A special farewell has been given to ECCO by Harlow Council after 12 years of working together at Parndon Wood Nature Reserve comes to an end.
As a thank you for its years of service the council held a farewell gathering for ECCO staff and volunteers, presenting them with a celebration cake followed by a lunch buffet.
Following the completion of their lease, ECCO’s last day at the reserve was 12 May.
While the council works to find a new community partner to run the service, council staff and volunteers will continue to keep Parndon Wood open to the public from Thursday to Sunday operating within its normal opening hours.
The financial support provided to ECCO to run the reserve will remain in the council budget to support a new venture and volunteers will continue to maintain and look after the reserve.
Councillor Nicky Purse, cabinet portfolio holder for sustainability and environment, said:
“To thank ECCO for its years of service we were pleased to give them a special send-off they deserve, honouring a successful partnership and the great service they provided to the reserve and local community. For 12 years ECCO has been instrumental in the running of the reserve, as well as providing activities for local families to get close to nature. We are truly grateful and wish ECCO all the best for the future, as the council also looks forward to the future of the reserve and its next new venture.”
Sean Folan, CEO of ECCO, said:
“ECCO is very grateful to have had the opportunity to be involved with Parndon Wood over the last 12 years. I think it is a great example of what can be achieved with partnership working and we would like to thank all the volunteers, Harlow Council staff and visitors for making it such a worthwhile and rewarding experience.”
