Parklife The magazine of Nene Park Trust, Peterborough SPRING/SUMMER 2011
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ISSUE 7
INCLUD ES
Events Listing s Pages 7 -10
www.neneparktrust.org.uk
Chief Executive’s View Those of you that braved the cold weather over the past few months and visited Ferry Meadows will have been rewarded with some striking wintry scenes.
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contents
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Chief Executives View High Flyers Season Tickets 4 The Green Café 5 A Poshboatz Proposal 6 Walk With a Ranger 7-10 Spring/Summer Events 11 A Tale of Two Rivers 12-13 2020 Vision 14 Nature’s Classroom 15 Friend or Foe? Online: new and improved
You may also have noticed a great deal of activity, including refurbishment of the Park Cafe and Visitor Centre, the creation of a new Education Centre, and numerous improvements to landscaping in this area. These exciting projects to improve what we provide at Ferry Meadows are just part of our 10 year vision and plan for Nene Park as set out in our 2020 strategy. You can read more about our progress with this on pages 12 and 13. Aside from improvements in the Park, we were also pleased to launch our new web site earlier this year. Here, you can find out lots more about Nene Park, the Trust, our expanding and diverse events programme, and keep updated about future projects. Behind the scenes, we’ve been focusing on a new Management Plan for Ferry Meadows to set out how we will manage, conserve and improve the Park over the next five years in line with our 2020 vision. Look out for updates on this through our web site and during your visits to the Park over the summer - we’re always keen to hear your views. 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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High Flyers
T
his year’s Kite Festival, organised by the Great Ouse Kite Flyers, has all the right ingredients for a great day out.
In the main arena on Coney Meadow there will be flying demonstrations including four line kites, power kites, multiple stacked kites, trick kites, Indian fighting kites, inflatables, synchronised flying, altitude sprinting and parachuting teddy bears. The full programme for the day is available on our website www.gofk.co.uk. As well as the main arena for the show there will also be plenty of space for casual kite flyers and a kite making workshop for children. There will be opportunities for you to try your hand at kite flying or to improve your current skills and approved kite traders will be on site offering advice if you want to find out more or purchase a kite. So make sure you put 12 June in your diary and we look forward to seeing you there, with or without your kite. The fun starts at 10am and the day comes to a close at 4.30pm. If you are interested in getting involved in kite flying the Great Ouse Kite Flyers meet regularly at Ferry Meadows for casual fly-ins. We welcome anyone who wants to know more or try their hand at flying. Why not join us, get some fresh air and exercise, make new friends and learn a new skill. There are kites to suit everyone, so come along. To find out more about our casual fly-ins see our website www.gokf.co.uk or call 01778 571729. Peter West Great Ouse Kite Flyers
Car Park Season Tickets
S
eason tickets for 2011 are now available for the same price as last year at ÂŁ22. If you are a regular visitor to the Park at weekends or on bank holidays between April and October it is a great way to make a saving. There are two ways to get your season ticket.
Option 1: Complete a form at the Ferry Meadows Visitor Centre, pay by cash, cheque or card and receive your season ticket immediately.
Option 2: Complete a form and return to us with a cheque made payable to Nene Park Trust. The address to send it to is: Nene Park Trust, Ham Farm House, Ham Lane, Peterborough, PE2 5UU. If you choose Option 2, forms can be downloaded from our website under Ferry Meadows/Downloads or we can send you one by post if you email us at visitor.services@neneparktrust.org.uk Please allow at least 5 working days for your season ticket to arrive if you apply by post. SPRING 11 | ISSUE 7
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isitors to Nene Park can look forward to enjoying a cup of freshly ground coffee or sample fresh, local, seasonal and innovative food when a new cafe opens its doors in the spring. The Green Cafe at Ferry Meadows will officially open its doors at the beginning of April, to cater fo visitors in need of refreshment.
windows will allow a light cool breezy feel with lighter foods to compliment. The café will also have a different feel at different times of the day. In the morning a popular breakfast offer will compliment all the values of “great coffee and cake”. At lunch it will not matter if you are eating a full lunch or just enjoying a sandwich. For the customer looking for quick bite, the adjacent modern kiosk will serve them lighter refreshments quickly.
