Parklife The magazine of Nene Park Trust, Peterborough
SPRING/SUMMER 2010
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ISSUE 5
INCLUD ES
Events Listing s Pages 9 & 10
www.neneparktrust.org.uk
Chief Executive’s View
During the winter, our staff team and Board of Trustees have been considering what our vision and plans should be for Nene Park over the next few years.
contents
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Chief Executive’s View Technology in the Park 2020:The Trust’s Vision Have a go at watersports Hydrosphere returns Nene Park Trust events Trees, butterflies and flowers Wildflower meadows A walk around Ferry Meadows A view from the cafe Race for Life Share your views of Nene Park Nene Park map
To help us with this, we have held discussions with the various businesses located on Nene Park and have reviewed visitor comments and suggestions from the past few years. The outcome was very clear. The Trust’s work in providing an attractive environment for relaxation and enjoyment is very much appreciated, and we should not alter the special and unique character of Nene Park. Instead, we should look to raise the quality and promotion of Nene Park, so that we continue to develop and improve, and provide a country park that is amongst the best in the UK. Our new strategy, 2020, sets out how the Trust intends to achieve this through ensuring that Nene Park continues to be a rich and diverse landscape for people and wildlife, an exciting and special place to visit, and somewhere that supports the growth and development of Peterborough. You can read more about this, and our plans for the next few years in the article on pages 4 and 5, or on our website. Many thanks, James McCulloch Chief Executive, Nene Park Trust
We hope you enjoy reading this edition of Parklife. If you require Parklife in a Braille, audio or large text format please contact Nene Park Trust on the details below. If you would like to make any comments or go on our mailing list to receive information about the Park and future editions of Parklife, please write or email to Nene Park Trust at the address below. Telephone: 01733 234193 Address: Nene Park Trust, Ham Farm House, Ham Lane, Peterborough PE2 5UU Email: visitor.services@neneparktrust.org.uk Website: www. neneparktrust.org.uk Parklife is published by Nene Park Trust and produced by Connaught Media Advertising, Marketing and Public Relations – www.connaught-media.co.uk. The paper used for this publication has been produced using wood sourced from sustainably managed forests and is fully recyclable. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of material published in Parklife. Nene Park Trust and the Publishers cannot accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers or contributors and any rights reserved. No part of Parklife may be reproduced, stored in any form of retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any other means, electronic, photographic, mechanical or otherwise without the prior written permission of the Publishers. Copyright Nene Park Trust 2010.
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Drawing courtesy of Heritage Multimedia
Bringing Technology Out of the Office and into the Park
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ver the winter the visitor services team have been working with our partners at Natural Networks to bring Nene Park, and in particular Ferry Meadows Visitor Centre, into the 21st century by bringing up to the minute technology into the Park. Instead of just providing our visitors with information about the Park through the usual signs and leaflets, we have invested ÂŁ25,000 of external funding, via the Housing Growth Fund, in creating an interactive information area within Ferry Meadows Visitor Centre. This will enable visitors of all ages to access up to the minute information about the park and the surrounding area in a much more imaginative and user friendly way. The piece includes two screens looking over the park where visitors can scroll through information about the places to go and things to do, as well as the wildlife and history within Ferry Meadows and Nene Park. The central focus of the design is a large interactive map of Peterborough which a number of people can explore at the same time to find out about the full range of parks and green spaces within the City.
tour of Ferry Meadows and Nene Park through one of four walks varying in length from 1 to 5 miles. For those with their own GPS enabled mobile phone or other device, the walks will also be available to download for free through a computer within Ferry Meadows Visitor Centre or via the Natural Networks website www.naturalnet.org.uk The interactive interpretation area will be up and running for visitors to make use of at the end of May. For more information about these projects please contact the visitor services team via visitor.services@neneparktrust.org.uk or drop into Ferry Meadows Visitor Centre to speak to a member of the team. Susan Taylor Visitor Services Manager
We have also launched the Mobile Explorer project which we reported on previously in Parklife. Organised groups can now hire out PDA units from the Visitor Centre for a virtual guided
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2020: the Tr his spring, Nene Park Trust will launch 2020, a new vision for how it will manage and enhance Nene Park over the next 10 years. The Trust’s Chief Executive, James McCulloch, sets out the main highlights.
