Parklife Winter 2022/2023

Parklife December 2022 – February 2023

Winter WHAT’S ON GUIDE

Find out about...

PARK PLANS

OUR SCULPTURES OUR CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE

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 the winter edition of Parklife!

It’s been another busy few months across Nene Park and we’ve watched the seasons change from stunning autumn colours to atmospheric mists across the lakes, as winter approaches.

We are now enjoying our festive Christmas experience in Ferry Meadows with our synthetic ice rink, mini Christmas market, vintage fun fair and children’s craft activities, running all the way until the 2nd January. We hope you’ll be able to pop along to the Park and join in the festivities!

Looking ahead to 2023, we are excited at the various developments happening across the Park including the new car park for Lakeside and a new café for Thorpe Meadows. Your Community Greenspace project will be busy with activities, events and even a Kite Festival. We’ll also be welcoming back Peterborough Celebrates Festival to the Park for the weekend of 19-21 May 2023. Don’t forget to look at our What’s On events listings for December, January and February on pages 14-16 to see what else is coming up.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Park soon!

The Nene Park Trust team

Photo credits: Front cover - Tony Garratty, Behind - Hazel Clifton

Fundraising calendar and photography exhibition The monthly photography competitions this year have culminated in our stunning fundraising calendar for 2023.

Filled with beautiful landscape and wildlife images from across the Park taken by our visitors, this is now available to buy from the Visitor Centre, our cafes and the Caravan Park for £10. All proceeds from sales of the calendar go into supporting the work of Nene Park Trust.

A selection of the best photographs taken each month will be on display from early December in our photography exhibition running along the path near Overton Lake towards Badger Play in Ferry Meadows. Go along and see some of the other photos from the competition. Perhaps you’ll even spot one of your own!

A new photography competition for 2023 will be kicking off in January so if you would like be in with a chance of having your photo in next year’s calendar, get involved!

Keep your eyes out for another photography exhibition coming to the Park from the end of February, featuring pictures of popular Park pooches by Peterborough photographer Chris Porsz.

Virtual History Walk video Ever wondered about Ferry Meadows’ historical past?

Watch this film narrated by Deputy Park Manager Chris Rollason from the comfort of your own home and discover key historical sites on a circular walk around the Park. Sites include the Iron Age farmstead on Coney Meadow, Roman Point, Milton Ferry Bridge and features of the Fitzwilliam estate in Bluebell Wood.

What about coming to the Park and discovering these sites for yourself?

Find this video on our website at www.nenepark.org.uk/virtual-history-walk 2

Sculpture Spotlight In each issue of Parklife we ask a member of Nene Park staff to talk about one of their favourite sculptures in the Peterborough Sculpture Collection.

In this issue, we asked Oliver Hook, Visitor Ranger, to choose a sculpture from the Thorpe Meadows Sculpture Trail: “One of my favourite sculptures is People by Tolleck Winner. The steel shapes look like two branches of a tree swaying in the breeze or stems of seaweed gently waving under water. There’s a sense of sereneness to the sculpture that is relaxing and peaceful”.

Read more about the sculptures at Thorpe Meadows on pages 10 & 11 or find out more on our website www.nenepark.org.uk/sculptures

Have you seen this sculpture? Share a photo of your favourite sculpture #NeneParkArt or email art@neneparktrust.org.uk

Recent wildlife sightings

Build your own hamper!

Our Visitor Centre, Gift and Farm Shop is bursting with gifts and goodies for Christmas including hampers you can build yourself!

At this time of year lots of migrating and over-wintering birds can be spotted in the Park.

We have had Cattle Egrets and Little Egrets on Heron Meadow and a wide range of ducks seen on our lakes including red crested pochard. Thank you to Vaughan Foulkes-Arnold for sharing his photo (pictured).

Our autumn bat walks revealed four different species of bats – Common Pipistrelle, Soprano Pipistrelle, Daubentons & Serotine.

A Clouded Yellow butterfly was spotted near the Pyramid sculpture, which was a first record for Ferry Meadows (certainly in the last 20 years). Don’t forget to keep your eyes out for our resident otters who like to make an appearance over winter!

Purchase a small, medium or large hamper box and then fill it with whatever takes your fancy. Create a small dog treats hamper for your precious pooch or a gin and chocolates hamper for your favourite auntie – or browse the shop to for more ideas.