The keen-eyed will have noticed that there has been major building works over the past weeks as the old Ian Summers café gets a major refurbishment to provide a beautiful Graysons Restaurants Ltd modern contemporary eating space with great views over the lake. With a clean open space, lots of natural light and the feeling of being at the very heart of the park, people will be able to enjoy great food and service. It will be very friendly, informal and relaxed and no bookings are necessary. The food and service is designed to celebrate good local food at a sensible price. It is our intention that people leave surprised at how good the experience was. During the winter the café will be warm, inviting and comforting, encouraging the customer to linger a little longer over a warming drink. In the summer months doors and
Present this voucher and get a SLICE OF CAKE FOR HALF PRICE with a hot beverage purchase. (This promotion cannot be used in connection with any other promotion in The Green Cafe. Valid until 17.4.2011)
A Poshboatz Proposal H
iten Dholakia and Deviya Patel first met at secondary school at the age of 15. So when Hiten decided to pop the question to his beautiful girlfriend, he knew he had to do something special. Scouring the internet for ideas, he discovered Poshboatz on a weddings website and was immediately hooked. “I wanted to do something different” he explained, “but special and romantic at the same time. When I found Poshboatz, the first thing that got my attention was the boat itself - it’s very eye-catching. And the surroundings just looked stunning.” A phone call to Captain Bob Currell, was made and a plan was hatched. On a glorious July morning the couple set off on what Deviya thought was simply a daytrip to Ferry Meadows. On arriving, they set off for a walk but could not resist a trip on ‘Bennington’ the splendid looking boat moored at the Poshboatz jetty. As they set off, Deviya thought how fortunate it was that they had it to themselves; Hiten, meanwhile, smuggled a CD to Captain Bob. As they meandered along a beautiful stretch of the River Nene enjoying the moment, Bennington slowed
and glided around a bend to present the picturesque Milton Ferry Bridge in front of them. As Hiten and Deviya admired the view, their special song began to play. Whilst Deviya was caught up in the moment, Hiten got up from his seat, knelt and asked the age old question “Will you marry me?” What could a girl say! “I was totally stunned,” admitted Deviya, “but of course I said Yes”. It was just such a romantic thing and such a wonderful day.” The picnic happened to include a bottle of champagne and some glasses. “Although I never drink on duty I had to propose a toast so I made an exception and just had a sip!” “The whole day was just brilliant,” said Hiten. “Deviya had no idea what was going on, and I would especially like to thank Captain Bob for all his help.” As for me it was the first time in my life that I’ve been able to say “Let me be the first to congratulate you” and I wish the charming young couple every happiness. Bob Currell Poshboatz SPRING 11 | ISSUE 7
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Walk with a Ranger T
he Park Rangers at Nene Park Trust put on events, demonstrations, walks and talks throughout the year for the public to enjoy. As we all have different interests and areas of expertise we are able to provide a wide variety of activities. Personally, I like doing walks and talks and introducing people to parts of the Park which they might not have seen before. The walks are a great opportunity for people to find out why we do things the way we do or why we do them at all. I feel this is very important and people on my walks really enjoy gaining a better understanding of what is happening and why it’s happening within the Park. I really enjoy getting to meet the people on my walks and am always happy to answer questions along the way. This is a good challenge for me because if I don’t know the answer I try to find it out and then I contact the person who asked the question. This means that with every walk my knowledge about the Park grows. I’ve got three routes and I do each one twice a year, one every other month. Two of the routes are what I like to call “off the beaten track”. They are around six
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miles, but are easy walking. The other route is shorter at around three miles and stays on tarmac throughout to aid visitors with pushchairs and mobility scooters or who are unable to walk too far. There are plenty of ways to find out about what’s on at the Park. You can check our website or our Facebook page and look for the posters on the notice boards around Ferry Meadows. Please be aware that due to the popularity of many of our events you will need to pre-book to be sure of a place.
