Parklife www.neneparktrust.org.uk
The newsletter of Nene Park Trust, Peterborough
WINTER 08
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ISSUE 2
Welcome to the second edition of Parklife, Nene Park Trust’s newsletter. We received some great feedback about our first edition earlier in the summer, including lots of ideas for future articles and over 500 requests to join the Parklife mailing list. If you would like to receive a copy directly by post or email, please contact us using the details on page 2. Despite the disappointing weather over the summer months, it was great to see so many people enjoying our events programme. When the sun shone, we experienced some of our busiest days ever at Ferry Meadows. However, although we are probably best known for the country park we provide at Ferry Meadows, there is in fact a lot more to Nene Park Trust. The article on pages 2 and 3 explains more. In the past few weeks, you may have noticed, or even participated in, our visitor survey. The full results will be featured in our next edition, but some early feedback is set out on page 5. Whilst most of the comments have been very positive
and encouraging, it is clear that we need to do more to publicise our work, as only 35% of visitors were aware of our events programme. We will be using all the results of the survey, as well as the ongoing feedback we receive from your comments cards, to consider a long term strategic plan for Nene Park Trust next year. Behind the scenes, it has been a busy few months at the Trust’s office as we reviewed our staff structure and identified how we could improve it for the future. Through this, our aim is to look at widening our existing work in education, promotion and community related events. Look out for more on this in future editions of Parklife. Finally, when visiting Ferry Meadows over the next few months, why not call in to our Visitor Centre - it will now be open every weekend throughout the winter. James McCulloch, Chief Executive, Nene Park Trust
this issue P2 More than just Ferry Meadows
P4 Pedal Power
P5 Brownies Challenge
P6 Events & Activities
P8 Willow Project
P9 Hedgelaying
P10 Red Kites
P11 Feeding the flames
More than just Nene Park Trust is probably best known for its 500-acre country park at Ferry Meadows. However, there is also a lot more that the Trust provides and is involved with in the Peterborough area, as its Chief Executive James McCulloch explains. Nene Park Trust was established in 1988 to manage, as a charity, more than 2,500 acres to the west of Peterborough – with a remit to improve the quality of life for Peterborough’s residents and visitors by providing high quality and accessible open spaces.
contents
2
More than just Ferry Meadows
4
Pedal Power
5
Brownies Challenge
6
Events and Activities
8
Willow Project
9 Hedgelaying 10 Red Kites at Nene Park 11 Feeding the Flames
We hope you enjoy reading this edition of Park Life. If you would like to make any comments or go on our mailing list to receive information about the Park and future editions of Park Life, please write or email to the Visitor Services Officer at the address below. Contact: Chris Park, Visitor Services Officer Telephone: 01733 234443 Address: Nene Park Trust, Ham Farm House, Ham Lane, Peterborough PE2 5UU Email: visitor.services@neneparktrust.org.uk Website: www. neneparktrust.org.uk Park Life is published by Nene Park Trust, Peterborough and produced by Connaught Media, Sound and Vision Specialists (tel. 01733 555163), www.connaught-media.co.uk. When you have finished reading it, please recycle it. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of material published in Park Life. Nene Park Trust and the Publishers cannot accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers or contributors and any subsequent liability. The views expressed are not necessarily those of Nene Park Trust or the Publishers. All rights reserved.
Twenty years on, the Trust – overseen by its Board of Management – successfully carries this out by offering a wide variety of activities and managing various business interests.
Ferry Meadows In providing its extensive network of parks and open spaces at no cost to the taxpayer, the Trust is currently one of only two organisations across the United Kingdom offering such a comprehensive service on such an extensive scale in this way. Today, within the Trust’s directly managed estate there are a variety of landscapes, buildings, habitats, water features and visitor facilities. Besides the 500 acres at Ferry Meadows Country Park, there are open-space areas at Thorpe Meadows,
Orton Mere, Woodston Reach and a number of woodland plantations, footpaths and hedgerows. The remainder consists of land, facilities and amenities let to a number of tenants. As landlord, the Trust’s involvement with these operations varies according to the nature of the tenancy, location and service provided. The full extent of the estate and the Trust’s range of operations is illustrated below:
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pedal power With rising fuel costs, traffic congestion and increasing awareness of our carbon footprint, many of us are swapping our cars for pedal power. With the success of Britain’s Olympic cycling team in Beijing, a bike ride has never been more popular.
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he benefits of cycling are numerous - it’s fun, free and environmentally friendly. It’s a great activity for the whole family and helps keep everyone fit and healthy.
