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Acting Chief Executive’s View
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Acting Chief Executive’s View Orton Meadows How I Became a Ranger 4-5 Improving the Nene Park Landscape 6 Sherlock Holmes visits Ferry Meadows A Fond Farewell 7-10 Spring/Summer Events 11 Full Circle A Park for All 12 Horseriding in Nene Park Introducing the Trust Board 13 Lakeside Centre New Faces and Roles at the Trust 14 Business Plan 16 Wild Child
We hope you enjoy reading this edition of Parklife. Sign up for Parklife You can subscribe for the online version of Parklife through our website. If you would like to be added to our mailing list or if you require Parklife in a braille, audio or large text format please contact us on the details 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 2015. Cover image courtesy of Chris Porsz.
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s you may have already noticed we recently added a new strapline “for people, for nature, for ever” to the Nene Park Trust logo. Read on to find out our thinking behind doing so.
for people
The Trust exists to provide parkland and facilities for the recreation, education and leisure of our many visitors. Our visitor surveys have shown that visitor satisfaction ratings are incredibly high – over 80% of visitors rated the Park as “very good” or “excellent” – and the figure rises to over 99% when “good” is included. This is a great indication of how much the work carried out by all our staff and volunteers is appreciated. On going to press we received the excellent news that we have been shortlisted for an Accessible Britain Challenge Award. This new award recognises those who have made an outstanding contribution towards making communities accessible and inclusive. You can find out more about how we are working to make the Park accessible for all on page 11.
for nature
The Trust has a key role in preserving and safeguarding wildlife in the Park. We have been working in partnership with other organisations to improve wildlife habitats and we are very pleased to be hosting the forthcoming Wildlife Festival in May. Further details can be found on page 10. We have recently adopted a set of Landscape Principles to ensure a consistent approach when making improvements in the Park. To see how these have already been put into practise just have a look at the makeover the Wildlife Garden by the Visitor Centre has received and read about them on pages 4 and 5.
for ever
We continue to plan for the future to ensure that we have the resources to maintain and improve the Park in the years to come and to respond to the growth of the city. One improvement of note is the development of the new golf and cycle centre at Orton Meadows – more on that on the next page. Our key priorities for the next five years are set out in the Trust’s new Business Plan, highlighted on page 14. On behalf of the Trust team, I wish you all a very enjoyable spring and summer in Nene Park. Phil Rolfe Acting Chief Executive, Nene Park Trust Image courtesy of Chris Porsz
Orton Meadows
F
ollowing planning permission being approved last autumn, work on a new cycle retail centre and golf reception has commenced at Orton Meadows, Ham Lane. Over the winter months the Trust worked with consultants, Summers Inman, and architect, James Richardson, on designing this purpose built building. The building will not only house the new golf reception for Nene Park Golf Ltd, but a cycle retail unit for Rutland Cycling. Local company, Couzens of Stamford Ltd has been appointed the build project, which is due to be completed in the summer. For the latest news and updates please check our website and social media pages. Teresa Wood Head of Visitor Services
How I became a Ranger
I
n September 1997, I turned up for my first day at Nene Park Trust as an apprentice starting my NVQ Level 2 Environmental Conservation course through Shuttleworth and Writtle College. I was very nervous and knew I had a long, hard three years ahead. That said, I was thoroughly looking forward to it as I had always wanted to work outside and had a big interest in the job. I soon realised that I had landed on my feet and the staff and public were very helpful and friendly. I was given all new kit from head to toe and told all the things I would be doing over the next three years. Most training was done in-house and every bit of kit was explained to me and I was shown how to use it. Some training was also done off-site to achieve certified qualifications. After two years I had finished Level 2 and was offered the opportunity to do the NVQ Level 3 Environmental Conservation Course which took a further year. Having passed both courses, I started looking for a job as there had never been a guarantee of one at the end. Much to my surprise I was offered an Estate Worker position, which I accepted without hesitation as I loved working at the Park and got on so well with the team. I carried on learning new skills and getting more qualifications over the following nine years. At weekends I was also working part-time as a Ranger and was lucky enough to be sent on a Foundation Ranger course. It was full-on but lots of fun. In 2009, the Estate Team were offered the opportunity to be made up to Park Rangers. I was more than happy to accept as it encompassed both sides of the job that I loved doing, estate maintenance and patrolling the Park. I have now been here for nineteen years and hope to be here for many more to come. Ian Lowe Park Ranger
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Improving the Nene Park d n a le p o e p r fo e p a c s d n a L
S
ome of the top reasons given by people for visiting the Park are walks in a natural setting and to see wildlife. It is the enjoyment of people getting close to nature and a natural landscape that has been the driving force for many improvements in the Park in recent years. Some enhancements are easy to spot; such as the new landscaping beds outside Lakeside centre. The plants selected were chosen for their value to wildlife with nectar for insects, seed and berries for birds and shelter provided for a range of wildlife. The splash of colour and wildlife was appreciated by many Park visitors.
