Parklife July – August 2022
Summer WHAT’S ON GUIDE
Find out about... CELEBRATION AND JUBILIATION! YOUR COMMUNITY GREENSPACE
Ham Farm House, Ham Lane,Peterborough PE2 5UU E: visitor.services@neneparktrust.org.uk T: 01733 234193 www.nenepark.org.uk If you would like to be added to our mailing list or require this magazine in another format, please get in touch.
Welcome to summer Parklife 2022!
We have had a very busy few months here in the Park with the first ever Peterborough Celebrates Festival in May (find out more on page 8), the latest developments from Your Community Greenspace project (page 10) and other new developments to see in the Park on pages 6 and 7.
Fox Play Re-opens
The Park is looking so green and lush right After a few months closure over winter for essential maintenance, now and the air is filled with birdsong and Fox Play is fully open again for all our young visitors and their butterflies, making it the perfect place to come parents and carers to enjoy. and visit. We’re excited about the summer months Winter maintenance included: sowing hardy grass seed to help with high ahead and have so much going on in the Park for you footfall across the play area, replacement of the orange bouncy buoys, all to enjoy. Go on a boat ride on Wyndham, our ecoreplacing some play sand for play bark and more planting around the passenger boat; try paddlesports on Gunwade Lake, join play area. a guided walk to find out about our Park pollinators; have a browse in our newly refurbished Visitor Centre, Gift and Farm Shop; enjoy a cuppa in the cafes and even extend your visit with a night or two under canvas at the Nene Outdoors campsites. Take a look at our events Our monthly photography competitions this year remain as listings on pages 16-20 to see all our different activities popular as ever among regular park visitors. and events for all the family this summer. We look Each month we receive over 100 entries following the monthly theme and forward to welcoming you the Park soon. we’ve had some lovely shots from across the Park which will be made into The Nene Park Trust team a fundraising calendar for 2023. See the winning entries for March, April and May below. There are still lots more chances to get your photo into the calendar for next year – keep your eye on our social media for the latest Front cover image credit update on themes each month. - David Arthur
Photography Competitions 2022
Find out more on our website at: www.nenepark.org.uk/monthly-photography-competitions-2022
Paulina Rozbicka – March
David Arthur – April
Cara Wittish – May
Park Accolades! We are thrilled that Nene Park Trust has been awarded GREEN level Investors in the Environment (iiE) accreditation as recognition of all the work we are doing in this area. Following our bronze accreditation in 2018 and our silver accreditation in 2021, we have been working hard toward this highest level criteria and have demonstrated our commitment to minimising our environmental impact. Following the detailed audit process in April this year we were awarded a score of 75% and Green level. We are also very pleased to share that in our annual assessment by Visit England, Ferry Meadows Country Park achieved an overall percentage score of 90%, retaining accreditation as a Quality Visitor Attraction under Visit England’s scheme and seeing an increase of 2% on the score of our last assessment in May 2021. 2
All Change for Ferry Meadows Railway! After 15 years running the Ferry Meadows miniature railway, regular face in the Park David Cogings has hung up his engine overalls and is handing over the controls to William Gray. David has loved his time on the railway and has poured time, care and attention into restoring the track, sleepers and engines over the years. His highlight has been seeing regular faces returning again and again to ride the railway, and meeting new generations of train enthusiasts. Thank you Dave for everything you have done for the railway in the Park. We are confident that the railway is in safe hands with William and his wife Renee, who have great plans, hoping to run longer hours through the summer months and keen to work with Nene Park trust on special events. They even have plans for a tunnel feature being added to the track! For information on opening times throughout the summer, please visit www.ferrymeadowsrailway.co.uk
Sculpture Spotlight #NeneParkArt In each Parklife issue we ask a volunteer or colleague to talk about one of their favourite sculptures in the Peterborough Sculpture Collection. Following his recent Walk & Draw workshop at Thorpe Meadows, we asked local artist Tony Nero to choose a sculpture from the Thorpe Meadows Sculpture Trail. “My favourite sculpture at Thorpe Meadows is Untitled 1990 by Miles Davies, I like the strength that it portrays. It makes me think of going through doors and not knowing what to expect, and then going through another door and trying to find your way. It’s a bit like life!” Have you seen this sculpture? Share a photo of your favourite sculpture #NeneParkArt or email art@neneparktrust.org.uk. You can find out more information about the Thorpe Meadows Sculpture Trail and the Peterborough Sculpture Collection on our website at www.nenepark.org.uk/peterborough-sculpture-collection
Terry’s Twitching Tips Ranger Terry talks about three birds to look out for in the Park this summer.
Swallow Where to see: Swallows live in a wide range of habitats around the Park from water ways like the river Nene and all our lakes to grassland and open woodland. They are dependent on flying insects and they have adapted to hunting on the wing by developing a slender streamlined body and long pointed wings, short bills with strong jaws and a wide gaping mouth. They avoid certain prey types, in particular stinging insects like wasps and bees! Fun fact: It takes a pair of swallows up to 1,200 journeys to build a nest and only the female will line the nest.
