Parklife The magazine of Nene Park Trust AUTUMN/WINTER 2012
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ISSUE 10
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s t n e Ev gs n i t s i L ges 7-10 Pa
www.neneparktrust.org.uk
Chief Executive’s View
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Chief Executive’s View It’s a First for Ferry Meadows 4 Skills for the Future: part 2 5 Lakeside Café & Bar 6 Getting my Bearings 7-10 Autumn/Winter Events 10 Volunteer Sessions Keeping up to Date 11 New Faces at The Trust 12-13 Green Wheels and Nene Park Loop 14 Olympic Connection Gravel Pits to Park 15 Volunteers: one year on 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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Earlier this year, our Board of Trustees approved an exciting new five year plan for Ferry Meadows Country Park. Work is already well underway through the installation this summer of new seating and information signs, but there is plenty more to follow, including a new play trail and the major redevelopment of our popular Watersports Centre and Café. In addition, we are continuing our efforts to enhance wildlife, landscaping and events in the Park. To help us achieve this, we have welcomed some new team members, and are pleased to now have a growing group of park volunteers, who you can read more about on page 15. We were delighted that our efforts in managing Ferry Meadows were recently recognised nationally through our first Green Flag award, and it was wonderful to celebrate this success with staff, Board members, volunteers and park tenants in July. Our Landscape Manager explains more about this achievement on the next page. Of course, there’s much more to Nene Park than just Ferry Meadows, and the Trust team will soon start focusing on a new five year improvement plan for Thorpe Meadows and Orton Mere. Do look out for updates on our website and at our Visitor Centre. Whilst the Trust is fortunate to be able to plan ahead in this way, many other parks are facing difficult challenges through major funding cuts. One of the Trust’s 2020 strategy aims is to use our experience to promote the park trust model to help these other organisations wherever we can. Through this, we are raising the profile of Nene Park and Peterborough both nationally and internationally, and gathering some great ideas for our next set of five year plans. James McCulloch Chief Executive, Nene Park Trust
It’s a First for Ferry Meadows
F
erry Meadows is often given as one of the best things about living in Peterborough and as Peterborough’s only Country Park it is the most visited attraction in the city, with over a million visits each year. This year Ferry Meadows has been awarded its first Green Flag by the national scheme that recognizes high quality parks. To achieve the Green Flag Ferry Meadows was assessed by an independent judge who looked at our management plan and then spent a day on-site meeting members of staff and looking around the Park. The judge looked at all aspects of the Park under a series of themes including; a welcoming place, healthy, safe and secure, well maintained and clean, sustainability, management, conservation and community involvement, commenting that “positive relations between staff and park visitors were apparent” and that our maintenance schedules were some of the best he had seen.
refurbishment of the Watersports Centre, development of a play trail and improvements to wildlife habitats will ensure that Ferry Meadows remains a great place to visit all year round. You can find out more about the Green Flag scheme at www.greenflag.keepbritaintidy.org Clare Freeman Landscape Manager
In July we received the great news that we had been awarded a Green Flag. We were sent a certificate, which is on display in the Visitor Centre, as well as the actual flag itself, which is now proudly flying over the Discovery Den in Ferry Meadows. James McCulloch, the Trust’s Chief Executive, saw the award as “national recognition for all those whose hard work and dedication has helped to make Ferry Meadows the wonderful place it is today”. The exciting plans to build on the Park’s success with the AUTUMN WINTER 12 | ISSUE 10
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Skills for the Future: part 2
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s some of you may have read in Parklife last year, the Trust took on Sarah Jiggins as a Trainee Ranger through a grant which was awarded to Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT) by the Heritage Lottery Fund. After a very successful year with the Trust, Sarah secured herself a full time job within another country park. Everybody was really pleased for Sarah and it showed that the training Sarah received and the hard work she put in really paid off. In late 2012 I was pleased to be on the interview panel for the next Trainee Ranger applicant, funded through the same scheme. We had a tough time on our hands as we had a lot of strong candidates to choose from. After a lot of deliberation the decision was made to take on Chris Rollason. However we also decided to take on and fund a second trainee, James Caldwell, as the calibre of the candidates was so high we saw it as too good an opportunity to miss. Chris studied Earth Sciences and was a Trainee Conservation Officer at Rutland Water Nature Reserve while James studied Applied Terrestrial and Marine Ecology and had done a year’s training as a Trainee Field Officer at Shropshire Council Parks and Countryside. They had both accumulated proficiency qualifications such as chainsaw certificates and tractor driving prior to their start here. James and Chris have fitted in really well and were up and running in a very short space of time; covering Duty Ranger shifts, undertaking estate maintenance and helping out with events and the running of volunteer sessions. My role is to mentor both trainees and by the end of their year they will have been on a series of training courses to further their proficiency qualifications, such as play area inspections, cycle maintenance and driving with a trailer. They will also gain knowledge and experience from Nene Park Trust colleagues whilst working alongside them. Ian Lowe Park Ranger
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Lakeside Café & Bar
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akeside Café and Bar is a great place to relax and enjoy homemade food whilst watching the boats and the wildlife.
