great Colchester outdoors to you.

“All the activities can be done at home or at your nearest park or green outdoor space and our Ranger team would love to see your photos by sharing them with us on social media using #WildAboutColchester.”
Councillor Julie Young, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Performance and Deputy Leader of the Council, added: “We are thrilled to be partnering with our Parks and Countryside teams this summer to help promote Colchester's wonderful history and heritage. Watch out for a packed summer schedule of activities that will help bring our history to life through the great outdoors!”

All of Colchester Borough Council’s parks and country sites are open to visitors. However, we would urge the public to abide by the Government’s guidelines of social distancing.

Find out more about Wild About Colchester at www.colchester.gov.uk/wildaboutcolcheste