Parklife The magazine of Nene Park Trust, Peterborough SPRING/SUMMER 2012
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ISSUE 9
ES D U L C IN
s t n e Ev gs n i t s i L ges 7-11 Pa
www.neneparktrust.org.uk
Chief Executive’s View Since the establishment of the Trust in 1988, Nene Park has developed into a place that over 1.5 million visitors a year now enjoy for health, relaxation and recreation.
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contents
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Chief Executive’s View Nene Glides into Ferry Meadows 4 Ferry Meadows in the Future 5 Top Dogs 6 A Busy Year 7-11 Spring/Summer Events 11 Car Parking: your questions answered 12-13 Access Matters 14 Pocket Ranger 15 A Great Day Out
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 2012.
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SPRING/SUMMER 12 | ISSUE 9
In 2010, the Trust launched 2020, a new ten year strategy for Nene Park, with the aim 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 set ourselves a number of challenges, including the production of new Landscape Management Plans for all of Nene Park. As the largest and most visited site within Nene Park, we chose Ferry Meadows Country Park to be the subject of the first plan. Over the winter, an exciting new five year plan for Ferry Meadows has begun to emerge through discussions between Trust staff, visitors, trustees, local residents and the business community. As ever, our focus is to explore how we can best raise the quality of the landscape and facilities in Ferry Meadows, without altering the special and unique character of the Park itself. You can read more about this, and how you make comments on the draft plan, on page four. As part of the discussion process so far, it’s clear that some park visitors would like to know more about our car parking charges, and how this income contributes to the cost of running Ferry Meadows. This is explained in more detail on page eleven. Finally, I am very pleased to announce that as part of the new five year plan for Ferry Meadows, the Trust will be carrying out a major refurbishment of the Watersports Centre and Cafe in 2012/13. Further news will follow on this exciting project over the coming months. James McCulloch Chief Executive, Nene Park Trust
Nene Glides into Ferry Meadows
S
egways, the new craze to hit the UK, have arrived at Ferry Meadows and we at Nene Glides are running Segway tours around the Park.
For those who haven’t seen a Segway, it’s a battery powered two wheeled personal transporter with a self balancing mechanism so it stays upright on its own. To go forward the rider shifts their weight forward on the platform, and to go backward shifts their weight backward. The more you move forward or backward the faster you go. The handlebar is then used to turn left or right so it really is easy to learn to ride a Segway and most people pick it up in minutes. The all terrain tyres mean that Segways can take people on tarmac footpaths, grass or even muddy tracks giving visitors a chance to explore the Park in a very unique and exciting way. We first came across Segways on holiday in the United States where they are used everywhere from parks and open spaces to shopping centres and airports. The family had such a fun time on them that we
thought there must be a way to bring this idea back to Peterborough. We were sure people would love to experience riding on a Segway and Ferry Meadows seemed like the ideal setting. Nene Glides Segway operates from the kiosk at Lynch Lake within Ferry Meadows on a pre-book basis. It costs from £18 for an hour session on a Segway which includes tuition, safety equipment and guided tour of Ferry Meadows. Most people over the age of ten can operate a Segway after going through a few basic checks with the site staff. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian on the tours and upper and lower weight restrictions also apply. For more information about Nene Glides Segway, to book a tour or to purchase gift vouchers for a Nene Glide Experience please contact us on 0751 9809 383 or visit www.neneglidessegway.co.uk. John Rayment Nene Glides Segway
SPRING/SUMMER 12 | ISSUE 9
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Ferry Meadows in the Future
D
o you love visiting Ferry Meadows? Would you like to see more activities on offer? Would you enjoy watching more wildlife? Do you have an idea for a new feature in the Park? If so we would like to hear from you. These are just some of the questions that Trust staff, tenants and Board Members have been discussing recently. The Trust is writing a Management Plan that will guide our work at Ferry Meadows for the next five years. We know that local people love the area, the wildlife and exciting range of activities that the Park offers and we often receive ideas from local residents and visitors about what they would like to see happen here. Recent suggestions include circular walks, more sculptures, areas of bulb planting, ensuring views were kept open, and more opportunities for local school children to visit the Park and learn about nature. Tenants running facilities at Ferry Meadows such as the cafes, riding centre, miniature railway and pitch and putt hear lots of feedback from their customers so also have great ideas for Ferry Meadows. These have included increasing publicity and the number of activities, promoting the Nene Valley Railway as a way to access the Park and improving paths, maps and interpretation. Members of Peterborough Bird Club had some great ideas about how we could attract more birds and other wildlife to Ferry Meadows and how to offer more opportunities to people who enjoy watching wildlife. As Don Gardener, member of the Bird Club, expressed “The popularity of programmes such as Springwatch go to show how much we love to experience nature close up...I still feel the excitement of my first otter sighting in Gunwade Lake and I have been visiting the site for twenty one years!