Nene Park – the ultimate for cyclists Nene Park is ideal for cycling as the routes are mainly flat and off-road. The park’s scenery is varied with cycleways taking you through woodlands, meadows, nature reserves, along the River Nene and many other places. Moreover, you can make your bike ride more interesting by stopping at the bird hides or play areas along the way, and visiting Roman Point and the Nene Valley Railway. In Ferry Meadows, there are also two cafés for refreshments.
Cycle with a Ranger To help our cycling visitors discover different routes around the park we are holding Cycle with a Ranger events. Park Rangers Greg Higby and Dave Linscott will lead you on a gentle ride around Ferry Meadows, Orton Mere, Thorpe Meadows and Bluebell Wood. The routes vary but are about eight miles and take about 1-2 hours. Suitable for all cycling levels, these rides offer a great opportunity to explore the park, keep fit and meet new people.
Linked to the Green Wheel The Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT) website describes the Peterborough Millennium Green Wheel as “a continuous network of cycleways, footpaths and bridleways that provide safe, continuous routes around the city, through picturesque stone villages, the Fens and the scenic Nene valley.” Nene Park is easily accessible from the Green Wheel network of cycleways with routes running through and around the park. For more information about the Green Wheel visit the PECT website www.pect.net. You can buy a map of the Green Wheel from the Tourist Information Centre, Travel Choice Centre, most local cycle shops and from the Peterborough City Council website www.peterborough.gov.uk. In Ferry Meadows, from the Visitor Centre Shop and Lakeside Leisure Cycle Hire at the Watersports Centre. For information about Lakeside Leisure Cycle Hire please telephone 01733 234418 or visit www.lakesideleisure.com. National Cycleway Network’s route 63, part of the National cycleway network from Burton-on-Trent to Wisbech via Leicester and Peterborough goes through Nene Park. For more information visit the Sustrans website www.sustrans.org.uk.
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Don’t forget the Cycle-Safe code When cycling in the park please remember to: • Always wear a cycle helmet. • Cycle only on public roads, unclassified roads and on surfaced tracks. • Be friendly towards other park users. Routes in the park are open to walkers and horse riders as well as cyclists. Cyclists should give way to pedestrians and wheelchair users. • Take care when passing dogs and horses, leave them plenty of room, they are spooked easily so never pass without calling out a warning. • Don’t expect to cycle at high speeds. Reduce the speed when you don’t know what’s ahead. • Don’t surprise people – slow down and make sure they know you are coming. Fit a bell to warn pedestrians you are approaching. • Fit and use lights in poor visibility. Remember that you are required by law to display working lights after dark. • Carry basic tools such as cycle spanner, a pump and a spare inner tube. Invest in a first aid kit and know how to use it. • Keep away from park maintenance operations such as hedge-cutting and tree felling. • If you see any damage then please report it to the Park Rangers immediately. • Don’t use a mobile phone when cycling.
Greg Higby, Park Ranger
Did you know? Cycling a 10-mile return journey to work instead of driving five times a week (50 miles cycled per week) will make the following changes: • 9 kg of carbon dioxide saved per week (equivalent of 900 party balloons) • 2375 calories burnt per week (equivalent to eight king-size Mars Bars) • £7: the average amount of money saved per week
Brownies accept the rubbish challenge
VISITOR SURVEY
Headline Results e have now had some preliminary results back from the Visitor Survey that was undertaken during the summer. These results have revealed some really useful data that will help us to produce a long term strategic plan for Nene Park.
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We wanted to know how our visitors use the Park and what they thought about it.
Orton Wistow Brownies have been taking part in the Cambridgeshire Community Challenge which is set by the County Commissioner. Their challenge was to undertake tasks to help or make a difference in their local community. The challenge is made up of two parts: • Show active involvement in your community.
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99% of our visitors feel safe in the Park. 85% of visitors are aware that there is a Park Ranger on duty during daylight hours throughout the year.
• Be proud to be a citizen of Cambridgeshire. If they successfully complete all elements the Brownies receive their Community Challenge badge.
The full set of results will not be available until later in the year, but some of the headline results so far are:
On pa trol: get to Orton Wis to grips with li w Brownie tter – s fast.
he 1st Orton Wistow Brownies looked for a challenge to undertake in their local community and decided as they were regular users of Nene Park this was where they would like to carry out a useful task, writes Rachel Storey, Park Ranger. The Trust always welcomes such initiatives and one of the most useful tasks they could perform that would have an immediate impact on the environment was simply to remove unsightly litter. I met the group of about 15 Brownies and their leaders at Orton Mere one Tuesday evening in September. Having supplied them with bags and litter pickers to share they were divided into two teams and we set off. One team walked towards Woodston Reach and the other headed into Thorpe Meadows. The groups had tremendous fun finding litter while enjoying the lovely surroundings, and usefully collected several large bags of litter. At Nene Park Trust we have a dedicated team of Park Assistants who carry out litter picking duties all year round - covering all areas of the Park including Ferry Meadows, Orton Mere, Woodston Reach, Thorpe Meadows and Castor.