n atu re
To ensure that people can find their way round the site and enjoy the views and routes, wooden signs, picnic benches and seats have been installed in Ferry Meadows. Structures are selected for their rustic character and positioned to fit into the landscape and give good viewing spots. Where possible local materials are used; for example the wooden car park gates were locally made using English Oak. In the future these will also be installed at Orton Mere and Thorpe Meadows.
Wildlife friendly planting at Lakeside
Old style park furniture
New style park furniture
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Some landscape improvements are more subtle, such as changes in mowing. Last year grassy areas at Thorpe Meadows were left uncut to give flowers the chance to bloom and set seed. Bee Orchids appeared and bees fed off clover flowers for weeks. It shows that wildlife can flourish close to the city centre if given the opportunity. Park visitors have told us that they would like to see more colour in the Park, be it springtime flowers, summer meadows or autumn foliage. The Rangers and volunteers have been working hard to introduce some more colour with thousands of bulbs planted, wild flower seed sown and newly planted trees and shrubs such as Field Maple and Spindle. Clare Freeman Head of Landscape Poppy Meadow last year
Volunteers so wing seed
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Sherlock Holmes visits Ferry Meadows
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etective Sherlock Holmes has a mysterious new case to investigate when summoned to a nunnery deep in the English countryside. Holmes and his
companion Dr Watson join the search for the most elusive piece of treasure known to mankind. With a missing novice, a death in the convent and some very suspicious nuns, Holmes’ newest case promises to be his most terrifying and challenging yet. A murder mystery to be solved and a treasure to be found in this thrilling adaptation of “The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes”.
“Chapterhouse Theatre Company really do know how to engage an audience of all ages, their excellent adaptions are creative and entertaining.” Derbyshire Times 2014 Presented by Chapterhouse Theatre Company and performed in the beautiful surroundings of Ferry Meadows. Bring a picnic or contact Lakeside Kitchen & Bar and enjoy an evening of magical theatre with family and friends on Friday 17 July. Tickets are available from Ferry Meadows Visitor Centre or online at www.chapterhouse.org
A Fond Farewell... ! it is v to . .. k c a b e b ll I’ t u b
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fter 25 years at Nene Park Trust, I shall be retiring in April 2015. Looking back, I was fortunate to also have worked for Peterborough Development Corporation.
