Parklife summer 2017 by Nene Park

PARKL FE News and updates from Nene Park Trust

Summer 2017

WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ON JUNE to AUGUST

see inside

PARKL PARK L FE

Chief Executive’s

VIEW

www.neneparktrust.org.uk Ham Farm House, Ham Lane, Peterborough PE2 5UU E: visitor.services@neneparktrust.org.uk T: 01733 234193

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DID YOU KNOW ...

Whilst writing, I can hear the sound of rain running down the window pane. Rather than hoping that this isn’t setting a precedence for the upcoming summer months, I’m instead putting my faith in good old British summertime! Our Volunteers did a fantastic job of planting wildﬂowers so Ferry Meadows should be in full bloom over the summer months.

here’s plenty going on in the Park this summer with a jam packed events programme, brand new Information Centre and Gift Shop and of course Nene Outdoors. The team at Lakeside have worked incredibly hard to increase the range of activities and we’re very pleased to be offering everything from sailing and windsurfing, to orienteering and a traverse wall. Make sure you come and have a go this summer. Over the past couple of months, we have welcomed a number of new faces to the Trust (see page 14) and are confident that expanding our team will help to improve our visitor’s experience. The newly appointed Development Team are now able to work with partners and focus on a number of new projects for the Park. These future projects are outlined in our Master Plan, which we’re excited to be able to share with you soon. With support from the local community and other organisations, we will look for funding to be able to turn these ideas into reality. We aim to meet a number of our charitable objectives by providing new experiences, leisure facilities and family activities. We are also working with General Practitioners on developing activities to improve health and wellbeing. Keep an eye out on the Nene Park Trust website for the full document. I thought it was important to give you all an update on the Woodlands club and sports pitches in Castor, as we have had some interest regarding its future. We have taken the site in-house and are working with a number of sports and education organisations to find the best uses for the community. There will be more information to come so watch this space!

Hot news

We have installed some brand new BBQ shelves on selected benches around Ferry Meadows. In our last article, we talked about their production and are very pleased to see that they are now being used and enjoyed by our visitors.

Birthday celebrations

Next year, we will be celebrating Ferry Meadows’ 40th birthday, as well as our 30th birthday here at the Trust. Peterborough will also be commemorating 900 years so it certainly will be a year of celebrations. Keep an eye out later in the year on upcoming events for 2018, both in the Park and wider Peterborough area. It’s set to be a good one!

Have you seen our latest additions to the Park? You can see footage of a badger and her cub, as well as a fox, foraging in Ferry Meadows on Facebook and YouTube, where you can also find other up-to-date information about the Park. 2

That just leaves me to say, we hope you have a fantastic summer and make the most of everything the Park has to offer. I’ll be back again in autumn when the Park transforms itself all over again. Matthew Bradbury

Chief Executive, Nene Park Trust

All for a better park

For those of you who very kindly made a donation towards our vandalism appeal earlier in the year, we wanted to say a huge thank you again and to give you an update. We raised an amazing £8,410.34 for which we are incredibly grateful. We were able to use this money towards labour and material costs to repair what had been destroyed, as well as more Ranger hours to help protect the Park. The Police have been unsuccessful in apprehending anyone linked to the vandalism, but we would like to thank them for their diligence and hard work. We have now closed this appeal, but our JustGiving site is still in use and we appreciate any money donated, which will be put towards future improvements to the Park. You can make a donation by visiting www. justgiving.com/nene-park or visit our website’s fundraising page (www.neneparktrust.org.uk/ get-involvedvacancies/fundraising)

Don’t forget to record any bird sightings in the Park on our website We’ve seen some amazing bird photos on social media posted by our visitors who’ve been out with their cameras. Ferry Meadows has seen a fantastic array of wildlife over spring including Red Rumped Swallow, Swift, Osprey and Sand Martins at the new nesting box. Thanks to Nita Shaw for this great photo of a Goldcrest taken whilst out spotting.

Our record breaking continues

We saw a record number of visitors in the Park over the Easter holidays. The first really hot weekend of April saw Sunday 9th hit highs of approximately 6,750 people in Ferry Meadows alone! This is nearly three times the number of visitors on the same weekend in 2015. We look forward to welcoming existing and new visitors over the summer months.

OUR PARK

ful moment. ptured a truly beauti Mike Wilkinson ca ct location to make special rfe pe the The Park is asured forever. couple’s can be tre memories and this

Dawn Harbour sent us this photo of a family day out at Ferry Meado ws, and football! We hope you complete with dog all had a great time.

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Here are just a handful of photos we have received from social media, as well as events that have taken place here. Don’t forget to tag us so we can see what you get up to when you visit Nene Park.

of Mel Adam captured this beautiful photograph We a Virgin Balloon Flight leaving the meadows. Mel. love the reﬂection in the lake too. Great shot

Jim Tovey brought Helen out to test ride her new rollerskates. She last skated 34 years ago and managed to avoid the lakes, great job!

home in our art owed his family at Bruce Feveyear sh -Residence, Charron Pugsley-Hill. -in installation by Artist feed any visitors to the nest so we to It’s a requirement the café a visit afterwards! hope you paid

Sarah Knight witnessed a very dramatic sky with this lovely swan photo. Thank you for sharing with us.