Just like the seasons, the cakes we make throughout the year also change. Gingerbread and fruit cakes are more popular in the winter months and raspberry crumble cake and lemon drizzle sell well when it’s hot. We also make lots of biscuits and bars to give you plenty of energy for exploring the Park and in the spring and summer they make a great addition to any picnic. One of our most popular dishes is the “Almost Healthy Bar”; our own version of the muesli bars you can buy in the shops. The bars are robust enough to take on picnics and are healthier for children to eat as they contain lots of dried fruit, nuts and seeds. They are also easy to make and if you do make them with children it is a great way to introduce them to different seeds and fruits. So why not follow the recipe and make your own? But remember to come back to the Lakeside Café so you can compare your bars with ours! Charlotte Freeman, Lakeside Café & Bar
FOR 8 PIECES 125g butter 110g firmly packed brown sugar 1 tablespoon honey 200g rolled oats ½ teaspoon cinnamon 540g any mix of sultanas, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, dried apricots, almonds, walnuts, glacee cherries, dessicated coconut, dried dates, dried figs 2 tablespoons chocolate drops - more if you want to be unhealthy! 1. Preheat the oven 170 C, 325 F, gas 3. Grease a 20cm x 30cm swiss roll tin, or a roasting tin with shallow sides. 2. In a saucepan place the butter, sugar and honey. Heat gently, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the butter is melted. 3. Remove from the heat. 4. Weigh out all the other ingredients, except the chocolate drops, and add them to the pan. Stir well and tip into prepared tin. 5. Sprinkle the chocolate drops over the top. 6. Cook for about 30 minutes, until it is nicely browned and smells lovely. 7. Cut it while it is still warm, but not straight out of the oven. The bars will keep for up to a week in an airtight tin.
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Getting my Bearings
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ver moved to a new place and spent the first few weeks walking or driving in circles trying to find your way around? For me, as the new Geographical Information System (GIS) Technician at the Nene Park Trust, getting my bearings in my new home is part of the job description. GIS is a relatively new and powerful tool for capturing, analysing and creating maps of geographical data. GIS combines a visual map with a database of useful information. For example a map of Peterborough may also contain information such as population, postcodes and voting register. Having realised the potential of GIS during wildfire management in 2009, Ex-Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger described GIS as “kind of like Google Earth, but better”. The first true GIS system was developed in Canada in 1960 by the Department of Forestry and Rural Development as a tool for monitoring the land use of rural Canada. Since then GIS has been applied to countless tasks including wildlife conservation, urban planning, environmental management, climate monitoring and the sky isn’t even the limit 6
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with GIS tools available for mapping space, planets and the stars. At the Nene Park Trust we are committed to provide a well-managed, clean, safe environment which is accessible and enjoyable for the people of Peterborough and GIS is proving a valuable tool for achieving this. We are now regularly using GIS at the Nene Park Trust to help with park management, planning and maintenance as well as updating a number of the older visitor leaflets (available soon) to provide visitors with clearer and more detailed maps of the park. Having now spent a month at the Nene Park Trust and spending most of that time looking at maps of the area, I can safely say that I can find my way around this beautiful park. I hope that as we further develop the GIS capabilities of the Trust we will be able to help you get your bearings too. Rob Posey GIS Technician
www.neneparktrust.org.uk
Autumn/Winter 2012
events
Guided Walks, Trails, Children’s Events... and much, much more
www.neneparktrust.org.uk
Events Information
Sunday 21 October
Wednesday 31 October
For bookings and enquiries: Tel: 01733 234193 Email: visitor.services@neneparktrust.org.uk
Craft Demonstration
Go Batty
10am-4pm
10am-12.30pm
See a variety of local craftsmen and women demonstrating their skills. The unique crafts are available to buy. Easy access: Yes Venue: Discovery Den Booking required: No (drop-in)
Make a flapping bat or a bat mask with Ranger Peter Gentleman. Suitable for: 3yrs+ Easy Access: Yes Meeting point: Discovery Den Booking required: No (drop-in)
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.
