Find out about...
KITE CELEBRATION DAY
SPRING TIME IN THE PARK
PETERBOROUGH CELEBRATES FESTIVAL
Ham Farm House, Ham Lane,Peterborough PE2 5UU
E: visitor.services@neneparktrust.org.uk
T: 01733 234193 www.nenepark.org.uk
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In each issue of Parklife we ask a member of Nene Park staff to talk about their favourite sculpture in the Peterborough Sculpture
In this issue, we asked Andrew MacDermott, Deputy Chief Executive, to choose a sculpture from the Thorpe Meadows Sculpture Trail:
Signs of spring are everywhere in the Park at the moment. Buds and blossom are bursting out and the early snowdrops have been replaced by sunny celandines.
It won’t be long before Bluebell Wood has a blue carpet and we’ve even noticed the swans on Overton Lake starting to build their nests. For our staff too there’s a sense of great anticipation in the air. Nene Outdoors has just opened its doors for the season again and we’re getting our eco passenger boat ready to relaunch and Longthorpe Tower ready to reopen on the 1st April. There are lots of plans and preparations for events over the Easter holidays and of course we’re gearing up for our 2nd Peterborough Celebrates Festival over the weekend of the 19th-21st May. You can find out more about all our plans over the next few months in this edition of Parklife and we hope you can come and enjoy spending time exploring our greenspaces as the weather gets warmer.
‘One of my favourite sculptures is ‘Outside In’ by John Foster. The large, powerful steel shape suggests to me a heart, with different sections and connecting blood vessels. Although it is made of steel it appears soft and malleable. I am drawn to the symbol of a heart, as the giver of life, but also as a symbol of love and compassion. The sculpture is also located at the ‘heart of the Park’ at Thorpe Meadows, one of my favourite areas to walk’.
Please visit www.nenepark.org.uk/sculptures to find out lots more information on all the sculptures in our Sculpture Collection Have you seen this sculpture? Share a photo of your favourite sculpture using the hashtag #NeneParkArt or email art@neneparktrust.org.uk
Our ever-popular monthly photography competitions are up and running for 2023, giving Park visitors the opportunity to share their photography talents. You can enter photographs you have taken anywhere on the Nene Park estate - scenic views, recognisable landmarks, seasonal nature or the wonderful wildlife that makes its home here. This year we’ve added a competition twist! Each month, the judges will choose their top three entries and put them forward to YOU for a public vote on social media to choose the winner. Each month’s winner will receive a £20 voucher to spend in the Park and enjoy the accolade of their photograph being shared on our social media pages, displayed in our annual winter photography exhibition and featured in the 2024 Nene Park fundraising calendar.
So what are you waiting for? Dust off your cameras, fire up your smart phones and get snapping in the Park. Then email your photos to marketing.NPT@neneparktrust.org.uk
We look forward to seeing your entries!
You may or may not have been lucky to spot our recent unusual Park visitors – two common seals! This pair have been spotted in the river at Orton Staunch and also in the rowing lake at Thorpe Meadows. As the weather gets warmer they will probably make their way back out to sea but they seem to have been very much at home here over the last few months – and they are not camera shy.
With spring well and truly sprung, pop into the Visitor Centre, Gift and Farm Shop for all your gifting needs.
Designed to get youngsters involved and enthusiastic about plants and bugs, The Little Gardener range is perfect for a spring birthday or holiday treat. We have a Paint your own Bug Hotel and a Paint your own Plant Pot, both priced at £14.95.
Why not find a spring brithday gift here too? We now stock RSPB branded goods ranging from a choice of different mugs (hedgehog, hare, bees, butterflies) at £7.95, and a rather lovely organiser at £9.95. Pop in and take a look!
With Easter just round the corner and chocolate on our minds, we have some lovely packs of mini eggs and an Easter Themed chocolate bar, both priced at £3.50. We also offer packs of mini iced biscuits in the shape of chicks or rabbits and an Easter Rabbit biscuit and a larger Chick biscuit both priced at £2.75.
Regular tasting sessions
We will be welcoming some of our suppliers to host tasting sessions throughout the year. Keep your eye on our website and social media for updates. Three dates fast approaching are:
Friday 31 March: Cranes Cider
Tuesday 4 April: Ferneley’s Ice cream
Friday 14 April: Dalston’s Drinks
Remember you can get 10% off these products when purchased at the tasting session.
Extended opening hours
From the 27 March we will be extending our shop opening times and will be open seven days a week from 9am-6pm. Don’t forget you can get FREE parking when you spend £20 or more at the Gift and Farm Shop.
Our regular monthly lamb boxes are pausing and will be back available to order from August. In the meantime, you will be able to find our Park to Plate lamb burgers served at Lakeside Kitchen & Bar and keep your eye out for other lamb products coming to the Farm shop soon. Find out more about the share farming partnership at www.nenepark.org.uk/park-to-plate
Dog-loving visitors are in for a treat over the next couple of months as an exciting photography exhibition by local photographer, Chris Porsz, is now on display in Ferry Meadows between Badger Play and the Visitor Centre. Come and have a look at images of dogs and their owners taken in the Park over the last ten years. You never know, you might see someone you know – and the colourful, action-packed photos, taken across the four seasons, are sure to raise a smile.
You may have noticed that we’ve been busy in the garden behind the Visitor Centre at Ferry Meadows.
We were fortunate to receive some funding as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations and part of this was allocated to make the garden a peaceful and reflective space for visitors, and provide more flowers and plants for pollinating insects.