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Having properly celebrated the Trust’s 21st birthday in 2009, our thoughts then turned to how we could ensure that Nene Park continues to be a special place for health, relaxation and enjoyment for the people of Peterborough and beyond. Following extensive discussions with the Trust’s Board, staff team and tenants, a draft 10 year plan was produced earlier this year. Following a consultation programme, the strategy will be officially adopted by our Board of Trustees this spring. The Trust’s overall vision for the next 10 years is that: Nene Park will be an even more exciting, special and welcoming place in Peterborough for visitors and wildlife in a wonderful natural environment. To achieve this, we will be focusing on four key areas:
Landscape: Nene Park will be managed and protected as a clean, safe, sustainable and attractive natural environment that retains its river valley character and celebrates its heritage, archaeology and biodiversity.
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rust’s vision Community: Nene Park will be a beautiful, accessible and enjoyable place that provides exciting opportunities for healthy relaxation and learning for the community.
Recreation: Nene Park will be a place that people regularly choose to visit for the beauty of its natural landscape, the quality of its facilities and its exciting range of activities.
Promotion: Nene Park will be known throughout Peterborough and beyond as a great park and visitor destination, and for providing information that is high quality, innovative and accessible. Rest assured, we will certainly not be altering the special and unique character of the Park itself. However, we believe that by raising the quality of Nene Park and its facilities, and improving participation and engagement by visitors, we can provide a park that is amongst the best in the UK for its landscape and environmental management, visitor facilities and education programmes. We believe that 2020 is an exciting and challenging plan and very much look forward to starting work on its delivery over the summer. To learn more about how the Trust manages Nene Park and its plans for the next few years, copies of 2020 are available free of charge via the Trust’s web site, at the Ferry Meadows Visitor Centre or on request by telephone or email through the Trust office. James McCulloch Chief Executive
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HAVE A GO...
at Watersports
F
erry Meadows Watersports Centre is situated on Gunwade Lake and provides the perfect location to go canoeing, sailing and windsurfing.
We are recognised by the BCU, RYA and AALA and offer courses to suit all ages and abilities. We also have a vast selection of equipment both for sale and to hire. If you don’t want to be too serious about your Watersports then we also have Pedalos and Row Boats to hire, for those really not into Watersports then perhaps a cycle round the lake would appeal – we have bikes to suit all ages. Failing that then associated to the Watersports Centre is the Lakeside cafe and bar where you can relax and watch every one else get wet! The centre is also home to the Lakeside Sailing Club which meets every Sunday to race throughout the year (weather permitting). The big event for us this year is the RNLI 24 Hour race which will take place on the weekend of 19th and 20th June. Starting at 3.00pm usually with a flypast of the Battle of Britain Squadron, teams race to complete as many laps of the lake as possible – last year more than £4800 was raised for the Lifeboats. To celebrate the centres Silver Jubilee we have organised a ‘Have A Go Weekend’ where we shall be offering taster sessions of Kayaking, Sailing or Windsurfing, which will take place on the weekend of the 3rd and 4th July. For more information contact: Barry Easom Tel: 01733 234418 Web: www.lakesideleisure.com Email: watersports@lakesideleisure.com
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Sailability Peterborough Sailability was established in 2006 by the four local Rotary Clubs, and has grown significantly every year. Each week during the summer months, from our base at the Ferry Meadows Watersports Centre, we launch up to 70 disabled people in specially adapted boats which enable them to enjoy the freedom of sailing. RYA-qualified volunteers accompany each new sailor, and a shore crew is on hand to ensure safe launch and recovery procedures. The 2010 season begins in April and will continue to offer sailing every Tuesday and Thursday until the end of October. Currently we have six Challenger Trimarans and a large supply of safety and protective equipment. We rely entirely on volunteer helpers together with local grants, donations and sailing fees. Some of our original sailors are now competing in national regattas against individuals from other disabled groups. Is it worth it? Week after week, our sailors come back for more, whatever their circumstances. The smiles on their faces say it all, so do come and join us! For more information on sailing or volunteering, ring 07948 262919 or e-mail: peterborough.sailability@hotmail.co.uk
HydroSphere Returns! HydroSphere returns to Ferry Meadows from Easter 2010! Visitors to the park in 2009 were treated to a rare sight on Lynch Lake with people walking on the lake in large plastic bubbles; or rather trying to walk is probably the best term!! Many people had never seen this type of activity before let alone had a go, yet have a go they did with an age range from three years to seventy three years! The one thing that was assured was that everyone had a great time, and those that didn’t have a go were entertained by the antics of the participants. At Hydrosphere we are extremely pleased to now have Ferry Meadows as a static permanent base for our business, as well as Hydrosphere still attending popular events up and down the country including Country Shows, Festivals, School and Charity fundraising days, Air Shows, National Guide events, even Birthday parties in your own gardens! We have a wide range of different sized, specially made inflatable pools ranging from our extra large pool accommodating up to five Hydrosphere’s down to our one Hydrosphere pool.