October Thursday 4 October
Bulb Planting 10am-12noon Join Ranger Peter Gentleman planting bulbs in Ferry Meadows to add a splash of spring colour. Suitable for: 12yrs+ Easy Access: Please call for details Booking required: Yes
Friday 26 October
Guided Walk with a Ranger 1pm-4.30pm Join Ranger Ian Lowe for a walk around Ferry Meadows and surrounding areas, pointing out things of interest and answering questions. Suitable for: All ages Easy Access: Please call for details Booking required: Yes
Friday 26 October
Beginners Photography 1.45pm-3.45pm
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
Monday 29 October
Besom Bodging
Leaf Tiles 10am-2pm
A bird watching walk in Ferry Meadows with Conservation Officer Chris Park. Suitable for: All ages Easy Access: Please call for details Booking required: Yes
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11am-3pm Demonstrations, crafts and hands-on activities for all ages based on the theme of wood, woodlands and wildlife. Check the website for more details in the run up to the event. Free admission but there may be a charge for some activities. Suitable for: All ages Easy Access: Yes Meeting point: Ferry Meadows Booking required: No
Autumn Trail
Tuesday 30 October
10am-12noon
Woodlands Day
Saturday 27 October to Sunday 4 November
Make a broomstick in time for Halloween. Fancy dress as a wizard or witch optional! Suitable for: 8yrs+ Easy Access: Yes Booking required: Yes
Autumn Migration
Thursday 1 November
Join Ranger Ashley Wheal for a beginners course and learn some top tips. The event is inside and you do not have to bring a camera. Suitable for: 12yrs+ Easy Access: Yes Booking required: Yes
10am-11am or 11am-12noon
Wednesday 17 October
November
Make a decorative leaf print tile with Event Leader Anna Thompson. Suitable for: All ages Easy Access: Yes Meeting point: Discovery Den Booking required: No (drop-in)
Saturday 10 November
Making Bird Cakes 10am-2pm Make the birds some seedy cakes to take home and hang in your garden with Event Leader Anna Thompson. Suitable for: 5yrs+ Easy Access: Yes Meeting point: Discovery Den Booking required: No (drop-in)
December Monday 3 December
Guided Walk with a Ranger 1pm-3.30pm Join Ranger Ian Lowe for a walk around Ferry Meadows, pointing out things of interest and answering questions. Suitable for: All ages Easy Access: Yes Booking required: Yes
www.neneparktrust.org.uk Wednesday 5 December
Thursday 23 January
Discovering Trees
Beginners Bird Watch
1.30pm-3.45pm
10am-12noon
Join Ranger Ashley Wheal for an illustrated 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
Learn to identify birds and how to take part in the RSPB Big Garden Bird Watch the following weekend with Conservation Officer Chris Park. Suitable for: All ages Easy Access: Please call for details Booking required: Yes
Friday 7 December
Winter 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
January
Wednesday 13 March
February Guided Walk with a Ranger 1.15pm-3.15pm Join Ranger Ian Lowe for a walk around Ferry Meadows, pointing out things of interest and answering questions. Suitable for: All ages Easy Access: Yes Booking required: Yes
Saturday 9 to Sunday 17 February 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
Tuesday 12 February
Birds of Prey Talk 10am-11am or 11.30pm-12.30pm
Owls and their Bowels 12noon-1.30pm Become a diet detective and discover the tiny mammal bones hidden inside owl pellets with Event Leader Claire Stevenson. Suitable for: 8yrs+ Easy Access: Yes Booking required: Yes
Teddy Bears Picnic 11am-1pm
Tuesday 5 February
Winter Crafts
Tuesday 8 January
Join Ranger Dave Linscott on a gentle 8-10 mile cycle around Nene Park. Suitable for: 16yrs+ Easy access: Please call for details Booking required: Yes
Learn about Bluebell and Lynch Woods on a guided walk with Ranger Gary Mason. Suitable for: 10yrs+ Easy access: Please call for details Booking required: Yes
Half-term trail
Children and adults are welcome to come and join in some seasonal and wild crafts with Event Leaders Anna Thompson and Claire Stevenson. Suitable for: 5yrs+ Easy Access: Yes Meeting point: Discovery Den Booking required: No (drop-in)
10am-12noon
10am-12noon
Friday 4 January 10am-12noon
Guided Cycle Ride
Walk in the Woods
10am-3pm
Saturday 22 December to Tuesday 8 January
Wednesday 6 March
Saturday 9 March