Paul Robinson saw Milton Ferry Bridg a beautiful moonlit evening over at e. Pa brother-in-law, John ul dedicated this photo to his late Paul Mo staff at Sue Ryder ntgomery, as well as the Thorpe Hall Hosp ice.

paddle this great photo whilst out Brett Jenkinson sent us d this activity before, it’s one to trie en’t hav boarding. If you add to the bucket list.

The Hitchins ma adorn their dog wi de a lovely daisy chain to really suits her an th the same name, Daisy. It d matches the lan dscape too!

FIND US To see more photos like this and to find out what’s going on in the Park ...

/neneparktrust When jumping on the bed IS allow ed! Enjoying the view from Charron’s spring themed Persephone’s Bed.

a teer who came to Our youngest Volun ring Day. She did a tee lun Vo y mil recent Fa ing trees. fantastic job mulch

Damian Davis hasn ’t very long but alrea been doing photography for dy his beautiful pho tos hav certainly made an impression on us. e

@neneparktrust @ferrymeadows @ferrymeadows 3

PARKL FE

Bus y Bees

Have you noticed the new flower pot in the Wildlife Garden? Well, it isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just any ordinary flower pot. It is a specially designed hibernaculum that provides a nesting and feeding habitat for bees, one of which is a group called the solitary bee.

Bees are a vital insect that keep wildďŹ&#x201A;ower meadows healthy and in full bloom every year.

n the United Kingdom, we have 270 different species of bee and out of this number, 250 are classed as solitary bees. Solitary bees differ from their bumble and honey bee cousins as they do not live in colonies. They also do not swarm, produce honey or have a queen. Instead, they are male and female. The female digs a burrow into the ground, which she packs with cells containing an egg and enough pollen for a larva to eat while it grows.

The vast majority of solitary bees are excellent pollinators and are not fussy what types of plant they gather their pollen from. For example, it has been said that one red mason bee can do the job of 120 honey bee workers. For this reason, they are especially good insects to encourage to the new areas of wildflower meadow that Nene Park Trust has been creating and maintaining over the past few years. Bees are a vital insect that keep wildflower meadows healthy and in full bloom every year.

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Journey e back in time Picture sitting in a British open top tramcar in the early 1900s making your way from A to B. Well you can soon turn that dream into reality, as the Ferry Meadows Miniature Railway send their very own lookalike tram off on its first ever journey around the Park.

ver the past two and a half years, Laurence Hall and Dave Coging have been working on a pair of trams to take to the line that runs through Ferry Meadows. With full controls at both ends, they can reverse and do not require the use of the turntable. Laurence has built the majority in house, only sourcing major parts such as a hydraulic gearbox externally. Each tram carries 12 people, so 24 in total. This does not, however, include the top deck which is purely there for effect. For safety reasons, only teddy bears are allowed on the first floor! They feature electric doors for safety and one of the cars has the facility to transport a wheelchair or pushchairs, making it accessible for everyone.

There is a surprise in the paintwork though! Dave and Laurence are keeping it a secret until the unveiling, but we are assured it will be in keeping with the 1910-1920s era that the tramcar is based on. Last year, Dave ran a competition to name the carriages… and the winners were George and Charlotte. The tram will feature two classes and Dave being the perfect gentleman, labelled Charlotte First Class with George as Standard! The Standard carriage will feature hard varnish seats, whilst those in First Class travel in style on plush soft seats.

Here you can see the tram chassis at the beginning of the project.

We hope you’ll keep a look out for the tramcar which will hopefully be making its debut this summer.

e Spring spruce-up You can see the old hurdles in the background, which have been replaced with brand new ones, lovingly handcrafted by our Volunteers.

Staff and Volunteers alike have been turning their skilled hands to a spring clean of the Park.

n early spring, our Nene Park Volunteers were making weaved willow hurdles in preparation for a fence refurbishment in the wildlife garden. Old hurdles have now been replaced with these new and improved ‘home grown’ willow panels. The wildlife garden has also received some much needed TLC. Work included a new low level weaved hazel fence surrounding the new bee hibernaculum, extensive weeding, a light hedge trim and mulching with bark chips.

Thank you to everyone involved in making this Park a beautiful one.

Other areas that have been lavished with such treatment are the ‘Centre Point’ beds near the main car park, where we weeded, pruned, replaced some plants and finished with a layer of weed supressing bark mulch. The flower beds at Lakeside have also benefited from good old fashioned hard work from our Volunteers, who have prepared these areas for the new growing season. 5

PARKL FE Graham Whyte, Nene Park Volunteer Graham has kindly offered to work his way through our archive and has found some very interesting information on the history of Nene Park, which he will be writing about in future Parklife editions.

Hi-de-Hi!