� Over the Easter holidays there will be a display in the Visitor Centre of the ideas so far so please pop in or visit our website for just a few minutes. We would love to hear from you. Clare Freeman Landscape Manager
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SPRING/SUMMER 12 | ISSUE 9
Top Dogs
T
hroughout the whole of Nene Park, come rain or shine it is a common sight to see dogs and their owners enjoying the fresh air and some exercise. As a Ranger for Nene Park Trust I have got to know many of the regular dog walkers and their dogs who I see from early morning to last thing at night. Some will have seen me at work with my dog Tess, keenly awaiting the next throw of her ball or an opportunity to take a swim. The open spaces throughout the Park are great places for our dogs to play fetch, but I commonly see that the object thrown is often the nearest stick or even a branch for the bigger dogs! Although looking like great fun for a dog to chase and retrieve this can easily cause injury. A dog running for a stick can pick up splinters from the wood in its mouth, just as we would in our hands. This can lead to infection. In other situations the mouth and tongue can be damaged due to the momentum, as the stick is picked up from the ground and can lead to fatal injuries. This can also be an issue if two dogs playing start to compete over a stick. The throwing or kicking of an appropriate ball is a much safer alternative for your dog. Regular vaccination and worming of your dog will also benefit their health and reduce the risk of carrying Toxicara canis, a parasite which can be passed on to humans. As you and your dog enjoy yourselves please always think about other people, wildlife and livestock, some of which are not always happy to see a dog bound up to them, no matter how playful they may be. Where necessary, to avoid causing nuisance, please place you dog on a short lead. Please remember to pick up after your dog and dispose of the waste in the waste bins to help keep the Park clean for all visitors. David Linscott Deputy Head Ranger
SPRING/SUMMER 12 | ISSUE 9
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A Busy Year n spring 2010, the Trust launched 2020 – its 10 year strategy for Nene Park. Two years on, the Trust’s Chief Executive, James McCulloch, looks back to some recent achievements and gives a preview of the projects planned for the year ahead. Over the past 12 months, we have:
I
Refurbished the conservation garden at Ferry Meadows
• Developed a new Management Plan for Ferry Meadows
• Agreed a new Management Plan with the Wildlife Trust for Thorpe Wood
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• Produced a new promotional leaflet for the whole of Nene Park
• Carried out an extensive study to improve accessibility in Nene Park
• Installed a new building at Ferry Meadows to house new covered carriages for the miniature railway
• Introduced the ‘Nene Glides’ Segway activity into Ferry Meadows
• Achieved the Investors in People award
and a successful Introduced mme nteer progra popular volu
for the management and development of Trust staff
• Hosted a visit by HRH Duke of Gloucester • Opened the Discovery Den learning centre and launched a successful new education service
Completed our first one year Trainee Ranger programme
• Agreed future plans for a large new play
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or the year ahead, there are plenty more projects scheduled, including a major refurbishment of the Ferry Meadows Watersports Centre and Cafe in 2012/13. Other projects include:
• Applying for a Green Flag Award for Ferry Meadows • Improving and replacing all signs, information
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• Improving habitats and wildlife viewing points at Ham Mere, Ferry Meadows
• Installing solar panels on a number of Trust buildings • Increasing our education service through the recruitment of a new team member
boards and benches throughout Nene Park
• Developing a new Management Plan for Thorpe Meadows and Orton Mere
• Installing a wildfowl feeding area and improving landscaping at Overton Lake, Ferry Meadows
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SPRING/SUMMER 12 | ISSUE 9
To learn more about how the Trust manages Nene Park and its plans for the next few years, copies of 2020 are available via the Trust’s web site, at the Ferry Meadows Visitor Centre or on request by telephone or email through the Trust office.
