Parklife The magazine of Nene Park Trust, Peterborough AUTUMN/WINTER 2011
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ISSUE 8
INCLUD ES
Events Listing s Pages 7 -10
www.neneparktrust.org.uk
Chief Executive’s View When I talk to people about the Trust, it often surprises them to realise just how much work is involved in managing and maintaining Nene Park by our staff and trustees.
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contents
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4 5 6 7-10 11 12 13 14 15
Chief Executives View An Awarding Experience New Faces at the Trust Thorpe Wood Drives Forward Ranger’s Diary Skills for the Future Autumn/Winter Events Autumn in the Park Making the Park Greener If you go... Woodlands Day 2011 Royal Seal of Approval Angling on Ferry Meadows
In fact, our work comprises a whole range of tasks, including running the Trust business itself, maintaining and conserving the landscape, working closely with our numerous tenants, and bringing the Park to life through great facilities, events and activities. In this packed edition of Parklife, you can get a real sense of this work through articles from our rangers, tenants and visitor services team. As you will see, we are continuing our investment and improvement programme, expanding and developing our staff team, and looking to encourage more use of the Park through events, volunteering and a great new education programme. Following the installation of visitor counters last year, we now know that Ferry Meadows receives over 1 million visits a year and that Nene Park as a whole receives over 1.5 million visits! This makes us one of the top visitor attractions in the region and one of the most visited country parks in the UK. We are delighted by these figures, and that our work in providing Nene Park is now being experienced and enjoyed by so many people. However, we’re always looking to improve. So, next time you visit, do let us know what you think of Nene Park and the Trust. James McCulloch Chief Executive, Nene Park Trust
We hope you enjoy reading this edition of Parklife. If you require Parklife in a Braille, audio or large text format please contact Nene Park Trust on the details below. If you would like to make any comments or go on our mailing list to receive information about the Park and future editions of Parklife, please write or email to Nene Park Trust at the address below. Telephone: 01733 234193 Address: Nene Park Trust, Ham Farm House, Ham Lane, Peterborough PE2 5UU Email: visitor.services@neneparktrust.org.uk Website: www. neneparktrust.org.uk Parklife is published by Nene Park Trust and produced by Connaught Media Advertising, Marketing and Public Relations – www.connaught-media.co.uk. The paper used for this publication has been produced using wood sourced from sustainably managed forests and is fully recyclable. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of material published in Parklife. Nene Park Trust and the Publishers cannot accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers or contributors and any rights reserved. No part of Parklife may be reproduced, stored in any form of retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any other means, electronic, photographic, mechanical or otherwise without the prior written permission of the Publishers. Copyright Nene Park Trust 2011.
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New Faces at the Trust Clare Freeman Landscape Manager
An Awarding Experience
T
he Duke of Edinburgh Award, or D of E as it is commonly known, is a nationally recognised youth charity with 275,000 participants taking part in the scheme every year in the UK. The volunteering part of the Bronze Award which I was working towards brought me to Nene Park. The D of E award is designed to allow young people to learn new skills and gain valuable life experiences. It is split into four sections: physical, skill, volunteering and an expedition. For my volunteering I decided to help out with various open events at Nene Park, aimed at young children, in order to raise awareness about the environment. I helped out with making bird cakes, leaf pressing and planting sunflowers under the watchful eye of my mentors, Anna Thompson and David Radley, to whom I am very grateful. The unique opportunity to work with and help new people really made a difference to my confidence and people skills. Working with young children was extremely rewarding and was one of the most enjoyable parts of my time at Nene Park. The events that are on throughout the year are really fun and educational and are brilliant for anyone seeking to have a good time and also to learn something along the way. Monica Dahiya Duke of Edinburgh Award Volunteer
I shall be working at Nene Park from September and my role is focused on ensuring that the landscape and wildlife of the Park continues to be conserved and enhanced. I have been really impressed with the friendliness of park visitors, the bird life and the obvious affection that exists for Nene Park. With such a good network of cycle paths I have been inspired to get on my bike and enjoy rides around Ferry Meadows which is proving to be a great way to get to know the area and the visitors to the park. I am looking forward to working with staff, local clubs and businesses and park visitors to making Nene Park an even better place for wildlife and people, ensuring that its character is well cared for and that the views and facilities that are so valued by local people are there to enjoy in the future.
