Parklife Nene Park Trust 25th Anniversary Edition SPRING/SUMMER 2013
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ISSUE 11
Chief Executive’s View Welcome to a very special edition of Parklife, as the Trust celebrates 25 years of providing Nene Park.
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contents
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Chief Executive’s View Porsz in the Park I remember when 4 News from Ferry Meadows Railway 5 Looking back to the future 6 Watersports Centre Project Update Ferry Meadows Café 7-11 Spring/Summer Events 11 A bug’s day out 12 Healthy Happy Ducks 13 A place of change 14 New faces at the Trust 15 Volunteers Spring into Action Visiting Ferry Meadows in 2013
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 2013.
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Since the establishment of the Trust in 1988, many things have changed in the world, but our overall aim as a charity remains exactly the same: ‘to provide Nene Park to improve quality of life for Peterborough residents and visitors’. 25 years on, Nene Park has developed into a place that over 1.5 million visitors a year now enjoy for health, wildlife, relaxation and recreation. Currently, our focus is delivering our exciting and ambitious 2020 plan for the Park, with the aim that Nene Park continues to develop to be an even more exciting, special and welcoming place. In this issue, you’ll find a range of articles written specially by Trust staff and tenants to look back at the history and development of Nene Park over the past 25 years. Looking to the future, there are also features on our new staff, our growing volunteer programme and the launch of one of the biggest projects undertaken in the Trust’s 25 years: the Watersports Centre redevelopment. Finally, do look out for details of a range of special events to celebrate our 25th birthday throughout the year, including an exciting project to look back at how the Park has been enjoyed over the years, for which we really need your help. More details can be found on the following page. Thanks to the careful thought that went into the creation of the Trust back in the 1988, Nene Park today continues to be managed and financed by an independent charity solely dedicated to providing a fantastic Park for Peterborough and beyond. On behalf of all the staff team and trustees, I wish you a very enjoyable summer in Nene Park. James McCulloch Chief Executive, Nene Park Trust
I remember when... hris Porsz’s photos will form a part of a wider interpretation project which the Trust is embarking on. Through the project visitors will be able to discover the Park’s story, the wildlife and landscape, the Roman heritage, how the Park is managed and the transformation from gravel pits to the beautiful Park which it is today.
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In order to tell these stories we are asking for your help. If you have memories or recollections of the Park from over the last 25 years or even from before the land became known as Nene Park we would love to hear from you.
Porsz in the Park s part of a celebration of the Trust’s 25th anniversary in 2013, the Trust is working with local photographer Chris Porsz to capture a range of images in Nene Park from late 2012 through to summer 2013. The overall theme is to explore how the work of the Trust has impacted the quality of life of the people of Peterborough and Park visitors.
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As well as photographing the people who use the Park, Chris is going to be documenting every aspect of how the Trust works. He’ll be in meetings and out in the Park with the Ranger team, with the volunteer groups and tenants who operate in the Park as well as capturing events run by the Trust. We are currently going through the archives to find pictures from the last 25 years, some of which Chris is planning to recreate, just like the Peterborough Reunion series of photos which were so widely acclaimed.
You can send us your memories and recollections by email to visitor.services@neneparktrust.org.uk or by post to Nene Park Trust, Ham Farm House, Ham Lane, Peterborough, PE2 5UU or drop them in at the Visitor Centre. If you are happy for us to get in touch make sure you include your contact details. We would also love to have any old photos you may have of Ferry Meadows and the wider Nene Park to use for the project. We appreciate that many of the photos will be from before the days of digital cameras so one option is to scan them and send them to us that way. Alternatively there is a scanner at the Visitor Centre where the Visitor Centre staff will be happy to scan your photos in for you. Have a look at the photos on page 5; if you’re old enough they should bring back some happy memories.
David Radley Visitor Services Officer
So if you are out and about in the Park over the coming months and you find yourself the subject of one of Chris’s photos just think there may well be someone trying to track you down in 30 years’ time to recreate the photo! If you are interested in seeing more of Chris’s work visit his website www.chrisporsz.com where you can find details of his first book -New Englandwhich is also available in the Visitor Centre at Ferry Meadows.