Ian Lowe Park Ranger
We like to think there is something for everybody in the events calendar, however if you have any ideas for events you would like to see please let us know by contacting the Visitor Services team at visitor.services@neneparktrust.org.uk
www.neneparktrust.org.uk
Spring/Summer 2011
events
Kite Making • Walk With a Ranger • Childrens Events • Wildflower Walk Wildlife Explorer Watch Events • • Teddy Bears Picnic • Fire by Friction Beginners Photography • Badger Watch ...and much much more SPRING 11 | ISSUE 7
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www.neneparktrust.org.uk
Events Information
Wednesday 27 April
For bookings and enquiries: Tel: 01733 234193 Email: visitor.services@neneparktrust.org.uk
1.30pm-4pm
Details of events can be found on our website: www.neneparktrust.org.uk Events are free unless otherwise stated.
Ferry Meadows Walk Guided walk taking in points of interest. All ages Suitable for: Easy access: Yes Booking required: No Meeting point: Visitor Centre
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
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 16 must be accompanied by an adult. One adult may accompany a maximum of three children.
April Tuesday 5 April
Teddy Bears Picnic 12pm–2pm Enjoy a picnic with Barney the Bear. Please bring your own lunch and bear. Suitable for: up to 10yrs Easy access: Yes Booking required: Yes
Saturday 9 April until Tuesday 26 April
Easter Trail 11am–3pm Collect a trail sheet from the Visitor Centre and return to claim your prize when you finish. One prize per sheet. Charge: 50p Suitable for: 3-12yrs Easy access: Yes Booking required: No Meeting point: Visitor Centre
Wednesday 20 April
Walk in the Woods 10am–12pm Learn about Bluebell and Lynch Wood on a guided walk with Ranger Gary Mason. Suitable for: 10yrs+ Easy access: No Booking required: Yes Meeting point: Visitor Centre
Thursday 21 April
Pond Dipping Find out what’s lurking in the water. Suitable for: 6-15yrs Easy access: No Booking required: Yes 8
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Thursday 28 April
Beginners Photography 1.45pm-3.45pm Join Ranger Ashley Wheal for a beginners course and learn some top tips. Indoor event. You do not have to bring camera. Suitable for: 12yrs+ Easy access: Yes Booking required: Yes Meeting point: Visitor Centre (John Horrell Room)
May
Green Festival Events Tuesday 31 May
Pond Dipping Find out what’s lurking in the water. Suitable for: 6-15yrs Easy access: No Booking required: Yes
June
Thursday 5 May
Wednesday 1 June
Longthorpe Walk
Kite Making
10am-12.30pm
10am-12pm (drop-in)
A circular walk passing through Ferry Meadows, Thorpe Wood, Longthorpe village and Thorpe Meadows. Suitable for: 12yrs+ Easy access: No Booking required: Yes
Learn how to make a kite and then fly it on the meadows. Suitable for: 3yrs+ Easy access: Yes Booking required: No (drop-in event) Meeting point: Visitor Centre
Tuesday 10 May
Friday 3 June
Teddy Bears Picnic
Beetle Buckets
12am-2pm
11am-3pm (drop-in)
Enjoy a picnic with Barney the Bear. Please bring your own lunch and bear. Suitable for: up to 10yrs Easy access: Yes Booking required: Yes
Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 May
Badger Watch 7.15pm-11pm Join Rangers Ashley Wheal and Greg Higby for a talk on badgers, followed by a silent vigil at a badger set to catch glimpse of these shy creatures. Suitable for: 10yrs+ Easy access: No Booking required: Yes
Encourage beetles and bugs to your garden by making a beetle bucket. Suitable for: All ages Easy access: Yes Booking required: No (drop-in event) Meeting point: Visitor Centre
Sunday 5 June
The Bee Wild Big Lunch 10am-4pm
Friday 20 May
A fun day of free family activities and a huge picnic in Ferry Meadows. Come dressed as a bee and follow the honey trail of interactive activities! Suitable for: All ages Easy access: Phone for details Booking required: No Meeting point: Ferry Meadows
Guided Cycle Ride
Wednesday 8 June
10am-11.45am
River to Rail Ramble
Ranger David Linscott will guide you on a gentle 8-10 mile ride in Nene Park with regular stops at points of interest. Suitable for: 14yrs+ Easy access: No Booking required: Yes
Wednesday 25 May
10am-4pm Popular ramble along the River Nene to the NVR station at Wansford to catch a train back to Ferry Meadows. We will stop on route so bring some refreshments if you wish. Charge: £4 payable on the day Suitable for: 10yrs+ Easy access: No Booking required: Yes
www.neneparktrust.org.uk Wednesday 15 June
Friday 22 July
Tuesday 2 August
Garden Q&A Day
Walk With a Ranger
Longthorpe Walk
10.30am-3.30pm (drop-in event)
10am–12noon
10am-12.30pm (approx.)