The Development Corporation shaped the Peterborough we know today and is principally remembered for the many thousands of houses that were built to re-house people from London, the Parkway road system, Queensgate and, of course, Nene Park, the jewel in Peterborough’s crown. My first memory of Ferry Meadows was on a visit with the Development Corporation Board in the early 1970s when Overton Lake was just a big hole in the ground! It doesn’t seem possible, but Nene Park is now in its 37th year (27 under the management of the Trust) and still increasing in popularity with over one and a half million visits in 2014. There have been subtle changes – improved signage, new style seats and benches, renewal of play areas, higher maintenance standards and improvements to wildlife habitats. 6
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The big difference is that the Park has matured, the trees have grown, the lake edges seem softer, it is less stark and bare and it feels “loved”, not just by its staff team, who all have a passion for the Park, but by every one of its visitors. The Trust now works with even more tenants and partners in delivering excellent recreational facilities, and over the past two or three years we have also built up a substantial volunteer team who meet every week to carry out conservation tasks in the Park – you will see them all proudly wearing their blue fleeces. There are lots of stories to tell about Nene Park and how it has evolved over the years. The Trust is now planning to tell these stories via a project entitled "Nene Park: The Untold Story". The project, funded through the Heritage Lottery Fund, will use oral history and film to show how the Park was created. I will greatly miss working for the Trust, but will look forward to visiting the Park in future and seeing the Trust continuing to improve the Park for the people of Peterborough. Glynis Titman PA to the Chief Executive
Spring/Summer 2015
events
Support
our work
Every year over ÂŁ50,000 is spent delivering guided walks and other public events. Most of the events led by Nene Park Trust staff are offered free of charge or on a cost recovery basis. As an independent charitable trust, Nene Park Trust receives no money from central or local government and is totally reliant on income we generate ourselves. Following an event our staff will invite you to make a voluntary donation to the Trust. If you have enjoyed an event and would like to make a donation this will go towards the cost of continuing to offer events and facilities to the public. For free events the suggested donation is ÂŁ2. you
Thank
Guided Walks, Trails, Children’s Events... and much, much more
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.
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.
Thursday 2 April
Thursday 16 April
Introduction to Geocaching 2
Discover Wild Food
1.30pm – 3.30pm Build on your learning from the first session. Suitable for: 10yrs+ Easy access: Phone for details Booking required: Yes
6pm – 7.15pm Get tips on collecting and identifying wild food on this guided walk with Event Leader David Radley. Suitable for: Adults and 12yrs+ Easy access: Yes Booking required: Yes
Thursday 2 April
Friday 24 April
Scarecrow Building
Dog Workshop
11.15am – 12.15pm Frames, stuffing and clothes provided. You can bring additional unwanted clothes to dress your scarecrow. Suitable for: 3yrs+ Easy access: Phone for details Booking required: Yes
10am – 12noon Stop your dog chasing in an uncontrolled way. This practical course is run by experienced, BIPDT qualified dog trainer and APBC registered behaviourist, Karen Wild. Suitable for: 18yrs+ Easy access: Please phone for details Booking required: Yes Cost: £15
Wednesday 8 April
Wild Wednesday 10am – 2pm Make and decorate a tree. Suitable for: All ages Easy access: Yes Booking required: No (drop-in anytime) Meeting Point: Discovery Den Thursday 9 April
Going on a Bear Hunt
April Saturday 28 March – Monday 13 April
Easter Trail 10am – 3pm Collect a trail sheet from the Visitor Centre and then return to claim your prize. Suitable for: All ages Easy access: Yes Wednesday 1 April
Wild Wednesday 10am – 2pm Make animal finger puppets. Suitable for: All ages Easy access: Yes Booking required: No (drop-in anytime) Meeting Point: Discovery Den Thursday 2 April
Bird Watching for Beginners 10.30am – 12noon After a short talk we will take a walk around the Park looking for the latest arrivals. Suitable for: 5yrs+ Easy access: Yes Booking required: Yes