Rachel Storey Park Ranger
Amazing but true! Every year in Nene Park more than fifty full-size skips of litter are collected by Trust staff. In the summer, it takes two people seven days a week to keep the park litter free and attractive. Fortunately, most visitors do their bit by using the litter bins - or by observing the Country Code and taking their litter home with them.
72% visit by car, 11% visit on foot. 76% visit in the afternoon (12pm – 4pm) 12% visit the Park daily 43% said that the Lakeside walks were their favourite part of the Park. We would like to thank everyone who helped with the survey and to all our visitors who completed and returned the comment cards which have been available at Park outlets over the last few months. We will now analyse all this information, together with the comments you have made and use it to plan developments for the Park. Chris Park Visitor Services Officer
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Walks, Talks, Events and Discovery Day Programme • Walks, Talks, Events and D Discovering Trees
Ferry Meadows Undressed
Pre School Push and Toddle
Wednesday 3 December 1.30pm – 3.45pm Join Park Ranger Ashley Wheal and find out some fascinating tree facts. There will be an illustrated talk in the John Horrell Room at the Visitor Centre followed by a walk to identify some of our native trees in winter. Please meet at the Visitor Centre.
Wednesday 4th February 1.30pm – 3.30pm Join Park Ranger Steve Wickens for a glimpse behind the scenes to see how Ferry Meadows Country Park is managed. A short walk through the park to look at some of the planned projects, and hopefully see a working team in action. This will be followed by a visit to the works depot to see some of the machinery and equipment used to maintain the park to such high standards. Please meet at the Visitor Centre. Please telephone 01733 234443 to book a place or email steve.wickens@neneparktrust.org.uk.
Wednesday 18 March 10.00am – 11.30am This walk gives pre school children, whether they be novice walkers, toddlers or in prams and pushchairs, the chance to bring their parents or grandparents to join Nene Park Ranger Steve Wickens for a leisurely stroll through Ferry Meadows. There will be stop off points to look at the wildlife and to have fun in the play area. Please meet at the Visitor Centre.
Woodland Coppice Working Party Saturday 6 December 10.00am – 12.30pm Join Park Rangers Dave Linscott, Rachel Storey and Gary Mason for a ‘relaxed’ hands on working group using hand tools only to manage the hazel coppice in Lynch Plantation. Cutting, sorting and layering will be shown. This traditional method of woodland management has been introduced to help improve the diversity of this new woodland. Minimum age 16 years and outdoor clothing essential. Please telephone 01733 234443 to book a place or email david.linscott@neneparktrust.org.uk.
Birds in Winter Wednesday 10 December 10.00am – 12 noon Join Visitor Services Officer Chris Park for a morning walk around Ferry Meadows looking for and identifying some of our winter bird visitors. Please bring binoculars if you have them. Please meet at the Visitor Centre.
2009 Events Guided Dog Walk Wednesday 14 January 10.00am – 12 noon Join Park Rangers Rachel Storey and Gary Mason for a gentle stroll with your dog around Ferry Meadows. This walk will last approximately 2 hours. Please meet at the Watersports Centre. You must bring a lead! Please telephone 01733 234443 to book a place or email rachel.storey@neneparktrust.org.uk
January Walk in the Park Wednesday 28 January 1.30pm – 3.30pm Join Park Ranger Ian Lowe for a guided walk around Ferry Meadows looking at the Park in the middle of winter and enjoy the scenery. Please meet at the Visitor Centre.
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Family Discovery Day Make a Bird Box Wednesday 18 February 10.00am – 12 noon Make a nest box with Park Ranger Tom Wopat as part of National Nest Box Week. We will be looking at ways that we can help our garden and woodland birds. This event will be taking place near the Visitor Centre. Charge £5.00 to cover the cost of materials.
Family Discovery Day Wildflower or Weeds? Wednesday 18 February 1.00pm – 3.00pm Join Park Ranger Peter Gentleman and learn about the arable weed areas in the Park. Find out what we are growing, how they are managed and lend a hand sowing some of the seeds. Peter will be working on the plot near the Coney Meadow pond to talk about the areas. So just drop by, help sow some of the seed and then come back in summer to see it in full bloom. Direction signs will be in place from the Visitor Centre.