This seasonal invasion of Butlin’s and its rivals was to last for several decades, until superseded in popularity by cheap package holidays to Spain and elsewhere. But Peterborough might well have become the venue for a holiday camp revival.

n post-WW2 Britain, clapboard chalet villages scattered around Britain’s coastlines more or less defined the idea of a seaside holiday to remember – the all-inclusive holiday camp package. Plans that have not seen the light of day for more than 45 years reveal that the former Milton Bowl was suggested as the site for a large holiday camp that would have gladdened the soul of Billy Butlin himself. The proposal was included in a ‘discussion document’ submitted in 1971 to the Peterborough Development Corporation by the consultants charged with evaluating the most effective use – for the public good – of what we now know as Ferry Meadows.

As an alternative to a fullblown holiday camp, it was suggested that a site of 200 holiday-let chalets be erected close to Lynch Farm alongside what became the Nene Valley Railway, which would incorporate a chalet-village station alongside the Lynch Farm footbridge. In addition, an area would be set aside elsewhere in Ferry Meadows for 150 touring or static caravans. With a potentially high level of seasonal occupation, coupled with a large number of casual visitors, it was thought that

facilities should be provided to keep people amused in case a day in a country park was not of itself sufficiently fulfilling. Among the suggestions put forward were an amusement park with fairground rides, a model farm, pitch-and-putt golfing, a pavilion with bars, a sort of time-warp historic village, a miniature railway, and a ‘Wild West’ town in which children (Goodies) could interact with hired casual labour (Baddies) in best cowboy fashion. This mock-up town would also feature shops selling souvenirs and fast food so that parents could indulge themselves whilst young Wayne became a grizzled Wyatt for an hour, and little Annie got her gun. And when the kids got tired of seeing off rustlers, they could gather along the shores of Overton Lake (as it now is) to watch various plays and shows enacted on a number of offshore islands. And one island would host beauty pageants for mums and dads. Well dads, anyway. More passive entertainment would take the shape of a boating lake, a model railway track, and a small zoo or wildlife park comprising deer (£120 a pair, according to the estimate) and special sheep that required no shearing (£55 a pair).

But this is only part of the story ...

If Ferry Meadows were to achieve resort status rather than simply remain a country park, there would have to be a means of attracting a large amount of river traffic via a channel linking Overton Lake with the River Nene. So in the next issue of Parklife, it will be a case of Ship Ahoy! - or boats, at least. 6

trees

Our two year Moments with Trees project has now begun! It’s an exciting time as activities and events are being organised to raise appreciation of our magnificent and magical trees, as well as the many benefits they bring.

e’ll be offering a variety of tree themed activities for all ages. These include tree identification walks and talks, big tree hunts, mass walks that promote easy access to all areas of the Park and activities where children can learn about trees and their stories. There will be permanent tree trails with leaflets and interpretation boards in various locations, the first being a trail that takes visitors through the native tree collection that has been planted and nurtured by Ranger, Ashley Wheal, over the past 30 years. There are also many exciting opportunities to volunteer throughout the project. We’re looking for our first group to

undertake historical research on the natural landscape of the Park’s site. Our archives allow us to bring the chronology of the Park’s trees to life and uncover fascinating facts about how the land has been used over time. Who planted the veteran oaks in Oak Meadow? Some believe the Romans introduced our ‘native’ English elms to the country and with evidence the Romans occupied areas of the Nene Park Trust’s site, could they have planted some of the first elms in the area? Other opportunities include shaping areas of the Park, developing ‘tricks with trees’ trails, planting trees and more. If this is something you are interested in, we’d love to hear from you.

For details on events, activities, volunteering or signing up to the Moments with Trees communications, please contact Project Ofﬁcer, Hannah Keeley, on hannah.keeley@neneparktrust.org.uk

To keep visitors up-to-date with all tree activities and information, a monthly newsletter ‘Tree Times’ will debut in June along with daily tree tweets @moments_w_trees

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YOU CAN BOOK ONLINE

All events can be booked online using our booking system. Unless stated, all events must be booked in advance, some of which have multiple time slots. For all upcoming events and to book your place, please call in at the Visitor Centre or visit

www.neneparktrust.org.uk

August

June

Saturday 24 - Sunday 25 June

Friday 2 June

11am – 5pm Be inspired by a pop up art studio to see original colourful art, focusing on the seasons in the Park from our Artist-inResidence, Charron Pugsley-Hill, as well as other local artists. Activities include felt flower workshops, live painting, sketching and more, as well as products for sale. Activities differ each day so please visit Charron’s Facebook page for further details. Suitable for: All ages Easy access: Yes Meeting point: Discovery Den Cost: Costs vary per activity

Bushcraft Skills 10.30am – 12pm and 1.30pm – 3pm Join us for a fun session developing skills in woodland tools use, making wood craft items to take home i.e. kazoo, tent pegs, mallets etc. The event includes using sharp tools and knives. Suitable for: 10yrs+ Easy access: Yes Meeting point: Lakeside car park Cost: £3 per person Saturday 10 June

Celtic Day

10.30am – 12pm and 1.30pm – 3pm We will go back in time to explore how the Celts lived, by learning about methods and tools used in fire lighting, clothes dyeing and cordage making. Suitable for: 8yrs+ Easy access: Yes Meeting point: Lakeside car park Cost: £3 per person Saturday 24 June Chapterhouse Theatre presents