Hedge Laying Demonstration Come and see Ranger Dave Linscott demonstrate this country craft and discover its benefits. Suitable for: All ages Easy Access: Please call for details Meeting point: To be arranged Booking required: No (drop-in)
March
Join John and Charlotte from CJ's Birds of Prey for a talk and an opportunity to meet some birds close up. Suitable for: 8yrs+ Easy access: Yes Booking required: Yes
Wednesday 13 February
Nesting Materials 10am-2pm
Enjoy a picnic with Barney the Bear and Ranger Rachel Storey at Ferry Meadows. Suitable for: 3yrs+ Easy access: Please call for details Booking required: Yes
Friday 15 March
Bird Box Making 10am-12.30pm Construct a bird box to take home with Ranger Dave Linscott. Suitable for: 12yrs+ Easy access: Yes Booking required: Yes
Wednesday 27 March
Spring Migration 10am-12noon A bird watching walk in Ferry Meadows with Conservation Officer Chris Park and Peterborough Bird Club. Suitable for: All ages Easy Access: Please call for details Booking required: Yes
Thursday 28 March to Monday 15 April
Easter 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
Make a nesting material bar to take home and hang up for the birds in your garden. Suitable for: 5yrs+ Easy Access: Yes Meeting point: Discovery Den Booking required: No (drop-in)
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www.neneparktrust.org.uk
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 September
Evening Walk 6.15pm Sunday 28 October
Mouldy Mushrooms 10am-12noon Sunday 25 November
Wellies on, spades ready! 10am-12noon Sunday 9 December
A Crafty Christmas
Volunteer Sessions
O
ur popular volunteer sessions will be running throughout the autumn and winter months. The colder months are a busy time in the Park as many tasks such as tree planting, bulb planting and hedge maintenance are best done at this time of year.
The sessions usually run on the first Wednesday in the month so if you fancy coming along or would just like to know a little bit more you can contact us on 01733 234193 or at visitor.services@neneparktrust.org.uk. There is also information on our website in the “Get Involved” section and by reading the article on page 15 you can find out all that the volunteer groups have achieved over the last year.
10am-12noon Sunday 24 February
Bush Craft Challenge
Keeping up to Date
10am-12noon Sunday 31 March
Eggs 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
In July the nature section on the website was updated. New features included an interactive map, so that visitors can find out what to see and where to go, and an aptly named “Nature News” section so that you can keep up to date with all the nature related news in the Park. The website will also be made fully compatible with smart phones and tablets so that you check out our website when you are on the move and when you are in the Park. And don’t forget that our Facebook page and Twitter feed are also both ways to find out about news and events in the Park, just click through from our website. However, if all this technology is a bit too much for you our Visitor Centre is a great place to find out about events and there are plenty of posters up around the Park letting you know what’s on. David Radley Visitor Services Officer
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New Faces at the Trust Teresa Wood Visitor Services Manager Having started at Nene Park Trust in July I am enjoying the variety of my work here as Visitor Services Manager whilst I cover the position for 12 months maternity leave. Not only do I manage the Visitor Centre, the management and development of visitor facilities and the education and events programmes, I’m also leading on some exciting projects that you will see happening around the Park. You will by now have noticed a number of new benches and picnic tables that have appeared and further park furniture will be installed in the winter. A signage review was undertaken and, as a result, new improved signage will be installed in the autumn with further signage and improved mapping to follow over the winter and spring months. We are continually reviewing the visitor offer here at Nene Park Trust and any comments you may have are most welcome. You can contact us on visitor.services@neneparktrust.org.uk or on 01733 234193. Alternatively you can fill in a comments card in the Visitor Centre.