www.neneparktrust.org.uk
Spring/Summer 2012
events
Guided Walks, Trails, Children’s Events... and much, much more
www.neneparktrust.org.uk
Events Information For bookings and enquiries: Tel: 01733 234193 Email: 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
Wednesday 16 May
Teddy Bears Picnic
Walk in the Woods
12noon-2pm
10am-12.15pm
Come along to Ferry Meadows and enjoy a picnic with Barney the Bear and Ranger Rachel Storey. Suitable for: 3yrs+ Easy Access: Phone for details. Booking required: Yes
Join Ranger Gary Mason for a guided walk through Bluebell Wood and Lynch Plantation. Suitable for: All ages Easy Access: No Meeting point: Visitor Centre Booking required: Yes
Tuesday 17 April
Guided Walk with a Ranger
Wild Food Forage
Join Ranger Ian Lowe for a guided walk around Ferry Meadows and surrounding areas, pointing out things of interest and answering questions. Suitable for: All ages Easy Access: No Booking required: Yes
9.45am-11.15am
Tuesday 24 April
Lynch Wood Walk 10am-12.30pm A walk through Lynch Wood to the village of Alwalton with Ranger Gerald Knott. Suitable for: All ages Easy access: No Meeting point: Visitor Centre Booking required: No
Wednesday 25 April
Wild Food Forage 10am-11.30am
Seed Planting
Get tips on foraging and identify wild food with Ranger Steve Wickens and David Radley. Suitable for: 12yrs+ Easy Access: Phone for details Booking required: Yes
Make a pot from recycled paper and plant seeds to take home and grow with Event Leader Anna Thompson. Suitable for: 5yrs+ Easy access: Yes Meeting point: Discovery Den Booking required: No (drop-in)
Thursday 5 April
Spring Crafts 10am-2pm (drop-in) Children and adults are welcome to come along and join in some seasonal and wild crafts with Event Leader Anna Thompson. Suitable for: All ages Easy access: Yes Meeting point: Discovery Den Booking required: No (drop-in)
Friday 27 April
Beginners Photography 1.45pm-3.45pm Join Ranger Ashley Wheal for a beginners’ course and learn some top tips. Indoor event and you do not have to bring a camera. Suitable for: 12yrs+ Easy Access: Yes Meeting point: Visitor Centre Booking required: Yes
May Saturday 5 & Sunday 6 May
Movie on the Meadows
Thursday 5 April
with Heart FM
Guided Cycle Ride
Film-lovers will be able to see some firm family favourites in a very different way with this new drive-in evening event at this fabulous park setting.
10am-11.45am Cycle up to 10 miles in and around Nene Park with Ranger Dave Linscott. Suitable for: 16yrs+ (under 18’s must be accompanied) Easy access: No Booking required: Yes
SPRING/SUMMER 12 | ISSUE 9
Sunday 20 May
1pm-4.30pm
Wednesday 4 April 10am-2pm (drop-in)
8
Wednesday 11 April
For further details and ticket bookings tune into Heart FM or visit the Trust’s website from April.