Rowing boats on Lynch Lake
David Radley Visitor Services Officer SPRING SUMMER 13 | ISSUE 11
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Locomotive No.44
News from Ferry Meadows Railway
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id-November 2012 saw the arrival of a new steam locomotive at the railway. Known as “No.44” it is a half-size replica of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway locomotives built one hundred years ago in Glasgow. Several examples are still in use today on the Darjeeling Railway in India. Locomotive No.44 was designed and built from full size plans by local man Laurence Hall with use on the Ferry Meadows Railway in mind. It has taken seventeen years to complete! Arrival and testing was a very rewarding experience with everything going as planned. We believe No.44 is the only 10.1/4” scale steam Darjeeling locomotive in Britain or even the world. From the start of the 2013 season it is planned to operate No.44 on Sundays and on certain days during the school holidays with “Charles” running at other times. During the winter months we have been very busy with several projects around the railway. New turntables have been made for each end of the line enabling easy turning of both No.44 and the larger locomotive “Rio.” The latter has been on site for some time but has yet to be put into use on the train. Arriving along with the Rio were four coaches that ran for many years at Drayton Manor Park in Staffordshire. We are now modifying these coaches to suit our requirements at Ferry Meadows. They will also receive 4
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a fresh coat of paint before entering service during 2013. In the planning stage are two coaches providing wheelchair access. These will be new units designed and built in-house. Over the New Year period our regular locomotive "Charles” was without his wheels. They were sent away for new tyres to be fitted. New bearings were also required which have put Charles back in tip top condition for the 2013 season. You can find more updated information and photographs on our main website at www.ferrymeadowsrailway.co.uk David Coging Ferry Meadows Railway
Rio Grande and Charles
The boat by the mound
Operation Gander
Peggy’s pony rides
Jenny Cliffe’s pony and trap rides
Looking back to the future
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hen I started work at Nene Park Trust in 1989 as Secretary to Maurice Bradley, the General Manager, I never expected that I would still be here 24 years later. Many of you will remember Maurice, who was with the Trust from its inception in 1988 until his death in 2007 and was instrumental in helping to establish the Park you all enjoy today. The number of Trust staff has doubled since the early days; the Landscape Team continues to maintain all the landscape and provide a 365 day a year Ranger service, but in addition to this the main growth has been in our Visitor Services Team who provide support for events, education and visitor facilities. Since James McCulloch joined the Trust as Chief Executive in 2008, the Trust has produced 2020, a report setting out exciting plans for the next 10 years. You will already have noticed some of these changes; the Discovery Den, refurbishment of the Visitor Centre and Café and the exciting plans for the refurbishment of the Watersports Centre due to start later this year. As you would expect, in my time with the Trust, I have seen many changes. I wonder how many of you still remember the wooden play equipment on the Mound, especially the boat, which my two boys loved to play in. Peggy’s ponies were always popular with queues of children waiting to have a ride as was the pony and trap which would take you on a leisurely ride round the Park, but times change and we now have Hydrospheres and Segways.
Many children who enjoyed the summer “Operation Gander” holiday activities will now be visiting the Park with children of their own and completing our regular park trails. However, many changes have taken place quietly year on year, almost without us noticing – the Park has come of age and matured – flora and fauna are thriving, trees, shrubs and hedges have grown, vistas have changed. Ferry Meadows still remains as popular as ever with young and old alike and many of you have let us know via our comment cards that you “like it as it is and don’t want it to change” and while we have no plans to change Ferry Meadows we do have plans for improvements to signage, paths and play areas which I am sure you will all appreciate. So, like many of you I have seen Ferry Meadows as a mum with small children enjoying play areas and picnics, woodland nature walks, flying kites, coffee with friends, long walks through Nene Park and now as I approach retirement I look forward to many more cups of coffee and long walks through the changing seasons of Nene Park. Glynis Titman Personal Assistant to the Chief Executive
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Watersports Centre Project Update
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he £2.5 million refurbishment of the Watersports Centre at Ferry Meadows has started. Having looked at other successful centres in the UK and working with our Architects Maber, the Trust aims to provide visitors with a waterside cafe and watersports/activity centre that is amongst the best in the country. The current space in the café will be almost doubled and a brand new extension will increase the space for watersports activities by nearly 50%, and will give cycle hire an exciting boost. Lindum Sturgeon has been appointed the build project, which is due to take around 12 months.
As a result, the centre will be closed for approximately 12 months. During this period, Peterborough Sailability and Lakeside Sailing Club will continue to operate but it is not possible to offer any public watersports both for safety reasons and lack of access to the water front. On reopening in spring 2014, the new centre will provide an exciting and high quality destination for watersports, outdoors activities and lakeside dining for many years to come. For the latest news on the project you can check our website and our Facebook and Twitter pages for regular updates.