Pride and Prejudice

6pm. Take a step back in time to meet Elizabeth Bennet, Jane Austen’s most loveable heroine. When Elizabeth meets the rude and abrupt Mr Darcy, she loathes him at first sight. But is there more to him than meets the eye? Brought to life by award winning writer Laura Tuner, this brand new adaptation celebrates the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen’s death and promises to be the most splendid evening of the summer. Suitable for: All ages Easy access: Yes Meeting point: Poppy Meadow Cost: Adult (18yrs+) £15. Child (0-17yrs) £10. Family (2 adults & 2 children) £44.10% discount for parties of 10 or more

Peterborough Artists’ Open Studios

Sunday 25 June

Willow Weaving 9.30am – 4.30pm Learn how to make things from willow by progressing through making a panel, a fish and finish with a willow pheasant to take home and keep for yourself or give as a gift. If you came last year to make the pheasant, there is an opportunity to make a duck. All materials are provided but please bring your own secateurs. Suitable for: 16yrs+ Easy access: Yes Meeting point: Lakeside Cost: £65 per person including lunch Tuesday 27 June

Through the Eyes of an Artist A Walk with a Difference 10am – 12.30pm Join Artist-in-Residence, Charron Pugsley-Hill, on a seasonal walk in the Park. Finish at Lakeside Kitchen & Bar for a drink, cake and a short creative session. This is not about being able to draw but about confidence with colour and your creative side. Suitable for: All ages Easy access: Yes Meeting point: Visitor Centre Cost: £5 per person including refreshments

Tuesday 6 – Thursday 8 June

Water Wheels Challenge

Peterborough Sailability and Vivacity, through a network of volunteers, have allowed people, regardless of their age, mental or physical disability, to enter a world filled with new sensory and physical experiences. Anyone who’s ever taken part in a sporting event will know the thrill of a cheering crowd and the sense of pride and achievement as you cross the finish line to receive your medal. With your support, you can offer that experience to people with disabilities and their families and friends. Each competitor will sail a short course on the lake with their Buddy sailor, then exit the boat and mount one of the adapted cycles, navigating a short course before crossing the finish line and receiving their well-deserved medal. Other activities will be taking place on the site for the competitors, helpers, families and carers to try, including table cricket and archery. On 7 June, a similar race will take place for a number of special schools from the local area. For more information, please visit www.peterboroughsailability.org

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July

Saturday 1 July

Fairies and Elves of Ferry Meadows 10.30am – 12pm and 1.30pm – 3pm Enter the magical world of the fairies and elves of Ferry Meadows. Come along to spot signs that they have been in the Park, make some magical woodland potions and build some amazing homes for them. Suitable for: 3yrs+ Easy access: Yes Meeting point: Discovery Den Cost: Free - suggested donation £2

Saturday 8 July

British Dragonﬂy Society 10am – 3pm The British Dragonfly Society will be visiting the Park with an information stand in the Discovery Den to educate visitors on these beautiful creatures, as well as a guided walk starting at 1pm. Suitable for: All ages Easy access: Yes Meeting point: Discovery Den Cost: Free Sunday 9 July

Family Volunteering 10am – 12pm Make a difference by helping the Rangers out in the Park. Children, couples, grandparents, friends everybody welcome. All tools and training provided, all you need is lots of enthusiasm. Free car parking for all participants. Please ensure you dress for the outdoors including sturdy footwear. Suitable for: 5yrs+ Easy access: Yes Meeting point: Visitor Centre Cost: Free - suggested donation £2

Thurs 20 July – Sun 3 September

Summer Trail

Collect a trail sheet from the Visitor Centre then hunt for clues as you walk around Ferry Meadows. Return to the Visitor Centre to claim your prize. Suitable for: All ages Easy access: Yes Meeting point: Visitor Centre Cost: 50p per sheet Friday 21 July

Guided walk with a Ranger 6pm – 9.15pm Join Ranger, Ian Lowe, for a guided walk around Ferry Meadows and surrounding area, pointing out areas of interest along the 6 mile route. Bring water and suitable footwear. Dogs are welcome under close control. Suitable for: 10yrs+ Easy access: Phone for details Meeting point: Visitor Centre Cost: Free - suggested donation £2

ART WEEK

22-28 July

Saturday 22 July

Artists’ Day

11am – 4pm Ferry Meadows is hosting a number of artists including our own Artistin-Residence, Charron Pugsley-Hill, who will be creating art in their own individual style throughout the Park. This is a great opportunity to meet them and ask lots of questions about what they are doing and why. Suitable for: All ages Easy access: Yes Location: Around the Visitor Centre Cost: Free Sunday 23 July

Persephone’s Bed - Summer 11am – 4pm Artist in Residence, Charron PugsleyHill, will be presenting the last of four seasonally themed beds in the Park. Visitors are welcome to lie in the bed and enjoy the surroundings. Suitable for: All ages Easy access: Yes Meeting point: Details from the Visitor Centre Cost: Free

Monday 24 July

Felted Fish Workshops with Charron Pugsley-Hill Begin at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm Come and have a go at wet felting a beautiful fish with Charron and Artisan Felter, Eve Marshall, to take home with you. Suitable for: 5yrs+ Easy access: Yes Meeting point: Discovery Den Cost: £3 per person Tuesday 25 July