Get tips on foraging and identify wild food with Event Leader David Radley. Suitable for: 12yrs+ Easy Access: Phone for details Booking required: Yes
Sunday 20 May
Longthorpe Walk 1pm-4.15pm A circular walk through Nene Park and Longthorpe Village. Includes a visit to Longthorpe Tower to see the medieval wall painting inside. Event Leader David Radley. Suitable for: 12yrs+ Easy Access: No Meeting point: Orton Mere Booking required: Yes Charge: £2 (admission to Longthorpe Tower)
Tuesday 22 May
Early Summer in Ferry Meadows 1.30pm-4pm A walk around the Park with Ranger Gerald Knott. Suitable for: All ages Easy Access: Yes Meeting point: Visitor Centre Booking required: Yes
Wednesday 23 May or Thursday 24 May
Badger Watch 7.15pm-11pm Join Rangers Ashley Wheal and Greg Higby for a talk on badgers and a silent vigil at a badger set. Suitable for: 10yrs+ Easy Access: No Booking required: Yes
June Saturday 2 until Sunday 10 June
Half-Term Trail 11am-3pm Collect a trail sheet from the Visitor Centre and return to claim your prize. Suitable for: 3yrs+ Easy Access: Yes Meeting point: Visitor Centre Booking required: No Charge: 50p (one prize per sheet)
www.neneparktrust.org.uk
Green Festival 2-10 June Wednesday 6 June
Pond Dipping 10am-12noon or 1pm-3pm Find out what is lurking in the lakes with Ranger Rachel Storey and Anna Thompson. 5yrs+ Suitable for: Easy Access: Phone for details Booking required: Yes
Friday 8 June
Bug Hunt 10am-12noon or 1pm-3pm Discover which creepy crawlies live in the woods with Event Leader Anna Thompson. Suitable for: 5yrs+ Easy Access: No Meeting point: Discovery Den Booking required: Yes
Monday 18 June
Wild Food Forage 6pm-7.30pm Get tips on foraging and identify wild food with Ranger Steve Wickens and David Radley. Suitable for: 12yrs+ Easy Access: Phone for details Booking required: Yes
Wednesday 20 June
Tuesday 26 June
Monday 9 July
Look Back in Time
Wild Food Forage
1.30pm-4.30pm
6pm-7.30pm
Discover the history of Ferry Meadows through photos and a guided walk with Ranger Gerald Knott. Suitable for: All ages Easy Access: Yes Meeting point: Visitor Centre Booking required: Yes
Get tips on foraging and identify wild food with Ranger Steve Wickens and David Radley. Suitable for: 12yrs+ Easy access: Phone for details Booking required: Yes
July Sunday 1 July
Wild Food Forage 9.45am-11.30am Get tips on foraging and identify wild food with Event Leader David Radley. Suitable for: 12yrs+ Easy access: Phone for details Booking required: Yes
Sunday 1 July
Longthorpe Walk 1pm-4.15pm A circular walk through Nene Park and Longthorpe Village. Includes a visit to see the medieval wall painting inside Longthorpe Tower with Event Leader David Radley. Easy access: No Meeting point: Orton Mere Booking required: Yes Charge: £2 (admission to Longthorpe Tower)
Monday 2 July
Guided Walk with a Ranger Wildflower Walk 1pm-3.30pm
Join Ranger Ian Lowe for a guided walk around Ferry Meadows, pointing out things of interest and answering your questions. Suitable for: All ages Easy access: Yes Booking required: Yes
Wednesday 20 June
Ramble from River to Rail 10am-4pm Enjoy a stroll with Ranger Steve Wickens along the River Nene to Wansford. Visit the NVR station before returning by train. Suitable for: 8yrs+ Easy Access: No Booking required: Yes Charge: £4 (for rail fare)
Friday 22 June
Garden Q&A Day 10.30am-3.30pm (drop-in) An opportunity to ask Park Ranger Peter Gentleman questions about the gardens. Suitable for: All ages Easy Access: Yes Meeting point: Garden by Visitor Centre Booking required: No (drop-in)
Wednesday 18 July
Walk in the Woods 6pm-8pm Join Ranger Gary Mason for a guided walk through Bluebell Wood and Lynch Plantation. Suitable for: All ages Easy access: No Meeting point: Visitor Centre Booking required: Yes
Friday 20 July
Teddy Bears Picnic 12noon-2pm Enjoy a picnic with Barney the Bear and Ranger Rachel Storey at Ferry Meadows. Suitable for: 3yrs+ Easy access: Phone for details Booking required: Yes
Friday 20 July
Wildflower Walk 1.30pm-3.30pm Discover the Park’s wild flowers and how we manage them with Ranger Peter Gentleman. Suitable for: 10yrs+ Easy access: Yes Booking required: Yes
1.30pm-3.30pm Discover the Park’s wild flowers and how we manage them with Ranger Peter Gentleman. Suitable for: 10yrs+ Easy access: Yes Booking required: Yes
Tuesday 3 July
Walk around Ferry Meadows 10am-12.30pm Walk around the lakes with Ranger Gerald Knott. Suitable for: All ages Easy access: Yes Meeting point: Visitor Centre Booking required: Yes
Wednesday 4 July
Discovering Trees
Saturday 21 July until Sunday 2 September