Now the Good News! This year we have been able to extend our season at Ferry Meadows to include Easter Holidays, plus all weekends leading up to the school Summer Holidays then everyday throughout. And we have kept our price the same as last year at £3 a go. For our 2010 season we are very excited to be introducing The Roller also onto Lynch Lake. This amazing new fun activity allows two people to walk on water together to make The Roller roll along the top of the water without anyone getting wet! A real fun experience! For more information contact: Martin Duke Tel: 07842 102442 Email: hydrosphere@hotmail.co.uk SPRING/SUMMER 10 | ISSUE 5 7
Walks, Talks, Events and Discovery Day Programme • Walks, Talks, Events and D March Whatever the Weather... 28 March 10am – 12noon Come rain or shine we’ll have something to look at when we take a look at the weather. Find out more about the clouds in the sky and help build the Wildlife Explorers Weather Station. See general information section for more details.
Birds in Spring 31 March 1.30pm – 4pm Please book in advance Join Chris Park Conservation Officer and Ashley Wheal Park Ranger for a walk around Ferry Meadows looking and listening for and identifying some of our spring migrants. Suitable for wheelchairs/ pushchairs. Bring binoculars if you have them.
April Ramble from River to Rail 8 April 9:30am – 1:30pm Please book in advance Ferry Meadows Visitor Centre Cost: £3.00 payable on the day Join Park Rangers for a gentle 6 mile stroll along the River Nene to Wansford where we will catch a train at the Nene Valley Railway station to return to the park. Not suitable for wheelchairs/ pushchairs due to terrain and stiles. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear and bring a drink.
Fit Walk 20 April 10am – noon Suitable for 16yrs+ Please book in advance This is a 2 Hour stroll for fitness. The route may take us off designated footpaths so is not suitable for wheelchairs/pushchairs. Dogs welcome. Please wear suitable footwear and bring a drink of water.
Monsters of the Deep... 25 April 10am – 12noon Come pond dipping and explore the secret lives of the creatures that live in the ponds of Ferry Meadows. See general information section for more details.
May Kite Making – Family Discovery 5 May 9am – 11am Ferry Meadows Visitors Centre A drop in event suitable for 3yrs+ Learn how to make a kite using everyday materials and then try and fly it on the meadows. Dogs must be left outside.
Wednesday Wander 12 May 10am - 3pm Please book in advance Ferry Meadows Visitor Centre Suitable for 15 years+ with an adult This walk will take in rights of way in and around Nene Park and will last approximately 5 hours. Not suitable for pushchairs/wheelchairs. Footwear and clothing to suit the weather and money if you fancy a drink in the pub, depending on the route. Pease bring your own refreshments for during the day. 8
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A Guided Walk with a Park Ranger 19 May 1:30pm – 3.30pm Please book in advance Ferry Meadows Visitor Centre Join Park Ranger Ian Lowe for a walk around Ferry Meadows, pointing out points of interest along the way & answering any questions you may have. Suitable for wheelchairs/pushchairs.
A Bug’s Life 27 June 10am – 12noon Come and find out what’s bugging the WEX group. Explore the microscopic jungle teeming with bug life on Coney Meadow and the aerial battles of dragonflies over the Lakes. See general information section for more details.
Ramble from River to Rail
Badger Watch 20 May & 21May 7:15pm -11pm Please book in advance Ferry Meadows Visitor Centre Suitable for 10yrs + Join Park Ranger Ashley Wheal and Head Ranger Greg Higby for a talk on the life of a badger followed by a silent vigil at a badger sett to try and catch a glimpse of these shy creatures. Sorry this event is not suitable for wheel chairs/pushchairs. No Dogs or Cameras. We will be sitting on the ground, however seat mats will be provided. Please wear dark clothing and – bring insect repellent, walking footwear and binoculars if you have them and a small torch.
Garden Open Day 26 May 10am- 3:30pm. Ferry Meadows Visitor Centre Drop in Event Take the opportunity to either just browse at your leisure or ask Park Ranger Peter Gentleman any questions you may have about the gardens. Suitable for wheelchairs/pushchairs.
Sting in the Tale 30 May 10am – 12noon Celebrating National Nettle Week. Come and learn more about this unloved plant and the wildlife that lives on it. See general information section for more details.
June Teddy Bears’ Picnic 2 June 12 noon Please book in advance Ferry Meadows Visitor Centre Suitable for children under ten with a adult Come to Ferry Meadows and enjoy a picnic. If you go down to Ferry Meadows today you’re sure of a big surprise! (Life size teddy bear!) Please bring your own picnic lunch and Teddy Bear.