Ferry Meadows Café
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egmi and Sons have been awarded the contract to run the Ferry Meadows Café next to the Visitor Centre, previously known as Green Café in Nene Park. Ferry Meadows Café is situated in a beautiful location overlooking the stunning Overton Lake, making it a lovely place to have a spot of lunch, or even just a coffee or ice cream depending on the weather! We use locally sourced produce and have a variety of drinks, hot food, sandwiches, cakes, hot meals and lunch boxes for children. There is a playground outside the café so it’s a great place to relax with a cup of tea while the children are playing. Our vision is to work closely with the community so that we can respond to customers’ desires while providing bespoke food and excellent service to customers. We will be choosing 6
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local suppliers and only buying the best available for our customers as quality is important to us. Our friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere at the café will make your visit even more enjoyable. We want our customers to enjoy our great food in a memorable and comfortable environment. We like to keep our menu simple and our top priority is to ensure that the food is perfectly executed and that you enjoy the best possible service. Ferry Meadows Café will also be available to host private events during the time when it’s not open to public. We can cater to your requirements to help make your event a memorable occasion. Raj Regmi Ferry Meadows Café
www.neneparktrust.org.uk
Spring/Summer 2013
events
Guided Walks, Trails, Children’s Events... and much, much more
www.neneparktrust.org.uk
Events Information For bookings and enquiries: 01733 234193 visitor.services@neneparktrust.org.uk Event details correct at the time of going to press. Please check our website for up to date information. Events are free and take place at Ferry Meadows unless otherwise stated. If you book onto an event and are unable to come please let us know.
Easy Access Events These are events which are accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Events which require accessing uneven terrain or crossing obstacles are not classified as easy access. Please contact us if you have any queries regarding the accessibility of an event.
Walk Information Ranger led walks vary in length. Some walks involve crossing stiles and uneven terrain and are therefore not easy access. Please ensure that you wear suitable clothing and footwear and remember to bring refreshments.
Children’s events All children aged under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. One adult may accompany a maximum of three children.
April Thursday 28 March to Monday 15 April
Easter Trail 11am-3pm Collect a trail sheet from the Visitor Centre then return to claim your prize. Suitable for: All ages Easy access: Yes Booking required: No Cost: 50p
Wednesday 3 April
Easter Egg Hunt 10am-12noon Come and hunt for Easter eggs in Ferry Meadows. Suitable for: 5yrs+ Easy access: Phone for details Booking required: Yes
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Saturday 6 April
Wednesday 22 May and Thursday 23 May
Ark Farm
Badger Watch
10am-3pm
7.15pm-11pm
An opportunity to meet Billy the sheep, Poppy the goat and Boots the pig and other farmyard friends. Suitable for: All ages Easy access: Yes Booking required: No
Join Rangers Ashley Wheal and Greg Higby for a talk on badgers followed by a silent vigil at a badger set. Suitable for: 10yrs+ Easy access: Phone for details Booking required: Yes
Wednesday 10 April
Saturday 25 May to Sunday 2 June
Spring Crafts
Half-term Trail
10am-2pm Children and adults are welcome make seasonal and wild crafts. Suitable for: 5yrs+ Easy access: Yes Meeting point: Discovery Den Booking required: No (drop-in)
11am-3pm Collect a trail sheet from the Visitor Centre then return to claim your prize. Suitable for: All ages Easy access: Yes Booking required: No Cost: 50p
Wednesday 10 April
Sunday 26 May
Walk with a Ranger
Get Moving
1pm-4.30pm
A fun packed day of walking and cycling activities, demonstrations and stalls in Ferry Meadows. See www.neneparktrust.org.uk for more details.
Join Ranger Ian Lowe for a walk in and around Ferry Meadows. Suitable for: All ages Easy access: Phone for details Booking required: Yes
Thursday 25 April
Teddy Bear’s Picnic
Monday 27 May
Roman Invasion 10am-2pm
Thursday 25 April
Join our Education Team and special guest Chris Carr, living history expert, to make a Roman ink and writing tablet and handle genuine Roman artefacts. Suitable for: 5yrs+ Easy access: Yes Booking required: Yes
Wild Food Forage
Tuesday 28 May
11am-1pm Enjoy a picnic with Barney the Bear. Suitable for: 3-5yrs Easy access: Phone for details Booking required: Yes
6.15pm-7.30pm Tips on foraging and identifying wild food with Event Leader David Radley. Suitable for: 12yrs+ Easy access: Phone for details Booking required: Yes
May
Wild Food Forage 6.15pm-7.30pm Tips on foraging and identifying wild food with Event Leader David Radley. Suitable for: 12yrs+ Easy access: Phone for details Booking required: Yes
Tuesday 14 May
Wednesday 29 May
Evening Wander
Kite Making
7pm-8.30pm
10am-2pm
Join Ranger Steve Wickens for an evening stroll in Ferry Meadows. Suitable for: All ages Easy access: Yes Booking required: Yes