Summer Trail 11am-3pm Collect a trail sheet from the Visitor Centre and return to claim your prize. Suitable for: 3yrs+ Easy access: Yes Meeting point: Visitor Centre Booking required: No Charge: 50p (one prize per sheet)
Wednesday 25 July
Fire by Friction 10.30am-12noon Create fire by rubbing sticks together with Ranger Dave Linscott. Suitable for: 12yrs+ Easy access: Yes Booking required: Yes
1.30pm-3.45pm Join Ranger Ashley Wheal for an illustrated talk followed by a walk to identify our native trees. Suitable for: 12yrs+ Easy access: Yes Meeting point: Visitor Centre Booking required: Yes
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www.neneparktrust.org.uk
August Wild Wednesdays 10am-2pm Drop-in craft activities for children every Wednesday in August. Suitable for: 5yrs+ Easy access: Yes Meeting point: Discovery Den Booking required: No
Wednesday 1 August
Saturday 18 August
Birds of Prey 11am-5pm Cj’s Birds of Prey visit the park. There will be a static display and two flying displays. Check our website for details. Suitable for: All ages Easy access: Phone for details Meeting point: Ferry Meadows (Coney Meadow) Booking required: No
Wednesday 19 September
Ramble from River to Rail 10am-4pm Enjoy a gentle stroll along the River Nene to Wansford and visit the NVR station before returning by train with Ranger Steve Wickens. 8yrs+ Suitable for: Easy access: No Booking required: Yes Charge: £4 (for rail fare)
Wednesday 19 or Thursday 20 September
Faces in the Woods
Thursday 23 August
Badger Watch
Wednesday 8 August
Guided Walk with a Ranger
6.15pm-9.30pm
1pm-4.30pm
Join Rangers Ashley Wheal and Greg Higby for a talk on badgers and a silent vigil at a badger set. 10yrs+ Suitable for: Easy access: No Booking required: Yes
Grow a Monster Wednesday 15 August
Paper Making Wednesday 22 August
Mini-beast mobile Wednesday 29 August
Green Man Mask Friday 3 August
Fire by Friction 10.30am-12noon Have a go at creating fire by rubbing sticks together with Ranger Dave Linscott. Suitable for: 12yrs+ Easy access: Yes Booking required: Yes
Tuesday 7 August
Kite Making 10am-12noon (drop-in) Learn how to make a kite with Ranger Rachel Storey and fly it on the meadows. Suitable for: 3yrs+ Easy access: Yes Meeting point: Discovery Den Booking required: No (drop-in)
Join Ranger Ian Lowe for a walk around Ferry Meadows and surrounding areas, pointing out things of interest and answering your questions. Suitable for: All ages Easy access: No Booking required: Yes
Friday 24 August
Bug Hunt 10am-12noon or 1pm-3pm Discover which creepy crawlies live in the woods with Event Leader Anna Thompson. Suitable for: 5yrs+ Easy access: No Booking required: Yes
6.15pm-8.15pm Join Ranger Steve Wickens and Cambridgeshire Bat Group for a presentation on bats and a walk to discover the Park’s bats. Suitable for: 8yrs+ Easy access: Yes Booking required: Yes
Wednesday 5 September
Wild Food Forage 6pm-7.15pm Get tips on foraging and identify wild food with Ranger Steve Wickens and David Radley. Suitable for: 12yrs+ Easy access: Phone for details Booking required: Yes
Friday 7 September
Teddy Bears Picnic
Pond Dipping
12noon-2pm
Find out what is lurking in the lakes with Event Leader Anna Thompson. Suitable for: 5yrs+ Easy access: Phone for details Booking required: Yes
Bat Walk
September
Friday 10 August 10am-12noon or 1pm-3pm
Wednesday 26 September
Enjoy a picnic with Barney the Bear and Ranger Rachel Storey at Ferry Meadows. Suitable for: 3yrs+ Easy access: Phone for details Booking required: Yes
Wednesday 12 September
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: Booking required: Meeting point:
7-12years Yes Discovery Den
Sunday 29 April
Repair, Reuse, Recycle 10am-12noon
Friday 17 August
Garden Q&A Day
Sunday 13 May
Fire by Friction
10.30am-3.30pm (drop-in)
Activity to be arranged
10.30am-12noon
An opportunity to ask Ranger Peter Gentleman questions about the gardens. Suitable for: All ages Easy access: Yes Meeting point: Garden by Visitor Centre Booking required: No (drop-in)
10am-12noon
Have a go at creating fire by rubbing sticks together with Ranger Dave Linscott. Suitable for: 12yrs+ Easy access: Yes Booking required: Yes
Sunday 24 June
Wildlife Olympics 10am-12noon For more events check either the RSPB’s Wildlife Explorer website or the Wildlife Trust’s Wildlife Watch website. www.rspb.org.uk/youth www.wildlifewatch.org.uk
10 SPRING/SUMMER 12 | ISSUE 8
Car Parking: your questions answered We know from visitor feedback that car parking charges are a popular topic so we have decided to answer the most common questions below.