An opportunity to ask Ranger Peter Gentleman any questions you may have about the gardens. Suitable for: All ages Easy access: Yes Booking required: No (drop-in event) Meeting point: Visitor Centre Garden
Join Ranger Ian Lowe for a walk in and around Ferry Meadows pointing out things of interest and answering questions. Suitable for: All ages Easy access: No Booking required: Yes
A circular walk passing through Ferry Meadows, Thorpe Wood, Longthorpe village and Thorpe Meadows. Suitable for: 12yrs+ Easy access: No Booking required: Yes
Friday 22 July
Friday 12 August
Teddy Bears Picnic
Fire by Friction
12am-2pm
10.30am-12pm
Enjoy a picnic with Barney the Bear. Please bring your own lunch and bear. Suitable for: up to 10yrs Easy access: Yes Booking required: Yes
Park Ranger David Linscott will show how to make a flame using just a wooden bow and a shoelace. Then it’s your turn! Suitable for: 10yrs+ Easy access: No Booking required: Yes
Wednesday 22 June
Lynch Wood to Alwalton 10am-12.30pm A guided walk through Lynch Wood to Alwalton. Suitable for: All ages Easy access: No Booking required: No Meeting point: Visitor Centre
Thursday 30 June
Discovering Trees 1.30pm-3.35pm Join Ranger Ashley Wheal for an illustrated talk, followed by a walk to identify our native trees. Suitable for: 12yrs+ Easy access: Yes Booking required: Yes Meeting point: Visitor Centre
July Friday 1 July
Wildflower Walk 1.30pm-3.30pm Join Ranger Peter Gentleman on a stroll finding out about the wild flowers to be seen in the Park. Suitable for: 12yrs+ Easy access: Yes Booking required: Yes
Wednesday 6 July
Look Back in Time 1.30pm-4.30pm Find out the history of Ferry Meadows through photos and a guided walk. Suitable for: All ages Easy access: Yes Booking required: No Meeting point: Visitor Centre
Friday 15 July
Friday Wander 10am-3pm A guided walk covering up to 10 miles in and around Nene Park. See walk information for more details. Suitable for: 16yrs+ Easy access: No Booking required: Yes
Wednesday 27 July
Garden Q&A Day 10.30am-3.30pm (drop-in event) An opportunity to ask Ranger Peter Gentleman any questions you may have about the garden. Suitable for: All ages Easy access: Yes Booking required: No (drop-in event) Meeting point: Visitor Centre Garden
Friday 12 August
Environmental Sculpture 1.00pm-3.00pm (drop-in) Use natural materials from the Park to create a sculpture. Material is limited so arrive early to avoid disappointment. Suitable for: 6-12yrs Easy access: Yes Booking required: No (drop-in) Meeting point: Visitor Centre
Friday 29 July
Fire by Friction 10.30am-12pm Park Ranger David Linscott will show how to make a flame using just a wooden bow and a shoelace. Then it’s your turn! Suitable for: 10yrs+ Easy access: No Booking required: Yes
August Wild Wednesdays 10am-2pm Drop-in events for children every Wednesday in August. Suitable for: 5yrs+ Easy access: Yes Booking required: No Meeting point: Visitor Centre
Saturday 20 August