Environmental Sculpture – Family Discovery 3 June 1pm– 3pm This is a drop in event suitable for 6 to 12yrs of all abilities. Ferry Meadows Visitor Centre Join a Park Ranger and using natural materials we will be having fun creating our own environmental sculpture. .
Garden Open Day 16 June 10am - 3:30pm Ferry Meadows Visitor Centre Drop in Event Take the opportunity to either just browse at your leisure or ask Park Ranger Peter Gentleman any questions you may have about the gardens. Suitable for wheelchairs/pushchairs.
30 June 9:30am – 1.30pm Please book in advance Cost: £3.00 payable on the day Join Park Rangers for a gentle 6 mile stroll along the River Nene to Wansford where we will catch a train at the Nene Valley Railway station to return to the park. Not suitable for wheelchairs/ pushchairs due to terrain and stiles. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear and bring a drink.
July Volunteer Litter Pick 2 July 9am – 12noon Please book in advance Suitable for 10yrs+ To help make a difference and celebrate Volunteers Week we will be holding a 3 Hour litter pick around Ferry Meadows. www.volunteersweek.org.uk Suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. No dogs. All equipment provided but please bring refreshments.
Discovering Trees 7 July 1:45pm-4pm Suitable for 12 yrs+ Please book in advance Join Park Ranger Ashley Wheal and find out some fascinating tree facts. There will be an illustrated talk in the Visitor Centre followed by a walk to identify some of our native trees.
A Guided Walk with a Ranger 21 July 1:30pm – 4:30pm Please book in advance Ferry Meadows Visitor Centre Join Park Ranger Ian Lowe for a walk around Ferry Meadows & surrounding areas, pointing out points of interest along the way & answering any questions you may have about the Park. Please wear suitable walking footwear and clothing to suit the weather and bring some refreshments
Saturday Wander 24 July 10am – 3pm Please book in advance Suitable for 15 yrs+ This walk taking in rights of way in and around Nene Park and will last 5 hours Not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs. Walking footwear and clothing to suit the weather, money if you fancy a drink in the pub depending on the route, bring refreshments for during the day.
Discovery Day Programme • Walks, Talks, Events and Discovery Day Programme Wild Flower Walk 28 July 1:00pm-3:00pm Ferry Meadows Visitor Centre Please book in advance Join Park Ranger Peter Gentleman on a gentle stroll through the park and find out about our Cornfield Annual Wildflower areas.
August Faces in the Woods – Family Discovery 4 August 10am – 12noon Ferry Meadows Visitor Centre This is a family drop in event suitable for 3yrs+. Make a clay face and then use your scavenging skills to find items on the woodland floor to decorate it. This have a go event takes about 45 mins from beginning to end for each participant. The site is approx 100m from tarmac path but should be suitable for wheelchairs if ground conditions permit. Dogs allowed but must be on a lead. Please wear waterproofs if wet and play clothes as clay could stain.
Picnic on the Meadows 7 August 11am onwards Come along and join the fun at Ferry Meadows with Heart FM who will be providing music and entertainment for all the family. For more details contact Nene Park Trust nearer the date.
Fire by Friction – Family Discovery 11 August 10am - 12:30pm Ferry Meadows Visitor Centre This activity is suitable for 10yrs+ only with adult accompaniment. Please book in advance. Discover the ancient and difficult skill of making fire without matches using a drill and bow and turning a hot ember into flames. Please wear outdoor play clothes.
Kite Making 11 August 10am – 12noon Ferry Meadows Visitors Centre A drop in event suitable for 3yrs+ Learn how to make a kite using everyday materials and then try and fly it on the meadows. Dogs must be left outside.
Environmental Sculpture – Family Discovery 19 August 1pm – 3pm Suitable for 6 to 12 years old of all abilities Ferry Meadows Visitor Centre Join a Park Ranger and using natural materials we will be having fun creating our own environmental sculpture. This is a drop in event.
A Walk in the Woods – Family Discovery 25 August 6pm – 8pm Ferry Meadows Visitor Centre Please book in advance This is a walk taking in Bluebell and Lynch wood stopping at points of interest along the way. Not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs. Please wear walking boots and bring a drink.
Fire by Friction – Family Discovery 27 August 10am – 12:30pm Ferry Meadows Visitor Centre Suitable for 10yrs+ only with adult accompaniment Please book in advance Discover the ancient and difficult skill of making fire without matches using a drill and bow and turning a hot ember into flames. Please wear outdoor play clothes.
September Kite Making 1 September 9am – 11am Ferry Meadows Visitors Centre A drop in event suitable for 3yrs+ Learn how to make a kite using everyday materials and then try and fly it on the meadows. Dogs must be left outside.