Also, don’t miss...
Tuesday 10 July
3rd Sunday of every month
Race for Life
Craft Demonstration 10am-4pm See a variety of local craftsmen and women demonstrate their skills. Crafts will be available to buy. Easy access: Yes Venue: Discovery Den, Ferry Meadows Booking required: No
Every Monday
Walk With Us 10.00am-11am A walk for parents and toddlers around Ferry Meadows. Meeting point: Visitor Centre, Ferry Meadows Booking required: Yes Contact Kim Connor on 01733 555947 or youngfamilies@ymail.com
Saturday 2 June until Sunday 10 June
Green Festival A week of events and activities in and around Peterborough. See www.peterboroughgreenfestival.org.uk for a full programme.
Sunday 10 June
Kite Festival 10am-4.30pm Festival organised by the Great Ouse Kite Flyers. See www.gokf.co.uk for more details. Venue: Ferry Meadows
Saturday 23 until Sunday 24 June
RNLI 24hr Race
Walk, jog or run and raise funds for Cancer Research. To take part see www.raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org or call 0871 641111. Venue: Ferry Meadows
Saturday 28th July
Wildlife Memories Day 11am-4pm Have you had a wild life? Froglife want to hear your memories of wildlife and playing outdoors as a child. Bring the whole family along to reminisce and explore our unique kit of wildlife-themed nostalgic items. You will even have the opportunity to be part of filmed interviews which will be made into a DVD to celebrate the project. For information please call 01733 425828 or e-mail jodie.coomber@froglife.org. Venue: Discovery Den, Ferry Meadows
Sunday 5 August
BMC/BL Car Rally British cars on show. See www.bmcblrally.co.uk for more details. Venue: Ferry Meadows
Why do you charge for parking? As an independent Trust we don’t receive any money from central or local government. Car parking revenue forms a significant part of the income needed to maintain Nene Park to a high standard. When does the charge apply? This year the charges come into effect at weekends and bank holidays from Saturday 31 March until Sunday 28 October. If you enter the park before 10am or after 5pm there is no charge. How much does it cost? The price has been frozen for the third year running at £3.50 per car no matter how many passengers there are. A good way to share the cost is to fill up your car with friends or family. Is there a charge for blue badge holders? No, parking is free for blue badge holders at all times and dedicated parking spaces are provided. Is there a season ticket available? Yes there is. They are available from the Visitor Centre where you can pay by cash, cheque or card. Alternatively download a form from our website and return it to us with a cheque. How much is a season ticket? The price of season tickets is still £22. Even if you only visit Ferry Meadows once a month on a day when the charge applies you will make a saving. Our website is also an excellent source of information on car parking and access in general throughout Nene Park.
Starts 3pm Saturday Come along to watch the action or get involved. See www.lakesideleisure.com for details or call 01733 234418 Venue: Watersports Centre, Ferry Meadows.
David Radley Visitor Services Officer SPRING/SUMMER 12 | ISSUE 9
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Access Matters T
hroughout last summer we worked with Access Matters UK, a specialist access firm, to undertake an access audit of the main public areas of Nene Park. This was carried out to help us understand how accessible the Park is to all visitors and where we could make improvements. The work involved a physical survey of the buildings, pathways and other structures, a review of the visitor information as well as extensive consultation with the staff team, tenants and the disabled community of Peterborough.