Make a kite using everyday materials and see if it will fly. Suitable for: All ages Easy access: Yes Meeting point: Discovery Den Booking required: No (drop-in)
Sunday 19 May
Pond Dipping
Friday 31 May
10.30am-12noon or 1.30pm-3pm
Fire by Friction
Join Education Officer Anna Thompson to hunt for mini beasts in the ponds. Suitable for: 5yrs+ Easy access: Yes Booking required: Yes
10.30am-12noon Make a small fire using only natural materials with Ranger David Linscott. Suitable for: 12yrs+ Easy access: Phone for details Booking required: Yes
www.neneparktrust.org.uk
June Thursday 6 June
Bush Craft Skills 10am-3.30pm A bush craft skills session with Vic Galpin who will guide you through some basic skills and techniques. Suitable for: 18+ years Easy access: Phone for details Booking required: Yes
Saturday 8 June
Walk with a Ranger 10am-2.30pm Join Ranger Ian Lowe for a walk in and around Ferry Meadows. Suitable for: All ages Easy access: Phone for details Booking required: Yes
Sunday 9 June
Mini Beast Safari 10.30am-12noon or 1.30pm-3pm Join Education Officer Anna Thompson in tracking down mini beasts. Suitable for: 5yrs+ Easy access: Phone for details Booking required: Yes
Friday 14 June
Guided Cycle Ride 6pm-8pm Join Ranger David Linscott on an 8-10 mile cycle around Nene Park. Suitable for: 16yrs+ Easy access: Phone for details Booking required: Yes A cycle helmet must be brought and worn. Wednesday 19 June
Ramble from River to Rail 10am-4pm Stroll along the River Nene to Wansford with Ranger Steve Wickens and catch a train back to Ferry Meadows. Suitable for: 8yrs+ Easy access: Phone for details Booking required: Yes Cost: £4 for train fare
Wednesday 26 June
Discovering Trees 1.30pm-3.45pm Join Ranger Ashley Wheal for a talk in the Visitor Centre for the first hour, followed by a walk to identify our native trees. Suitable for: 12yrs+ Easy access: Yes Booking required: Yes Meeting point: Visitor Centre
Friday 28 June
Tuesday 30 July
Wildflower Walk
Teddy Bear’s Picnic
10am-12.30pm
11am-1pm
Discover the Park’s wildflowers with Conservation Officer Chris Park. Suitable for: 12yrs+ Easy access: Yes Booking required: Yes
Enjoy a picnic with Barney the Bear. Suitable for: 3-5yrs Easy access: Phone for details Booking required: Yes
July Tuesday 2 July
Wild Food Forage 6.15pm-7.30pm Tips on foraging and identifying wild food with Event Leader David Radley. Suitable for: 12yrs+ Easy access: Phone for details Booking required: Yes
Wednesday 17 July
Walk in the Woods 6pm-8pm Learn about Bluebell Wood and Lynch Plantation on a guided walk with Ranger Gary Mason. Suitable for: 10yrs+ Easy access: Phone for details Booking required: Yes Meeting point: Visitor Centre
Friday 19 July
Discovering Butterflies 1.30pm-3.30pm Join Ranger Ashley Wheal for an illustrated talk in the Visitor Centre, followed by a walk to identify some of our butterflies - bring your binoculars! Suitable for: 12yrs+ Easy access: Phone for details Booking required: Yes Meeting point: Visitor Centre
Wild Wednesdays Wednesday 31 July and 7, 14, 21 and 28 August 10am-2pm Children and adults welcome to make seasonal and wild crafts. Suitable for: 5yrs+ Easy access: Yes Booking required: No (drop-in) Meeting point: Discovery Den
August Thursday 1 August
Tree Climbing Demonstration 10am-3pm Learn how our Rangers care for the trees. The Tree Doctor will be on hand to answer questions and children can have a go at using ropes and harnesses to climb our mature Elm trees. Suitable for: All ages Easy access: Please call for details Booking required: No Meeting point: Visitor Centre
Friday 2 August
Pond Dipping 10.30am-12noon or 1.30pm-3pm
Sunday 21 July
Join Education Officer Anna Thompson to hunt for mini beasts in the ponds. Suitable for: 5yrs+ Easy access: Yes Booking required: Yes
Pond Dipping
Monday 5 August
10.30am-12pm or 1.30pm-3pm Join Education Officer Anna Thompson to hunt for mini beasts in the ponds. Suitable for: 5yrs+ Easy access: Yes Booking required: Yes
Thursday 25 July to Sunday 2 September
Summer Trail 11am-3pm Collect a trail sheet from the Visitor Centre then return to claim your prize. Suitable for: All ages Easy access: Yes Booking required: No Cost: 50p
Activity Fun Day - Pirate Adventures 10am-3pm Struggling to entertain the children during the summer holidays? Join us at Ferry Meadows for a whole day of fun activities and games. Suitable for: 8-11yrs Easy access: Phone for details Booking required: Yes Cost: £25
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www.neneparktrust.org.uk Friday 9 August
Mini Beast Safari 10.30am-12noon or 1.30pm-3pm Join Education Officer Anna Thompson in tracking down mini beasts. Suitable for: 5yrs+ Easy access: Phone for details Booking required: Yes
Monday 12 August
Activity Fun Day - Wizards and Witches 10am-3pm Struggling to entertain the children during the summer holidays? Join us at Ferry Meadows for a whole day of fun activities and games. Suitable for: 8-11yrs Easy access: Phone for details Booking required: Yes Cost: £25
Wednesday 14 August
Suitable for: 12yrs+ Easy access: Phone for details Booking required: Yes
Saturday 7 September
Thursday 29 August
Dog lovers won’t want to miss this one. Demonstrations, stalls and activities in Ferry Meadows. Supported by Wood Green The Animals Charity. See www.neneparktrust.org.uk for details.