Dog Walk 15 September 9am – 10am Suitable for adults only Advance booking required Bring your dog along for a guided walk around Ferry Meadows. Bring your own refreshments and a lead is essential dogs bags will be provided if need be.
A Guided Walk with a Ranger 22 September 1:30pm – 4:30pm Ferry Meadows Visitors Centre Please book in advance Join Park Ranger Ian Lowe for a walk around Ferry Meadows & surrounding areas, pointing out things of interest along the way & answering any questions you may have about the Park. Not suitable for wheelchairs/ pushchairs. Please wear walking boots and bring some refreshments.
Badger Watch 23 & 24 September 6:15pm - 9:30pm Please book in advance Ferry Meadows Visitor Centre Suitable for 10yrs + Join Park Ranger Ashley Wheal and Head Ranger Greg Higby for a talk on the life of a badger followed by a silent vigil at a badger sett to try and catch a glimpse of these shy creatures. Sorry this event is not suitable for wheel chairs/pushchairs. No Dogs or Cameras. We will be sitting on the ground, however seat mats will be provided. Please wear dark clothing and – bring insect repellent, walking footwear and binoculars if you have them and a small torch.
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 on 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 outdoor footwear and are fully prepared for weather conditions. • Binoculars are always useful. • All the walks and events are free unless otherwise stated.
Dogs Dogs on leads are welcome on walks (unless otherwise stated). Please check individual events. Assistance dogs are welcome on all events. Please help to keep Ferry Meadows enjoyable by cleaning up behind your dog.
Family Discovery Days 10:00am - 12:00. Meet at Ferry Meadows Visitor Centre. 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 5 - 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.
Wildlife Explorer Events Wildlife Explorers is the junior membership of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). The group aims to encourage young people to take an active interest in birds, wildlife, and their environment by having fun via a mix of games, activities, indoor and outdoor meetings. Activities are suitable for children aged 7 – 12 years. There is a charge of 50p for members and £1 for non-members. Adults go free. Children who are not RSPB members are welcome, however you will be encouraged to join Wildlife Explorers after their first two sessions. All meetings in Resource Centre near main Car Park.
Enquiries and booking for Events For event enquiries and where events require pre-booking please contact the telephone number or email address given below. 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.
October Autumn Bulb Planting 5 October 10am – 12noon Ferry Meadows Visitor Centre Suitable for 12yrs+ Please book in advance Take this opportunity to join Park Ranger Peter Gentleman bulb planting in Nene Park and add your own splash of 2011 spring colour. Please bring appropriate warm clothing, sturdy footwear & gloves. Feel free to bring any planting aids such as a spade or trowel.
For bookings and further details of any events please contact: Nene Park Trust, Ham Farm House, Ham Lane, Peterborough PE2 5UU. Tel: (01733) 234193 Email: visitor.services@neneparktrust.org.uk Website: www.neneparktrust.org.uk
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A rare sight we should all treasure...
A Blooming Marvellous
Celebration
The Trust continues to pull out all the stops to resist losing rare trees and butterflies. Most people visiting the park will not be aware that the four majestic trees beside our Visitor Centre are indeed rare mature Smooth Leaved Elms (139 years old). Which in turn support a colony of rare butterflies (White-letter Hairstreaks) whose larvae feed on Elm tree leaves…that’s right, if we lose Elm trees from our countryside then colonies of these butterflies will die with them. Up until the mid 1960s Elm trees were a common sight in the countryside. The trees worst enemy was a disease called Dutch Elm Disease (DED). It is a type of fungus that amazingly uses a small flying beetle (Elm bark beetle) to carry its spores from one Elm to another. Although this disease had already been around for hundreds of years, it had not been virulent enough to kill a whole Elm tree. It had usually just killed the odd limb or branch. Sadly, in the late 1960s huge numbers of Elm trees started dying in the south of England and the devastating disease quickly moved north. The problem was traced to a shipment of Elm logs from North America to a port in the south of England. The logs harboured Elm bark beetles which then infected our Elms with DED. The American strain of the fungus proved to be extremely virulent for our UK Elm trees; it would simply kill the whole tree. A mature tree could be dead within a week or two. Through the 70s and 80s it was estimated that 20 million trees were killed. It was in this period that nearly all of Nene Park’s Elms died. Today a mature tree is a rare sight throughout the UK. Since 1993 when one of our remaining mature Elms became infected with DED and then died, the Trust has supported me to try and stop further losses. We inject an approved fungicide into the trunk of the tree as a last resort; the first line of defence is the systematic daily check for symptoms from mid June-early September. It’s a case of spotting a branch that’s been infected and then climbing into the crown and removing it as soon as possible in order to stop the spread. The speed at which this virulent fungus moves through the tree is frightening to witness. Recent summers have proved to be difficult for our Elms; our tree team have had to remove branches that were infected, and we have had to inject trees. So please take some time to enjoy our rare elms, and of course the white letter hairstreak butterflies that are on the wing in July and we will endeavour to try and make sure that you and your children can enjoy these natural wonders in the future!