Willow Warbler Where to see: Willow warblers travel 5000 miles across mountains, seas and deserts to reach the UK, which is quite astonishing for such a small bird that only weighs 9 grams. They feed on small insects, spiders and also small berries. They are easy to spot (or hear) in the Park among birch willow and alder and are often seen by water along the boardwalk in Bluebell Wood. They have an olive green breast with paler underparts, a brownish head with a pale yellow green stripe above the eye and flesh coloured legs. Willow warblers are often mistaken for another summer visitor, the chiffchaff, but the chiffchaff has darker legs. Fun fact: The willow warbler will often sing and shake its body as it looks for food!
Great Crested Grebe Where to see: The great crested grebe is a familiar sight in the Park and you will see it on just about all our waterways all year round. The great crested grebe is Ferry Meadow’s largest grebe species and has an impressive plume on its head and an orange ruff around its neck during breeding season. Grebes are diving water birds that feed on small fish and aquatic invertebrates. They nest on floating platforms often made up of waterweed and floating debris. Great crested grebes are well known for their elaborate courtship dance and synchronised performances during which they rise vertically out of the water shaking their heads.. Fun fact: Grebes eat their own feathers and feed them to their young to line the stomach to protect from fish bones and to help to form pellets that they cough up!
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Open for Summer Have you been into the Park recently and seen the changes at the Visitor Centre? We now have a much larger Visitor Centre, Gift and Farm Shop all in one place which has proved very popular with our visitors so far. Following a brief closure in March, the newly refurbished Visitor Centre, Gift & Farm Shop in Ferry Meadows reopened its doors and welcomed back visitors at the beginning of April and has incorporated the previously named Lakeside Farm Shop into the extended Visitor Centre shop. Visitors can now pick up delicious and locally sourced produce alongside gifts, garden and homeware items all in the same shop – and of course still pick up essential information on Park events, trails and visitor facilities too. We have been working closely with rural retail industry leaders Appetite Me to update the farm shop produce ranges available within the shop, sourcing the very best food and drink items whilst continuing to support local and regional suppliers. Among many other produce, you’ll find freshly baked bread from Kings Cliffe Bakery, fresh meat and pies from The Peterborough Game Company and chilli sauces and scorching seasonings from Badgers Artisan Foods. We hold regular tasting sessions in/outside the shop so you can come and try before you buy! See below for upcoming tastings dates. In addition to the delicious food ranges, you will find a delightful range of gifts, garden and homeware items in store. New suppliers have been introduced alongside old favourites, with exciting additions including den kits from The Den Kit Co, natural and vegan soaps and bath salts from Isle Soap Co, and eco-friendly greeting cards designed by pointillist artist Fay Martin.
VISITOR CENTRE HUB
All the proceeds made from purchases will be reinvested back into Nene Park, helping to maintain and nurture its much loved greenspaces for all the community to enjoy.
IMPROVEMENTS
Open 7 days a week, with newly extended opening hours from 9am to 6pm, the Visitor Centre, Gift & Farm Shop continues to provide useful information on the Park and things to do in the local area, as well as operating our mobility scooter loan service and stocking the everpopular duck food!
Summer Essentials
Best Seller! Who would have thought it but our number one shop best seller is Frozzy’s ice cream for dogs! Pop in and give your precious pooch a summer treat!
From picnic snacks and drinks, rugs and BBQs, marshmallows and s’more making kits - to our frisbees, balls and even sun cream, just pop into the shop to pick up everything you need for a perfect summer day out in the Park.
Tasting Sessions Coming Up… Date & Time
Supplier
Product Tasting
Friday 22 July
Bottleproof Cocktails
Cambridge-based cocktail company
Sunday 24 July
Kings Cliffe Bakery
Local hand-crafted bread and cakes
Saturday 6 August
Yau’s Food
Peterborough-based oriental food
When in Rome
Craft wine in the world’s first paper wine bottle!
Jenny’s Jams
Lincoln-based handmade jams
WhatAHoot
Kings Lynn based gin and vodka distillery
Saturday 13 August 4
Saturday 27 August
Love Local Lamb Don’t forget to stock up your fridge and freezer this summer with our very own share farming partnership Park to Plate lamb. Customers can order online a small, medium or large lamb box containing different cuts from lamb born and reared on land managed for wildlife, including the Nene Park Rural Estate. Come along to the Visitor Centre to collect your box on a particular date towards the end of the month.
Order by:
Collect on:
17 July 30 July 14 August 27 August 11 September 24 September
Find out more about the Park to Plate scheme and place your order at www.nenepark.org.uk/park-to-plate
Further Refurbishments The refurbishment of the Visitor Centre is part of Nene Park Trust’s ambitious redevelopment plans for this area of the Park, which also include the refurbishment of the Ferry Meadows Café next door and the toilet facilities, creating a completely refreshed Visitor Hub for Ferry Meadows.