Arthur Smallman Assistant Ranger I actually started with the Trust in 2009 as a Park Assistant just for the summer. I soon found myself carrying out a lot of the maintenance work around the Park and was given an extension to my contract. In June of this year I was offered the post of Assistant Ranger which I was very happy to accept as I love being in the open air and keeping things in good order so visitors can enjoy the Park.
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Thorpe Wood Drives Forward T
he team at Thorpe Wood Golf Course are preparing for an influx of new golfers from 2012 with the addition of a two-tier driving range to go with the established golf course that has been well used by the Peterborough public since 1975. Preliminary works have already begun with the construction of a new 14th hole, to create more space for the range. The driving range works should commence from November ready for opening in March 2012. Local firms have been appointed to carry out the majority of the works, all of whom also play golf so their personal interest ensures that we will deliver a facility we can be proud of.
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exercise, as an average 18 holes usually involves walking three to five miles. Golf is a unique all round sport which can be played by people of all ages, adapted to fit your lifestyle and can be played alone or in groups. This is such an exciting time for us and for golf in Peterborough. Once the project is complete we will be able to offer the full range of golfing facilities to the public with two 18 hole golf courses, a 12 hole pitch and putt and a driving range across two sites all within Nene Park. It means that there truly is something for everyone whether you are a total beginner, an enthusiastic amateur or a budding professional golfer. Our main aim will always be to offer high quality golf facilities accessible to everybody.
The 23 bay driving range will include a state of the art custom fit facility so that the PGA Professionals can help golfers find the correct equipment. There will also be dedicated teaching bays to offer coaching through classes and individual lessons.
For updates on the driving range, you can register your interest for seasonal newsletters by emailing simon@thorpewoodgolfcourse.co.uk
Golf is a stimulating challenge and gets people out in the fresh air in pleasant surroundings. A round of golf is not only enjoyable, it is also excellent
Simon Fitton Director of Golf Nene Valley Golf Services
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Ranger’s Diary
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ho else in their daily jobs would need the skills of a walking guide, event leader, conservationist, labourer, landscape gardener, safety advisor, first aider and diplomat? I and my fellow rangers have to be all of the above and more! The Trust employs ten full-time Rangers who are supported by eight part-time Park Assistants in the summer season. Read on to find out what just one week can have in store for the Ranger team. Tuesday: School Visit Preparation The new Discovery Den opened this year and Education Officer Anna has been fully booked. However, due to the lack of rain, the pond dipping area is temporarily out of action. The Rangers step in to create a new one on Lynch lake and install a gate in a barrier to allow safe access to the lake. Wednesday: Guided Walks Ranger Dave Linscott takes a group of people on a ten mile walk. He shows the group the birdlife, landscape and historical features of Nene Park. Thursday: Tree Work Ranger Ashley Wheal, who does the tree inspections in Nene Park, found that some tree work needed to be done next to Overton Play Area. Ashley had previously marked the tree which needed to come down. So a day was spent cutting and chipping trees to make the area safe.
Friday: Training Day Sarah, who joined us as a Trainee Ranger (see the article on page 6), has been undertaking lots of training to equip her with skills to help her find employment when she leaves the Trust in December. Having completed a chainsaw course, today she is learning how to drive tractors with a trailer, which is not as easy as it sounds. However, I am pleased to say she passed with flying colours. Saturday: Duty Ranger One of the things visitors really appreciate about the Park is the permanent staff presence. Every day a Ranger is specifically assigned to be Duty Ranger. This means that as well as being responsible for opening and closing the Park and carrying out routine safety checks the Duty Ranger is on call to respond to any situation which could arise. This could range from dealing with lost children to carrying out first aid or issuing mobility scooters. As you can see no two days are ever the same - but that's what I love about the job.