The first stage was to decide what we wanted to keep and what we wanted to replace. Some of the plants had grown too big for the location and weren’t offering much value aesthetically or for wildlife. The beautiful birch trees have been retained but given a trim to ensure they thrive in a compact space. An old fence has been removed and the large windpipes located to a different area.
An attractive Amelanchier Lamarckii tree has been planted as a focal point on entering the garden. This tree is more commonly known as June Berry or Snowy Mespilus with its snow like flowers in April or May. The honour of planting the tree went to our work experience rangers who had successfully completed their course.
To increase the variety and longevity of the new plants in the garden, we have raised the bed level using a brick edging and back filled this with lots of nutritious mushroom compost mixed into the soil. Hundreds of bulbs have been planted in the beds with a purple and white colour scheme which we hope will make a beautiful display and is also a nod to the colours used for the Queen’s celebrations in the summer. We also have lots of plants on order that will add interest and colour during the summer months and into the autumn. They will also provide essential pollen for the butterflies and bees.
Peterborough’s Poet Laureate Kat Beeton has written a poem to welcome visitors into the garden and look out for our bespoke bird boxes designed by our young artist group. We hope these will not only provide homes for birds but also add interest in the garden, particularly in the winter months when much of the colour has disappeared. New seating will also be included, with secluded spots and dappled shade to help with those hotter summer days.
We would like to say a massive thank you to the National Lottery for the funding of this project but also to our amazing conservation volunteers who helped clear the garden, barrowed a huge amount of compost and planted all the bulbs. Fingers crossed for a stunning display this spring!
Our micro-nursery is coming on! In February the volunteer team were back in full force building a curved roof canopy which will be used for shelter, seating and a cooking area.
We have also been fitting raised beds in the poly tunnel, fitting the polythene onto the poly tunnel frame, constructing the interior of the potting shed and installing the cold frames, compost heaps and we even have a compost toilet being fitted in April.
Once these main constructions have been completed, the surfacing will be installed by contractors, which consists of a self-binding granite topping, allowing us to achieve a smooth accessible surface for all users. This work will be followed by the fencing to separate the car park area from the nursery to create an intimate, safe and calm environment for our users.
Once this is all completed the nursery will be lavished with all the equipment a nursery needs to function, from potting benches and hose pipes to tables and gardening tools.
This project would not be possible without our fabulous Nene Park Volunteers. Thank you so much to them all for their commitment, hard work and keeping us all laughing along the way.
Park visitors will have seen that the new car par on the edge of Oak Meadow is approaching completion and we’re hoping it will be operational by the Easter holidays.
SDC Contractors have been doing an amazing job creating the new landscaped car parking; creating more spaces and upgrading the facilities for all our visitors. The well-designed modern car parking facilities will include improved accessible parking, plentiful EV charging points, sustainable drainage and lots of integrated tree and shrub planting.
We are working hard on getting the infrastructure in place so that we can install our new café next to the car park at Thorpe Meadows.
It will be a great addition to this part of the Park and with facilities for loos and brews, you’ll be able to start or end your explorations of the Sculpture Trail here. We are hoping the café will be installed later this year. Keep an eye on our website and social media for updates on this.
In January we successfully completed our first renewable energy project, with 305 solar panels installed on three buildings in the Park, to provide electricity for the services they provide.
These include the Visitor Centre, Gift & Farm Shop, Ferry Meadows Café, Nene Outdoors Watersports and Activity Centre, Lakeside Kitchen & Bar and our workshop building on Ham Lane, to help power our electric tools and vehicles. We intend to use most of the energy generated onsite, but any not used here will be exported to the national grid for
use elsewhere. The overall installation will generate around 108,400kWh of electricity per year – enough to meet the needs of 37 average UK homes. We anticipate this will save over 20,740 Kg/CO2e per year helping us to reach our Nene Park Trust target of becoming net zero by 2030.
We are very excited to be hosting a Kite Celebration in the Park in partnership with Bharat Hindu Samaj. It’s on Saturday 22 April, 11am-4pm on the grass on Coney Meadow, just behind the Visitor Centre in Ferry Meadows.
Drop in any time throughout the day 11am to 3pm. There will be kite making going on between 11am and 2pm with kite flying workshops on 11am–3pm. Why not bring your own kite along to try? There are a number of kite competitions throughout the day. To enter a decorated kite into the competition it will need to be displayed by 1.50pm.
Prize categories include:
Best flying kite, with prizes available throughout the event
Best individual Child’s decorated kite, with prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd
Best individual Adult’s decorated Kite, with prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd
Outline of the day:
Event starts: 11am
Kite making: 11am–2pm
Kite flying workshops: 11–3pm
Judging: 2–2.30pm
Prize giving: 2.30pm
Event ends: 3pm
If the weather is bad, we may not be able to fly the kites but you will still be able to make a kite and join the prize giving activities. The event is FREE and everyone is very welcome.
PLEASE NOTE: Car parking charges still apply in the usual way in the Park. We look forward to seeing you there. If you would like any more information please email visitor.services@neneparktrust.org.uk
Best Group Prize. These entries will be made in advance and photos of the kites will be displayed in the prize marquee. Please note timings may change on the day.
Thursday 13 and Friday 14 April at Ferry Meadows
We are holding two work experience taster days for 14-17 year olds and we would love to hear from young people who like being outside, would like to gain new skills and are interested in finding out more about working in tourism, parks, events and management of greenspace. Over two days, participants can find out about different jobs at Nene Park Trust such as Rangers, Events, Education and Project development officers and take part in conservation tasks, activities and find out how the Park is run.
Find out more by emailing volunteer@neneparktrust.org.uk Places are free but booking is essential via our website: www.nenepark.org.uk/events
Our fun monthly art workshops are a great opportunity to get creative, enjoy the outdoors and work with local artists. Art Club is for young people aged 14-17, no experience is necessary and all materials are provided.