Beginner’s Photography 1.45pm-3.45pm Join Ranger Ashley Wheal for a beginners course. The event is inside and please bring a camera. Suitable for: 12yrs+ Easy access: Yes Booking required: Yes Meeting point: Visitor Centre
Thursday 29 August
Wild Food Forage 6.15pm-7.30pm Tips on foraging and identifying wild food with Event Leader David Radley. Suitable for: 12yrs+ Easy access: Phone for details Booking required: Yes
Bat Walk
Friday 30 August
7pm-9pm
Mini Beast Safari
Join Ranger Steve Wickens and Cambridgeshire Bat Group members for a talk and a walk to discover the bats that call Ferry Meadows home. Suitable for: 5yrs+ Easy access: Phone for details Booking required: Yes
Thursday 15 August
10.30am-12noon or 1.30pm-3pm Join Education Officer Anna Thompson in tracking down mini beasts. Suitable for: 5yrs+ Easy access: Phone for details Booking required: Yes
September
Walk with a Ranger
Wednesday 4 September
5.15pm-8.45pm
Walk in the Woods
Join Ian Lowe for a walk in and around Ferry Meadows. Suitable for: All ages Easy access: Phone for details Booking required: Yes
Friday 16 August
Pond Dipping
10am-12.30pm Learn about Bluebell Wood and Lynch Plantation on a guided walk with Ranger Gary Mason. Suitable for: 10yrs+ Easy access: Phone for details Booking required: Yes Meeting point: Visitor Centre
10.30am-12noon or 1.30pm-3pm Join Education Officer Anna Thompson to hunt for mini beasts in the ponds. Suitable for: 5yrs+ Easy access: Yes Booking required: Yes
Thursday 22 August
Teddy Bear’s Picnic 11am-1pm Enjoy a picnic with Barney the Bear. Suitable for: 3-5yrs Easy access: Phone for details Booking required: Yes
Friday 23 August
Fire by Friction 10.30am-12noon Make a small fire using only natural materials with Ranger David Linscott.
Dog Show 11am-3pm
Wednesday 11 September
Ramble from River to Rail 10am-4pm Stroll along the River Nene to Wansford with Ranger Steve Wickens and catch a train back to Ferry Meadows. Suitable for: 8yrs+ Easy access: Phone for details Booking required: Yes Cost: £4 for train fare
Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 September
Badger Watch 6.15pm-9.30pm Join Rangers Ashley Wheal and Greg Higby for a talk on badgers followed by a silent vigil at a badger set. Suitable for: 10yrs+ Easy access: Phone for details Booking required: Yes
Thursday 26 September
Bat Walk 6.15pm-8.15pm Join Ranger Steve Wickens and Cambridgeshire Bat Group members for a talk and a walk to discover the bats that call Ferry Meadows home. Suitable for: 5yrs+ Easy access: Phone for details Booking required: Yes
Saturday 28 September
Get More from your Digital Camera
Thursday 5 September
9.45am-3.45pm
Get More from your Digital Camera
See the event on Wednesday 5 September for details.
9.45am-3.45pm
Saturday 28 September
Got a new digital camera or stuck on “auto mode”? Nene Park Trust welcomes professional photographer Pete Murray to provide expert tuition in photography using the environment of Ferry Meadows as a backdrop for your pictures. Any type of digital camera is suitable. Suitable for: 18yrs+ Easy access: Phone for details Booking required: For information and booking contact Pete Murray. Tel: 01780 410078 email: photo@pm-images.co.uk. Cost: £40
Stories by the Lake 3pm-4.30pm Enjoy a series of folk tales and contemporary stories on a gentle walk around Overton Lake with storyteller Claire Stevenson. Suitable for: 5yrs+ Easy access: Yes Booking required: Yes Meeting point: Visitor Centre
www.neneparktrust.org.uk Saturday 25 May to Sunday 2 June
A Weedy Wildflowers Walk
Green Festival
For more events check the RSPB’s Wildlife Explorer website or the Wildlife Trust’s Wildlife Watch website.
Wildlife Explorer/ Watch Events The group encourages an interest in nature via fun activities. There is a charge of 50p for members and £1 for non-members, adults go free. Non-members are welcome but will be encouraged to join the group after two sessions.