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11am – 12.30pm Bring along your own teddy bear and join our Rangers on a bear hunt around Ferry Meadows to find Barney the Bear. Suitable for: 3yrs+ Easy access: Yes Booking required: Yes
Sunday 26 April
Ramble from River to Rail 10am – 4pm Enjoy a gentle 5 mile stroll along the River Nene to Wansford where there will be time to look around the NVR station before returning to Ferry Meadows by train. Suitable for: Adults and 8yrs+ Easy access: Phone for details Booking required: Yes Cost: £4 (rail fare)
May Sunday 3 May
Friday 10 April
Dawn Chorus Walk
Dog Workshop
4am – 6.30am Experience the amazing chorus of birdsong on this walk with Conservation Officer Chris Park. Suitable for: Adults and 12yrs+ Easy access: Phone for details Booking required: Yes
10am – 12noon Loose lead training - stop your dog pulling on the lead. This practical course is run by experienced, BIPDT qualified dog trainer and APBC registered behaviourist, Karen Wild. Suitable for: 18yrs+ Easy access: Please phone for details Booking required: Yes Cost: £15 Saturday 11 April
Ark Farm 10am – 3pm An opportunity to meet and touch some farmyard favourites including sheep, ponies and pigs when Ark Farm visit Ferry Meadows. Suitable for: All ages Easy access: Yes Booking required: No (drop-in anytime)
www.neneparktrust.org.uk
Tuesday 5 May
Walk in the Woods 10am – 12.30pm Join Ranger Gary Mason for a walk through Bluebell Wood. Gary will talk about the management of the wood and will reveal the wood's hidden past. Suitable for: Adults and 8yrs+ Easy access: Phone for details Booking required: Yes
Friday 8 May
Saturday 23 to Saturday 30 May
Thursday 28 May
Dog Workshop
Peterborough Wildlife Festival
Going on a Bear Hunt
10am – 12noon Recall – teach your dog to come back. This practical course is run by experienced, BIPDT qualified dog trainer and APBC registered behaviourist, Karen Wild. Suitable for: 18yrs+ Easy access: Please phone for details Booking required: Yes Cost: £15 Sunday 17 May
Let’s Go Fly a Kite 10.30am – 12pm Make a kite and then fly it on the meadows. Suitable for: 5yrs+ Easy access: Yes Booking required: Yes Wednesday 20 May
Sculptures and Steam 1pm – 4pm Learn all about the sculptures on display at Thorpe Meadows in the company of an expert from Vivacity. Enjoy a ride on the NVR heritage railway from Ferry Meadows to the city centre then stroll back through the riverside sculpture collection. Suitable for: 18yrs+ Easy access: Phone for details Booking required: Yes Cost: £6 (for rail fare) Thursday 21 May
Walk with a Ranger 6pm – 9.15pm Join Ranger Ian Lowe for a 6 mile guided walk around Ferry Meadows and the surrounding area. The route takes in many of the Park’s iconic features. Suitable for: Adults and 10yrs+ Easy access: Phone for details Booking required: Yes Friday 22 May
Dog Workshop 10am – 12noon Trick training. This practical course is run by experienced, BIPDT qualified dog trainer and APBC registered behaviourist, Karen Wild. Suitable for: 18yrs+ Easy access: Please phone for details Booking required: Yes Cost: £15
A week-long Festival of wildlife including free events by Nene Park Trust, Froglife, Buglife and the Wildlife Trust in and around Peterborough. See page 10 to find out more. Saturday 23 to Sunday 31 May
Half-term Trail 10am – 3 pm Collect a trail sheet from the Visitor Centre and then return to claim your prize. Suitable for: All ages Easy access: Yes Tuesday 26 May
Kids’ Tree Climbing 11am – 3pm Learn how to climb trees like a Ranger. Suitable for: 3yrs+ (approx. age as harness may be too big for some children) Easy access: Phone for details Booking required: No (drop-in anytime) - Please note this is a popular event so there will be a waiting time Meeting point: Visitor Centre Wednesday 27 May
Wild Wednesday 10am – 2pm Come and join in some seasonal and wild crafts. Suitable for: All ages Easy access: Yes Booking required: No (drop-in anytime) Meeting Point: Discovery Den Thursday 28 May
Discover Wild Food 6pm – 7.15pm Get tips on collecting and identifying wild food on this guided walk with Event Leader David Radley. Suitable for: Adults and 12yrs+ Easy access: Yes Booking required: Yes Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 May
Badger Watch 7.15pm – 11pm Join Rangers Ashley Wheal and 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. Suitable for: Adults and 12yrs+ Easy access: Phone for details Booking required: Yes
11am – 12.30pm Bring along your own teddy bear and join our Rangers on a bear hunt around Ferry Meadows to find Barney the Bear. Suitable for: 3yrs+ Easy access: Yes Booking required: Yes Saturday 30 May