New Café Toilets After being closed throughout 2020 and 2021, the toilets adjoining the Ferry Meadows café have been completely refurbished. There is now a dedicated quiet/parent room, new separate toilet cubicles and a new accessible toilet available to our visitors. A stunning mural created by Paper Rhino (the ethical and creative design co-operative based in Peterborough) adorns the walls as you enter the toilet area. Take a look when you’re next there and learn a few wildlife facts while you’re waiting for the loo!
New Refreshed Café Ferry Meadows café has been given a refresh – pop in and see!
Lakeside Grab and Go The location for the old Lakeside Farm Shop next to Nene Outdoors at Lakeside has now been transformed into a handy Grab and Go outlet open at the weekends (11am6pm), and daily during school holidays, for those busy days in the Park when you just want a drink or snack rather than queue for lunch. A really handy addition to the food offer in the Park.
Park Pizza You can also pick up a pizza from the new eye-catching red pizza van parked up outside the Ferry Meadows café. There will be pizzas being made to order at weekends 12-5pm and every day in school holidays – weather permitting.
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PARK DEVELOPMENT UPDATES
New Car Park for Lakeside Area As regular Parklife readers will know, our plans for a new activity centre at Lakeside have been been a long time in the planning and now, following our successful planning application last year, work is about to start on the construction of the new car park, which will improve facilities for all and help service the growing demand for parking. The existing Lakeside car park will stay open throughout these works. We at Nene Park Trust are continuing our programme of reinvestment and improvement by replacing the 40-yearold car park, which is no longer fit for purpose, with 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. Initial works, including archaeological excavations and associated ground works for the new car park, will begin this month and access to the existing car park will be maintained throughout, with business as usual at Lakeside Kitchen & Bar, Nene Outdoors, Fox Play and other attractions at Lakeside. We are in the process of appointing a construction partner and we expect to complete the new car park towards the end of the year. We are very sorry for any disruption the works cause to visitors. Constructing the new car park is an essential and important step in delivering the Nene Park Masterplan. The investment will also establish key improvements to biodiversity in this area of the Park, creating new habitats, planting and creating a new permeable car parking area using predominately natural materials and reducing use of our overflow car park. The new car park will clear the way for the building of the exciting Lakeside Activity Centre and we hope to be able to provide more information on funding and timescales for this later this year. To keep up to date with the development of this project, please see www.nenepark.org.uk/lakeside-activity-centre, follow our social media channels for the latest announcements and check in on site in the Park to see progress for yourself. 6
New Sports Facilities at Woodlands Our plans for a new sports pavilion at Woodlands are due to be submitted to planning in July. We have been in regular liaison with the large amount of interested parties in the site. We are hopeful we will have a decision in the autumn and pending subsequent funding outcomes, aim to start construction in the first half of 2023. Find out more about the project at www.nenepark.org.uk/woodlands-sports-facilities
Bringing Roman Heritage to Life with New App In March we launched the new Walking in Time heritage trail leaflets which outline different walks around Nene Park highlighting the wealth of history and heritage in the area. Now we have added an interactive element to one of the trails, the Artis Trail. You can now have a go at building your own Roman Army or view a Roman Palace using augmented reality via our new Walking in Time – Artis Trail App. Simply scan the QR codes along the Artis Trail route (a circular walk via the River Nene, Normangate Field and Castor village) to discover the activities and learn about the history and archaeology of the area. This great app has been developed by One-to-One Development Trust and brings to life a number of points around the self-guided walk, providing information about the heritage of the Park and the lower Nene Valley. Find out more www.onetoonedevelopment.org/walkingintime or scan the QR code below to go directly to the app. One to One Development Trust will be in the Park demonstrating the new app on Saturday 16 July. Come along to the Discovery Den between 10.30am and 3pm and have a go at creating your own Roman army!
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13–15 May saw Coney Meadow in Ferry Meadows transformed into a vibrant festival space filled with a stage, big screen, big top marquee, gazebos, tents, food stalls, fairground rides and with the Peterborough Presents Peterborough Royalty flags as the centrepiece.
PETERBOROUGH CELEBRATES SUCCESS
The three-day, free-to-attend, family-friendly festival aimed to celebrate Peterborough, bringing together and showcasing everything that makes our city great, and offering a chance to thank the many people that have helped the community get through the last couple of extremely challenging years. We think the festival was successful in achieving its aims with an estimated 20,000 attendees visiting the festival over the weekend and overwhelmingly positive feedback. We were incredibly lucky with the weather, which helped create a relaxed and welcoming festival vibe and allowed visitors to enjoy the eclectic and diverse mix of fun, games, entertainment, and performances. Friday evening saw the launch of the festival with the premier of the Thank You Peterborough film, welcome words from community leaders, and music from High Heritage, Peterborough Opera and Opaque – all getting the festival off to a great start.
The sun shone on Saturday and created the perfect setting for the packed timetable of music, contemporary circus, theatre, creative workshops, have-a-go sports activities – from acrobatics to kite making, martial arts to dance – a children’s fun fair and world food and drink. There were also 66 community organisations with stalls and interactive activities for the public to get involved in. Sunday was a bit cooler with some light showers in the afternoon but festivalgoers were not deterred and enjoyed plenty of multi-cultural performances, sport, games, entertainment, theatre, and art throughout the day. We welcomed 48 volunteers – Festival Makers – to the festival who between them worked 420 volunteer hours across the weekend. Thank you to everyone who helped make the Festival the wonderful inspiring and inclusive event it was for Peterborough.