Gerald Knott Park Ranger AUTUMN/WINTER 11 | ISSUE 8
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Skills for the Future S
kills for the Future is a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) project offering work-based training in a wide range of skills that are needed to look after buildings, landscapes, habitats, species, museum and archive collections. In late 2010 Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT) was awarded a grant under the programme to provide nine trainees, with a passion for environmental and heritage conservation with the practical skills needed to pursue a career in the sector. Each trainee received a bursary, and was placed within a host organisation for one year. Fortunately, Nene Park Trust was lucky enough to host a “Trainee Ranger� and took on Sarah Jiggins in January 2011. Previously, Sarah had studied Environmental Conservation and Countryside Management, and had done an internship with the RSPB. Since coming to the Park, Sarah has been mentored by experienced Park Ranger Dave Linscott, and has been fully integrated into the Ranger work programme; maintaining the estate, assisting with events and working as the Duty Ranger. She has also undergone proficiency certificates in Chainsaws, Tractors and Tree Inspection. A second year of funding is set for 2012 so Nene Park Trust is looking for applicants with a passion for the environment, educational qualifications in a countryside management related subject and with experience of practical estate management.
Opportunities to apply will be during October 2011 and will be advertised on the PECT job pages at (www.pect.org.uk/environment-jobs). Applications will then be shortlisted and interviewed by Nene Park Trust and PECT. Prior to this, informal enquiries can be made to Head Ranger Tom Wopat on 01733 234193.
Tom Wopat Head Ranger
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www.neneparktrust.org.uk
Autumn/Winter 2011
events
Volunteer Days • Bird Watching Walks • Woodlands Day Childrens Events • Discovering Trees • Wildlife Explorer Watch Events Help the Hedgehogs • Beginners Photography ..and much much more
www.neneparktrust.org.uk
Events Information
Monday 24 October
For bookings and enquiries: Tel: 01733 234193 Email: visitor.services@neneparktrust.org.uk
1:30pm-3:30pm
Event details correct at the time of going to press. Please check our website for up to date information. Events are free 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.
Join Ranger Ashley Wheal for a short talk on why oaks are important for butterflies followed by acorn collecting and potting up. Suitable for: All ages Easy Access: Please phone for details. Meeting point: Discovery Den Booking required: Yes
Wednesday 26 October
Making Bird Feeders 10am-11am & 11am-12noon Join Ranger Tom Wopat and help our feathered friends survive the winter. Suitable for: 6-12yrs Easy Access: Yes Booking required: Yes
November Thursday 3 November
Beginners Photography 1.45pm-3.45pm Join Ranger Ashley Wheal for a beginners’ course and learn some top tips. The event is inside. You do not have to bring a camera. Suitable for: 12yrs+ Easy Access: Yes Visitor Centre Meeting point: Booking required: Yes
Wednesday 9 November
Volunteer Day – Tree Planting 9.45am-12noon See page 10 for details of our volunteer days.
Wednesday 26 October
Wednesday 9 November
10am-12noon
10am-12noon
Autumn Bird Watching Walk End of Year Walk
Volunteer Day – Bulb Planting
Thursday 27 October
A walk with Ranger Gerald Knott looking back at the four seasons in Ferry Meadows (will be replaced by a talk indoors in the case of adverse weather). Suitable for: All ages Easy Access: Yes Meeting point: Visitor Centre Booking required: No
Woodlands Day 11am-3pm
Wednesday 23 November
9.45am-12noon See page 10 for details of our volunteer days.