Look out for our announcements of an exciting shop sale coming soon too!

Nene Park receives one of The Queen’s Green Canopy Trees Nene Park is honoured to have been chosen as one of three locations in Cambridgeshire to receive a special tree from The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) ‘Tree of Trees’.

The Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire Mrs Julie Spence OBE QPM came to Nene Park on the 24th October and presented the tree to the Park. The tree is a multi-stem betula pendula (birch) currently in a pot embossed with Her Majesty’s cypher. The tree will be planted out at a later date in the Jubilee Garden which is being developed behind the Visitor Centre in Ferry Meadows to mark this important Jubilee year. The tree will then become part of the living legacy in honour of Her Majesty, joining over a million trees already planted across the UK as part of The QGC, which was created to mark the Platinum Jubilee.

For more information on The Queen’s Green Canopy, visit www.queensgreencanopy.org

Visitor Survey Don’t forget to complete our new Visitor Survey if you have been to the Park recently!

The survey has been designed to help us listen to our visitors and to make sure our efforts are going towards the things that matter most to you and our wider community.

As a thank you there will be a regular prize draw every quarter to win a luxury hamper full of goodies from our Gift & Farm Shop, worth £100! Your time is greatly appreciated, thank you!

Visit www.nenepark.org.uk/visitor-survey to share your views.

33

Experience the magic of Christmas From 25 November to 2 January the heart of Ferry Meadows is being transformed for Christmas, with an open-air synthetic ice rink, mini Christmas market and vintage fun fair, all festooned with twinkling lights and festive garlands.

If you’re coming to the Park during this time, how about gliding into the festive season on our eco-friendly synthetic ice rink, open daily until 2 January (excluding Christmas Day). The synthetic surface is scientifically engineered to create a non-friction surface, whilst having minimal impact on the environment.

Suitable for ages 4 and over, prices start from just £6 per skating session and include a certificate for each child as a memento of their time on the ice. It’s the perfect activity to get you and your family and friends into the Christmas spirit, with all proceeds from the ice rink going straight back to maintaining our beautiful Park for all the community to enjoy.

FREE CAR PARKING is included with skating sessions, providing an affordable as possible family-friendly Christmas experience in our idyllic Park settivng. Book your ice skating tickets at www.nenepark.org.uk/christmas

Why a synthetic rink?

We primarily made this choice as part of our commitment to action against climate change, as running a real ice rink would have a significant impact on the environment.

It would also incur extremely high energy costs, which as a charity we simply cannot justify in the current economic climate.

After careful consideration, we have opted for the Super-Glide brand as it’s a synthetic ice skating surface with a scientifically engineered molecular surface. The extremely low friction surface results in a fun skating experience, perfect for all ages and abilities. Please come along and try it for yourselves!

4

Try ice hockey!

We are excited to share that coaches from the Peterborough Phantoms Para Ice Hockey Club will be hosting three sessions on our ice rink!

Book your place to discover the exciting sport of ice hockey and learn new skills in an inclusive environment. All abilities are welcome, suitable for adults and children aged 4 years and over. Ice hockey equipment will be provided.

The dates for these sessions are Tuesday 29 November, Tuesday 6 December and Tuesday 13 December, 7-8pm.

Not just ice skating... market stalls too!

A mini Christmas market full of delicious food and drink will add to the festivities, from warming mulled wine and indulgent hot chocolate to traditional Bratwürst and a mouth-watering selection of sweet treats.

You’ll also discover unique gifts and have the opportunity to support local community groups. Continue your shopping in the Ferry Meadows Gift & Farm Shop, full of unique Christmas decorations and exciting gift ideas for your loved ones, alongside a new range of festive Farm Shop produce from our premium local suppliers.

…and all the fun of the fair An exciting vintage fun fair is providing even more entertainment, with rides including a Helter Skelter, Chair ‘O’ Planes and Swing Boats.

Try your luck at the traditional coconut shy and Hook a Duck and see what you can win! Rides on the festive-themed miniature railway will also be available at weekends and during the school holidays.

Children’s Christmas crafts Join a member of the Nene Park team in our Christmas Craft Cabin, and create something festive to take away.