Free Train Rides with the Nene Valley Railway! 8
Thank you to Nene Valley Railway who put on free train rides to over 800 festival-goers between Peterborough City Centre to Ferry Meadows throughout the weekend.
Thank You Peterborough Film The Thank You Peterborough film premiered on Friday 13 May at the opening of Peterborough Celebrates Festival and was shown on the big screen throughout the weekend. If you missed seeing the film at the Festival, you can watch it online at: https://youtu.be/rNvrhl8oyjE The film features individuals from organisations and community groups across Peterborough, saying thank you for support they have received over the past two years. The film was funded by Arts Council England, The National Lottery Community Fund, Nene Park Trust and Peterborough City Council. Filming and editing was done by Reckless Abandon Media Ltd and produced by Mr Holly with special thanks to George Barnett and Di Goldsmith. The following organisations were involved in the creation of the film:
Dogsthorpe Academy Fulbridge Primary school Queen Katharine Academy West Town Primary school Hampton Hargate Primary school Crafts4Smiles Peterborough Central Library Lithuanian Community Lighthouse Orton Goldhay Community Centre Disability Peterborough
CareZone Peterborough United Football Club Western Holmes Stadium National Literacy Trust Hampton Tiddlers St Olga’s Ukrainian Church Peterborough Food Bank Bharat Hindu Samaj temple Peterborough City Council Family Voice Peterborough Nenescape Black History Month
High Heritage Kev Lawrence (PCRfm) UROCK Youth Theatre PECT Up the Garden Bath Nene Park Trust Peterborough Girlguiding Kingsgate Community Church Whittlesey Table Tennis Club GLADCA How Are You Peterborough
Peterborough Royalty The flag banners on display were organised by Peterborough Presents and featured portraits of Peterborough individuals, nominated by others, to celebrate and recognise the work they had done over the past two years to support others or their community in Peterborough. To find out more about the project and the individuals nominated, visit: www.peterboroughpresents.org/ peterborough-royalty/
What did you Think? If you came along to the Festival, let us know about your experience! Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive so far so thank you to everyone who has taken the time to let us know what you liked about the festival and what we could consider for the future. We are in the process of collating all the feedback and considering how we will take the festival forward in future years. Keep an eye on our website and social media for updates on future events. www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/XDDZCLW
Thank You to Our Funders and Sponsors We couldn’t have put on the event without the support from funders and sponsors. Thank you so much to everyone who contributed to this event. Funders:
The National Lottery Community Fund Arts Council England Peterborough City Council Nene Park Trust
Sponsors:
Perkins
Cross Keys Homes
Hegarty LLP
Savills
Nenescape and RNRP
Brookdale Property Management Saffery Champness Greenwoods Meadow Brown Restaurants Hilton Garden Inn
Institute of Export and International Trade Inspire Education Group The Co-op Tesco Hampton Morrisons
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Project Officially Launches! On 27 and 28 May we held our official launch for the Your Community Greenspace project. We invited community groups to come along to the Lynch Lake Community Hub on the Friday evening to find out more about the project and held a public drop in session on the Saturday. Members of the public stopped by, found out more about the project and let us know what greenspace meant to them. It was wonderful to share our exciting project plans with our visitors.
YOUR COMMUNITY
GREENSPACE
To find out more about Your Community Greenspace project and to get involved, please visit the web page www.nenepark.org. uk/your-community-greenspace or contact the project manager, Lindsey Holmes at: lindsey. holmes@neneparktrust.org.uk
Kite Making Events and Workshops
In April, the project team ran a number of kite making workshops with schools and groups across the city including West Town Primary school, Orton Wistow Primary School, Dogsthorpe Infant school, Hampton Brownies, Gunthorpe Brownies, Peterborough Womens Prison, Peterborough Museum and The Hindu temple - Bharat Hindu Samaj.
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Kites have also been made as part of Nene Park Nature Tots and Home Educator group sessions. We displayed 170 kites made during these workshops at Peterborough Celebrates Festival– where another 1200 kites were made with festival-goers!
Creating the New Nene Nursery As part of Your Community Greenspace project, we have started to create an accessible nursery space, located in the wood yard on Ham Lane. The project will be volunteer driven, and provide a crucial space to be used by outreach links groups such as CP NHS Foundation Trust and Cavell Centre. This project has a completion date of March 2023. What will we use the space for?
To propagate plants and trees for use in the Park Practical therapeutic horticulture and rehabilitation (physical and mental)
Who will use space?