Chainsaw carving, woodcrafts, demonstrations and 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
October Wednesday 5 October
Friday 7 October
Guided Cycle Ride 10am-11.45am Join Ranger Dave Linscott on a gentle 8-10 mile cycle ride within Nene Park. Suitable for: 14yrs+ Easy access: Please call for details Booking required: Yes
Wednesday 12 October
Walk Around 10am-12.30pm A guided walk with Ranger Gerald Knott around Ferry Meadows, taking in points of interest. Suitable for: All ages Easy access: Yes Meeting point: Visitor Centre Booking required: No
Saturday 22 to 30 October
Halloween Trail 11am-3pm Collect a trail sheet from the Visitor Centre and return to claim your prize when you finish. One prize per sheet. Suitable for: 3-12yrs Easy access: Yes Meeting point: Visitor Centre Booking required: No Charge: 50p 8
Collecting Acorns
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Bring binoculars and join Conservation Officer Chris Park for a morning of bird watching. Suitable for: All ages Easy access: Phone for details Meeting point: Visitor Centre Booking required: Yes
Friday 28 October
Go Batty 10:00am-12:30pm (drop-in) Make a flapping bat or Batman mask with Ranger Peter Gentleman. Suitable for: 3yrs+ Easy Access: Yes Meeting point: Discovery Den Booking required: No (drop-in)
Walk with a Ranger 1.30pm-4pm 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 26 November
Hedge Laying Demonstration 10am-3.30pm (drop-in) Ranger Dave Linscott will demonstrate this traditional craft and explain its benefits for the environment. Suitable for: All ages Easy Access: Please call for details Booking required: No (drop-in)
December
Saturday 29 October
Thursday 1 December
Help the Hedgehogs
Discovering Trees
11am-2.30pm (drop-in)
1.30pm-3.45pm
Find out all about hedgehogs and how you can help them this winter with Event Leaders David Radley and Anna Thompson Suitable for: All ages Easy Access: Yes Meeting point: Discovery Den Booking required: No (drop-in)
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
www.neneparktrust.org.uk Tuesday 6 December
January
Friday 17 February
10am-12noon
January
10am-12.30pm
A guided walk with Ranger Gerald Knott looking at the Park in winter. Suitable for: All ages Easy Access: Yes Meeting point: Visitor Centre Booking required: No
Volunteer Day
Come and construct a bird box to take home in time for the nesting season with Ranger Dave Linscott. Suitable for: 8yrs+ Easy access: Yes Meeting Point: Discovery Den Booking required: Yes
Ferry Meadows in Winter
Wednesday 7 December
Volunteer Day – Willow Harvesting 9.45am-12noon See page 10 for details of our volunteer days.
Friday 9 December
Winter Wander 10am-3pm Stretch your legs with Ranger Dave Linscott on a gentle 10 mile walk in and around Ferry Meadows. Suitable for: 16yrs+ Easy Access: Please phone for details Booking required: Yes
Wednesday 14 December
Tree Dressing 10am-12noon Enjoy a morning creating Christmas decorations from natural materials gathered in the Park with Park Rangers Gary Mason and Rachel Storey. Suitable for: 6yrs+ Easy Access: Please phone for details Booking required: Yes
Saturday 17 December to 3 January
Seasonal Trail 11am-3pm Collect a trail sheet from the Visitor Centre and return to claim your prize when you finish. One prize per sheet. Suitable for: 3-12yrs Easy access: Yes Meeting point: Visitor Centre Booking required: No Charge: 50p
Wednesday 21 December
From Bottle to Bird Feeder 10am-12noon (drop-in) Bring along a clean plastic bottle and turn it into a bird feeder with Ranger Steve Wickens. Suitable for: 3yrs+ Easy Access: Yes Meeting point: Discovery Den Booking required: No (drop-in)
See page 10 for details of our volunteer days.
Wednesday 4 January
Winter Bird Watching Walk
Nest Box Building
10am-12noon
Monday 20 February
Bring your binoculars and join Conservation Officer Chris Park for a morning of bird watching. All ages Suitable for:
1pm-3.45pm
Easy access: Phone for details Meeting point: Visitor Centre Booking required: Yes
Sunday 22 January
Bird Cakes 11am-2.30pm (drop-in) Make the birds some seedy cakes and learn how to take part in the RSPB’s Big Garden Bird Watch the following weekend with Event Leaders David Radley and Anna Thompson. Suitable for: All ages Easy access: Yes Meeting point: Discovery Den Booking required: No (drop-in)
February February
Volunteer Day See page 10 for details of our volunteer days.
Guided Walk with a Ranger Join Ranger Ian Lowe for a guided walk around Ferry Meadows, giving you a chance to see things of interest along the way and to ask questions about the Park. Suitable for: All ages Easy access: Yes Booking required: Yes
March March
Volunteer Day See page 10 for details of our volunteer days.