Peterborough Wildlife Festival Grand Finale 11am - 4pm A full day of free events celebrating the wildlife of Ferry Meadows. Suitable for: All ages Easy access: Phone for details Booking required: No (drop-in anytime) Location: Ferry Meadows
June Thursday 4 June
Introduction to Map Reading and Navigation 10am – 12.30pm Learn how to map read with confidence and get some tips on how to navigate using a compass. Suitable for: Adults and 12yrs+ Easy access: Phone for details Booking required: Yes Saturday 6 June
Make a Basket in a Day 10am - 4.30pm Participants will receive full tuition and all materials to make a willow basket in one day. Suitable for: 18yrs+ Easy access: Yes Booking required: Yes Cost: £20 Wednesday 10 June
Ramble from River to Rail 10am – 4pm Enjoy a gentle stroll along the River Nene to Wansford where there will be time to look around the NVR station before returning to Ferry Meadows by train. Suitable for: Adults and 8yrs+ Easy access: Phone for details Booking required: Yes Cost: £4 (rail fare)
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Friday 19 to Saturday 20 June
Tuesday 23 June
Family Campout
Walk with a Ranger
6pm – noon (following day) Enjoy Ferry Meadows after everyone else has gone home. Bring a tent and join our Rangers in games, treasure hunts, a barbeque and a campfire. All food and drink will be provided. Suitable for: 5yrs+ Easy access: Phone for details Booking required: Yes Cost: Please contact for details
6pm – 9.15pm Join Ranger Ian Lowe for a 6 mile guided walk around Ferry Meadows and the surrounding area. The route takes in many of the Park’s iconic features. Suitable for: Adults and 10yrs+ Easy access: Phone for details Booking required: Yes
Saturday 20 to Sunday 21 June
Ride for your Lives
RNLI 24hr Sail 3pm - 3pm Come along to Lakeside to watch the action. To find out more or to get involved see www.neneoutdoors.co.uk or call 01733 230291.
Sunday 28 June
Nature Tots 10am-11.30am A monthly parent and toddler group on the second and fourth Monday of the month. Each session has a nature theme and will include a craft activity, outdoor session, story and song time. Suitable for: 2yrs+ Easy access: Yes Booking required: Yes Cost: £2.50
The East Anglian Air Ambulance invite you to cycle 15km around Nene Park for their 15th anniversary. The event has been generously sponsored by Best Western Orton Hall Hotel & Spa. Cost: £10 single rider, £20 family. See www.eaaa.org.uk/events for details
Sunday 21 June
Pond Dipping 10.30am – 12pm Discover the creatures which live in the lakes at Ferry Meadows. Suitable for: 5yrs+ Easy access: Phone for details Booking required: Yes
Wildlife Explorer/ Watch Events The group encourages an interest in nature via fun activities. There is a charge of £1 for members and £2 for non-members, adults go free. Non-members are welcome but will be encouraged to join the group after two sessions. Sessions run on Saturday mornings once a month. For more information about the group contact Chris Park at chris.park@neneparktrust.org.uk or see www.rspb.org.uk/youth or www.wildlifewatch.org.uk
Wildlife Festival comes to Town
P
eterborough is getting set this year to host its first ever Wildlife Festival.
The Festival consists of a number of wildlife events between the 23 and 29 May. Most of the events are free and take place at nature reserves and green spaces around the city with a ‘Wildlife Festival Grand Finale’ on Saturday 30 May at Ferry Meadows. The Festival is a collaboration between some of the city’s major wildlife conservation and land management organisations including Nene Park Trust, Froglife, the Wildlife Trust and Buglife. It will provide a chance for a really diverse range of audiences to find out more about local wildlife and habitat management. The Festival aims to attract both current and new visitors alike. Schools and community groups from across the City will be invited to get involved in talks, walks and other activities all centred on discovering nature. There will be something for everyone, from introductions to wildlife
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and craft activities through to on-site wildlife identification and recording sessions. The dates coincide with the BBC’s Springwatch 2015 programme which has brought the diversity and delights of native British wildlife into our living rooms for the last 10 years. The Peterborough Wildlife Festival will provide an opportunity to experience local wildlife first-hand and up close. To find out more about the Festival see our website, keep an eye on our Facebook page and Twitter feed or give us a call on 01733 234193.
