Seasons change at the Braintree and Bocking Public Gardens, but the character has not

The Braintree and Bocking Gardens were donated by Sydney Courtauld to the community in 1888 as a free public space.

They are now charity-run, and it is the generosity of the Friends of the Gardens that keeps the space alive.

Sydney Courtauld was the nephew of Sam Courtauld, who founded what was to become one of the largest textile manufacturers in the world.

Sydney started to work for the business in 1870 and rose to be in charge of engineering at the Bocking and Braintree factories.

He lived at Bocking Place, and decided to give his garden to the people of Braintree.

Julien Courtauld, the current chairman of trustees at the gardens, said they had definitely evolved over the years.

He said: "When they were founded the whole idea was to have a garden keeper to live in a lodge and look after the gardens, but that has all gone by the wayside now.

"About five years ago the gardener left and the trustees decided it would be better to have the gardens looked after by a contractor and turn the lodge into a cafe to gain revenue."

Cool Beans Cafe in Bank Street has recently taken over the managing of the garden cafe.

Mr Courtauld said: "They are making a lovely job of it, that was a significant change.

"Also, some years ago it was decided to devote the north west as a wildlife area- we have an observation platform where people can sit and watch the birds."

The current trustees are making enormous efforts to get more people to use the gardens, and there have been various events to attract people in.

The gardens have seen annual Remembrance Services, various festival events and summer concerts, and even a pop up cinema.

Mr Courtauld said: "I think the fact there is a free space looked after by people who love looking after them it means they have a very special character, it makes a difference.

"Whenever you visit it's always different as the seasons change and it's lovely to see people passing through."