Making a Mural with Charron Pugsley-Hill 11am – 3pm Come and help create a colourful, big, nature inspired, painted wall mural on wooden boards with our Artist-inResidence, Charron Pugsley-Hill. Drop in and take part, no booking required. Suitable for: 5yrs+ Easy access: Yes Meeting point: Next to the Discovery Den Cost: Free Wednesday 26 July

Tree Chandeliers 11am – 3pm Please bring any natural materials collected from where you live or your garden such as sticks, feathers, stones, flowers, etc. to participate in creating a nature themed installation for the Park. Drop in and take part, no booking required. Suitable for: 5yrs+ Easy access: Yes Meeting point: Details from the Visitor Centre Cost: Free Wednesday 26 July

Wild Wednesday 10am – 2pm Children and adults are welcome to come and join in some seasonal and wild crafts. Please drop-in at any time, no booking required. Suitable for: All ages Easy access: Yes Meeting point: Discovery Den Cost: Free - suggested donation £2

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Monday 31 July

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Bushcraft Skills

Thursday 27 July

Painting Workshops with Charron Pugsley-Hill 10.30am – 12.30pm and 1.30pm – 3.30pm These beginner workshops are for those wishing to have a go at expressive creative painting, inspired by nature with our Artist-in-Residence, Charron Pugsley-Hill. Suitable for: 8yrs+ Easy access: Yes Meeting point: Discovery Den Cost: £5 per person including refreshments Friday 28 July

Log Painting with Charron Pugsley-Hill 11am – 3pm A drop-in session where we will be painting large logs for an installation to place in the Park after the workshop. No booking required. Suitable for: 7yrs+ Easy access: Yes Meeting point: Details from the Visitor Centre Cost: Free Friday 28 July

Kid’s Tree Climbing 10am – 3pm Children can come and have a go at tree climbing in a rope and harness. Instructions will be given by our Rangers throughout. Booking required. Suitable for: All ages Easy access: Yes Meeting point: Outside Visitor Centre Cost: £2 per person Friday 28 July

Minibeast Safari 10.30am – 12pm and 1.30pm – 3pm There'll be no lions or tigers on this safari, but you will be surprised at the variety of mini wild animals you find living in Ferry Meadows. Suitable for: 5yrs+ Easy access: Yes Meeting point: Discovery Den Cost: Free - suggested donation £2

10.30am – 12pm and 1.30pm – 3pm Join us for a fun session developing skills in woodland tools use, making wood craft items to take home i.e. kazoo, tent pegs, mallets etc. The event includes using sharp tools and knives. Suitable for: 10yrs+ Easy access: Yes Meeting point: Lakeside car park Cost: £3 per person

August Tuesday 1 August

Moments with Trees: Adopt a Tree 10.30am – 12.30pm and 1.30pm – 3.30pm Children can adopt a tree in the Park. They will receive a certificate of adoption, take a leaf for pressing, create their own tree fact booklet, mark their tree with a special nametag and learn lots of interesting facts about their tree and its neighbours. Early booking recommended – spaces are limited. Please come dressed for the outdoors. Suitable for: 7-11yrs Easy access: Yes Meeting point: Visitor Centre Cost: Free – this event has been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund Wednesday 2 August

Wild Wednesday

10am – 2pm Children and adults are welcome to come and join in some seasonal and wild crafts. This is a drop-in event, no booking required. Suitable for: All ages Easy access: Yes Meeting point: Discovery Den Cost: Free – donations are welcome

Thursday 3 August

Meeting Magical Mammals 10am – 11am Join Ranger Chris Rollason for a short walk discovering the small mammals that live in the Park. We will hopefully get to see Voles, Mice and Shrews as well as talk about their habitat, diet and identifying features. Suitable for: 3yrs+ Easy access: Phone for details Meeting point: Visitor Centre Cost: Free - suggested donation £2 Friday 4 August

Pond Dipping 10.30am – 12pm and 1.30pm – 3pm Come along and discover the animals that live in our lakes and ponds. Suitable for: 5yrs+ Easy access: Yes Meeting point: Discovery Den Cost: Free - suggested donation £2 Saturday 5 August

Campfire Cooking 10.30am – 12pm and 1.30pm – 3pm Have a go at cooking and eating some simple campfire recipes. Suitable for: 7yrs+ Easy access: Yes Meeting point: Lakeside Cost: £3 per person Sunday 6 August

Moments with Trees: Scavenging Sticks and Leaf Pounding 10.30am – 12.30pm & 1.30pm – 3.30pm Come on a woodland walk, find a special scavenging stick and decorate it with nature’s delights, while learning about trees and their produce. Finish off with some leaf pounding, which is great for motor skills and learning about why leaves are green. Dress for the outdoors. Suitable for: 5yrs Easy access: Yes Meeting point: Visitor Centre Cost: Free – this event has been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund

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Monday 7 August

Paper Planes

10.30am – 12pm and 1.30pm – 3pm Test your origami skills to make a selection of paper planes then enter one of the flying competitions. Suitable for: 8yrs+ Easy access: Yes Meeting point: Discovery Den Cost: Free - suggested donation £2