Underserved groups Cultural groups To tackle loneliness and isolation Faith groups or individuals Those needing support with mental health (depression, anxiety, PTSD) Those with reduced mobility / aged / disabled / visually impaired Current volunteers
Sample session ideas to be held in the nursery
Wildlife in the garden Culinary herbs Introduction to seed saving Make your own herbal teas mixology Aromatherapy through plants Mindfulness through gardening Cooking with fresh produce Nursery tour Introduction to therapeutic plants Drop in Q & A Guest speaker Pruning course Introduction to Grow your Own Vertical gardening Cook and eat groups (learning cultural differences through food and growing)
Wood yard now cleared and ready for the Nene Nursery to be created!
The yard will remain a mixed use area – still used for firewood processing and woodchip storage but will also be developed to incorporate the nursery for these different user groups. An accessible composting toilet will also be added to the nursery. We are very excited about what this project will bring to the Park and to its users. We are aiming to complete the creation of the nursery by March 2023 and then we’ll be able to grow and develop the project with these different groups from across Peterborough over the coming years. Keep an eye on our website and social media for updates on how the nursery progresses.
New Bridge Update We are working really hard on this in the background, working to get the dates for the replacement to Pontoon Bridge confirmed as soon as possible whilst battling increasing costs, due to volatile global environment. Visitors may have seen some further testing to the existing foundations being undertaken as we finalise our detailed design and approach to the installation. We hope to be able to confirm the timeline soon so watch this space!
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Butterflies Count Throughout the spring and summer you will no doubt see lots of different butterflies around the Park. Our team of wildlife survey volunteers carry out regular surveys across 5 different transect routes to record butterfly numbers and species found across Ferry Meadows. This data is inputted straight into the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme, contributing to a nationwide dataset on butterfly populations across the UK. This data allows conservationists to monitor trends in butterfly populations and ensure the conservation and research efforts are targeted to helping species and habitats most in need, as well as maintaining those that are doing well. Here at Nene Park we use this data in the same way, to help dictate our habitat management around the Park and monitor species diversity. During the 2021 season we recorded 25 different species of butterfly in the Park, and over 950 individual butterflies. These included common species such as Peacock, Orange Tip, Small Copper and Brimstone, as well as some less common species such as the White Letter Hairstreak, Green Hairstreak, Purple Hairstreak and Marbled White. If you’d like to learn more about butterflies then join one of our guided walks through the summer, or join in with Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count from 15th July to 7th August 2022.
UPDATE
VOLUNTEERING
Longthorpe Tower We’re still looking for volunteers to join our team of guides at Longthorpe Tower. If you would to find out more about this amazing medieval gem in Peterborough and help us spread the word to other visitors, do get in touch at volunteer@neneparktrust.org.uk. Thank you!
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UPDATE
FUNDRAISING
Marathon Fundraising Amy and Anne our marathon runners, have been busy training for the London Marathon in October; they are running the marathon to raise money for Nene Park Trust and will be hosting fundraising events in the Park throughout the summer. Keep your eye out on our social media and website for more information over the summer on how you can support! To sponsor them, visit our marathon appeal on our website: www.nenepark.org.uk/Appeal/tcs-london-marathon
Sign up to Amazon Smile Did you know, you can donate to Nene Park Trust without spending any additional money? By adding Nene Park Trust as your charity of choice to your Amazon account, every time you shop at Amazon, they will donate 0.5% of the net purchase price to Nene Park Trust. All you have to do is follow this link: https://smile.amazon.co.uk/, click ‘Get started’, search for ‘Nene Park Trust’ and add us to your account. Remember every time you shop on Amazon, don’t go to the usual web address but instead go to: https://smile.amazon.co.uk/ and it links automatically from there. Small, frequent donations from individuals such as this are just as important to us as large gifts. Any kind of support makes so much difference to the work we do. It costs over £7,000 a day to maintain the 1,700 acre Nene Park estate, and being a natural environment there are often unexpected costs which we have to cover, for example tree work after high winds. We promise, all donations we receive will go directly into helping maintain and nurture Nene Park, keeping it a place for everyone to enjoy and benefit from forever. We hope you enjoy taking part in this small act of support, which will help to make a difference to the future of Nene Park and its role in improving the quality of life for the Peterborough community.