Suitable for: 7-12yrs Easy access: Phone for details Booking required: Yes Meeting point: Discovery Den
Saturday 30 June
www.rspb.org.uk/youth www.wildlifewatch.org.uk
Also, don’t miss….
A week of events and activities in and around Peterborough. See www.pect.org.uk/events for details.
Sunday 9 June
Kite Festival 10am-4.30pm Festival organised by the Great Ouse Kite Flyers at Ferry Meadows. See www.gokf.co.uk for more details.
2nd Sunday of every month
Tuesday 9 July
Craft Demonstrations
Race for Life
10am-4pm
Walk, jog or run around Ferry Meadows and raise funds for Cancer Research. To take part see www.raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org
Wings of Spring
See a variety of local craftsmen and women demonstrate their skills in the Discovery Den at Ferry Meadows. Crafts are available to buy.
Saturday 26 May
Saturday 20 April
BMC/BL Car Rally
Drop in the Ocean
A Bug’s Day Out
British cars on show at Ferry Meadows. See www.bmcblrally.co.uk for more details.
Saturday 28 April
See article below for details.
Sunday 4 August
A bug’s day out uglife is the only organisation in Europe devoted to the conservation of all invertebrates, and we are passionately committed to saving Britain’s rarest little animals, everything from bees to beetles, and spiders to snails.
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be attended by their trainer. Visit a range of ethical and eco-friendly stalls, who will be selling a variety of exciting products. There will also be a number of charity stalls, where you can find out more about the important work of different organisations.
We are now based in Ferry Meadows, having recently relocated, and are working to secure a wildlife-rich planet for future generations.
We will be launching a national bug photography competition on the day, giving you the opportunity to have your picture on the front cover of ‘The Buzz’ magazine! There will be free literature and wildflower seed packs to take away, as well as prizes to win.
Our annual Open Day is taking place at Ferry Meadows on Saturday 20th April from 11am-3.30pm and we would like to invite you. The day will be filled with activities for all the family to enjoy. Buglife members and non-members are all welcome. Join us for a day of fascinating bug walks; inspiring talks from bug experts, conservationists and celebrity special guests; and a range of children’s activities, including a treasure hunt, craft sessions and educational workshops. Come and see the sensational Insect Circus, where extraordinary performing bugs will
Everyone is welcome to attend and entry is free for Buglife members. For non-members, it is £5 to take part in an expert led bug walk or £10 to join in for the whole day, including refreshments and a buffet lunch. Buglife membership prices start from just £15. To become a member and gain free entry (normal parking charges apply) to this exciting event, please visit the Buglife website today www.buglife.org.uk/joinus or call 01733 201210. You can register your attendance for the day online at www.buglife.org.uk/membersday or by calling 01733 201210. Sammy Keetley Buglife Development Officer SPRING SUMMER 13 | ISSUE 11
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Healthy Happy Ducks
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ne of the most popular activities for families visiting Ferry Meadows is simply to visit the Park and throw some leftover bread to the ducks. This activity has almost become engrained in our culture as a weekend pastime although we never really stop to ask ourselves why we do it, or indeed if we should. A diet consisting mainly of bread would certainly have some health implications for us; well not surprisingly it also does for ducks and geese. Feeding wildfowl lots of bread can make the birds dependent upon our hand outs and they lose their normal natural foraging behaviour and just sit around and wait to be fed. With these birds there is often an increased incidence of deformities such as “angel wing” a feather disorder caused by mineral deficiencies. There is also increased incidence of other health issues such as obesity, making some birds more vulnerable to dog attacks. With the creation of a new wildfowl feeding platform in Ferry Meadows, we aim to offer visitors wanting to feed the ducks and geese the opportunity to exchange their unhealthy bags of bread for a commercially available food pellet that is nutritionally balanced and developed especially for wildfowl. This pelletized food has the advantage that it floats and so should be fed over water. This results in less food falling by the wayside which could rot and attract vermin and prevents food from sinking to the bottom of the lake where it fouls and pollutes the water. Not only will visitors be able to continue to interact closely with wildlife they will also be safe in the knowledge that they are doing good and making the ducks and geese both healthier and happier. Chris Park Conservation Officer 12
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Captain’s Folly
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he Captain’s Folly is a 1969 Blakeney built GRP simulated clinker boat, used for many years as a crabbing boat at Great Yarmouth on the east coast before becoming a pleasure trip boat. The Captain’s Folly operates on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays from 10 am on Overton Lake. Cruises last approximately 30 minutes, so just turn up and enjoy a peaceful boat ride whilst spotting the great wildlife on the lake. Further details are available at: www.thecaptainsfolly.co.uk
A place of change
W
hen the Trust took over the management of Nene Park from the Peterborough Development Corporation in 1988 the major landscaping work had largely been completed. This included the creation of the lakes, access routes, the planting of thousands of trees, creating woodlands and building the visitor facilities that we see today. As a result of the tree planting programme many woodland birds have benefitted from the increased tree cover as feeding and nesting habitat. Woodland birds such as the green woodpecker, great spotted woodpecker and sparrow hawk are now a familiar sight around the Park. The new tree stock is now around 30 years old and is still very young so natural nesting sites for hole nesting birds such as blue and great tits are still few and far between so the Trust has augmented this by providing over 50 nest boxes which are monitored by Park staff. One of the changes in the Park is a national conservation success story. The red kite was a threatened native bird 25 years ago. Following a reintroduction programme by conservation agencies, these magnificent birds are now a familiar sight in the Park and are nesting locally. The buzzard has also recovered naturally and is now regularly seen in the Park. Another success story has been the otter. We now receive regular, almost weekly sightings from lucky Park visitors of this shy and elusive animal. Another example of constant almost imperceptible change is on Ham Mere where the early landscaping works in Ferry Meadows created a series of open shallow scrapes to form a wetland nature reserve. However as the habitat has matured the natural process of succession has not been checked resulting in the encroachment of swamp vegetation. The Trust is looking into the feasibility of using grazing animals to slow and hopefully reverse this process.