Bike Ride with a Ranger Wednesday 11 March 10.00am – 12.30pm Join Park Ranger Greg Higby for a cycle ride through Ferry Meadows and Nene Park. The route will be approximately 8 miles and take about 2½ hours. Suitable for all abilities. Participants must wear a cycle helmet. Please telephone 01733 234443 to book a place or email greg.higby@neneparktrust.org.uk
A Walk with a Ranger Wednesday 11 March 1.30pm – 3.30pm Join Park Ranger Ian Lowe for a guided walk around Ferry Meadows looking at the Park as winter draws to a close and for the first signs of spring showing. Please meet at the Visitor Centre.
Guided Dog Walk Wednesday 25 March 10.00am – 12 noon Join Nene Park Rangers Rachel Storey and Gary Mason for a gentle stroll with your dog around Ferry Meadows. This walk will last approximately 2 hours. Meet at the Visitor Centre. You must bring a lead! Please telephone 01733 234443 to book a place or email rachel.storey@neneparktrust.org.uk.
Family Discovery Day Shelter Building Wednesday 8 April 10.00am – 12 noon One of the three basic survival needs is shelter. Join Park Ranger Tom Wopat in the art of shelter building for a fun way of looking at making shelters. Please meet at the Visitor Centre. Please telephone 01733 234443 to book a place or email tom.wopat@neneparktrust.org.uk
Family Discovery Day Make & Fly a Kite Wednesday 15 April 10.00am – 12 noon Learn how to make a simple kite from readily available household materials and then fly it on the Meadows. Park Rangers will be on hand with all the materials to show you how to do this and to help you fly it, as long as we have a breeze. Drop in at the Visitor Centre.
Birds in Spring Wednesday 22 April 10.00am – 12 noon Join Chris Park Visitor Services Officer for a morning walk around Ferry Meadows listening, looking for and identifying some of our spring visitors. Please bring binoculars if you have them. Please meet at the Visitor Centre.
Discovery Day Programme • Walks, Talks, Events and Discovery Day Programme Bluebell Walk Wednesday 6 May 1.45pm – 4.00pm Join Park Ranger Ashley Wheal for a stroll around Ferry Meadows, starting at the Visitor Centre walking through Bluebell Wood and returning via Milton Ferry Bridge taking in the Bluebells as well as the wide variety of other fauna and flora. Please meet at the Visitor Centre. Please telephone 01733 234443 to book a place or email ashley.wheal@neneparktrust.org.uk
Badger Watch with a Ranger Wednesday 20 May 8.00pm – 11.00pm Join Park Rangers Ashley Wheal and Greg Higby for a talk on the life of badgers followed by a silent vigil at a sett to catch a glimpse of these shy creatures. Please telephone 01733 234443 to book a place or email ashley.wheal@neneparktrust.org.uk
Rambling from River to Rail Wednesday 27 May 9.30am -13.30pm Join Park Ranger Steve Wickens for a gentle ramble of approximately 5 miles along the River Nene to Wansford with the return journey being made on the Nene Valley Railway. Learn something of the history of both the river and the railway whilst taking in the scenery along the western edge of the Park. There should be adequate time to explore Wansford Station before boarding the train to return to the Park. Please meet at the Visitor Centre. Due to the nature of the terrain regrettably this event is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. Cost £3 to cover the train fare payable on the day. Please telephone 01733 234443 to book a place or email steve.wickens@neneparktrust.org.uk
Groups using Nene Park - 2009 British Association of Radio Control Soarers (model gliding). Sunday 11th January, Sunday 8th February, Sunday 8th March, Sunday 31st May, Sunday 21st June, Sunday 19th July, Sunday 16th August, Sunday 18th October, Sunday 8th November, Sunday 6th December Tel: Alan Morton 07986 238172. Peterborough Scribes. Sunday 18th January – John Horrell Room at the Visitor Centre. Tel: Anne Yeoman 01733 759243. Great Ouse Kite Flyers, Club Fly in. Sunday 25th January, Sunday 22nd February, Sunday 22nd March, Sunday 12th April, Sunday 26th April, Sunday 10th May, Sunday 24th May, Sunday 28th June, Sunday 12th July, Sunday 26th July, Sunday 9th August, Sunday 23rd August, Sunday 13th September, Sunday 27th September, Sunday 11th October, Sunday 22nd November, Sunday 27th December Tel: Jill Ferrer 01733 563958.