Picnic on the Meadows 11am onwards A day of fun and entertainment at Ferry Meadows for all the family. Check the website for more details closer to the event. Suitable for: All ages Easy access: Yes Booking required: No Meeting point: Ferry Meadows
Wednesday 24 August
Walk in the Woods 6pm-8pm
Wednesday 3 August
Learn about Bluebell and Lynch Wood on a guided walk with Ranger Gary Mason. Suitable for: 10yrs+ Easy access: No Booking required: Yes Meeting point: Visitor Centre
Faces in the Woods
Friday 26 August
Wednesday 10 August
Fire by Friction
Mini-beast Mobiles
10.30am-12pm
Wednesday 17 August
Green Man Mask Wednesday 24 August
Butterfly Streamers
Park Ranger David Linscott will show how to make a flame using just a wooden bow and a shoelace. Then it’s your turn! Suitable for: 10yrs+ Easy access: No Booking required: Yes
Wednesday 31 August
Puppets SPRING 11 | ISSUE 7
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www.neneparktrust.org.uk
Also, don’t miss...
September
Saturday 28 May until Sunday 12 June
Friday 2 September
Teddy Bears Adventure
Green Festival
12.30pm-2pm Join Barney the Bear for a woodland adventure and a picnic. Please bring your own food. Suitable for: 5-10yrs Easy access: No Booking required: Yes
Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 September
Badger Watch 6.15pm-9.30pm Join Rangers Ashley Wheal and Greg Higby for a talk on badgers, followed by a silent vigil at a badger set to catch glimpse of these shy creatures. Suitable for: 10yrs+ Easy access: No Booking required: Yes
Sunday 18 September
Snug as a Bug 12noon-3pm (drop-in event) Make a mini bug hotel and get some tips on how to build a 5 Star one for a garden. Suitable for: 5yrs+ Easy access: Yes Booking required: No (drop-in) Meeting point: Visitor Centre
Thursday 22 September
Walk with a Ranger 1.30pm-4.30pm Join Ranger Ian Lowe for a walk in and around Ferry Meadows pointing out things of interest and answering questions. Suitable for: All ages Easy access: No Booking required: Yes
Wednesday 28
Bat Walk 6.15pm-8.15pm Join Rangers and Antony Mould (Cambridgeshire Bat Group) for a short talk followed by an excursion into the Park to find some bats. Suitable for: 7yrs+ Easy access: Yes Booking required: Yes
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Wildlife Explorer/ Watch Events The group encourages an interest in nature via fun activities. There is a charge of 50p for members and £1 for non members, adults go free. Non-members are welcome but will be encouraged to join the group after two sessions. Suitable for: 7-12 years Booking required: Yes Meeting point: Education Centre
Two weeks of events and activities in and around Peterborough. See www.pect.org.uk/greenfestival for a full programme.
Sunday 12 June
Kite Festival 10am-4.30pm Flying demonstrations, kite making workshop, trade stalls. See www.gokf.co.uk for more details. Venue: Ferry Meadows
Sunday 29 May
Damsels and Dragons
Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 June
10am-12pm
RNLI 24hr Sail
Hunt for damselflies and dragonflies
Starts 3pm Saturday
Sunday 26 June
Come along to watch the action or get involved.