A nest box installed in 2012
Vegetation control in Ham Mere
We will all face many other challenges, both on a local and a global scale, some brought on by our changing climate and pressure put on our finite resources by an ever growing human population but whatever challenges we face our overriding aim is to make the Park a more attractive and sustainable environment for both people and wildlife. Chris Park Conservation Officer SPRING SUMMER 13 | ISSUE 11
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New Faces at the Trust
240 years! 240 is the total number of years’ experience that the staff at Nene Park have of working for the Trust. Our longest serving current members of staff are Glynis Titman who is the PA to the Chief Executive and Ranger Ashley Wheal who have both been with the Trust 24 years. Read on to find out about the newest members of staff. Since the last edition of Parklife was produced back in September five members of staff have joined the Trust. These include two new Trainee Rangers who replace Chris Rollason and James Caldwell in the role. However both Chris and James are still with us. Having completed their year placements, they were delighted to be taken on as Assistant Rangers by the Trust on a permanent basis.
Thomas Davison Trainee Ranger I have just started at Nene Park Trust after successfully applying for a training scheme at the Park. I will be working as part of the Landscape Team over the course of the next year learning from the vast experience of my new colleagues. Previous to here I did three years of voluntary work with the Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust. I worked on a number of their nature reserves learning a lot of valuable skills which I am keen to put to use. So far I am enjoying it immensely and feel that it will be a brilliant year full of new experiences as I get to know the Park and the people who use it.
Vivienne Jackson Visitor Centre Assistant
I have been working in the Visitor Centre since November and have been enjoying meeting all of the Park visitors. I look forward to the spring and summer so I can get out in the Park and help with the events. I have been windsurfing at Ferry Meadows for a few years and I also have a keen interest in wildlife and love walking my dogs here. I am looking forward to my career with Nene Park Trust and to riding my horse on the bridleways throughout Nene Park.
Peter Hogan Trainee Ranger I’m Peter Hogan a new Trainee Ranger, my one year placement has been organised in partnership with Peterborough Environment City Trust. On completion of my studies in Conservation and Wildlife Management in 2011, I undertook a year’s volunteer internship with the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, based at Arundel, West Sussex. The internship gave me the opportunity to develop skills and gain experience of wetland habitats management. While working at Nene Park I aim to develop my skills across a broader range of habitats, and to gain solid experience of the role of a Ranger within a country park setting.
Gary Ballard Park Assistant
I started working for Nene Park Trust in October 2012 in the role of Visitor Centre Assistant. I have an extensive background of working in tourism and spent four years working in the Tourist Information Centre in Peterborough.
My story begins in February 2012 when I was first employed by Nene Park Trust as a seasonal Park Assistant. My main role has always been to support the Landscape Team with the day to day running and maintenance of the Park.
Having spent all my life living in or around the Peterborough area my local knowledge is excellent. As a keen walker, I am impressed with the extent of good walking terrain on offer in the Park and even on the busiest days you can always find a quiet spot.
By being as flexible as possible and by using the expertise I gained at university studying Geography; I have also assisted in producing maps, running events and helping out in the Visitor Centre.
Over the years I have seen the changes that have taken place as a visitor. Now as a member of staff I am looking forward to playing a part in the exciting future of the Park.
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Tegan Dunn Visitor Centre Assistant
SPRING SUMMER 13 | ISSUE 11
I am now very proud to have been taken on as a full time Park Assistant and look forward to the coming season and gaining new skills and experience and helping to ensure that Nene Park remains a great place to visit.