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#NeneParkArt UPDATES
Jubilation! Jubilee Art Project at Orton Mere If you have taken a walk through Orton Mere and Thorpe Meadows, you may have noticed the colourful new artworks under the Parkway. Alongside new artworks commissioned by local music and dance event company Mixology, four new murals have been created to celebrate young people in Peterborough and the Platinum Jubilee. Designed and painted by artists Nikki Goldup and Keith Hopewell, the new artworks feature designs, colours and portraits developed during workshops with local young people from The Kite Trust and Thomas Deacon Academy. Two of the pillars feature collaged portraits of young people reflecting the diversity of the group. In contrast, the two other pillars include a grid pattern containing abstract shapes and symbols and bright, bold colours from the young people’s drawings. The murals can be viewed as standalone pillars, or altogether from the centre of the space so the patterns create a frame to the portraits. The artists wanted to create a space that celebrates young people and their lives in the year of the Jubilee. After a time where young people’s lives have been restricted, the new artworks do just that, giving a snapshot of their lives, feelings and colour. The Jubilation! Project has been funded by the Platinum Jubilee Fund, through the National Lottery Community Fund. 14
Collection Conversations The Collection Conversations project will allow essential repairs to be carried out to some of the artworks within the Thorpe Meadows Sculpture Trail. The project, supported using public funding by Arts Council England, includes a range of activities, workshops and events that will promote and protect the Peterborough Sculpture Collection. During the school holidays families took part in our Talking Sculptures workshops, learning about the Peterborough Arch by Lee Grandjean and Cormorant by Elizabeth Cooke sculptures, and creating our own imaginative sculptures. In May local Artist Tony Nero led a Walk & Draw workshop at Thorpe Meadows where we explored the sculpture trail and tried out different drawing techniques- with some great results. Over the next few months artists Madiha Ashiq, Tom Fox & Becky Owen Fisher, Mark Grist and Madhu Manipatruni will be leading creative workshops for local community groups to get creative, explore and learn more about the sculptures. Local designers Paper Rhino will be designing a new trail map and we will also be carrying out some repairs to the sculptures. If you would like to find out more about the project or get involved, please contact art@nenparktrust.org.uk
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Summer Events There is no shortage of events and activities to keep the whole family entertained over the summer months at Nene Park. From our regular boat trips, paddlesports and cycle hire to our summer holiday activities such as pond dipping, bushcraft, climbing, archery or nature walks. Please see our full events listing for July and August at Nene Park.
SUMMER-LONG ACTIVITIES
Passenger Boat Trips Weekends and daily during school holidays. 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 daily from the Visitor Centre Jetty at 10am, 11am, 12 noon, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm. Suitable for all ages, it’s £8 per person and free for under 3s. Book online to secure your chosen time at www.nenepark.org.uk/take-a-boat-trip. You can also now turn up and pay on the boat for a last minute boat trip!
Pay and Play Watersports Hire Daily 11am-6.30pm (10am at weekends) Make a splash with our ‘Pay and Play’ watersports, available daily from 11am-6.30pm (10am at weekends). Activities include swan pedalos and row boats, stand up paddle boards, kayaks and canoes, dinghies and windsurfing.
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Book online to avoid the queues on busy days at www.nenepark.org.uk/water-pay-play-activities
Cycle Hire Daily 10am-5pm Hire a bike from Nene Outdoors and discover miles of trafficfree cycling paths, lakeside trails and woodland routes in the Park. Cycle hire is available daily from 10am to 5pm. Book your cycle hire online at www.rutlandcycling.com/pages/cycle-hirepeterborough.html
Visit Longthorpe Tower Weekends 10am-4.30pm Visit Longthorpe Tower, the surviving tower of a 14th century fortified Manor House. It contains the finest set of medieval wall paintings in a domestic setting in Western Europe, giving a rare insight into the medieval mind. Book your 1-hour tour with our knowledgeable volunteers between 10am – 4.30pm at weekends at www.nenepark.org.uk/longthorpe-tower
Open Water Swimming Every Thursday 5.30-7pm Come along and swim the 400m course on Gunwade Lake in these friendly sessions. Register with NOWCA and get your first swim session free. Subsequent sessions are £6.50. Find out more at www.nenenpark.org.uk/open-water-swimming
Ride the Ferry Meadows Railway All aboard the Ferry Meadows miniature railway! Sit back and enjoy the ride as you pass through meadows while taking in views of Overton and Lynch Lakes. The carriages include a wheelchair coach which allows people to ride the train while remaining in their wheelchairs. To see if trains are running on the day of your visit www.ferrymeadowsrailway.co.uk
NATURE WALKS AND TALKS Social Walking Group 4 & 27 July and 1 & 31 August 10.30am-12pm
Go Camping Upgrade your day out at Ferry Meadows to an overnight adventure! Book one of our bell tents on ‘Lakeview Campsite’ or book a camping pitch at ‘The Glade’. Located in the heart of Ferry Meadows, both campsites have access to a number of facilities and are ideally situated to take advantage of all the exciting activities on offer at Nene Outdoors. Find out more at www.nenepark.org.uk/camping
Not sure where to go for a walk, or not keen on walking on your own? 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 to come along and see a different area of Nene Park. Suitable for: 14 yrs+ Cost: Free Meeting point July: Lovers Lane, Sutton Meeting point August: Milton Ferry Bridge
Guided Walk with a Ranger Thursday 21 July 10am-1pm Join one of our Rangers, Ian, for a 6 mile walk around Ferry Meadows and the surrounding area. Ian will highlight various points of interest along the way and you can ask any questions about the Park and its history. Gain confidence walking in the rural estate and find new routes you may not have explored before. Suitable for: 12 yrs+ Meeting point: Outside the Visitor Centre Cost: £2.50
Visit Lost World Don’t forget Nene Park Trust also runs Lost World, the soft play and activity centre in Serpentine Green shopping centre. It’s the perfect place to let off steam with soft play, interactive climbing games and climbing walls. Parklife readers can gain an extra 10% off entry to Lost World. Visit www.lost-world.co.uk for more information and add the promo code NPT10 when you book.