Sign up for our summer four session block: Saturdays 10am–12pm, 22 April, 13 May, 10 June & 8 July at the Discover Den, Ferry Meadows. It’s £20 per person for four workshops.
Thanks to funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund some free places are available – if this will help you access this event. Please contact art@neneparktrust.org.uk
You may have noticed the Pride progressive flag flying high in the Park. We are working closely with Peterborough Pride and want to show all our visitors that the Park is a safe place for all.
Your Community Greenspace is supporting Q Productions with an exciting interactive art installation in the Park that will celebrate local identities. Look out for more information on this over the next few months and come and see it during Pride month in June.
Q Productions is Peterborough’s only inclusively Queer LGBTQIA+ owned and led production company, priding themselves on representing all minority groups.
We’re taking part in National Lottery Open Week, to say a huge thank you to National Lottery players for their support in funding good causes across the UK, including Nene Park! Between 18-26 March 2023, anyone who presents a National Lottery ticket or scratchcard (digital or physical) to a member of the Visitor Centre, Gift & Farm Shop team in Ferry Meadows, will be entered into a prize draw to win a private lake and river cruise on our eco-passenger boat for up to 12 people.
We’ll announce the winner on 27 March. Good Luck!
Immerse yourself in Medieval History at our special costumed events for 2023.
We’re excited to announce that the doors of Longthorpe Tower will open again to the public on the 1st April and as well as our usual 1-hour weekend tours of the Tower, run by our enthusiastic volunteers, we’re excited to be offering some additional immersive history events this year, thanks to the expertise of The Medieval Sokemen Living History Group.
Our fascinating Living History tours return for two weekend dates this year in April and again at the end of November, when The Medieval Sokemen will bring their costumes, props and expert knowledge of the Tower, to delight and inspire our visitors throughout a 1.5 hour tour. The experienced costumed interpreters will share the remarkable story of the Tower, its famous paintings and explain about daily life in the 1400s. You’ll be able to find out about the food, costume, medicine, arms and armour. At our event at the end of November there will also be the opportunity to find out more about how Christmas was celebrated 500 years ago. We are also holding two slightly longer immersive history events. Over a two hour tour, in a smaller group, visitors will be able to discover in more detail about medieval costume and even try a few items of clothing on if they wish! Our Dressing
for Battle day will focus on medieval armour and arms while our Dressing for Court day will reveal the many layers of medieval ladies’ dress from the hose to the hennin. These events will also include detailed interpretation of the famous painted chamber of Longthorpe Tower and wider information on daily medieval life including food, medicine and occupations.
As the groups for these events will be smaller there will be ample time for discussion and questions with our expert guides.
On all other weekends between 1 April and the end of October, visitors can book for a 1-hour tour of the Tower with our team of enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers.
To find out more and book a place on any of these events, please visit www.nenepark.org.uk/longthorpe-tower
Volunteer Eleanor Allenby talks about her experience of volunteering at Longthorpe Tower.
After taking early retirement from my Nursing career in 2020 I was looking for a new challenge. I knew I wanted to use my love of history and art together with my skills as a trainer to both help others and raise the profile of our city. So, I was really excited when, while flicking through Facebook, I came across an advert asking for volunteers to act as guides at Longthorpe Tower.
As a Volunteer Guide at the tower, I have met many interesting and like-minded people. The team are really friendly and supportive. They allowed me the time I needed to learn the role before I became a lead Volunteer. All the information I need to be successful has been easy to access. I never feel ill prepared and have even been able to complete education courses funded by the Trust. There are regular
meetings before the season begins and after it ends when any concerns can be discussed and ironed out. We are also in regular contact with the Trust via email. I also took the opportunity to join the Volunteer Focus Group which has been really interesting. I have learned so much more about the Trust and conservation in general, while helping to raise the profile of the Tower.
Volunteers are really respected by the Trust. There is free car parking, discounts while using the Park and the regular events, such as the Christmas Hog Roast, show how highly valued we are.
I am so glad I took the opportunity to join this great group of people. It has been challenging and interesting. I have learned a lot about my favourite subjects, met lots of new people and helped to
If you would like to find out about volunteering at Longthorpe Tower please go to: www.nenepark.org.uk/volunteer
support Peterborough. I recommend this role to anyone who is looking to develop their skills, while making new friends in a nurturing environment.
Recently voted by our visitors as their favourite sculpture at Thorpe Meadows, Peterborough Arch, by artist Lee Grandjean, can normally be seen alongside Longthorpe Parkway. Back in October the sculpture was temporarily removed from the Park and is awaiting repairs by specialist conservators. We are currently busy fundraising to make sure this important largescale artwork can be returned the Park. We have successfully secured our first small grant from Henry Moore Foundation, but still have a lot of work to do to reach our funding target of £50,000, to ensure this iconic sculpture can be restored.
If you would like to make a donation towards saving Peterborough Arch or would like to support our fundraising activities, please email fundraising@neneparktrust.org.uk or look out for our appeal on our website. You can find out more information about Thorpe Meadows Sculpture Trail and Peterborough Sculpture Collection on our website: www.nenepark.org.uk/sculptures
You can see more of Lee Grandjean’s work in a new exhibition ‘Seeing Things’ at The Gibberd Gallery, Harlow from 8 April , and in a group exhibition at APT Gallery, Deptford, London in June.
We are excited to announce Nene Park Trust as a charity partner for the Great Eastern Run!