Ashley Wheal Park Ranger 10
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V
isitors to Ferry Meadows this spring should be treated to a fine display of colour thanks to some Daffodil bulb planting undertaken by Peterborough residents as part of an afternoon to celebrate the City’s success in the recent Anglia in Bloom competition. The event, (which was organised jointly by Charlotte Palmer the Team Manager for Climate Change at Peterborough City Council and Susan Taylor the Visitor Services Manager for Nene Park Trust), started in Ferry Meadows Café with a presentation of awards to local individuals and groups who had helped with various planting projects throughout the City. The sterling effort put in by these volunteers helped Peterborough to win a Silver Gilt Award. After the ceremony the group, which varied from schoolchildren to pensioners, headed outside into the rain, which failed to dampen their spirits, and with spades and bulbs at the ready they ensured that autumnal gloom would be transformed into spring bloom. The planting took place along the strip of grass between the Sentinel sculpture at the entrance to the park and the Elm trees outside the Visitor Centre. After the spades had been put away and mud cleaned from wellies Charlotte said,”We were really pleased to round of a blooming fine 2009 with an event that involved Peterborough residents digging deep, ensuring Peterborough Blooms again in 2010”. This event was a great example of the Trust’s enthusiasm to work with external groups and hopefully similar projects can be arranged in the future.
Steve Wickens Park Ranger
Chris Park Conservation Officer
Where are our Wildflower Meadows?
L
ast summer a visitor here mentioned that they had visited the Peak District National Park where they enjoyed meadows full of beautiful wildflower and asked the question. Why aren’t there any such meadows in Nene Park?
We know that wildflower rich meadows existed here in the Nene Valley. The diaries of local aristocrat and keen botanist, Lady Marie Antoinette the Marchioness Huntley (1844 -1893), recorded over 250 wildflower species that she found on her many journeys. So where have they gone? The answer lays in the dramatic changes made to the farming landscape since then. Wildflower rich hay meadows are low-intensity managed grasslands, traditionally mown once a year to provide hay as winter fodder for livestock. The Domesday Book of 1086 recorded hay meadows in 8 out of 10 settlements. These meadows were an integral part of a pattern of farming that endured for hundreds, possibly thousands of years. What makes wildflower meadows special is that over time and with continuity of management a wide diversity of plant species become established, associated with this is a great variety of insects and other wildlife making hay meadows one of our richest and most species diverse farmland ecosystems. However, like most aspects of our manmade landscape, hay meadows were there because they had an economic value, when their value decreased they were changed or abandoned. The most radical changes to our farming landscape were brought about by two world wars and especially during WW2. Enemy U-boats disrupted vital food imports forcing a government led drive for self sufficiency in food and timber production. To increase agricultural capacity hay meadows, including many here in the Nene Valley, were ploughed to grow crops. Later, to feed a growing post war population, agricultural production intensified with mechanisation along with the introduction of chemicals, fertilisers, herbicides and insecticides all resulted in further losses of wildflower meadows from the landscape.
During the 1970s, this part of the Nene Valley underwent a further upheaval when the land was used for gravel extraction to provide materials for the expansion of Peterborough and in the process creating Nene Park and the lakes we enjoy today. During the 20th century, England lost 97% of its lowland meadows. Those meadows fortunate enough to have survived have done so largely because they were afforded protection as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). However these sites are now very fragmented and are effectively island oases surrounded by oceans of intensively farmed arable monocultures. The Castor flood meadows SSSI here in Nene Park is one of the few remnants of wildflower rich meadows in the Nene Valley and is well worth visiting in spring. Nene Park Trust regards increasing the biodiversity of the Park as an important aim that benefits both wildlife and people and where it can, the Trust works to improve habitats and encourage wildlife in the Park. It will be part of the Trust’s 10 year plan to look at re-establishing sustainable wildflower meadows here in the Park. This work has already started on Short Meadow near Milton Ferry Bridge and at Thorpe Meadows where wildflower plugs have been planted using species that we know once existed here. In time beautiful wildflower rich meadows will again be part of the Nene Valley landscape.
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Self Guided Walk Around Ferry Meadows and beyond… 1
Start at the Visitor Centre and follow the path south back to Ham Lane. Walk past the sculpture cross over the road keep going past the caravan site entrance.
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Before the railway crossing turn left, cross over the road (Ham Lane). Take the tarmac path which runs alongside the railway. Follow this path until you reach the railway line.