Friday 16 March
Friday Wander 10am-3.15pm A walk of approximately 10 miles in and around Nene Park with Ranger Dave Linscott. Suitable for: 16yrs+ Easy access: No Booking required: Yes
Saturday 11- Sunday 19 February
Saturday 17 March
Half-term Trail
Walk in the Woods
11am-3pm
10am-12.15pm
Collect a trail sheet from the Visitor Centre and return to claim your prize when you finish. One prize per sheet. Suitable for: 3-12yrs Easy access: Yes Booking required: No Meeting point: Visitor Centre Charge: 50p
Join Park Ranger Gary Mason for a guided walk through Bluebell Wood and Lynch Plantation. Suitable for: All ages Easy access: Yes Meeting point: Visitor Centre Booking required: Yes
Wednesday 15 February
Kite Making 10am-12noon (drop-in) Learn how to make a kite then fly it on the meadows with Ranger Rachel Storey. Suitable for: 3yrs+ Easy access: Yes Meeting point: Discovery Den Booking required: No (drop-in)
Wednesday 28 March
Spring Bird Watching Walk 10am-12noon Bring your binoculars and join our Conservation Officer Chris Park for a morning of bird watching. Suitable for: All ages Easy access: Phone for details Meeting point: Visitor Centre Booking required: Yes
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www.neneparktrust.org.uk
Sunday 30 October
Also, don’t miss...
A Natural Halloween
Every Monday*
10am-12noon
Walking for Health 10am-4.30pm
Sunday 27 November
Wildlife Explorer/ Watch Events
Amazing Trees 10am-12noon
The group encourages an interest in nature via fun activities.
Sunday 11 December
There is a charge of 50p for members and £1 for non members, adults go free.
10am-12noon
Non-members are welcome but will be encouraged to join the group after two sessions. Suitable for: 7-12years Booking required: Yes Meeting point: Discovery Den
Christmas for the Birds
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
Everybody welcome. It’s a good way to build up activity levels improve your feel good factor and chat to people as you walk. It’s free but please bring along money for a tea or coffee to stop off in the cafe after the walk. For more details phone council-trained volunteer walk leader, Helen Mould on 01733 349024 or email helen.mould@btinternet.com *Except bank holidays and exceptionally poor weather conditions.
Sunday 4 December
Santa Run Starts 11am
Volunteer Days
D
o you enjoy being outside in the fresh air? Are you keen to get some exercise but not a big fan of the gym? Do you enjoy being close to nature? Do you want to learn new skills and pick up new knowledge? Do you like getting to know new people?
Help to fundraise for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) by taking part in their Santa Fun Run. Run, jog or walk the 3km course. Route also suitable for buggies and wheelchairs. For more information see www.each.org.uk or call 01223 205180
If you answered yes to some or all of the questions above then maybe our volunteer days are just what you are looking for. The days will be lead by experienced Nene Park Rangers who will teach you all you need to know. If you think this could be for you, give us a call on 01733 234193 or send an email to visitor.services@neneparktrust.org.uk and we can book you a place or answer any questions you may have. Wednesday 5 October
Bulb Planting 9.45am-12.00noon Help the Rangers make Ferry Meadows a more colourful place to be in Spring.
Wednesday 9 November
Tree Planting 9.45am-12noon
There will be more volunteer days next year so keep an eye on the website for details. Please note you must be at least 18 years old to take part in these events.
Spades at the ready! Autumn is a great time for some tree planting.
Wednesday 7 December
Willow Harvesting 9.45am-12noon Help the Rangers cut, sort and bundle the Nene Park willow.