Thursday 10 August

Moments with Trees: TreeTube 10.30am – 12.30pm and 1.30pm – 3.30pm Do you see yourself as the next David Attenborough? Through exciting activities children will learn fascinating facts about the Park’s native trees to present to camera if they wish (and with parental consent). The clips will be used to create Moments with Trees films that will appear on our YouTube channel. Early booking recommended – spaces are limited. Dress for the outdoors and the camera! Suitable for: 7-14yrs Easy access: Yes Meeting point: Visitor Centre Cost: Free – this event has been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund

Wednesday 16 August

Wild Wednesday

10am – 2pm Children and adults are welcome to come and join in some seasonal and wild crafts. This is a drop-in event so no booking required. Suitable for: All ages Easy access: Yes Meeting point: Discovery Den Cost: Free – donations welcome

Friday 11 August

Shelter Building Tuesday 8 August

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt 10.30am – 12pm and 1.30pm – 3pm Bring your own teddy bear and join us on a bear hunt. There will be a craft session, followed by story time and then a walk around Ferry Meadows to find Barney the Bear. Booking required. Suitable for: 3yrs+ Easy access: Phone for details Meeting point: Discovery Den Cost: £4 per person Wednesday 9 August

Wild Wednesday

Bat Walk

8pm – 10pm Join Park Rangers and members of the Cambs Bat Group for an informative presentation on bats. Follow this with a walk in the Park to try and spot the bats that call Ferry Meadows home. Suitable for: 5yrs+ Easy access: Phone for details Meeting point: Discovery Den Cost: £5 per person

10.30am – 12pm and 1.30pm – 3pm Come along to find out how to build your own wild shelter and have a go at creating your own one. Suitable for: 7yrs+ Easy access: Phone for details Meeting point: Discovery Den Cost: £3 per person Friday 11 August

Guided walk with a Ranger 5.15pm – 8.30pm Join Ranger, Ian Lowe, for a guided walk around Ferry Meadows and surrounding area, pointing out areas of interest along the 6 mile route. Bring water and suitable footwear. Dogs are welcome under close control. Suitable for: 10yrs+ Easy access: Phone for details Meeting point: Visitor Centre Cost: Free - suggested donation £2 Monday 14 – Friday 18 August

Nature Kids

9.30am – 3pm Fun nature inspired activities for children in the summer holidays. Learn how to build a shelter, light a fire and use natural materials in woodland crafts. Different activities every day. Children can join for single days or the full week. Suitable for: 7-11yrs Easy access: Phone for details Meeting point: Lakeside Cost: £15 a day

Friday 18 August

Nature Detectives

10.30am – 12pm and 1.30pm – 3pm Find out all about what owls eat. Suitable for: 5yrs+ Easy access: Yes Meeting point: Discovery Den Cost: Free – donations welcome

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WHAT ’S

Thursday 24 August

Kid’s Tree Climbing Sunday 20 August

Moments with Trees: Big Tree Hunt Start time: 10am Mass participation walk followed by campfire coffee (or tea) and elderflower cordial. To promote an interesting, enjoyable and easy-access route to Ferry Meadows from the city centre, the Moment with Trees Project Officer, Hannah Keeley, will be meeting those interested at a city centre location (TBC) at 10am to follow a picturesque route, meeting impressive trees along the way. Once you arrive at the Park, you can receive elderflower cordial made from the flowers of Ferry Meadows’ elder trees and/or campfire coffee (or tea). Dress for the outdoors and comfortable shoes. Suitable for: Any age willing to walk 3.6 miles (and then the return journey) Easy access: Phone for details Meeting point: TBC via social media and MwT newsletter Cost: Free – this event has been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund Monday 21 – Friday 25 August

Nature Kids

10am – 3pm Children can come and have a go at tree climbing in a rope and harness. Instructions will be given by our Rangers throughout. Booking required. Suitable for: All ages Easy access: Yes Meeting point: Outside Visitor Centre Cost: £2 per person Friday 25 August

Happily Ever After 10.30am – 12pm and 1.30pm – 3pm Join us for crafts, activities and stories based around the classic children’s tales of Winnie the Pooh. Maximum 2 children per adult. Suitable for: 3yrs+ Easy access: Yes Meeting point: Discovery Den Cost: £2.50 per child Wednesday 30 August

Wild Wednesday

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June /July

/ August

EVENTS INFORMATION • Event details are correct at the time of going to press. Please check the website for up-to-date information. • If you book onto an event and are unable to come, please let us know. • Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult, up to a maximum of three children per adult. • Most of our events are either free or on a cost recovery basis. If you enjoyed an event and would like to donate towards the £50,000 spent annually on delivering these events, the suggested donation is £2. Thank you. ACCESSIBILITY • We offer a range of services at events such as hearing assistance equipment, accessible maps, mobility scooters and assistance dogs are welcomed. • If you have any special requirements or queries, please get in touch or visit neneparktrust.org.uk/ferry-meadows/ accessibility • Easy access events are either indoor events or on hard surfaced, level terrain which are suitable for wheelchairs and buggies. • Some events involve uneven surfaces and climbing, so please phone for more details.