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Cross over the railway track, turn left and follow the tarmac path which runs alongside the golf course. Keep going until you reach Orton Mere.
4
Turn left through the gate and over the railway track. Keep going, cross the river Nene over Orton Mere Locks. If you are lucky watch a canal boat pass through the lock.
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Once you have crossed over the river, turn left and follow the grassy path which runs alongside the river. Keep the river on your left and follow this path back to Ferry Meadows; once you have been walking for a few minutes you will see the golf course on your right.
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As you leave the golf course path, turn right and head up the slope on the tarmac path into Bluebell Wood. Don’t cross river.
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After 50m turn left and follow the path through the middle of the wood. As you leave the wood you will see Milton Ferry Bridge in front of you.
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Cross over the bridge, turn left and follow the path with the river on your left, keep on this path until you come to a small floating bridge (Pontoon Bridge) on your right, cross over and keep going for about 200m, on your left you will see a small flat wooden bridge, cross the bridge here. Follow the path and within five minutes you will find yourself back at the starting point, the Visitor Centre. Have a cup of tea in the café, you deserve it.
Point Of Interest on the walk A The Sentinel was created in 2003 by Jason Thomson. The Sculpture was carved out of Elm. It reflects the changes in landscape use from Roman times through to the present day. See how many different carvings you can see. B The River Nene source is near the small villages of Badby, Naseby and Yelvertoft in Nothamptonshire these three tributaries form the Nene. The river flows through Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire and Norfolk. The Nene becomes tidal at the Dog in a Doublet Lock carrying on through Sutton Bridge and out into the North Sea at the Wash. The total distance from source to sea is about 110 miles. C Bluebell Wood is an ancient semi natural woodland which over looks the Nene Valley. The wood was under the ownership of Milton Estates until 1973 for the purpose of timber, sport and recreation. Peterborough Development Corporation acquired the wood in 1978 as part of Nene Park. D The Sculpture to the right of the path is known as the Sheep Wash it was carved out of Oak by Jason Thomson in1999. 12
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As you admire the sculpture try and imagine the hundreds of sheep that were brought over from Milton Estates and washed in the pond in front of you. Each sheep was dragged through the water and washed one at a time by hand to clean the wool. The sheep were then left to dry before being sheared. The wool was then sent off to the mills for spinning and weaving. E Milton Ferry Bridge was built in 1716. It was built from Limestone which was quarried locally at Barnack. The same stone was also used to build Peterborough Cathedral. F Roman Point. As you stand on the foot path look left across the lake. If you were standing here around 1700 years ago you would have seen evidence of a Roman farm. This was discovered in 1972 when the lakes were excavated. This building was part of a farmstead on the nearby Coney Meadow. Gary Mason Park Ranger
A VIEW FROM... Ferry Meadows Café
W
ho would have thought that when I came to Ferry Meadows Café in April 1989 that I would still be here 20 years later. So what makes me return each year? Perhaps it is the view and what a view it is from the café – the best in Peterborough.
Customers and staff enjoy watching the narrow boats come and go, watching the ducks and their ducklings, seeing the geese show off their goslings and occasionally see the swans and their off-spring swimming one behind the other on the lake. Looking up the train line and see a stoat or was it a weasel? I can never tell the difference. Then there is a cheeky squirrel who sits on top of the litter bin trying to find a treat – all we see is his bushy tail. I see nature every day but in twenty years I have only seen one kingfisher. It was a November day – the café was closed and I heard a knock on the window. There was nothing to see, but curiosity got the better of me and I went outside to look. What a delight awaited me – a kingfisher had hit the window and it was stunned on the ground. Its perfect blue and turquoise feathers were magnificent, they were so bright and vivid. A few passing walkers stood guard while I called a Ranger who took it to recover in a box and later released it. That was a privilege to see such a wonderful bird so close up. However, it is our customers that have given me so much enjoyment over the years. You have shared life’s ups and downs with us in the café and we have shared ours. I have enjoyed the laughter – such a lot of it, so I thank you for the 20 years of companionship and sheer hard work too. So, retirement awaits me in November. What for the future of Ferry Meadows café? Well, there is talk of a refurbishment which is good news. A new tenant will be in place for spring of 2011 but you will see familiar faces behind the counter, and me – I will come and have a cup of tea with you all.