Exercise...Learn new skills...Fresh air...Nature...Meet people 10
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Autumn in the Park S
pring is a special time as buds burst open and new leaves unfurl. Like many I am excited by the promise of warmer weather and I marvel at the wonder of our trees clothing themselves in a beautiful fresh green dress, which for me eclipses any cat-walk model's finery. But even this spring display can be surpassed by the trees' final spectacular show in the autumn. Once again the trees captivate us. This time with a riot of colour before their final disrobing as the Park’s trees change out of their familiar green attire. Most of the Park's trees are deciduous, meaning that as the daylight hours shorten and the weather turns colder, they prepare for winter by losing their leaves. This is because their leaves are more delicate than evergreen trees, whose tough leaves can withstand our freezing winters. But how do trees change colour? Well, it’s all to do with the chemicals in the leaf. The three in question are chlorophyll, carotenoids and anthocyanins. Chlorophyll is green in colour and dominates the other chemical pigments; that is why leaves are green. However, in the autumn the chlorophyll content
decreases day by day, and this gradual process allows the other chemical pigments to shine through. The carotenoids are responsible for the yellow and orange colours, and are present in the leaf throughout the year and the anthocyanins are responsible for the reds and purples that are mainly found in leaves at the end of the summer. People have always been enchanted by this spectacle, and in North America it is big business as folk flock to see the amazing colours of the 'fall'. It is known over there as “leaf peeping”. Don’t worry though if you can’t get to North America, just a look on a search engine can lead you to live webcams showing the autumn fall moving north through the states. But to whet your appetite, just get down to Ferry Meadows or Thorpe Meadows for some leaf peeping closer to home... like I did last autumn, as you can see by my photos. Ashley Wheal Park Ranger
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Making the Park Greener
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arlier this year Nene Park Trust was presented with the Green Tourism Award at the annual Evening Telegraph Green awards. But far from sitting back and basking in the glory, the Trust is pushing on with more initiatives to make not only the Park but also the organisation as a whole more environmentally friendly. Here are some of the changes that will be visible to regular visitors: To try and make recycling more efficient in the Park, a trial sample of litter bins have been adapted by reducing the opening on the front of the recycling section. The aim is to make it more obvious that this side is not for general waste. The signs on the front of the bins explaining what can be recycled will also be further simplified. The street lighting columns in the vicinity of the Visitor Centre had to be replaced due to their age and condition. The Trust used this opportunity to purchase lamps using the latest LED technology which has reduced energy consumption. The units are also specifically designed to minimise light pollution.
There have also been some measures introduced behind the scenes: Following a successful trial some light switches in the Trust’s offices have been replaced with motion and sound sensor switches. This means that lights are not left on unnecessarily, thus saving money and resources. A green cone has been installed in the garden of the Trust’s office. This is used to dispose of food waste, (such as fruit peelings, tea bags and plate scrapings), and although Park Rangers leave very little food uneaten it has still helped reduce the amount of rubbish sent to landfill by about 20 litres a week! These measures are just the start of the Trust’s environmental initiative so keep your eyes open when out and about in the Park for others, and if you see examples in other Parks that you feel could work here please do let us know.
Steve Wickens Park Ranger
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F
erry Meadows Country Park holds a number of Teddy Bears’ picnics every year. It’s an afternoon of fun where children get the opportunity to meet and spend the afternoon with Barney the Bear. The afternoon starts with a stroll around the garden looking for any footprints that may have been left by Barney and hopefully find Barney himself at the end. Then it’s time for a bear hunt looking for teddy bears around the Park with a little help from Barney.
If you go down to the woods today...
Bear hunting works up quite an appetite so the children can then tuck into the picnic lunches which they bring along. After lunch and a rest everybody gets the chance to do some colouring in and then it’s time to wave goodbye to Barney until the next Teddy Bears’ Picnic. Everybody knows that bears have to hibernate during the winter so look out for Barney and more Teddy Bears’ picnics next spring in the next edition of Parklife or on our website.
Rachel Storey Park Ranger & friend of Barney
Woodlands Day 2011 oodlands Day is back again this October half-term with a whole host of activities and demonstrations all based around wood, woodlands and wildlife.
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We are still working away on organising the line up for Woodlands Day 2011 but we have no doubt it will be as equally well received as last year’s event with plenty to see and do for all ages.
Last year’s event saw chainsaw carving, birds of prey, ferret roulette, tree climbing by the Rangers and the Trust’s very own Tree Doctor as well as demonstrations and exhibitions from local organisations and craftspeople.
So for those of you who missed the event last year or for those of you who would like to come again, make sure you put Thursday 27 October in your diary. To find out more details on what there will be to see and do you can check the website closer to the date or phone Visitor Services on 01733 234193. There will be no admission charge and no car park fee however there may be a charge to participate in some activities.