We are so pleased to be part of this fantastic local event and would like to offer places to anyone who would like to take part in the run and raise money for Nene Park Trust. Why not take on an inspiring personal challenge, whilst also raising money for your local park, helping to make sure it is looked after for everyone to enjoy forever.
If you would like to take part, please email the fundraising team: fundraising@neneparktrust.org.uk
After the success of the first ever Peterborough Celebrates Festival at Ferry Meadows last year, we’re really pleased that the exciting three-day community festival will be back again in May this year.
The festival will run over the weekend of the 19th-21st May at Ferry Meadows and will celebrate everything that makes Peterborough great – our culture, our diversity, our talented communitiesand will also champion the natural world and bring the city together.
From grassroots community, music, food and drink, performances, theatre, crafts, arts and culture, poetry and literature, health and wellbeing and sports, there will be a packed, eclectic, and diverse schedule of activities and entertainment across the weekend at Ferry Meadows. It will be a real community festival, with something for everyone and the chance to enjoy a wide range of different experiences.
The three-day event will kick off with a schools showcase on the Friday afternoon, where around 60 children from schools across Peterborough will come together for singing workshops. This will culminate in a performance for family and friends 4-5pm. It will be a fabulous start to the weekend and we’re looking forward to a joyful noise! The schools performance will be followed by a public launch to the festival and then a very exciting interactive singalong cinema experience in the big top. More details will be announced about that soon.
The city will come to Ferry Meadows on the Saturday, with the festival site alive with music, activities for all to get involved in, performances, and many surprising spectacles to discover and enjoy. We have a number of exciting acts confirmed already such as the acclaimed Motionhouse dance-circus group performing their show ‘Wild’ on Coney Meadow on a purpose built stage with dizzying scaffolding stunts.
We would love to hear from:
Autin Dance are bringing their giant puppet for a walkabout performance through the festival and Eastern Angles and Lamphouse Theatre companies are performing their shows in our dedicated Theatre tent. Of course this is just a flavour of what will be on offer. There will also be music and plenty of local bands and community groups performing too. The Sunday will have a family-focused feel with more entertainment and activities and we’re planning a mass participation moment that everyone can get involved in led by Punjabi Roots a fabulous drumming group!
Corporate groups who can sponsor an element of the festival. If you are part of a company who would like to support Peterborough Celebrates, making it even bigger and better than last year, whilst also showcasing your brand and building your reputation and awareness across the city, we would love to have you as a sponsor for this event. There are limited opportunities available so please get in touch with Lucy at fundraising@neneparktrust.org.uk
People or groups who would like to be our Festival Maker volunteers
Performers or organisations who have an activity to offer Go to www.peterboroughcelebratesfestival.co.uk to find out more and get in touch.
There is plenty of activity across the city in the run up to the festival to create two exciting community art projects that will be displayed for all to see throughout the festival weekend. Find out more below:
We are inviting schools, local groups and individuals to be part of creating a ‘Field of Colour’ that will be displayed over the festival weekend - giving everyone the opportunity to get involved and be part of the festival.
Everyone will make and decorate a flower using recycled plastic bottles. The flower display will be labelled with the school or group’s name and logo so that you can identify your flowers when you come along. Get involved and join in the festival fun!
Peterborough Presents is producing another project for the festival filled with local flavour & pride.
The team is asking groups, schools and individuals to help design and make ostrich-sized birds that represent their sense of pride & show off their creativity. This flock will then be installed at Peterborough Celebrates Festival.
Using birds of paradise as a theme, each bird will represent an area of the city, including people’s ideas of paradise or messages of hope. This flightless installation will be brighter than a flamingo or flashier than a peacock!
Up until the festival dates in May, four artists will be working with community groups in areas such as Orton, Eye, Millfield and Westwood to create their bird. There is a city-wide competition running until the 31 March to have your own design made into a bird and painted by a professional artist.
You can find all the details on how to enter the competition at www.peterboroughpresents.org
You can follow this project via the Peterborough Presents Instagram page: @peterboroughpresents and come along to the festival to admire the flock on display!
To find out more about the festival programme as it is announced and our detailed list of FAQs go to www.peterboroughcelebratesfestival.co.uk
Thank you!
Thank you to all organisations who are supporting the festival in some way. Special thanks go to Railworld Wildlife Haven who are offering free parking to festival-goers and Nene Valley Railway who are laying on a shuttle service of trains again this year.
When we think of early spring flowers, we tend to think of snowdrops, primroses, and a bit later in the season, bluebells. All of these are common in the Park, and give a great splash of spring colour, but there are others that are just as deserving of a mention that can be spotted around the Park.
One of my personal favourite early spring flowers is the snake’s-head fritillary. Generally seen in April and May, it can’t be mistaken for any other plant due to its belllike flower with chequered petals that are usually purple but can also be pink or white.
Park Ranger Nigel would like to challenge you to spot these different parts of the Park that he’s been visiting all in a day’s work.
Look closely at the photos and see if you can recognise the locations. Good luck! The answers are on page 19.
Due to the national decline in meadow habitats this flower has been declining in number due to habitat loss. In the Park the best place to see this flower is on the mound near the Pyramid sculpture along the back of Gunwade Lake.
Lesser celandine is one of our earliest blooming flowers, often up at the same time as snowdrops. Easily identified by its star-shaped yellow flower and dark green, heart shaped leaves, it is often found along hedgerows and track edges. In the Park the best places to spot this early flower are Bluebell Wood, or mixed in with the snowdrops along Ham Lane. A relative of the Primrose, cowslips are another fairly distinctive flower that can
be found in the meadow areas across the Park, especially around the edges of Oak Meadow. Identifiable by the clusters of tubular, yellow flowers and rosettes of crinkled leaves in the grass, they add a splash of yellow in April/May, before a lot of the other meadow flowers come up.