General Information The Walks • Park Ranger led walks are informal and intended for anyone who has an interest in the countryside. They are suitable for the whole family and usually last approximately two hours covering no more than two miles (unless otherwise stated). • All walks will have regular stops en route and start at the Visitor Centre in Ferry Meadows (unless otherwise stated). • Unless there are extreme weather conditions the Park Ranger will be there. However, please ensure that you wear suitable footwear and are fully prepared for bad weather conditions. • Binoculars are always useful. • All the walks and events are free unless otherwise stated.
Dogs
Peterborough Guild of Dyers, Spinners & Weavers. Saturday 7th February, Saturday 4th April, Saturday 7th March, Saturday 4th April, Saturday 2nd May, Saturday 3rd October – John Horrell Room at the Visitor Centre. Tel: Pauline Smith 01733 330942.
Dogs on leads are welcome on walks (unless otherwise stated). Please check individual events. Guide dogs are welcome on all events. Please help to keep Ferry Meadows enjoyable by cleaning up behind your dog.
Great Ouse Kite Flyers Kite Festival Sunday 14th June Tel: Jill Ferrer 01733 563958.
10.00am – 12 noon. These are mostly free although some have a small charge to cover the cost of materials. These activities are intended for parents/ guardians/ carers and children to discover and learn together and have fun. They will usually be suitable for children aged 8 - 12 years. Families should consist of one or two adults with a maximum of three children per adult. Some require booking as spaces are limited.
British Motor Corporation and British Leyland Owners Club Rally. Sunday 2nd August – Held on Oak Meadow in Ferry Meadows Country Park for the 16th consecutive year with many of the old names from the heyday of British motor car manufacturing like Wolseley, Morris, Austin, MG and Riley will be on display. Many are in near showroom condition, having been lovingly restored to their former glory. From 10am. Email: bmcblrally@btinternet.com.
Family Discovery Days
Booking for Events Where events require pre-booking please contact the telephone number or email address given. Or if applying in writing to the address below, please include the names of those attending (for children’s events please include ages), plus a contact address and telephone number. Reserved places on events can be paid for at the Visitor Centre Shop, Ferry Meadows or by post. Cheque/s for the full amount should be made payable to Nene Park Trust. For further details of any events please contact: Visitor Services Officer, Nene Park Trust, Ham Farm House, Ham Lane, Peterborough PE2 5UU. Tel: (01733) 234443 Email: visitor.services@neneparktrust.org.uk Website: www.neneparktrust.org.uk
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The
Willow Project In Nene Park’s beautiful south-facing Bluebell
Wood are two old osier beds – four acres of willows grown for basket making. hen I first saw them in the early 1980s, they were almost completely smothered by dense vegetation. Later, faced with the task of reinstating them, I found it difficult not to feel totally overwhelmed at the prospect.
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However, when we got under way it was obvious someone had worked on the beds some years before – the clue being a number of very large stumps, each bearing a crown of dozens of straight rods, which stood out defiantly against a sea of brambles. Later, these rods were to prove essential to the project, providing cuttings from which a completely new generation of willow could be propagated. As for the past, all we knew was that prior to the 1970s Bluebell Wood had belonged to Milton Estates. My research into the beds’ history took me first to Peterborough Museum, where I discovered Milton Estates had in 1863 leased the land to a William Hubbard and his brother, who ran a basket making premises in Priestgate, Peterborough. Just two years later they had moved to larger premises in Westgate – suggesting the business was successful. A week or so after my museum visit I received a call from them saying they had found a collection of basket making tools in one of their stores. It had been donated by local basket maker, Len Wilcox. I immediately contacted Mr Wilcox and forged a relationship with him that lasted until he died. Len, it turned out, was a Master Basketmaker who had been born into the trade. His father, also a basket maker, and his mother and brothers all worked in the business at their workshops within the Cathedral precincts. 8
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Len, it transpired, had spent most of his time working on the osier beds in Bluebell Woods. From willow grown there, the Wilcox family turned out a wide range of baskets, mostly for everyday trade use by local bakers, hotels, laundries and for agricultural work. Specialities included animal muzzles, feeding skeps and panniers for working donkeys. Their bespoke work included willow seats for cars, umbrella containers, ornamental wheelbarrows and baby cribs. One of my abiding memories of Len is of watching him make a large potato basket in just 45 minutes - while at the same time being captivated by a story about his business dealings with farmers. These meetings took place at Peterborough’s Bull Hotel where business was done over a pint or two. One order from a local farmer for 2000 potato baskets meant Len and his brothers having to work around the clock to deliver them in six weeks. The farmer checked every basket by putting his foot in the bottom and pulling on the handle. If the handle pulled out it was rejected. The price per basket was seven and a tanner, 7s 6d (37½ p). Sadly, as mentioned earlier, Len is no longer with us. However, work on the willow beds continues. As soon as the leaves start to fall, the harvest starts. The rods are cut and graded to size - with the smaller ones dried and stored and the larger ones left out to dry off ready for projects in the park or selling to craftspeople for traditional and more contemporary uses.