Osprey Talk Monday 25 July 7-9pm Join Ken from the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust for an informative talk and presentation about this wonderful bird of prey. Self-service tea/coffee and biscuits available at the interval. Suitable for: 12 yrs+ Meeting point: Lakeside Meeting Room Cost: £5 17 17
Summer Events Pollinator Ponder and Wildlife Wander
RYA Start Windsurfing
Tuesday 16 August 1-2.30pm
Saturday 13–Sunday 14 August 9am-5pm
A walk with a ranger looking at some of the butterfly, bees and wildflower species found in the Park. We will look at how they work together in the world of pollination. Bring binoculars if you have them.
Nene Outdoors is the perfect place to come and learn to windsurf. Our safe and sheltered waters help you progress in this sport, giving you the opportunity to focus on learning the basics, including preparation, sailing in all directions, manoeuvring the board and getting on and off the water.
Suitable for: 10 yrs+ Meeting point: Outside the Visitor Centre Cost: £2.50
WATERSPORTS COURSES
Suitable for: 16 yrs+ Meeting point: Nene Outdoors Cost: £166
Youth Windsurfing Course Wednesday 17–Thursday 18 August 9am-5pm This two day intensive course teaches participants the basics of windsurfing, including the key techniques and skills you need for success in this sport. After the course, participants will be able to sail to a chosen point on the water and return to where you started in light winds. Suitable for: 10-15 yrs Meeting point: Nene Outdoors Cost: £166
ARTS, CRAFT AND SCULPTURE
Adult RYA Start Sailing Level 1 Saturday 6–Sunday 7 August 9am–5pm and Saturday 20–Sunday 21 August 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: 16 yrs+ Meeting point: Nene Outdoors Cost: £166.00
Youth RYA Sailing Stage 1 Monday 1–Tuesday 2 August 9am-5pm and Monday 15–Tuesday 16 August 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: 8-15 yrs olds Meeting point: Nene Outdoors reception Cost: £166.00
Youth RYA Sailing Stage 2 Wednesday 3–Thursday 4 August 9am-5pm, Wednesday 17–Thursday 18 August 9am-5pm
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Family Sculpture Walk Wednesday 27 July 10am-12pm Join Louise, Project Officer Arts, for a walk and activities around Thorpe Meadows Sculpture Trail. We will explore the sculpture trail and a selection of the sculptures via hands-on creative activities. Suitable for: All ages Meeting point: Thorpe Meadows car park Cost: £2.50
The Mask Theatre: Romeo and Juliet Wednesday 6 July 7.30pm, Thursday 7 July 7.30pm, Friday 8 July 7.30pm and Saturday 9 July 2.30 and 7.30pm
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.
You know the drill, or do you? Boy meets girl, boy marries girl, boy and girl die tragically for love. When Romeo, a Montague, meets Juliet, a Capulet, their struggle to find true human connection in the midst of a divided Verona seems fated from the start. This July, join Peterborough Mask Theatre in the beautiful setting of Nene Park and watch them tell the classic tale of starcrossed lovers as only they can.
Suitable for: 8-15 yrs olds Meeting point: Nene Outdoors Cost: £166.00
For more details about Mask Theatre, please visit their website www.masktheatre.co.uk
Discover the New Artis Trail Digital App
History Eco Boat Trip
Saturday 16 July 10.30am-3pm
Saturday 9 July 9.30-11am
Come and travel back to Roman times, creating your own Roman soldiers or trying on a Roman helmet in our new digital app, created by One to One Development Trust.
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.