Butterflies and Moths 10am-12pm Discover the lives of these beautiful creatures. 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
See www.lakesideleisure.com for details closer to the event or call 01733 234418 Venue: Watersports Centre, Ferry Meadows
Sunday 7 August
BMC/BL Rally British cars on show. See www.bmcblrally.co.uk for more details. Venue: Ferry Meadows
A Tale of Two Rivers
T
he River Nene rises from three sources in Northamptonshire and flows in a generally north east direction for 110 miles (177km) ending up at the Wash on the east coast. It is the tenth longest river in the UK, and is navigable for the last 88 miles (142 km). On its way to the sea, the river meanders for nearly eight miles (13 km) through Nene Park. Like many river names in the UK the Nene may have retained its pre Roman name which possibly comes from a Celtic word meaning 'bright one'. There is however a quirk about the name of the river. When talking to residents of the area you could easily be forgiven for thinking that there are two rivers. The River Nene starts in Northamptonshire as the “Nenn” (rhyming with "hen") downstream of Oundle it becomes the “Neen” (rhyming with mean). It is the rich natural bounty provided by the River Nene that encouraged people to settle in the area. Archaeological evidence shows a fertile and well populated valley with a continuity of human settlement from the late Stone Age. Over time, the river has been many things to many people and has
provided much more than just water. It has been an effective defensive barrier, a rich source of foods and material, a major transport route and a renewable power source. After the last ice age ended, approximately 10,000 years ago, the River Nene began depositing large amounts of sands and gravels in the valley. It was the extraction of these deposits in the 1970’s which formed the lakes we see today at Ferry Meadows. These lakes not only form an integral part of Nene Park’s stunning landscape but also provide a haven for wildlife and the opportunity for us to enjoy a range of recreational opportunities, whether it be windsurfing or just sitting and enjoying the view.
Chris Park Conservation Officer SPRING 11 | ISSUE 7
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2020 Vision n spring 2010, the Trust launched 2020 - its 10 year strategy for Nene Park. One year on, the Trust’s Chief Executive, James McCulloch, highlights the main achievements so far.
I
The Trust’s 10 year vision is that:
‘Nene Park will be an even more exciting, special and welcoming place in Peterborough for visitors and wildlife in a wonderful natural environment’. Through this, we aim to raise the quality of Nene Park and its facilities, and improve participation and engagement by visitors, so that we can provide a park that is amongst the best in the UK for its landscape and environmental management, visitor facilities and education programmes. Our work towards this is already well underway. Since 2020 was launched, we have:
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• increased our events programme and press coverage • carried out a review of play provision at Ferry Meadows, and developed an improvement plan • developed and launched a new web site • installed new visitor counters to more accurately determine Park visitor numbers and patterns of use. • carried out a review of the Ferry Meadows café, secured a new tenant and completed a major refurbishment programme
• refurbished the boardwalk, toilets and lakeside cafe at Ferry Meadows
• introduced a new facility for disabled anglers at Orton Water in conjunction with the Environment Agency and Peterborough Disabled Angling and Sports Club
• developed exciting plans for wildlife and habitat enhancement at Heron, Long and Short Meadows.
• supported the introduction of the Peterborough Adapted Cycle Scheme at Ferry Meadows
• introduced new interactive maps and displays into the Ferry Meadows Visitor Centre
• recruited a new Education Officer and created a new Education Centre in Ferry Meadows.
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Of course, the work doesn’t stop there. Over the next year, we have a wide range of projects planned, including: • developing a new Management Plan for Ferry Meadows
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.