Claire Stevenson Education and Events Assistant I started working for the Nene Park Trust in April this year. My role was created to increase our capacity to deliver education sessions aimed at schools and youth groups in response to the huge success of the service in its first year. I will also contribute to our diverse programme of visitor events and guided sessions. At university I studied Environmental Archaeology with a goal to work in heritage interpretation, so I’m particularly interested in how culture and nature interact and looking at landscapes in terms of their human past. I’m very excited to have joined such a supportive team who value each individual’s enthusiasm and expertise. My goals are to motivate young visitors to develop their curiosity about their natural heritage into lifelong interest and uphold the Trust’s reputation for delivering great visitor experiences.
T
he Visitor Centre is here to welcome you to Ferry Meadows and ensure that your visit is as safe and enjoyable as possible. Since June 2012, as the newly appointed Visitor Centre Officer I’ve undertaken the task of moving forward an already improved service to the next stage. Following an extensive refurbishment and improvement over the past four years, the Ferry Meadows Visitor Centre now provides a large information and retail space in the Park. We provide many services including information and bookings for events in the Park, season ticket sales, battricar hire, first aid and we will do our best to answer any other enquiries about the Park and surrounding areas. We’ve also extended our range of gifts and hope that you will visit us to have a browse and to find that more unusual gift. A review of opening hours is currently being undertaken and will be implemented on a trial basis as from next January. We will also be looking to improve the exterior of the building making it more inviting and easily accessible for all. The team at the Visitor Centre look forward to welcoming you to Ferry Meadows and we hope that you will all make the Visitor Centre your first point of call for an enjoyable day out. Karen Butler Visitor Centre Officer
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Green Wheels
P
eterborough is an ideal city for cycling, thanks to predominantly flat topography, a dry climate and an extensive network of around 250km of cycle routes, which provide quick, safe and easy routes for people to get around. With approximately 60 per cent of Peterborough’s population living within a leisurely 25 minute cycle ride of their place of work, school or city centre there is great potential for people to dust off their saddles and start pedalling themselves to a healthier, cheaper and more environmentally friendly lifestyle.
takes you through the historic fens and scenic countryside that surrounds Peterborough on either off-road routes or quiet country roads. There are many places of interest along the way, such as the Ferry Meadows Country Park, Flag Fen and Crown Lakes, as well as beautiful villages such Etton, Peakirk and Farcet. For more information on cycling, including a downloadable version of our cycle map and all leisure guides please visit www.travelchoice.org.uk Matthew Barber Sustainable Travel Officer Travelchoice
Peterborough is also fortunate enough to have the nationally renowned Green Wheel on its doorstep; a 45 mile long cycle route circling the city, which
The Nene Park Loop
T
his 7 mile (11.3km) route starts in the city centre and follows the Nene Valley Railway, passing by Woodston Ponds Nature Reserve before entering Nene Park and continuing through Orton Mere and on into Ferry Meadows. The return route takes you back through Orton Mere, before reaching the Sculpture Park at Thorpe Meadows and back to the city centre along a riverside path. The route is completely off-road and therefore suitable for families and inexperienced cyclists. Cycling continuously at an average speed (8mph/13kmph) most cyclists will take approximately one hour to complete the route.
Points of Interest Woodston Ponds Nature Reserve: A series of ponds close to Nene Park that act as home for a wide range of wildlife. Orton Mere and Ferry Meadows Nene Valley Railway Stations: The railway runs from Peterborough to Yarwell and has been used as film set for films such as James Bond’s “Golden Eye”. Ham Mere in Ferry Meadows: Ham Mere is a beautiful area with two bird hides so you can take a break and watch the wildlife. Sculpture Park at Thorpe Meadows: Work from a wide range of artists can be found here for more information see www.peterboroughsculpture.org
Gravel Pits to Park
N
ene Park came into being through some inspired forward thinking, allow me to explain.
During the late sixties and early seventies a huge amount of gravel was extracted from Ferry Meadows to make the concrete which was used in the expansion of Peterborough.
Olympic Connection
B
ack in the 1980s, Gunwade, one of the newly formed lakes, was earmarked for a water sports centre, to provide sailing, canoeing and windsurfing opportunities for the people of Peterborough and beyond. Who would have thought that the lake would play a part in the development of a future Olympic medal winner!