Later on in spring, around early May time, Bluebell Wood is worth another visit not only to see the stunning display of bluebells but also the large amount of wild garlic that grows there. The smell, if the wild garlic is disturbed, can be quite powerful, and coupled with the violet of the bluebells and the white flowers of the garlic, it is a real treat for the senses.
Over the last decade and more, Nene Park Trust has established a reputation for delivering high quality outdoor learning from our base in Ferry Meadows in Peterborough.
Every year, over 6,000 students from across the region visit the Park to take part in activities including outdoor adventure activities, forest school and curriculum-linked outdoor learning. This year, we will be taking the next step in developing our outdoor learning service by beginning to offer a range of onsite training courses and CPD to support teachers and education professionals in making outdoor learning an integral part of their curriculum.
Our new training courses will be delivered by Nene Park Trust’s Education and Activities Manager, Anna Thompson. Anna says: “We all know the benefits of spending time outdoors, and countless studies have also demonstrated the positive impacts outdoor learning can have on students’ attainment and wellbeing. We love welcoming students and teachers to Nene Park, but recognise that for outdoor learning to have the biggest impact, it must become integrated into a school’s regular curriculum. That is why we are so excited to be able to support teachers in developing the skills they need to incorporate outdoor learning into their everyday teaching.”
Nene Park’s new suite of RQF regulated courses in Forest School
A qualified teacher and Accredited Practitioner of the Institute for Outdoor Learning, Anna has spent over 20 years working in outdoor learning and Forest School and estimates that she has delivered outdoor learning activities to over 30,000 children and young people! Anna is passionate about the benefits of outdoor learning and believes that every child should have the opportunity to engage in regular outdoor learning activities as part of their school day.
and outdoor learning will be delivered in association with Cambium Sustainable, one of the first Forest School training organisations established in the UK, with the largest network of accredited trainers. The first of the new courses to be available at Nene Park will be the Level 3 Certificate in Leading Forest School,
which will start on the 20 September this year. This course is already booked up but we are running a second course in spring 2024 so please get in touch and register your interest.
The course involves eight days of face-to-face training onsite at Ferry Meadows in Peterborough, including theory and practical sessions in our dedicated Forest School site. Participants will receive ongoing support to complete the qualification, including access to the Cambium online support library of resources. Further courses to follow will include the Level 2 Award in Outdoor Learning, Level 2 Award in Assisting Forest School and Level 3 Award in Coordinating an Outdoor Curriculum. If you are interested in booking a place on any of these courses, or would like more information, please email anna.thompson@neneparktrust.org.uk
Whether you are looking for adventurous activities or environmental education, we can offer a huge range of opportunities for outdoor learning here at Nene Park, where young people can try different activities, develop new skills and most importantly have fun!
If you are interested in booking a session, please telephone 01733 234 193 or email nene.outdoors@neneparktrust.org.uk A member of our education team will then be in touch to discuss your individual requirements.
We have welcomed two green dragon pedalos to our flock of swans on Gunwade Lake so you have a choice of what you pedal when you next come down. Pay and Play activities on all our water craft are now available so as well as dragons and swan pedalos you can choose a rowing boat, a canoe, a kayak or stand up paddle board.
Our two campsites on the shores of Gunwade Lake are open for bookings for this year and will be welcoming campers from the 1st April.
Here’s a reminder of what we offer:
Lakeview
8 pre-erected bell tents each sleeping 6 people
Furnished with LED lighting and simple floor matting. Just bring your own sleeping mats and bedding
Bell tents can be booked individually or exclusively as a group booking
The Glade
Pitch-only campsite
Can accommodate up to 8 small/medium sized tents
Both sites provide:
Access to a covered weather shelter, benches, a campfire pit and washing up area
Access to a fixed BBQ stand on the campsite, use of which is shared with other campers. Other fixed BBQ stands are also available throughout Ferry Meadows
Access to the toilet and shower facilities at Nene Outdoors
Watersports and Activity Centre
Access to a cold water tap for drinking and cooking on the campsite
Car parking is available in the main visitor car park adjacent to Nene Outdoors Watersports and Activity Centre. Parking for one car is included within your campsite booking fee
10% off activities at Nene Outdoors, purchases at the Gift & Farm Shop and both site cafés (excluding alcohol purchases)
Both Lakeview and The Glade can be booked for a group booking - ideal for schools or youth groups who want to add an overnight stay onto their activity day at Nene Outdoors. After a day of watersports, archery or climbing, groups can enjoy the evening views over Gunwade Lake or an evening walk in the Park before settling down for the night in their tents.
Campsite bookings can be made on our website at: www.nenepark.org.uk/camping
More than just a boat ride…
Our regular weekend and holiday boat trips will be returning this spring and keep your eyes out for special history and wildlife boat trip events in our calendar. With a nearsilent motor, Wyndham is the ideal craft for wildlife spotting. Join us on a cruise along the River Nene where swans, geese and other water fowl will glide alongside the boat with you. Wildlife highlights may also include herons, kingfishers and the elusive otter! For those wanting a more personal experience, Wyndham is available for private hire for up to 12 passengers. We provide the captain to drive the boat so that you and your family or friends can relax and enjoy the experience of having your own private cruiser for anything from one hour to a full day. Ideal for celebrating special occasions or as a thank you to colleagues or friends.
Find out more at www.nenepark.org.uk/take-a-boat-trip
Are you wanting to learn a new skill or brush up on your old ones?
