Rochford District Council is proud to join the nationwide celebration of Love Parks Week, a campaign led by Keep Britain Tidy running from 25 July to 3 August 2025. The initiative encourages people of all ages to step outside, reconnect with nature and enjoy the many benefits of our local parks and green spaces.
Councillor Roger Constable, Chair of the Environment and Climate Change Committee, said “Whether you're looking for a peaceful woodland walk, a family day out, or a place to spot wildlife, Rochford District has something for everyone. Our parks are more than just green spaces, they are places where residents and visitors come together, where children play and where nature thrives. Love Parks Week is a fantastic chance to celebrate these cherished places and the dedicated people who care for them, including our Park Rangers and Friends of Cherry Orchard Park volunteers. Let’s take time to enjoy, respect and protect our parks so they continue to enrich our lives for years to come.”
Richard Bond, founding member and long-standing volunteer with Friends of Cherry Orchard Park, said: "As a young man, volunteering seemed like an opportunity to meet people, help my local community, and perhaps make a small but positive difference. Indeed, I’ve found it to be all of that - but the truth is, after many years of volunteering, it’s I who have benefited the most. Because hidden beneath the surface lie the most valuable of treasures: kindness, belonging, self-worth, laughter and friendship. A good foundation to have in an ever-changing world. There’s sometimes tea and biscuits too!"
Some of the Rochford District Council parks include:
- Hockley Woods - The largest remaining area of ancient wild woodland in Essex, home to a rich variety of tree species and wildlife.
- Cherry Orchard Jubilee Country Park - A scenic blend of open grassland and maturing woodland, offering a haven for both people and wildlife.
- Sweyne Park Open Space - A community-developed park with fruiting trees, wildflowers, and habitats that support local biodiversity.
- Hullbridge Park - A vibrant recreational space featuring a play area, skate park, BMX track, basketball court and even outdoor street snooker.
To find out more about all the parks and open spaces in the district, visit our woodlands, parks and open spaces page.