www.neneparktrust.org.uk
Full Circle
T
he Nene Park Volunteers have been doing quite a bit of coppicing leading up to spring. Coppicing involves cutting trees down to ground level thereby allowing the stumps to regenerate. The resulting stems can then be harvested and used. Coppicing also allows more light to penetrate which in turn encourages a wider range of plants to flourish which provides food and habitat for wildlife. Conservation Officer Chris Park was keen to use this coppiced material to make hazel hurdles which could then be used in the Park. We therefore decided to set up a training session for the volunteers with local company Rutland Willows. Three half day sessions were organised and John Shone from Rutland Willows did a fantastic job passing on his skills and tips to the groups. I think it’s fair to say everybody thoroughly enjoyed themselves. If you would like to volunteer with us please do get in contact. We are currently looking to expand the programme into assisting the Visitor Services Team with delivering events, the education programme and helping out in the Visitor Centre.
So if you are a real people person or enjoy working with children please give us a call on 01733 234193, send an email to visitor.services@neneparktrust.org.uk or just pop into the Visitor Centre for a form. David Radley Visitor Services Officer
A Park for All
D
isability access issues have featured widely in the media over the winter, highlighting the daily problems people face accessing facilities. As a charity tasked with providing a Park for all, accessibility is a top priority for us. In 2011, we commissioned specialist access consultants Access Matters UK to undertake a review of the Park. We are really glad that the improvements made since then have been appreciated by visitors - whether it be smaller details such as installing coat hooks and tactile signs at the toilets or re-designing Lakeside with accessibility at the heart of the design. Recently we have been working with the RNIB on handheld braille and large print guides of Ferry Meadows. These are now available to borrow from the Visitor Centre. We have also produced a large tactile sign of the Park which will be sited outside the Discovery Den later this year as part of wider improvements to the area. Our work continues to be informed by Access Matters UK and also the Nene Park Access Forum who are a group of interested Park visitors and organisations who give their ideas, feedback and expertise to help us continue to improve accessibility. For more detail on the accessible facilities and activities please visit our website or contact me at susan.evans@neneparktrust.org.uk or on 01733 405971. We would also love to hear from you if you are interested in being part of our Access Forum or would prefer to receive Parklife in an alternative format. Susan Evans Senior Projects and Development Officer
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Introducing the Trust Board
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s a charity, Nene Park Trust is overseen by a Board of Trustees that is appointed by various local, regional and national bodies. The Board works with the Chief Executive to develop strategies for the Trust and Park, approve budgets and to ensure that the Trust is meeting its overall objective as a charity in providing Nene Park for Peterborough residents and visitors.