David Radley Visitor Services Officer AUTUMN/WINTER 11 | ISSUE 8
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the Duke was presented with a hazel crook made by Ranger Dave Linscott from wood sourced in Nene Park.
Royal Seal of Approval
T
he 21st of June was a very important day in Ferry Meadows as crowds of local school children and members of the public proudly waved Union Jack flags to welcome His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester to the Park. His Royal Highness, who had last visited the Park in 1995, came to Ferry Meadows to officially open the new Discovery Den education centre and as part of his visit was given a tour of the new facility. The Duke stopped to chat to pupils from Gunthorpe Primary School who had been taking part in a River Study day, before unveiling a plaque to declare the Discovery Den education centre officially open. As a special “thank you”
During his visit the Duke also found time to take a tour through the Park, dropping in at the Watersports Centre to meet with volunteers and service users of the Peterborough ‘Sailability’ and Adapted Cycling schemes. In fact, he was enjoying himself so much he decided to leave behind his official vehicle to take a walk back through the Park in the company of Chief Executive James McCulloch before finishing his visit with afternoon tea in the newly refurbished Green Cafe. The Duke seemed impressed with the changes which have been made since his last visit and was interested to discuss plans for the future so who knows, maybe we will be looking forward to another Royal visit sometime soon!
Anna Thompson Education and Events Officer
Orton Waterville, Peterborough Character offices on the Nene Park available on flexible terms. Total 3,418 sq ft (317 sq m) A converted and extended detached farmhouse situated on the edge of Ferry Meadows Country Park with easy access to Peterborough (trains to King’s Cross under one hour) and the A1(M). The site is self-contained with mature landscaping and parking for at least 15 cars. Guide rent £20,500 per annum (approximately £6 per sq ft) Peterborough office t 01733 567231 peterborough@smithsgore.co.uk
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smithsgore.co.uk
Angling on Ferry Meadows
xcavated in the 1970’s to provide sand and gravel for the development of Greater Peterborough, the lakes at Ferry Meadows have a reputation of being one of the Country’s Premier Bream Fisheries. However, in 2006/2007 an invasion of Nuttalls Weed and Zebra Mussels resulted in a dramatic decline in fishing. Since then work to alleviate the problem has resulted in the fishing showing signs of improvement.
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Sheltons of South Street Stanground, Webbs of Newark Avenue Dogsthorpe and the Lakeside Cafe in Ferry Meadows. All these Outlets Charge £4 per day for adults and £2 per day for seniors and juniors. If day tickets are bought from the patrolling bailiffs, the cost of day tickets is £5 and £3 per day, respectively.
The Lakes form a 3 lake complex, with fishing permitted on Gunwade Lake (shared with other Water Sports) and Overton Lake. The angling is controlled by The Peterborough and District Angling Association (P&DAA) who lease most of their waters from the Nene Park Trust.
The majority of anglers either use the pole/waggler or swim feeder method. The lakes contain several species of fish and just a few of the species taken over recent months include bream to 10lbs, carp to 30lbs, zander to 14lbs and pike to 35lbs, plus roach, tench, chub and eels. In fact a good day’s fishing is usually to be had by which ever method is used.
The P&DAA offer yearly handbooks priced at £24 per year for adults, £12 for senior citizens, and £5 for juniors. This allows the holder to fish Overton and Gunwade Lakes (with some pegs available all year round) and the river Nene from Sutton throughout its length to The Dog in a Doublet Sluice at Thorney, some 8 miles of river. Day tickets for non-members are available from local fishing tackle dealers Wades of High Street Fletton,
All anglers must return all fish alive to the waters, observe all rules of the Association and Nene Park Trust and be in receipt of a valid Environment Agency rod licence. Andy Jackson Peterborough and District Angling Association (P&DAA) AUTUMN/WINTER 11 | ISSUE 8
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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
• 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
Visit V isit Not Notcutts cutts for for ffantastic antastic seasonal deals. PLUS PLUS a great great rrange ange of Spring flo wering bulbs. flowering www.notcutts.co.uk www.notcutts.co.uk Oundle R oad, Orton Orton W aterville Road, Waterville
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
Nene glides SegwAY Experience
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
07519 809 383 www.neneglidessegway.co.uk