A treetop adventure company based in Suffolk is celebrating the launch of its 36th site.
Go Ape - which is based at The Drift, Fornham St Martin, Bury St Edmunds - now employs from 600 people to up to 1,000 during its peak months.
The forest zipwire business was started by Tristram and Rebecca Mayhew - who were at the opening of its new site at Hylands Park, Chelmsford, on Saturday, July 29.
Earlier in July the business launched another adventure park at Witton Park, Blackburn.
On Saturday, July 29, deputy mayor of Chelmsford Councillor Jude Deakin, and Go Ape super fan Verity Bailes officially cut the ribbon to open the Hylands Park site - the company's first foray into Essex.
Go Ape was started by Suffolk entrepreneurs the Mayhews in 2002 who began with a high-flying adventure zone in Thetford forest.
The business went from strength to strength, taking on new sites around the country.
In October 2021, the Mayhews decided to transfer 90% of Go Ape shares into an Employee Ownership Trust for the benefit of current and future employees while they retained 10%.
The forest adventures now welcome more than a million customers a year.
The new Essex site includes three high-ropes adventures suitable for participants over 1m tall.
These include 100 aerial crossings, eight ziplines and a Tarzan Swing on the Treetop Challenge experience.
Councillor Natacha Dudley, Cabinet Member for an Active Chelmsford, said, “Hylands Estate is a wonderful natural oasis in Chelmsford covering a vast 574 acres.
"We want to see people enjoying our cherished parks and green spaces in ways that help them connect mentally and physically with the great outdoors.
"I’m thrilled that the new Go Ape Chelmsford at Hylands offers a fresh opportunity for residents and visitors to do this.”
Chelmsford Community Radio outreach and fundraising support officer Michelle Durant said: “We were absolutely delighted to send along some brave volunteers for the Go Ape Chelmsford opening day.
"This was an opportunity for our young presenters to represent the station and not only experience the course, but also take part in the promotional activities, which have provided them with valuable insight for their careers going forwards.
"Everyone had an amazing time, met some fab people and are proud to show off their certificates. We will be back soon.”
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