AS homes and a shopping centre began to be developed in the Highwoods area of Colchester a very special sanctuary was being cultivated.

Gazette: Water - the park and ponds aseen her in September 1986.

Water - the park and ponds aseen her in September 1986

Colchester Council prohibited building on the southern slopes of the Highwoods site and on some Woodland nearby and in 1987 its status was changed to a country park, protecting it from future development.

Gazette: Patrol - ranger Yvonne Banks in the park in 1993

Patrol - ranger Yvonne Banks in the park in 1993

These images from our archives show how the site has created three decades of memories in the process.

Gazette: View - the scenery pictured in May 1987

View - the scenery pictured in May 1987

The wood was once within the medieval Royal Forest of Kingswood and greatly valued for its timber, which was mainly sweet chestnut

Gazette: View - the land before it became a country park

View - the land before it became a country park

It has held the Green Flag Award for 13 years.

Gazette: Learning - the feely table in 1997 at Highwoods

Learning - the feely table in 1997 at Highwoods

Gazette: Discovery - youngsters check their funds in July 1995.

Discovery - youngsters check their funds in July 1995