In addition to our events programme, we also have a range of courses and activities at Nene Outdoors throughout the summer. For the full listings, please visit www.neneparktrust.org.uk

Wednesday 23 August

Wild Wednesday

11 11

PARKL FE Work has begun on the main entrance bed, which will be further planted and should look fantastic later in the year.

Funding success for

Park improvements

The Trust is celebrating the start of an exciting project that will create amenity and access improvements in and around Ferry Meadows

Path improvements will take place to make more areas of the Park completely accessible.

he project, Nene Park: Access Improvement Works, benefits from funds awarded by WREN’s FCC Community Action Fund. Over the next nine months, a number of visual and access enhancements will commence around Ferry Meadows, including path improvements, new gates, seats and statues and tree and shrub planting. Points of interest will be created for people to explore the fringes of the Park, whilst also freshening up the central area near the Visitor Centre. WREN is a not-for-profit business that awards grants for community, conservation and heritage projects, from funds donated by waste and resource management company FCC Environment through the Landfill Communities Fund.

We are also looking forward to seeing these new additions and trust that our visitors will make the most of them too. These photos show some of the areas that will be enhanced, some of which have already begun.

Cheryl Raynor, WREN’s Grant Manager for Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire, says: “We are delighted to be supporting the Access Improvement Works project and pleased that our funding will provide such a fantastic facility for visitors. WREN is always happy to consider grant applications for projects that make a difference to local communities and we’re really looking forward to seeing this one take shape soon.”

Access for all Here at the Trust, we try to do as much as we can to ensure that our visitors enjoy their visit and are able to access everything that the Park has to offer.

Here are a few ‘did you knows?’ about what we can offer to make your stay more accessible, all of which can be found on our website with further details.

 All Park guides are available in standard, braille and large print formats. Please get in touch via the contact details on page two if you require a copy. We can also provide this magazine in large print or audio formats.  Hearing loops can be found in buildings around the Park such as the Visitor Centre, cafés and Nene Outdoors reception. We also offer hearing support at events using a tour guide system. Visit the website for full details.  All buildings, including the wildlife hides, have level or ramped access. Assistance dogs are welcome throughout, so there’s nothing holding you back from tea and cake in the café!  Mobility scooters are free to use! They can be pre-booked at the Visitor Centre and used on surfaced paths around the Park.  We have RNIB maps designed to be read by sight and touch at the Discovery Den and Lakeside.

New picnic benches will be installed at Orton Staunch, adding even more picturesque places to dine in Nene Park. 12

 Most of our staff are Dementia Friends and are happy to assist any visitors and their carers. The Alzheimer’s Society hold a monthly Dementia Café in Ferry Meadows.  There is an opportunity to join our Access Forum and have your say or become a volunteer to get more involved in the development of the Park. Contact us for more information.

PARKL FE

Welcome inSLIDE our shop If you haven’t been to our Information Centre and gift shop recently, then make sure you put this on your list of places to visit when you next come to Ferry Meadows.

Greenwoods Solicitors LLP lends a

helping hand

he Visitor Centre has recently had an extensive refit with new flooring, shelving, retail counter and full decoration. The latest improvements were to install an automatic sliding door at the front of the Visitor Centre for easy access. We continually source new and interesting products, so whatever you are looking for we have everything from bird boxes to gifts for that someone special.

Don’t forget that our four legged visitors are also welcome in the Visitor Centre – that’s dogs before you foxes and the like start getting any ideas! We have wipe clean flooring and the displays have been positioned to provide plenty of space for dogs, wheelchairs, pushchairs etc. so there’s ample room for all! With a range of dog treats and toys for sale, you can even treat them to something special at the end of their walk if they’ve been a good dog!

We have some brand new locally sourced scented soy candles from Beauty Scents in a variety of designs. Pop in to see the full range.

After a few miserable rainy days, on Thursday 30 March, the sun came out. Five enthusiastic Volunteers swapped their usual afternoon ‘lawyer duties’ for willow hurdling at Ferry Meadows.

tephanie Wilcox, Head of Greenwoods’ Charity Committee, said: “As one of Greenwoods selected ‘Charities of the Year’, it’s really important for us to support Nene Park Trust as much as possible – whether that’s through fundraising and donations, or in a practical sense.” Speaking about the team’s experience, Emily Pumfrey, Commercial Property Solicitor, said: “‘Ranger Gary’ encouraged the group to get stuck in, so we began coppicing willow from the osier beds. Most of us hadn’t worked a saw or a billhook before so it was tough work! In the end, it was incredibly gratifying to see our hard work pay off and it was a great team building exercise - our willow fences will take pride of place near the railway.”

Greenwoods

Across the years, Greenwoods has raised thousands of pounds for different charities, ranging from Peterborough Soup Kitchen to MacMillan Cancer Support, all of which has been made possible by a strong community focus and a firmwide ethos of ‘giving back’. As one of our first corporate sponsors, we are very excited to have Greenwoods on board this year.

“We really enjoyed our time working at Ferry Meadows and are proud to be working in partnership with you in 2017.”