Suitable for: All ages Meeting point: Discovery Den Cost: Free
Children’s Fused Glass Workshop Friday 12 August 10.30-11.30am, 1-2pm & 3-4pm 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 and choose a variety of coloured glass to create your design. Once your piece is complete, it will be fired in a kiln and you can collect it approximately one week later from the Visitor Centre. Suitable for: 7 yrs+. Under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult. Meeting point: Discovery Den Cost: £12
Children’s Willow Weaving Workshop Tuesday 23 August 10-10.50am, 11.15am-12.05pm, 1-1.50pm and 2.15-3.05pm This is a children’s taster workshop to introduce a younger generation to the wonderful world of willow. Join Martin from Rutland Willows as he takes you through the techniques you need to create a unique piece of work to take home. Suitable for: 10-15 yrs Meeting point: Discovery Den Cost: £14
SPECIAL BOAT TRIPS
Suitable for: 8 yrs+. Children must be able to sit quietly and patiently Cost: £14 Meeting point: Boat Jetty, opposite Otter Play area
Twilight Wildlife Eco Boat Trip Wednesday 7 September 6-7.30pm and early bird Wednesday 14 September Wyndham’s near silent-motor means that she is the ideal craft for wildlife watching. When the Park visitors leave, and the daylight begins to fade, the wildlife can become more active. A perfect time for a wildlife boat trip! Suitable for: 12 yrs+ Children must be able to sit quietly and patiently Cost: £14 Meeting point: Boat Jetty, opposite Otter Play area
CHILDREN’S NATURE ACTIVITIES Nature Tots 11 & 25 July and 8 & 22 August 10-11.30am A fun twice-monthly outdoor parent and toddler group. Each session has a nature theme and will include a messy craft activity, time to explore the beautiful outdoors, story and song time. Note that the two sessions each month follow the same theme so please only book onto one session each month. Suitable for: 2 yrs+ Meeting Point: Outside the Discovery Den Cost: £4
Moth and Muffin Morning Saturday 16 July 9-10.30am Moths often lose out on attention compared to butterflies, however they have their own beauty and come in a variety of colours, shapes and sizes. Join some of Nene Park’s moth enthusiasts as we see how many different species we have around us and try to identify the different species. Then enjoy a hot drink and a muffin as we try to identify some of the species. Suitable for: 6yrs+ Meeting point: Discovery Den Cost: £8
Wild Home Educator Sessions Mondays: 11 & 25 July and 8 & 22 August 1.15-3.15pm
Wildlife Eco Boat Trip 10 August 9.30-11am Wyndham’s near silent-motor means that she is the ideal craft for wildlife watching. Join us on a 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! Minimum age: 8 yrs, children must be able to sit quietly and patiently. Cost: £14 Meeting point: Boat Jetty, opposite Otter Play area
We run a twice-monthly session for home educated children. Each month has a different theme linked to nature and the curriculum. Note that both sessions each month have the same theme so only book onto one session each month. Suitable for: Ages 5-11yrs Meeting Point: Outside the Discovery Den Cost: £6
Pond Dipping Wednesdays: 27 July, 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31st August 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: 3 yrs+ Cost: Free - Donations welcome. Meeting point: Lynch Lake pond dipping platform
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Summer Events Bug Hunting
On ya Bike!
Tuesday 2 August 10.30am-12pm & 1.30-3pm and Thursday 19 August 10.30am-12pm & 1.30-3pm
This summer we are working in partnership with PECT to bring guided cycle rides and a cycling skills track to the Park all available for free for our visitors.
Find out about the amazing mini beasts which make their home in the different habitats of Ferry Meadows. Suitable for: 2 yrs+ Meeting point: The Discovery Den Cost: £2.50
HOLIDAY ADVENTURES Summer Holiday Trail
Please go to www.nenepark.org.uk/events for more details. Guided Cycle Rides August: Sunday 14, Wednesday 17, Thursday 18 Saturday 27, and Wednesday 31. September: Saturday 3 and Saturday 24. Cycling Skills Track
New trails launched on the 25 July and 5 & 19 August 9am-4pm
August: Wednesday 3, Friday 5, Tuesday 9, Friday 12, Friday 19, Wednesday 24 and Friday 26.
There is a new trail every two weeks throughout the summer holidays. 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. No need to book; just pop into the Visitor Centre to find out more.
September: Sunday 4, Saturday 10, Saturday 17 and Sunday 25.
Suitable for: All ages Cost: £1 per sheet. Meeting point: Pop into the Visitor Centre, Ferry Meadows
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?
Climbing Wall Saturday 30 July, Thursday 4, Tuesday 16 and Tuesday 30 August 11am-4pm
Suitable for: Adults or children over 4 yrs Meeting point: Outside Nene Outdoors Cost: £10. Booking essential.
Bushcraft: Tool Use Tuesday 9 August 10.30am-12pm and 1.30-3pm Learn how to use a selection of tools including loppers and gimlets to turn elder sticks into crafts such as beads, jewellery and much more! Suitable for: 8 yrs+ Meeting point: Lakeside Car Park on the grass by the car park machines Cost: £5.50
Bushcraft: Fire lighting Thursday 18 August 10.30am-12pm and 1.30-3pm Children will be shown how to use basic bushcraft techniques to light a fire without using matches and then try to light their own.
Archery Tuesday 26 July, Tuesday 9 August & Thursday 25 August 11am-4pm
Bushcraft: Shelter Building
Pay and Play Archery sessions will run throughout the day. Why not come down and have a go? You will find us on Oak Meadow close to Nene Outdoors.
Friday 26 August 10.30am-12pm and 1.30-3pm
Suitable for: Adults and children 8 yrs+ Meeting point: Oak Meadow Cost: £10 Booking Essential.
Suitable for: 7 yrs+ Meeting point: Lakeside Car Park on the grass by the car park machines Cost: £5.50
Events information 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.
2020
Suitable for: 7 yrs+ Meeting point: Lakeside Car Park on the grass by the car park machines Cost: £5.50
Come along to find out how to build your own wild shelter and have a go at creating your own.
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. Thank you. Accessibility
Event details are correct here at the time of going to press. Please check the website for up to date information.
We offer a range of services at events such as hearing assistance equipment, accessible maps, mobility scooters and assistance dogs are welcome.
If you book onto an event and are unable to come, let us know.
If you have any special requirements or queries, please get in touch or visit the accessibility page on our website.
Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult, up to a maximum of three children per adult.
Please call us to find out more information about the accessibility of individual events.