Christine Conlon Manager of Ferry Meadows Café
Peterborough women are being urged to enter Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life and share amazing moments as they become part of the biggest female-only team in the UK. Race for Life is the UK’s largest women-only fundraising event series where all the money raised goes to fund Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work. This year Race for Life in Peterborough takes place on Tuesday, June 29th and Wednesday, June 30th at 19.30pm at Ferry Meadows Country Park. Organisers are encouraging 5,100 women of all ages and fitness abilities to join together and put their best feet forward and raise £226,000 to walk, jog or run 5k to help beat cancer. This year Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life is going to be full of amazing moments for everyone – from lining up at the start, side-by-side with thousands of other women, to reading the inspirational ‘back-signs’ worn by participants to the fantastic sense of achievement from crossing the finish line. Race for Life 2010 is open to women of all ages and fitness abilities to join together to walk, jog or run 5k to help beat cancer. To enter Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life visit www.raceforlife.org or by calling 0871 641 1111.
This Summer’s competition in Ferry Meadows Café is a quiz. Have some fun working out the answers to 40 questions all relating to the Café and Patio.
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Share your views of
Nene Park Over the past few years we at Nene Park Trust have been asking for you to share your comments and experiences of the Park with us through our visitor survey, strategic plan consultation and customer feedback cards. Now, as part of the new interactive interpretation area going in at Ferry Meadows Visitor Centre, we are inviting visitors to share their photographs of Nene Park not just with us but with all our visitors. A screen showing images of Nene Park will be installed at the Visitor Centre as part of the project and to keep with the interactive theme it will display photographs sent into the Trust by the public. To get involved email your photograph with your name to visitor.services@neneparktrust.org.uk and we will regularly update the images in the visitor centre. So why not send one in and next time you are at Ferry Meadows pop into the visitor centre and see if you have made it onto our hall of fame!
The Property People
carterjonas.co.uk TWO OPPORTUNITIES TO RENT ACCOMMODATION AT FERRY MEADOWS
To Let
To Let
Ǧ Ground floor space with display windows Ǧ Suitable for retail/studio/educational uses Ǧ 32.42 square metres (349 sq ft) Ǧ Adjacent to the main car park
Ǧ Retail kiosk with serving window Ǧ Rural location Ǧ 10.41 square metres (112 sq ft) Ǧ Electricity, water and drainage
Peterborough 01733 588678 graham.bunnett@carterjonas.co.uk
Peterborough 01733 588678 graham.bunnett@carterjonas.co.uk
Offices throughout the UK
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Nene Park provides visitors with a variety of outdoor leisure experiences in an accessible network of open space and waterways, and is a gateway to the open countryside for the people of Peterborough. This plan shows the boundaries of the Park, and the key facilities within the estate along with specific contact details for more information. Nene Park Trust is the independent self financing Charitable Trust that manages over 1725 acres of land to the west of Peterborough, including the 500 acre Ferry Meadows Country Park. The Trust was established in 1988 with the aim of improving the quality of life for Peterborough residents and visitors through providing quality and accessible open spaces, and is overseen by a Board of Management representing a range of local, regional and national bodies.
Nene Park - What are you doing today?
Play Golf!
What are you doing today? LAKESIDE
Two Great Courses- Two Great Choices
Cafe and Bar
ORTON MEADOWS Golf Course Orton Waterville, Peterborough PE2 5UU Tel: 01733 237478 www.ortonmeadowsgolfcourse.co.uk
Come and enjoy homemade food in beautiful surroundings
THORPE WOOD Golf Course Thorpe Wood, Peterborough PE3 6SE Tel: 01733 267701 www.thorpewoodgolfcourse.co.uk
• Pay as you play
• 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
• Club and Trolley Hire • Large well-stocked Golf Shops • 12-hole Pitch & Putt Course at Orton Meadows • Golf Societies welcome
Horse Riding in Nene Park
LYNCH FARM EQUESTRIAN CLUB LTD WISTOW WAY • ORTON WISTOW PETERBOROUGH • PE2 6XA
www.lynchfarmriding.co.uk TEL:
01733 234445
Lakeside Cafe & Bar, next to the Watersports Centre, Ferry Meadows Tel: 01733 370293 lakesidecafeandbar@yahoo.co.uk
Lakeside Leisure Peterborough’s Premier Family Outdoor Leisure Facility
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
5`]e g]c` ]e\ Ab`OePS``WSa Now all you need is lots and lots of cream. Lots of varieties to choose from.
Disabled? Come and enjoy the freedom of sailing y Pickings Eas
... every Tuesday and Thursday from April to October at the Watersports Centre, Ferry Meadows
For more information =c\RZS @]OR =`b]\ EObS`dWZZS >SbS`P]`]cUV 1O[Pa >3 #CC 01733 234600  @SabOc`O\b  >Sba =^S\ % ROga O eSSY  www.notcutts.co.uk
Tel: 07948 262919 or email: peterborough.sailability@hotmail.co.uk