All our sailing courses this year are now available to book on our website. We operate the RYA Sailing Scheme throughout the year with courses for both adults and children spanning two days in a safe and fun learning environment. The beginner Level 1 courses cost £182 per person and take you through the basics of dinghy sailing, getting you to a standard where you are able to enjoy the freedom of sailing. You can then progress to stage 2 and beyond.
Look for our course dates on our website or email nene.outdoors@neneparktrust.org.uk
Starting back in May, our weekly open water sessions are a great way for swimmers to improve fitness while enjoying swimming outdoors in a safe environment.
Whether you are training for a triathlon or just want to take part in an activity which is sociable as well as good for you, we welcome all swimmers to our regular weekly sessions held every Thursday evening between May and September from 5:30–7pm.
Find out more at www.nenepark.og.uk/events
From guided walks and nature talks to watersports courses and craft workshops, there is so much going on in the Park this spring! More details on all these events are provided on our website. Unless stated below, places on these events must to be booked in advance on our website – www.nenepark.org.uk/events
6 & 22 March, 3 & 19 April and 2 & 17 May, 10.30am-12pm
Join one of our Visitor Rangers for a social walk around Ferry Meadows and the wider Nene Park and meet like-minded people. The location and routes of the walks will be different each month with two opportunities each month to come along and walk that route.
Suitable for: 14yrs+ Cost: FREE but places must be booked and donations welcome. Meeting point: Check the different meeting points each month when booking.
13 & 27 March, 3 & 24 April and 15 & 22 May, 10-11.30am
A fun monthly outdoor parent and toddler group with a nature theme. Each session will include a messy craft activity, time to explore the beautiful outdoors, story and song time. We have two sessions a month on the 2nd and 4th Monday, with the second session a month being a repeat of the first one. Please try to book onto the same session each month if possible.
Suitable for: 2yrs+ with accompanying adult (only one adult per booking) Cost: £5 per child
Meeting point: Outside the Discovery Den
13 & 27 March, 3 & 24 April and 15 & 22 May, 1.15-3.15pm
We are running outdoor learning sessions every month for home-schooled children. Each session has curriculum and nature-focused activities, with each month having a different theme. Sessions run on the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month. Please only book one session per month.
Suitable for: 5-11yrs Cost: £7 per child
Meeting point: Outside the Discovery Den
Tuesday 14 March, 7-8.30pm
Join Prof. Stephen Upex for an enlightening evening talk about the Romans of the Nene Valley. Stephen will talk about his new book covering topics such as military presence, forts, villas, farmsteads, religion and burials along with the important Roman town of Durobrivae with its sprawling industrial suburbs.
Stephen has excavated, written about, and researched the area for over 40 years and brings together an insightful account of the Nene Valley and its Roman past. There will also be an opportunity to purchase a copy of the book for £15 (Please bring cash)
Suitable for: 12yrs+ Cost: £6
Meeting point: Lakeside Meeting Room
Talk
20 April, 7-8.30pm
Join Froglife’s Reserve Warden, Chantel Carr, for her talk on amphibian identification and ecology. Chantel has worked for
Froglife since 2019 and has a wealth of experience from working on various projects throughout her time there and running training events. She has a huge passion for anything amphibious, and in this talk, she will cover common and widespread UK amphibians as well as rarer species, with an overview of their identification and ecology.
Suitable for: All ages Cost: £5
Meeting point: Lakeside Meeting Room
Pay and play watersports
Tuesday–Sunday, 11am-4pm
The season has started at Nene Outdoors which means that paddle sport and cycle hire is available once more. Why not come along and take out a row boat, swan pedalo, paddleboard, kayak, a canoe or even a sailing dinghy?
Suitable for: All ages – check with the Nene Outdoors team on any age restrictions or weather conditions Cost: From £10 Meeting point: Nene Outdoors
RYA Powerboat Level 2 course
Saturday 4–Sunday 5 March and Saturday 25–Sunday 27 March, 9am-5pm
Attend this two-day course with us to achieve an RYA Level 2 Power Boat Certificate and learn how to operate a powerboat safely and appropriately.
Suitable for: 16yrs+ Cost: £300
Meeting point: Nene Outdoors
Youth RYA Sailing – Stage 1
Monday 11–Tuesday 12 April and Tuesday 30–Wednesday 31 May, 9am-5pm
This two-day course covers basic sailing skills, rope work and collision avoidance. After the course participants will be able to tack and control boat speed and understand basic principles. All safety equipment, including wetsuits and buoyancy aids are provided.
Suitable for: 8-15yrs Cost: £182
Meeting point: Nene Outdoors
Youth RYA Sailing – Stage 2
Wednesday 13–Thursday 14 April and Thursday 1–Friday 2nd June, 9am-5pm
This two-day course covers launching and recovery, steering, parts of the boat and basic sailing. After the course participants will be able to steer and understand basic principles.
All safety equipment, including wetsuits and buoyancy aids are provided.
Suitable for: 8-15yrs Cost: £182
Meeting point: Nene Outdoors
Saturday 22–Sunday 23 April and
Saturday 13–Sunday 14 May, 9am-5pm
This two-day course covers how to sail in all directions, including an awareness of launching and recovery. After the course, participants will be able to sail in light winds under supervision. All safety equipment including wetsuits and buoyancy aids are provided.
Suitable for: 16yrs+ Cost: £182
Meeting point: Nene Outdoors
Saturday 17–Sunday 18 June, 9am-5pm
This two-day course covers rigging, launching, and sailing in all directions as well as capsize recovery and essential safety knowledge. After the course participants will be able to sail and make decisions in good conditions.
You will need to have completed level 1 before signing up for this course.
All safety equipment, including wetsuits and buoyancy aids are provided.