The team are now including the recommendations into its day to day work as well as ensuring any major building modifications are built into future refurbishment plans. We hope that over time visitors will start to see improvements both small scale, such as coat hooks within all our toilets, to much larger scale works such as refurbishment of the Watersports Centre, that will make a visit to the Park that bit easier and even more enjoyable for all.
• Disabled visitors are very complimentary of the
Did you know about all the accessible facilities Nene Park has to offer?
• We could do more to raise awareness of what the
• Significant network of surfaced paths
The main findings were: facilities at Ferry Meadows.
Park has to offer for the disabled community.
• The lack of public transport links to the Park are a significant issue for disabled and non disabled people in being able to visit the Park.
• All park staff should have some basic disability
awareness training to ensure a consistent welcoming approach is given to all disabled visitors.
• Improvements to the waymarking across the Park
should be made that would benefit everyone. This could include using visual and tactile signage and leaflets, audio trails etc.
• Disabled people would welcome specifically targeted walks and events.
throughout Ferry Meadows, Thorpe Meadows and Orton Mere
• Dedicated free parking spaces at all sites • Free mobility scooter hire at Ferry Meadows • Accessible toilets, education facilities, Visitor Centre and cafes at Ferry Meadows
• Peterborough Sailability based at Ferry Meadows
• Peterborough Adapted Cycling Scheme based at Ferry Meadows
• Peterborough Disabled Angling Association based at Orton Pond
• Accessible fishing platforms at Ferry Meadows 12
SPRING/SUMMER 12 | ISSUE 9
One of the most positive outcomes of this project has been to develop relationships with the disabled These are some of the comments community in Peterborough through working with we received from park users a number of individuals as well as groups such through the access audit. as Peterborough DIAL and Peterborough Disability Forum. We would like to thank everyone involved for giving their time, experience and expertise in assisting to make the Park We are elderly and live locally. as accessible as possible. We often walk around the Park with our disabled daughter. We just love We hope to maintain these relationships it here and we feel so safe. It’s and develop new ones to help us deliver seeing the Rangers around and access improvements to the Park and knowing that they are there to help anyone who would like more information if we need them. or get involved should contact us on visitor.services@neneparktrust.org.uk Let’s put it this way. We wouldn’t be involved or at 01733 234193, where you can also request if we thought it was just this magazine in alternative formats. a tick box exercise. One of the best places to go in Peterborough. Susan Evans Visitor Services Manager
Disabled? Come and enjoy the freedom of sailing ... every Tuesday and Thursday from April to October at the Watersports Centre, Ferry Meadows
For more information
Tel: 07948 262919 or email: peterborough.sailability@hotmail.co.uk
Valid until 31st May 2012
SPRING/SUMMER 12 | ISSUE 9
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Pocket Ranger
F
our trails which allow you to explore Ferry Meadows, Nene Park and beyond are now available as free downloads from the iTunes App store. All the trails start and finish at the Ferry Meadows Visitor Centre. The trails use GPS to pinpoint and track where you are on the trail. When you reach points of interest the apps reveal all kinds of interesting facts about the history and wildlife so it really is just like having a Park Ranger in your pocket. The Kingfisher Trail passes by Overton Lake and along stretches of the River Nene before bringing you out alongside the Nene Valley Railway line. If you’re lucky you may even spot a Kingfisher. Easy access: Yes Length: 1.75 miles (2.8km) The Gunwade Trail named after the largest lake in Ferry Meadows provides great lakeside walking. Other highlights include Milton Ferry Bridge and sweeping views over the meadows. Easy access: Yes Length: 2.75miles (4km)
To see a preview of the App go to the Ferry Meadows page on our website and click on the link in the “downloads” section www.neneparktrust.org.uk/ferrymeadows/downloads
The Castor Trail showcases the village of Castor and the beautiful Nene Valley to the west of Ferry Meadows as well as the lakes of Ferry Meadows. Easy access: No Length: 4.5miles (7.25km)
Alternatively just search for “Natural Networks Mobile Explorer” in the iTunes App store.