• developing a new Nene Park Woodland Strategy • refurbishing the conservation garden at Ferry Meadows • achieving a Green Flag Award for Ferry Meadows • improving and replacing all signs, information boards and benches throughout Nene Park • developing a new promotional leaflet for the whole of Nene Park • carrying out a study to improve accessibility in Nene Park • introducing volunteer opportunities • looking at options for a new bandstand/shelter at Ferry Meadows. SPRING 11 | ISSUE 7
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Nature’s Classroom
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isitors to Ferry Meadows Country Park will have noticed big changes to the area around the Visitor Centre over the winter months. Not only is the cafe being refurbished, but as part of plans to start offering educational activities at Ferry Meadows, work has been taking place to fit out a brand new, fully equipped, Education Centre. Many teachers already bring their pupils to Ferry Meadows to make use of the wealth of educational opportunities offered by the range of habitats found here. From Easter 2011 we will be able to offer teachers the chance to bring their students to Ferry Meadows to take part in fun learning activities around the Park, using the new Education Centre as a base. While building work was taking place to convert the buildings, I had great fun developing educational activities to make use of the fantastic natural resources of Ferry Meadows. Now I am really looking forward to helping teachers explore the Park for learning outside the classroom. As well as school groups, the new Education Centre will be used by our Park Rangers to deliver some of the events and activities offered throughout the year. So if you are curious to know more about the improvements that have been made, come along to one of our activities and you may well get a chance to see for yourself! See our events guide for details of our spring and summer event programme. Teachers can find information about all the educational activities available at Ferry Meadows by going to the Education pages on the Trust’s website www.neneparktrust.org.uk/education or by contacting us at visitor.services@neneparktrust.org.uk Anna Thompson Education and Events Officer
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Friend or Foe? R
agwort is a controversial plant. Just the mention of ragwort can provoke a variety of responses. Whilst ragwort can be harmful to grazing cattle and horses, if eaten in large quantities, it is also a popular food source for many moths, butterflies, beetles and flies. The patches of ragwort in the Park are controlled to maintain a safe distance from grazing animals. It is also removed from any areas which are cut to provide winter feed. Our preferred method of control is hand pulling and we always make sure we wear gloves. This is because ragwort can cause an allergic reaction if it comes into contact with the skin. Ragwort is biennial so it takes two years to complete its lifecycle. In the second year the stems, which carry a yellow daisy like flower head from June to October,
can grow up to a metre tall. If you look closely you can often see orange and black striped cinnabar moth caterpillars feeding on it. Indeed in some areas these have been introduced as a natural way to control ragwort. As with many things it is a question of balance. Although it is important to limit the risk to livestock it is also important that we do not eliminate a native plant which plays a vital role in providing for our wildlife.
Peter Gentleman Park Ranger
Online - new and improved
I
f you haven’t logged onto our website for a while you most probably won’t be aware that the Trust has a completely new site.
The new site includes features such as an interactive map of Nene Park and an image gallery. You can also access Parklife through the website and read it online. We think you will really love these features so make sure you try them out and let us know what you think. As well as including new features and areas on the website we have made it a lot easier to find the
information you want. From the homepage you can click straight through to the area of Nene Park you are interested in; be it Ferry Meadows, Thorpe Meadows, Orton Mere or the Trust’s agricultural estate. The navigation bar along the top of the page allows you to move between the different sections easily. The new website includes plenty of ideas for things to do in Nene Park and will keep you up to date on all the events and latest news. Another exciting development is that you can also keep up to date with news and events by becoming our friend on Facebook and following us on Twitter. So there really are no excuses for missing any of the events and activities we have lined up over the spring and summer.
David Radley Visitor Services Officer SPRING 11 | ISSUE 7
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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 EQUESTRIAN CLUB 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 cafÊ/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
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Ferry Meadows Railway Nene Park, Peterborough
â&#x20AC;˘ A train ride for children of all ages from 1 to 91 ! â&#x20AC;˘ Take a ride across the park from Ham Lane to the Watersport Centre â&#x20AC;˘ See website for Spring/Summer timetable.
Tel: 01933 398889 www.ferrymeadowsrailway.co.uk
Opening Monday 4th April 2011
The Green Cafe at Ferry Meadows
Disabled? Come and enjoy the freedom of sailing
Come and join us for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or just relax with a warming coffee or an iced cold drink
... every Tuesday and Thursday from April to October at the Watersports Centre, Ferry Meadows
Open daily from 9.30am Family Friendly â&#x20AC;˘ Dog Friendly
Tel: 07948 262919
For more information or email: peterborough.sailability@hotmail.co.uk