A WOODLAND burial park has been honoured for the second year running.

Epping Forest Burial Park in North Weald has been given a Green Flag award and a Special Award for innovation.

The flag is presented in recognition of environmental awareness and good customer care in green spaces across England and Wales.

Judges assess sites according to a range of criteria, including sustainability, conservation, heritage and community involvement.

The innovation award was given to the park for a woodchip boiler which is used to heat the buildings and hot water.

District Council Chairman Penny Smith joined the team at the Epping Forest Burial Park in North Weald to raise the flag in celebration.

Nick Taylor Managing Director of the burial park said they were delighted to have won both awards.

He added: “It is always a great feeling to be recognised for our passion and dedication to maintaining Epping Forest Burial Park as a place of natural beauty for everyone to appreciate.”

Ginette Unsworth from Keep Britain Tidy, which organises the award, added: “We were also impressed with the Park’s initiatives to make the woodland accessible and enjoyable for the whole community, as well as an inviting place for the family and friends of those laid to rest.

"Some of the events that are held at the Park include children’s teddy bears picnics and arts and crafts afternoons, as well as music evenings, nature talks and remembrance services.”