Terry Daunt Senior Ranger
There will be opportunities to watch Nene Park Rangers laying hedges around the Park throughout the winter - look out for posters and notices around the Park. Please feel free to stop to chat and ask questions.
Hedgelaying - an ancient craft revived H
edgelaying is a countryside craft that has very ancient origins. The first written record dates from 55BC when Julius Caesar described Iron-Age tribes constructing enclosures by bending living thorn branches and saplings to create an effective, living barrier to protect them and their livestock at night from prowling predators and unfriendly neighbours. These were probably very similar looking to the African boma, a thorn corral still used today by semi nomadic tribes to protect a camp and livestock. Hedgelaying as we know it began in the 18th century with the Enclosure Acts that saw an end to the medieval open-field system of agriculture. Before wire fencing and barbed wire, fields were enclosed with ditches or planted with thorn hedges. However, if left unmanaged a hedgerow grows upwards and outwards and eventually becomes a line of trees. This is why the skills of the hedgelayer were in great demand to maintain the many miles of hedges necessary to retain livestock. Gradually, hedge use has declined owing to changes in agriculture brought about by both World Wars, and in particular the Second World War when emphasis was placed on production through the widespread adoption of mechanisation. A reduction in the availability of labour and the introduction of wire fences were major factors in the decline of hedgelaying. By the 1960s hedges were disappearing from the countryside at an alarming rate. Lack of maintenance meant they became tall gappy lines of trees and many were grubbed out to make larger fields that could be more efficiently managed by larger machinery. Legislation introduced in 1997 has halted the huge decline and today hedgerow maintenance is seen as part of good farming and land management practice. As a result, hedgelayers are as much concerned now with conserving our countryside as with making stockproof hedges. We also have a much greater knowledge of wildlife and why well-managed hedges are essential to the countryside. Therefore, the skills of the hedgelayer are again in great demand.
Among the many benefits of hedgelaying are: • Maintains an aesthetically pleasing landscape • Prolongs the life of a hedge • Defines boundaries • Retains livestock • Maintains effective wildlife corridors • Provides refuge for a wide diversity of wildlife species • Maintains the many regional styles and traditions • Stimulates and inspires interest in the countryside Here in Nene Park there is little need for stockproof hedges. However, they have great importance as elements of our landscape heritage and as wildlife habitats, and so management by laying is vital to preserve their value. Hedgelaying is usually carried out between October and February when the sap is down. Billhooks, axes and chainsaws are the main tools used in the laying process. The technique used is to partly cut stems near the base leaving a living strip connecting the stem to the roots. These stems are then bent at an angle of about 35 degrees to the ground. The layed stems are secured with supporting stakes at regular intervals and these in turn can be woven with binders for added strength. This process may seem destructive because of the amount of material that is cut out. However, the following spring vigorous new growth is triggered along the stem from previously dormant buds and a thicker, healthier hedge develops. To find out more about hedgelaying please take a look at the National Hedgelaying Society website www.hedgelaying.org.uk
Dave Linscott, Park Ranger
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It’s a kite – but not as you know it
fabulous birds of prey visit Nene Park The sight of a huge bird of prey soaring over Nene Park is on the increase.
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ut what bird is this? Recently, a man came over to me while I stood watching one swoop over Coney Meadow.
He was very excited and said: “Is that what I think it is?” It was lovely to see him so animated. I replied: “I’m sorry, I don’t know what you think it is.” His face lit up even more and he said: “It’s a golden eagle, isn’t it?” I explained that I could see why he thought it might be, as it was a similar colour and a huge bird of prey - but that it was in fact a red kite. He was surprised as he hadn’t heard of a red kite before. He then returned to impress the rest of the family with his new-found knowledge. Historically, red kites were a common bird, but man shot, trapped and poisoned them almost out of existence. This was due, in part, to the perceived threat to game birds, as landowners through their gamekeepers had zero tolerance of all birds of prey. However, red kites feed mainly on animals that are already dead – carrion, such as rabbits or rats. I used this knowledge to attract a red kite to where I live. I picked up a road-kill rabbit and put it in the middle of my large lawn.