Suitable for: 16yrs+ Cost: £182
Meeting point: Nene Outdoors
Saturday 22 April, 13 May, 10 June and 8 July, 10am-12pm
Our summer 4-week block of art workshops is a great opportunity to get creative, enjoy the outdoors and work with local artists. Art Club is for young people aged 14-17, no experience necessary and all materials are provided.
Thanks to funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund some free places are available. If this will help you access this event please contact art@neneparktrust.org.uk
Suitable for: 14-17 year olds Cost: Four workshops, £20 per person Meeting point: The Discovery Den
Sunday 11 March, 10am-1pm
On this half day workshop you will work with local multi-media artist Melanie Missin-Keating.
This is an introduction to Indian Block Printing, it really is quite easy to do and creates fabulous results. They can be used on fabrics, papers, clothes and much more. You will be using genuine Indian blocks and some that Melanie designed which have been hand carved in India.
Melanie has been fortunate enough to visit India on a couple of occasions and was able to watch first hand and have a go at block printing with the master artisans themselves. It inspired her so much that she is now hooked on this ancient form of art printing using paints onto fabric and paper. We hope you will be hooked too.
Suitable for: 16yrs+ Cost: £25
Meeting point: The Discovery Den Willow
Sunday 26 March, 10am-12pm and 1-3pm
This is a beginners workshop to introduce you to the wonderful world of willow. Join Martin from Rutland Willow as he takes you through the techniques you need to create
three pieces of work starting small and working up to this beautiful dragonfly.
Suitable for: 16yrs+ Cost: £25
Meeting point: The Discovery Den
Please note bookings for this workshop will close about 10 days before due to the length of time required to prepare the right amount of willow. So please book your place in plenty of time. The workshop will be cancelled if there are not enough people booked.
Saturday 14 April, 10.30-11.30am and 11.45am-12.45pm
Join June from Semperart at this workshop, especially for children to make their own unique fused glass.
During the session you will:
• Develop a design that June has created especially for this workshop, you can choose to make either a dragonfly or a butterfly.
• Choose a variety of coloured glass to create your design. Once your piece is complete, it will be fired in a kiln. This can take up to 48 hours, depending on the processes used, so your piece can be collected in approximately one week, from the Visitor Centre.
Please note a place must be booked for each child attending. Accompanying adults will not make a piece but will be there to help their child. To avoid the Discovery Den being too crowded, please bring a maximum of one adult per child.
Suitable for: 7–13yrs, under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult Cost: £15 Meeting point: The Discovery Den
Saturday 14 April, 2-3pm
Join June from Semperart at this workshop, especially for teenagers to make their own unique fused glass.
During the session you will:
• Learn about the nature of glass to inform your designs and creations
• Design the pieces you intend to make
• Choose a variety of glass to create your designs
• Learn how to use inclusions in your pieces (copper, silver)
Once your piece is complete, it will be fired in a kiln. This can take up-to 48 hours, depending on the processes used, so your piece can be collected in approximately one week, from the visitor centre.
Suitable for: 13–17yrs (please note that you do not need to have adult supervision on this workshop, but you do need to be dropped off and collected by parent/carer) Cost: £18 Meeting point: The Discovery Den
Sunday 15 April, 10.30am-12pm and 1.30-3pm
Join June from Semperart at this beginner workshop to make your own unique fused glass.
During the session you will:
• Learn about the nature of glass to inform your designs and creations
• Design the pieces you intend to make
• Choose a variety of glass to create your designs
• Learn how to use inclusions in your pieces (copper, silver)
Once your pieces are complete, they will be fired in a kiln. This can take up to 48 hours, depending on the processes used, so your pieces can be collected in approximately one week, from the Visitor Centre.
Suitable for: 16yrs+, under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult Cost: £25 Meeting point: The Discovery Den
Daily from Saturday 1–Sunday 16 April, 10am-4pm
Collect a trail sheet from the Visitor Centre and then hunt for questions as you walk around Ferry Meadows. Return to the Visitor Centre to claim your prize to grow at home.
Available every day during the Easter School Holidays.
Suitable for: All ages Cost: £1 per sheet - no need to book; just pop into the Visitor Centre to find out more Meeting point: Visitor Centre
Daily from Saturday 2–Sunday 17 April, 12, 2 and 3pm
Enjoy a tranquil trip around Overton Lake and onto the River Nene on our electrically-powered passenger boat. The 45-minute pre-bookable trips will depart during the Easter school holidays from the Visitor Centre Jetty.
Suitable for: All ages Cost: £8 per person, under 3yrs go free Meeting point: The Boat jetty, opposite the Visitor Centre
Tuesday 4 April, 9.15-10.45am
Join us on a trip around Overton Lake and along the River Nene where One of our Rangers, Matt, will guide you with tales of the history of the River, how the park was developed and of course the history of the iconic Milton Ferry Bridge, possibly the most photographed landmark within Nene Park. Trips last approximately 1 hour 30 minutes - we will hopefully also see a selection of wildlife, maybe the elusive Otter!
Suitable for: 8yrs, children must be able to sit quietly and patiently Cost: £15 per person
Meeting point: Boat Jetty, opposite Otter Play area
Tuesday 4 April, 10.30am-12pm and 1.30-3pm
Come along to find out more about these amazing wriggly creatures and have a go at charming them to the surface. We’ll see who can find the shortest and longest worm and then make a wormery to take home with you.
Suitable for: 2yrs+ Cost: £5 per child
Meeting point: The Discovery Den
Thursday 13–Friday 14 April, 9.30am-4pm
Are you aged 14-17, love being outside and are keen to learn new skills? Join our work experience taster days at Ferry Meadows and take part in conservation work, meet the Rangers, marketing activities and learn how the Park is run.