Find out more about Greenwoods Solicitors LLP at www.greenwoods.co.uk 13

Dragonfly Hotel spreads its wings You may have seen this popular hotel nestled on the edge of the Peterborough Rowing Lake. Well, it’s soon to undergo an extensive refurbishment where the entire look of the hotel will be transformed! All 70 bedrooms will have a brand new look, as well as the reception and restaurant area, which is open to non-residents too. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy food and drink whilst admiring the beautiful view of Thorpe Meadows. There is also a dog friendly patio for walkers in need of a rest!

NEW FACES

at The Trust Hannah Keeley, Moments with Trees Project Officer I am delighted to have joined the Trust as Moments with Trees Project Officer. It’s a wonderful project with so many exciting elements that will celebrate the magnificence of trees.

I have spent my career working with the local community as an outreach support worker for a local charity, activities coordinator for a local housing association and, more recently, as a primary school teacher in a city school. I have coordinated and delivered many events and activities through these roles and I am most excited to be using these skills and my love of trees and woodland throughout this exciting project. We’re truly lucky to have such a fantastic natural resource on our doorstep. I look forward to working with local schools, communities and visitors to the city in increasing both our knowledge and appreciation of our natural heritage. Danielle Curtis, Administrative Support Officer

Ideal for a short break or business trip, this hotel is in the perfect location for discovering Nene Park. There are easy access routes by foot or bike to Orton Mere and Ferry Meadows from Thorpe Meadows. The work start date is to be confirmed but for further details and to make a booking, please visit www.dragonflypeterborough.co.uk 14

I am very excited to be working for Nene Park Trust, having regularly visited the Park from a very young age. I have worked for disability charities and in the media and publishing sector, so am keen to put my skills to use in assisting our visitors and keeping things running smoothly! I am really enjoying my role so far and have already learnt so much from our Visitor Centre team, Duty Rangers and Education leaders. The Park is a very special place for me, as I am sure it is for many others. I feel very fortunate to be working in such a beautiful environment and with a great bunch of people.

Lisa Gledson, Individual & Corporate Giving Fundraiser I joined the Trust in February and have really enjoyed my first couple of months exploring the Park and all it has to offer! My experience for this new fundraising role comes from working for charities including the NSPCC, National Society for Epilepsy and more recently as Marketing Officer for Grafham Water Centre. My two sons are already in love with the Park and think it is a great place for mum to work! I am really looking forward to meeting more of our Park visitors and working with local companies to find lots of different ways to support us. Luke Austin, Chief Instructor, Nene Outdoors I did my degree in Outdoor Education at the University of Cumbria and have been working outdoors for 13 years. I have a number of water based qualifications including Senior Sailing Instructor, UKCC Canoe and Kayak Level 2 Instructor, as well as an Instructor for Archery, Climbing and Mountain Biking. Before starting at Nene Outdoors, I was Chief Instructor of three national outdoor activity centres and I currently volunteer with the Scouts on a national level. I wasn’t local to the area when I started at the Trust, so it’s been great to discover this great watersports facility and everything else the Park has to offer. My little girl loves getting out on the water with me so it’s fantastic to be able to share the Park with her and the family too. Clare Rayment, Visitor Services Manager I joined the Trust in March just as the Visitor Centre refurbishment project was beginning, so it was great to be able to oversee the refit from start to finish. I’ve worked in the travel and tourism industry for over 25 years in a number of organisations. As well as working for a major travel and tour operator, I’ve gained experience from working in customer services, sales and operations, a contact centre and the retail sector. It’s great to join the Trust and be responsible for the Visitor Centre, marketing and communications. I enjoy the Park regularly with my dog in tow and am now proud to be able to say that I work here too and have the best office view in Peterborough!

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Park Life Advert.indd 1

05/02/2015 10:48

Discover

Ferry Meadows

We had a fantastic time welcoming everyone to our Discover Ferry Meadows event on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 May. We hope those who attended had a great time. Here are just a few snaps from the event, with the rest being available to view on our Facebook page.

Help the bee find the flower On page 4, we talked about how important flowers are for bees. Help this bee make his way through the maze to the flower in the centre. Good luck!

Word scramble

ters Rearrange these let er mm su to ﬁnd six ings themed words of th in nd ﬁ uld co that you . the Park

ccmereia bruecabe dfowlsreliw ttebyruﬂ atobs nipcic

ANSWERS Word Scramble Ice cream Barbecue Wildflowers Butterfly Boats Picnic

Bee Quiz 1.A 2.B 3.B 4.A 5.B 16

Queen Bee’s Quiz

Test your knowledge on these stripy superstars with our bee quiz . 1. How many eyes does a bee have? a) 5 b) 8 2. Wh ich bees are part of a Honey Bee colony? a) About 3 queens, and a com bination of knights and soldiers b) A queen, workers and drones

3. The most signiﬁcant reason that all species of bees are important is because: a) They make honey b) They pollinate plants, which pro vide humans and wildlife with food, and ensure biod iversity 4. Wh ich of these is NOT a real species of bee? a) The Black-Kneed Bee b) The Ha iry Footed Flower Bee 5. What do bees collect from ﬂowers? a) Honey and pollen b) Nectar and pollen