CTS RED KITE FA red with white
tnut Colour: ches r the wings and a pale de un es h tc pa grey head. et About 5.5 fe Wing Span: 3 Ibs Weight: 2 s t 2 or 3 year A g: Breedin eggs 4 1March Eggs laid: In 31-35 days Incubation: ars Up to 20 ye Longevity:
Two days later… success! I was even able to use my camcorder to capture the kite feeding. So why are red kite sightings now on the increase at Nene Park? Well, it’s thanks to the successful local reintroduction of this bird by the Forestry Commission, in association with Natural England. Their release site happens to be only 10 miles away, near King’s Cliffe, in Northamptonshire. Upon release, bird dispersal is monitored by way of a tagging system. Large but lightweight canvas tags are attached to each wing so that individual birds can be identified at a distance. The table below shows how the system works.
Ashley Wheal Park Ranger
Can you help me find out how often kites visit Nene Park? If you spot one here please could you email me at ashley.wheal@neneparktrust.org.uk Try to see if it is a tagged bird, and if so, please record the wing tag colour codes, and any symbols. Good luck!
Wales Chilterns Northamptonshire Yorkshire Central Scotland Dumfries & Galloway North Scotland Northeast England (Northern Kites) Northeast England (Northern Kites) Northeast England (Northern Kites)
Tag Colour
Wing Tag Year
Tag Colour
(left wing)
Code
(right wing)
Black Yellow White Orange Red Green Blue Pink Pink Pink
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Lime green Black Pink Blue White Red Yellow Orange Lime green Purple
(birds are individually “named”/identified by letters or symbols written on the tag)
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Feeding the flames! Recreate the flaming colours of autumn in your own garden The fiery colours of autumn are one of Nene Park’s major attractions during November. Although they’re immensely enjoyable on a large scale there’s nothing better than kicking through the leaves on a sunny morning - they can be just as spectacular in your own garden. If you want to create similar effects at home, there’s still plenty you can do now. After all, autumn’s the best time to plant. The soil’s still warm from the summer sun and, undoubtedly, pretty moist - so conditions are excellent for root growth. Anything planted now can establish before winter arrives, then grow away quickly in spring. The best shrubs for autumn colour include many garden-worthy plants and most are available from Notcutts Garden Centres - one of Nene Park Trust’s tenants.
Visitors get in the picture(s)
W
hat did you see in Ferry Meadows during the summer? This was the question we asked everyone who called at the Visitor Centre Café last season. As a result, we received and displayed a good selection of photographs taken by you. Many visitors enjoyed looking at them because they seemed to show an extra side to Ferry Meadows, one they hadn’t noticed during their visits. Thanks to all of you who contributed. Next year, we’ll be encouraging everyone to put pen to paper with a little poetry. May I start you with the first line? Ferry Meadows Country Park... Just add three or four more lines to complete your poem. If you feel you could write a full-length one starting with the same line – do just that. Remember, we’ll display these too. At the end of the summer two prizes of £25 Marks & Spencer vouchers will go to the writers of those poems judged the best. We look forward to receiving your contributions at the cafe. Best wishes from Christine Conlon and the team at the Visitor Centre Café.
Cotinus coggygria ‘Grace’ - a pretty variety of smoke bush, it has purple leaves that look great in summer and even more amazing in autumn when they turn fiery shades. It gets quite large but benefits from being pruned hard back every spring. Height 6m. Hamamelis mollis - witch hazels produce sweetly scented blooms like candied orange peel in early spring - these are quite an unusual sight because they’re borne on bare stems before the leaves appear. The plants come into their own again during autumn when the leaves turn shades of copper, scarlet and gold. Height 3m. Liquidambar styraciflua - a lovely tree for a small garden especially during autumn when its leaves turn orange, red and purple. Height 5m. Acer palmatum ‘Garnet’ has finely-divided purple leaves that colour well in autumn, especially on acidic soils. Plant in a sheltered position away from scorching sunlight. Height 1.8m Rhus typhina ‘Laciniata’ - a small tree with leaves that are a blaze of colour in autumn. Height 3m. As well as plants with colourful autumn leaves, it’s worth including those with eye-catching winter stems such as dog woods, salix and rubus or those with berries such as callicarpa (purple), skimmia (red) and pernettya (white). Not only do these provide winter colour, they provide cover and food for the birds. If you haven’t any berrying plants then the range of wild bird foods has increased dramatically in recent years. Nature programmes on the television are encouraging people to interact with more of the wildlife in their gardens. Everyone loves birds and you can now choose between a wide range of seeds, nuts and fat balls, as well as feeders, bird tables and even close-circuit television, watching those birds that choose to raise a brood in specially adapted nesting boxes. Gareth Salter, Sales Advisor, Notcutts Garden Centre WINTER 08 | ISSUE 2
11
Play Golf!