Board Profile: Colin Prosser
Horse Riding in Nene Park
R
iding is an incredibly sociable and healthy pastime for adults, teenagers and children, regardless of experience or ability. The health benefits are enormous. It can burn over 400 calories an hour, increase muscle strength by up to 50%, help develop better coordination, improve circulation and get you out into the fresh air. It’s a great way to relax, unwind and beat stress. Other benefits include: • It is an activity you can share with partners and family. • It is a great way to explore the countryside and feel close to nature. • There are fantastic opportunities for days away, short breaks and adventure holidays. You will receive a warm welcome from our team of expert instructors here at Lynch Farm who will understand your concerns, talk through your goals and match you with the right horse and coach to get you safely underway. Beginners, and riders returning after a long break, start with thirty minute one-to-one sessions. The average beginner will need between four and six half-hour sessions before they are invited to join a one-hour group session. Together you will develop your horse riding skills so that you can walk, trot and canter. Horse riding is a hobby for people of all ages and abilities. Here at Lynch Farm we have riders from as young as 3 to 70+. Very young children can join us for a twenty minute lead rein at 3pm on Saturday or Sunday without making an appointment. For all other classes just give us a call to prebook on 01733 234445. Duncan Brown Lynch Farm Riding Ltd. www.lynchfarmriding.co.uk 12
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Colin is Principal Geologist at Natural England, the Government's advisor on nature conservation. Appointed to the Board by Natural England in 2010, he has been Chairman of the Finance Committee and Deputy Chairman since 2013. Q: Why do you give your time to the Trust as a Board Member? As a long-time user of Nene Park with an interest in the natural environment I enjoy being able to contribute to the running of one of Peterborough's greatest assets. Q: What do you consider the main role of the Board to be? To set a framework whereby staff, volunteers and tenants can provide an excellent visitor experience, now and for generations to come. Q: What do you enjoy most about being a Board member? I enjoy the variety, prioritising where to use resources, meeting tenants and learning about their businesses and touring the Park to see new play equipment and projects to help wildlife. Q: In your view, what is the biggest future challenge the Trust has? As the population of Peterborough grows we need to find a way to accommodate more visitors without impacting on the natural environment or tranquil places that many people come to enjoy. Q: What would you most like to achieve in your time as a Board member? In the short term we need to re-balance the books after a period of much needed investment updating and introducing new facilities. Q: Finally - what is your favourite part of Nene Park and why? Bluebell Wood, where trees, birdsong, Bluebells, the view across the river and the close proximity of Milton Ferry Bridge and the site of the Roman Fort at Longthorpe make a very special and historic place.
Lakeside Centre
New Faces at the Trust Andrew MacDermott Deputy Head Ranger I joined the Trust in November 2014 having previously worked as a Forestry Consultant in the East Midlands. I hail originally from York but have been living in the Midlands for the last four years. Before this I lived on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales and was involved in a number of projects including woodland creation, woodland management and wildfire prevention on moorland. I started off my career as a long term volunteer with the National Trust which developed into a job as one of their Seasonal Wardens.
A
fter a successful 2014 season you will see further changes happening at the Lakeside centre soon.
Following a long wait, Rutland Cycle Hire will be opening their doors. From Easter, the cycle hire centre will be open every weekend, bank holiday and school holiday. The centre will offer a variety of cycles and cycle accessories to cater for all ages and needs. Corporate days will also be available so please get in touch or just call in. During 2014, Lakeside Kitchen & Bar became a popular destination for many of our visitors. It is now time to introduce a bit more ‘character’. The Trust has been working with tenants, Green and Pleasant, on design improvements. This will introduce softer features both internally and externally. The external space will be developed into a more attractive dining area and the changes to the interior will address the acoustics as well as provide many other attractive features. These changes will incur a short closure of Lakeside Kitchen & Bar so please look out for posters in the Park and check our website for updates. There will then be a promotional launch on opening with some exciting special offers. Nene Outdoors are looking forward to another summer and will continue to expand on the attractions offered. Contact them about corporate days and booking the meeting room which has stunning views overlooking Gunwade Lake. Don’t forget that Lakeside Sailing Club, Nene Bowmen, Packers Canoe Club, Sailability and Vivacity Adapted Cycle Scheme all operate from Lakeside too. Teresa Wood Head of Visitor Services
I have had a busy start at the Park with a packed winter work programme which by the time you are reading this should be well wrapped up. During the winter we undertook a lot of work in the woodlands as well as some dramatic changes adjacent to the main car park and Visitor Centre. Whilst the summer will see less landscape projects going on I am sure it will still be busy for the team and I am looking forward to it.
Paul Easthope Assistant Ranger I have been really enjoying my new job since starting in October last year. Everybody has been very welcoming and helped me fit in straight away. I actually started working as a Ranger over twenty years ago in Scunthorpe. Following this I worked for a company running children’s adventure activity holidays for a number of years before returning to rangering at Barnwell Country Park in Northamptonshire three years ago. In my free time I love to get outside as much as possible and I enjoy climbing, mountain biking and outdoor activities.