In some cases old gravel pits have remained abandoned areas for many years, but not these ones. It was agreed, before any work had started, that the after-use of the site would be a country park and the gravel pits would form the lakes at its heart. Looking at them today it is hard to believe that Gunwade, Overton and Lynch Lakes were still gravel pits under forty years ago. Believe it or not the photos below show the same area of Ferry Meadows around the Visitor Centre. Ashley Wheal Park Ranger
Nick Dempsey, who won an Olympic silver medal in windsurfing at London 2012, grew up near Ferry Meadows and started windsurfing on Gunwade as a young boy. As you can see in the photo he had superb natural ability right from the start. I joined the Trust in 1989, a year after it was first formed, and was soon labelled as the unofficial Park Photographer. This was because I could take some decent photos which the Trust could use for publicity. Therefore I was always on the lookout for photos of people enjoying themselves.
1970s during gravel extraction
Nick caught my eye as he surfed on Gunwade, and I got some nice shots of him racing across the water. Of course, I never knew then that this boy was going to be a celebrated Olympian. Now with a silver medal to add to the bronze he won in the Athens Olympics we at the Trust would like to congratulate Nick once again. I would love to see Nick surf again on Gunwade Lake and if he does then I’ll be there to see him, camera at the ready. Ashley Wheal Park Ranger 14
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August 2012
Volunteers: one year on
B
enthusiasm and the groups raced through the task at hand.
In Ferry Meadows we coppice the willow to encourage new growth which benefits wildlife and produces a stock of willow for a variety of uses. The volunteers played a vital role in making sure the willow was harvested on time.
More woodchip was needed the following month. The path leading to the boardwalk in Bluebell Wood was weeded and wood chipped and the group received plenty of praise from the first park visitors to use the path.
ack in October last year we held the first of our regular volunteer sessions at Ferry Meadows. Ten volunteers braved the windy conditions that day to plant five hundred daffodil bulbs by the miniature railway line. The benefits were there for all park visitors to see when the flowers bloomed in April. Read on to find out what the volunteers have been up to since then.
Next time you’re in Ferry Meadows take a walk through Lynch Wood by Lynch Farm and look out for the saplings which were planted by the volunteers back in January. In July the groups were back to clear undergrowth from around the same trees. In February and March the dogwood in the beds by the main car park and at the end of the miniature railway line was cut to encourage new growth. A great spring task was preparing and seeding a new wildflower area in Poppy Meadow by Lynch Bridge. The area had previously been cut and rotavated by the Ranger team but it was up to the volunteers to rake off the grass and sow the wildflower seeds. The result was a real splash of colour for the summer months. May saw the groups mulching around tree bases with woodchip sourced from Ferry Meadows. Rakes, shovels and wheelbarrows were wielded with great
August’s task involved removing ragwort from the hay meadows as it can be harmful to cattle if it finds its way into the winter feed. Again the groups did a great job and another task was ticked off the “to do list”. However it’s not all work work work as the sessions are also a perfect opportunity for a good natter and the odd cup of tea of course. David Radley Visitor Services Officer AUTUMN WINTER 12 | ISSUE 10
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Play Golf!
Two Great Courses- Two Great Choices
ORTON MEADOWS Golf Course
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
• 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
• Club and Trolley Hire
Inspiration Inspiration for for your your garden garden fantastic range range of plants A fantastic expert advice advice from from our and expert team. friendly plant team. furniture and barbecues Plus furniture for for stylish stylish outdoor outdoor living. V isit us a att Oundle R Road, oad, Ort Orton Waterville, Wa Visit on Waterville, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire P eterborough, Cambridgeshir e PE2 5UU 01733 1733 234600 Tel: Tel: 0
w www.notcutts.co.uk ww.notcutts.co.uk
• 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 • 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 AUTUMN/WINTE R 2012 | ISSUE 10
INCLUDES
Pages 7-10
www.nenep arktru
st.org.uk
Telephone:
01733 234193 Email:
visitor.services@neneparktrust.org.uk www.neneparktrust.org.uk
The Green Cafe at Ferry Meadows Come and join us for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or just relax with a warming coffee or an iced cold drink Open daily from 9.30am Family Friendly • Dog Friendly
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 Autumn/Winter timetable.
Tel: 01933 398889 www.ferrymeadowsrailway.co.uk