Two Great Courses- Two Great Choices ORTON MEADOWS Golf Course Orton Waterville, Peterborough PE2 5UU Tel: 01733 237478 www.ortonmeadowsgolfcourse.co.uk THORPE WOOD Golf Course Thorpe Wood, Peterborough PE3 6SE Tel: 01733 267701 www.thorpewoodgolfcourse.co.uk
LAKESIDE Cafe and Bar
Come and enjoy homemade food in beautiful surroundings • Open 365 days of the year • Available for parties, corporate events and business meetings
Visitors Centre Cafe Tea Time Catering
Enjoy a relaxing Ferry Meadows Cream Tea overlooking Overton Lake. Enjoy the view, enjoy our hospitality!
• Ample parking • Pay as you play • Club and Trolley Hire • Large well-stocked Golf Shops • 12-hole Pitch & Putt Course at Orton Meadows • Golf Societies welcome
Lakeside Cafe & Bar, next to the Watersports Centre, Ferry Meadows Tel: 01733 370293 lakesidecafeandbar@yahoo.co.uk
Horse Riding
Lakeside Leisure
in Nene Park
Peterborough’s Premier Family Outdoor Leisure Facility
LYNCH FARM EQUESTRIAN CLUB LTD WISTOW WAY • ORTON WISTOW PETERBOROUGH • PE2 6XA
www.lynchfarmriding.co.uk TEL:
01733 234445
Tuition for: Power Boats, Windsurfing, Sailing & Kayaking Hire for: Cycles, Canoes, Kayaks, Pedalos & Rowing Boats, Sailing Dinghies and Windsurfers Retail: Jack Holt, Gul, Minnkota Outboards, Ocean Kayaks, Old Town, Crewsaver Yak • Campsite available for group bookings • Licensed café/bar • Public Day launching for Non-powered Craft • Tuition to suit all ages • RYA PWB level 2 • Sailing Club - new members welcome
visit: www.lakesideleisure.com
01733 234418 Lakeside Leisure, Watersports Centre, Ferry Meadows, Ham Lane, Peterborough PE2 5UU
Tel: 01733 234493
Ferry Meadows Railway Nene Park, Peterborough
• A train ride for children of all ages from 1 to 91 ! • Take a ride across the park from Ham Lane to the Watersport Centre • Trains run every weekend and throughout the school holidays (Monday is our day off)
Tel: 01933 398889 www.ferrymeadowsrailway.co.uk
Parklife www.nene parktrust.o rg.uk
To receive future editions of Park life and information about the Trust then join our mailing list by contacting us by phone or email... The newsl etter of Nene
Park Trust,
Peterborough
SUMMER 08
Nene Par k Tru
PETER
BORO
U
st
GH First im pressions
As I write this, it is just position of Chief Execut over two month s since I ive at Nene been filled took up Park Trust. with a range the new My first few of getting of meetin to know weeks have gs and site our 2,500 visits - all acre estate with the Of course, , staff team aim there is and tenant still a great to learn s. but already, deal
This is an a few things very clear. exciting are Trust time for Nene Park as we approac Nene Park h our 21st in August is a unique birthday 2009, and and special that is begin to obviously place our achieve reflect on much appreci ments since locally and 1988 - and ated our aims regionally. might be what for the next The establis and beyond 21 years hment in . independent 1988 of an To help us charitable in the process trust to manage Nene Park really like showed real , we would to hear your very much vision, and impressions was Nene Park. ahead of its time. Over the the importa of summer, Through carrying nt work we will be out survey carried out establishing work to find views of the Trust in out the our visitors over the years, we (and non past are today Please look visitors!). able to provide 20 out for our exciting and high survey teams an the Park and quality of green City in centre, and network what space - and you think. tell them at no cost tax payer. to the free to contact Alternatively, please feel us at any The Trust ideas, comme point is fortuna nts or general with your te to have a long serving retained visitor. service views at s@nene and dedicat of staff parktru ed team or on 01733 who carry st.org.u 234193. k out a of duties - from estate wide range We look forward and rangeri maintenance comme to hearing ng your nts, and wish administration, to park manage you an ment, enjoyab promotion le summe But, perhaps and finance r. most importa . is a great nt of all, there enthusiasm James McCulloc amongst members, our Board Chief Executive h, staff and visitors to ,Nene Park develop Trust further and improve the park facilities over and its the next few years.
this issu e P2 Dog issues
P3 To Feed?
P5 Nene Park
Events
P6 Orienteering
P7 Height barrier
P7 Charcoa
l
P8 Groups Using
Nene Park
Telephone:
01733 234443 Email:
visitor.services@neneparktrust.org.uk www.neneparktrust.org.uk
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ISSUE 1