New Role at the Trust Hannah Gibson Executive Assistant I started working for Nene Park Trust in 2009 as a Park Assistant whilst studying at University. After graduating in 2011, I became Administrative Support Officer; a role which I have carried out for the last three and a half years. Recently I was promoted into the new position of Executive Assistant. I am thoroughly looking forward to starting in my new role which will encompass many new challenges and also the opportunity to work closer with the tenants, partners and the Board of Trustees. SPRING SUMMER
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Business Plan
ed the Trust’s new Business The Board of Trustees recently approv s for the next five years. Plan which sets out some key prioritie
To grow income and work smarter to return to a sustainable break even position
To maintain and improve our park infrastructure and aesthetics
The Trust is currently spending more than it is earning, and so the top priority is to balance the books again. We will make more of our charitable status through various fundraising initiatives. We aim to generate new sources of income from existing facilities, such as the Orton Meadows golf and cycle centre, and we will carry out a review of car park charging.
Much of the Park’s infrastructure is of a similar age. We will use the new Asset Management Plan, which identifies all the assets and their likely replacement dates, to ensure the Park infrastructure remains in a safe and usable condition.
To improve the visitor experience and accessibility We will complete the second and third phases of the play trail project, and continue to install new signage and furniture across Nene Park. We aim to expand both our educational programme with schools and our events programme. We want to ensure that the Park is accessible to all sections of the community.
To spread the demand by increasing the quality in other areas of the Park Two-thirds of all the visitors to Nene Park come to Ferry Meadows. During the May Bank Holiday in 2013 the Country Park was full for the first time and had to be closed to new arrivals. In order to spread the demand into other parts of the Park, we will prioritise low cost initiatives to attract greater visitor numbers to Orton Mere, Thorpe Meadows and the rural estate.
To grow visitor numbers outside the peak times of year The number of visitors to the Park is likely to continue to rise, reflecting the increased popularity of the Park and the projected growth in the City’s population. We aim to grow a programme of activities and events outside the peak season to encourage greater all year round use of the Park.
There are plenty of challenges ahead, but the Trust remains in good shape to tackle them. Phil Rolfe Acting Chief Executive 14
SPRING SUMMMER
Play Golf!
Two Great Courses- Two Great Choices ORTON MEADOWS Golf Course
Orton Waterville, Peterborough PE2 5UU Tel: 01733 237478 www.neneparkgolf.com
Inspiration Inspiration for for your garden your gar den 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.
THORPE WOOD Golf Course
Thorpe Wood, Peterborough PE3 6SE Tel: 01733 267701 www.neneparkgolf.com
Visit us at at Oundle Road, Road, Orton Orton Waterville, Waterville, Wa Visit Peterborough, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire Cambridgeshire PE2 5UU Tel: Tel: 01733 01733 234600
• Pay as you play • Club and Trolley Hire • Large well-stocked Golf Shops • 12-hole Pitch & Putt Course at Orton Meadows • Golf Societies welcome
Lynch Farm Riding Ltd. www.lynchfarmriding.co.uk Horse riding for all ages and abilities
notcutts.co.uk
Ferry Meadows Railway Nene Park, Peterborough
Lead rein sessions for 3 to 6 year olds
Adult sessions from complete beginners to advanced levels Surprise a loved one with a gift voucher
• A train ride for children of all ages from 1 to 91 ! • Take a ride across the park from Ham Lane to the Lakeside centre • See website for timetable.
Lynch Farm Riding Ltd. :LVWRZ :D\ ‡ 2UWRQ :LVWRZ ‡ 3HWHUERURXJK ‡ 3( ;$ ‡ WH[W FOXE#O\QFKIDUPULGLQJ FR XN
Tel: 01933 398889 www.ferrymeadowsrailway.co.uk
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Captains Folly t Trip Boa
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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
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SPRING SUMMER
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