Suitable for: 14-17 year olds Cost: Free but booking is essential Meeting point: tbc
Thursday 14 April 11am-3pm
The team from Nene Outdoors will be getting our climbing wall out during the school holidays for all visitors to have a go. We will be outside Nene Outdoors. Are you brave enough to reach the top?
Suitable for: Adults or children over 4yrs Cost: £12
Meeting point: Nene Outdoors
Friday 7–Saturday 8 April, 10.30am-2.30pm
Come along and help out the Easter Bunny! Explore the Park looking for pictures to help you crack a code and be awarded with your Easter egg prize at the end. Each booking, of a maximum of 6 people, includes 2 Easter egg prizes. Please specify when booking if you have any dietary requirements.
Suitable for: Any age (distance may be challenging for some much younger children)
Meeting point: Visitor Centre Cost: £10 per timeslot (2 eggs)
Sunday 9 April, 8.15am and 10.30am
Pull up a chair and listen to the sounds of live music. Join us for two performances on Easter Sunday by Peterborough Citadel Salvation Army Band in front of our Visitor Centre. Grab a coffee, sit down and relax.
Suitable for: All ages Cost: Free - donations welcome Meeting point: Outside the Visitor Centre
Wednesday 12 April, 12-3pm
Come along to our drop-in session and spend some time pond dipping and identifying the fascinating creatures you find. There may be a wait on the day due to the number of people attending.
Suitable for: 3yrs+ Cost: Free, donations welcome Meeting point: Lynch Lake pond dipping platform
Thursday 13 April, 11am-3pm
Archery sessions will run throughout the day. Why not come down and have a go and unleash your inner Robin Hood? Sessions are 45 minutes long and take place on Oak Meadow close to Nene Outdoors.
Suitable for: 8yrs+ Cost: £12
Meeting point: Oak Meadow
Saturday 15 & Sunday 16 April, 9am-3.30pm
Peterborough Celebrates Festival is back at Ferry Meadows (19-21 May) and you are invited to get involved by making flowers that will create a vibrant celebratory ‘Field of Colour’. We are holding two FREE drop in workshops at Ferry Meadows during the Easter holidays.
Suitable for: All ages Cost: Free – no need to book, just come along Meeting point: Lynch Lake Community Hub (Saturday) and The Discovery Den (Sunday)
Sunday 23 April, 11am-3pm
Free family fun at Ferry Meadows! Make your own kite, learn how to fly it and take part in a competition for the best flying and best decorated kites.
Plus enjoy a display of kites made by community groups across the city.
Suitable for: All ages Cost: Free to attend, everyone is welcome! No need to book - this is a drop-in event Meeting point: Coney Meadow, Ferry Meadows
Trips last approximately 1 hour 30 minutes and a member of our knowledgeable team will join you on the cruise to make sure you don’t miss anything and help you learn more about the wildlife you observe.
Suitable for: 12yrs+, children must be able to sit quietly and patiently Cost: £15 Meeting point: Boat Jetty, opposite Otter Play area
Thursday 1 June, 11am-4.50pm
Pay and Play Archery sessions will run throughout the day. Why not come down and have a go?
Friday 19–Sunday 21 May
Come along and have fun at this free three-day festival for Peterborough with music, arts, community participation, food, activities and much more.
Suitable for: All ages Meeting point: Coney Meadow, Ferry Meadows Cost: Free to enter – some activities may charge
Saturday 27 May–Sunday 4 June, 10am-4pm
Collect a trail sheet from the Visitor Centre and then hunt for questions as you walk around Ferry Meadows. Return to the Visitor Centre to claim your prize. £1 per sheet. No need to book; just pop into the Visitor Centre to find out more.
Suitable for: All ages Cost: £1
Meeting point: Visitor Centre
Tuesday 30 May, 11am-4.15pm
The team from Nene Outdoors will be getting our climbing wall out during the school holidays for all visitors to have a go. We will be outside Nene Outdoors. Are you brave enough to reach the top?
Suitable for: Adults or children over 4yrs
Cost: £12, booking essential Meeting point: Nene Outdoors
Wednesday 31 May, 9.15-10.45am
Join us on this trip around Overton Lake and along the River Nene where swans, geese and other water fowl will glide alongside the boat with you. We cannot guarantee what you will see but wildlife highlights may include Herons, Kingfishers and the elusive Otter!
All events can be booked online using our booking system: www.nenepark.org.uk/events
Unless stated, all events must be booked in advance, some of which have multiple time slots.
Event details are correct here 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, let us know.
Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult, up to a maximum of three children per adult.
Participants need to be in good health and are recommended to not take part if they are suffering from any injuries or illnesses that may be affected by strenuous activity, including; neck, back and shoulder injuries. Consent will be needed to take part. Please wear closed toe shoes and full length sleeves.
Suitable for: Adults and children 8yrs+ Cost: £12, booking essential Meeting point: Please check your booking email confirmation
Friday 2 June, 12-3pm
Come along to our drop in session and spend some time pond dipping and identifying the fascinating creatures you find. There may be a wait on the day due to the number of people attending.
Cost: Donations welcome Suitable for: 3yrs+ Meeting point: Lynch Lake pond dipping platform
Keep your eye on our website for some exciting events in association with Peterborough Pride.
Many 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.
We offer a range of services at events such as equipment, accessible maps, mobility scooters and assistance dogs are welcome.
If you have any special requirements or queries, please get in touch or visit the accessibility page on our website.
Please call us to find out more information about the accessibility of individual events.