Volunteers Spring into Action
A
s part of the Trust’s management plan for Ferry Meadows Country Park it was agreed that a bit more colour was required. With this in mind it was decided to plant some more bulbs.
As luck would have it we also found out that one of our volunteers, Stuart Holmes, was studying Landscape Architecture at the University of Sheffield and he kindly agreed to draw up a planting scheme. This not only gave the Park a professional looking scheme but it also provided Stuart with a project for his portfolio. With the plan drawn up we called upon the services of our blooming marvellous band of volunteers to begin the planting. The plan suggests planting nearly 50,000 bulbs across the Park and the decision was made to start gently so we began with the approach to the Park along Ham Lane as this only called for 3,100 bulbs! In early October a total of twenty volunteers, from a morning and an afternoon session, got to grips with spades, trowels and dibbers to plant a mix of species which included native daffodil, cyclamen flowered daffodil, winter aconite and snowdrop. These varieties should produce a nice splash of colour as visitors enter the Park in early spring. Since this initial planting session further days have been spent planting to the south of Overton Lake and on the Lynch Lake Mound. As this article was written the first shoots have begun to break the surface along Ham Lane so visitors to the Park this Spring should be in for a real treat. If you would like more information about volunteering opportunities with the Trust please contact us on 01733 234193 or visitor.services@neneparktrust.org.uk Steve Wickens Park Ranger
Visiting Ferry Meadows in 2013 Ferry Meadows Country Park already attracts approximately one million visitors a year and with a range of exciting events planned for 2013 now is a great time to invest in a Car Park Season Ticket. Offering excellent value at £25, the season ticket also gives you a 10% discount on all purchases at the Visitor Centre. Ferry Meadows is open all year round and admission is free. The only direct charge Nene Park Trust makes to the public using the Park is for car parking at weekends and Bank Holidays from March to October inclusive and this income directly contributes to the upkeep of the Park. This year parking charges will apply between 10am and 4pm for weekends and Bank Holidays from Saturday 2 March to Sunday 27 October. Parking for a whole day is £4 and should you then decide you would like a season ticket, take your ticket to the Visitor Centre and you only pay £21. You can purchase a Car Park Season Ticket at the Visitor Centre, alternatively you can contact us at visitor.services@neneparktrust.org.uk or by calling 01733 234193. Thank you for supporting Nene Park Trust through the purchase of your car parking ticketing. Teresa Wood Visitor Services Manager
SPRING SUMMER 13 | ISSUE 11
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Play Golf!
Inspiration Inspir ation ffor or your y our garden garden
Two Great Courses- Two Great Choices
ORTON MEADOWS Golf Course
A huge range range of quality plants & expert expert advice advice from from our friendly plant team. team. Plus a fantastic fantastic range range of furniture furniture & barbecues.
Orton Waterville, Peterborough PE2 5UU Tel: 01733 237478 www.neneparkgolf.com
THORPE WOOD Golf Course
Thorpe Wood, Peterborough PE3 6SE Tel: 01733 267701 www.neneparkgolf.com
V isit us a oad, Orton Orton Waterville, W att Oundle R Road, Wa Visit aterville, P eterborough, Cambridgeshir e PE2 5UU Cambridgeshire Peterborough, 01733 234600 Tel: 01733 Tel:
• Pay as you play
• Club and Trolley Hire
• Large well-stocked Golf Shops
• 12-hole Pitch & Putt Course at Orton Meadows
• Golf Societies welcome
www.notcutts.co.uk
Ferry Meadows Railway
Horse Riding in Nene Park
LYNCH FARM RIDING LTD WISTOW WAY • ORTON WISTOW PETERBOROUGH • PE2 6XA
www.lynchfarmriding.co.uk TEL:
01733 234445
Nene Park, Peterborough
Disabled? Come and enjoy the freedom of sailing ... every Tuesday and Thursday from April to October and Saturday for the working disabled 10.00am-1.00pm at the Watersports Centre, Ferry Meadows
• 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 • See website for Spring/Summer timetable.
For more information
Tel: 07948 262919
Tel: 01933 398889
or email:peterborough.sailability@hotmail.co.uk
www.ferrymeadowsrailway.co.uk
Nene glides SegwAY Experience
Captains Folly t Trip Boa Based at Overton Lake Ferry Meadows
We will be operating every day until winter
Saturdays, Sundays & Bank Holidays from 10am Cruises last approximately 30 mins Private trips also available
07513 193977 / 07757 740387 www.thecaptainsfolly.co.uk
Ferry Meadows Café Open daily for breakfast until car park closing time. - Available for private events and event catering Tel: 01733 234493 www.regmiandsons.co.uk
07519 809 383 www.neneglidessegway.co.uk