The Longthorpe Trail is the longest of the trails and explores the area to the east of Ferry Meadows. The route passes through the historic village of Longthorpe. Highlights include Longthorpe Tower and Thorpe Wood. Easy access: No Length: 4.75miles (7.6km)
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We would love to know how much you enjoyed the trails so please do leave customer feedback after downloading or fill in one of our comment cards when you finish a trail.
David Radley Visitor Services Officer
A Great Day Out P
eterborough is a city with a rich and fascinating history, highlighted by the variety of sites which form the membership of the heritage based ‘Peterborough Attractions’ group. Read on and get to know a little about the attractions in the group of which Nene Park Trust is a member. Going back to some of the earliest inhabitants of Peterborough, Flag Fen is the most important Bronze Age archaeological site in Northern Europe located just outside the city. The Cathedral has been the heart of the city for nearly 900 years, an anniversary it celebrates in 2018. Stunning painted wooden ceilings and quiet precincts await the visitor just beyond the Norman arch in the city centre. One of the oldest houses in Northamptonshire, 13th Century Prebendal Manor can be found in Nassington and dates to the medieval period. Further treasures from the Middle Ages are the wall paintings in Longthorpe Tower, the finest of their kind in Western Europe, which give an unparalleled insight into the medieval mind. Burghley House to the northwest of Peterborough is England’s greatest Elizabethan House with acres of tranquil grounds made famous by their annual horse trials. Local poet John Clare was passionate about nature and spoke out against enclosure. The beautiful cottage in Helpston that he lived in, is not to be missed. Peterborough would be a very different place now if the Fens had never been drained and Thorney Museum showcases some of this history in a charming volunteer run heritage centre. Sacrewell Farm & Country Centre, near Wansford allows visitors to learn about the history of farming with hands on experiences for families on a site with listed buildings, including a working 18th century watermill. Peterborough Museum is housed in a grand Georgian building and has just undergone a £3.2 million refurbishment. The Museum houses collections of Jurassic sea monsters, local history and items from Norman Cross, the world’s first purpose built
prisoner of war camp, dating to the Napoleonic wars, just outside the city next to the modern Norman Cross Gallery. The coming of the railways in 1845 had a huge effect on Peterborough and Nene Valley Railway gives you the chance to experience the age of steam. The nature reserve and eco focus of Railworld links the past of the city to a sustainable future so there’s no need to go far because as you can see Peterborough Attractions can provide a fascinating day out right on your doorstep. Peterborough Heritage Attractions Group SPRING/SUMMER 12 | ISSUE 9
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What are you doing today?
Play Golf!
Two Great Courses- Two Great Choices ORTON MEADOWS Golf Course
Orton Waterville, Peterborough PE2 5UU Tel: 01733 237478 www.ortonmeadowsgolfcourse.co.uk
THORPE WOOD Golf Course
Thorpe Wood, Peterborough PE3 6SE Tel: 01733 267701 www.thorpewoodgolfcourse.co.uk
• Pay as you play
LAKESIDE Cafe and Bar Come and enjoy homemade food in beautiful surroundings • Open 365 days of the year • Available for parties, corporate events and business meetings • Ample parking
Inspiration Inspir ation ffor or your y our garden garden A huge rrange ange of quality plants &e xpert advic e fr om our friendly expert advice from plant tteam. eam. Plus a ffantastic antastic rrange ange of furnitur e & barbecues. furniture Visit Visit us at at Oundle Road, Road, Orton Orton Waterville, Waterville, Wa Peterborough, Cambridgeshire Cambridgeshire PE2 5UU Peterborough, Tel: Tel: 01733 01733 234600
• 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 RIDING 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
Park
To receive future editions of Parklife sign up through Events gs our website, Listin contact us by phone or send us an email. The magazi ne of Nene
Park Trust, Peterborough SPRING/SUMM ER 2011 | ISSUE 9
www.notcutts.co.uk
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 • See website for Spring/Summer timetable.
Tel: 01933 398889
Nenewww.ferrymeadowsrailway.co.uk Glides 60x87mm Ad_Layout 1 19/08/2011 10:19
Nene glides SegwAY Experience
INCLUDES
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Telephone:
01733 234193 Email:
visitor.services@neneparktrust.org.uk www.neneparktrust.org.uk
07519 809 383 www.neneglidessegway.co.uk