Craft activities are free (donations always welcome!) and are suitable for children and their families. A new activity will take place each week: 

Rudolph Baubles - Friday 25 November to Thursday 1 December



Lolly Stick Christmas Tree - Friday 2 December to Thursday 8 December



Christmas Card Making - Friday 9 December to Thursday 15 December



Reindeer Food - Friday 16 December to Thursday 22 December



Pom Pom Snowman - Friday 23 December to Thursday 29 December



New Year Firework Art - Friday 30 December to Monday 2 January

You can also write your letters to Father Christmas in the Craft Cabin and pop them in our post box for us to send directly to the North Pole.

When you’re finished, head over to the Visitor Centre, Gift & Farm Shop to write your Christmas wish and hang it on our magical wishing tree. Don’t miss a festive family photo opportunity as you pass our hand crafted wooden sleigh! Tag us in your photos #ChristmasAtFerryMeadows @NeneParkPboro, we would love to see them.

Our Christmas Holiday Trail will be available daily throughout the school holidays.

Purchase a trail sheet from the Visitor Centre for £1, complete the sheet as you walk around Ferry Meadows and collect a prize to grow at home!

Fundraising Christmas Stars Our fundraising Christmas stars are a chance for you to help decorate the Park, whilst also supporting Nene Park Trust to continue providing greenspace for you to enjoy.

To take part, purchase a wooden star from the Visitor Centre, Gift & Farm Shop for a suggested donation of £2 per star. Take your star home to decorate and then return to the Visitor Centre to be hung on display in the Park for all visitors to enjoy.

We will also be running star decorating craft activities in the Park on the 19, 20 and 21 December.

Christmas craft workshops Discover our popular festive craft workshops, run by industry experts. Book your place on our Christmas Wreath Making Workshop on the 4th December with Michaella from House of Blooms, or join Martin from Rutland Willows at our Christmas Willow Weaving Workshop on 11th December. Both workshops are suitable for age 16 and over.

5

UPDATES

PARK MANAGEMENT

Wetland restoration at Sutton In the autumn issue of Parklife we reported that the RSPB’s rotary ditching machine had been back to Nene Park to create some shallow ditches and scrapes on the flood meadows at Sutton and Water Newton.

By creating low lying, wet features across the floodplain meadows near Sutton, we have been aiming to provide increased feeding habitat for a variety of wetland species such as wading birds and wildfowl.

These newly created channels also provide a way for water to easily percolate across the meadow, allowing even more areas to sit wetter throughout autumn, winter and even into early spring. The intention is to provide the right conditions for wetland flora and fauna to colonise and spread.

With some of the wet weather we have received recently and a rise in water levels we are pleased to say that the newly created channels at Sutton have started to hold water and are already beginning to provide valuable feeding habitat for some wetland species such as Snipe.

We hope that as we get more rain, water levels will continue to rise even further, making the wider meadow complex sit wetter. We will continue to monitor the progress of this recent project at Sutton flood meadows, but are hopeful that it will have a hugely positive impact on biodiversity over time.

Winter tree work As the weather gets colder, and the Park gets quieter, the Park Management Team get straight into their chainsaw gear.

We have been conducting Tree Work down Water Lane, Lynch Plantation and Bluebell Wood. The reason we do this is:  To ensure the general public stay safe, as they enjoy their visits to the Park.  To help encourage healthy growth on our trees.

We have also created brash piles to encourage wildlife habitats to form.

6

UPDATES

DEVELOPMENT

New café for Thorpe Meadows – planning approved!

We are very pleased to share that planning permission has now been granted for a café, a small play area and toilet facilities at Thorpe Meadows, in the area of land adjacent to the car park.

We are working with Iso Spaces, an award winning, innovative company that designs, manufactures and installs bespoke modula r buildings from recycled shipping container units. They have come up with an attractive low level café design which includes some indoor seating as well an outside terrace, overlooking the play equipment.

The toilet facilities will include three standard toilet cubicles, an accessib le toilet and baby changing facilities.

By providing our visitors to Thorpe Meadows with a place to meet friends and pick up a post-workout coffee, or just relax and enjoy the stunning setting of the rowing lake, we are hoping they will be able to extend their visit to this beautiful area.

Now planning permission has been granted, we are working hard on the timeline for construction. More information will be announced shortly. To find out more about the plans please go to our website : www.nenepark.org.uk/new-cafe-for-thorpe-meadows

New Lakeside car park Contractors SDC have now been appointed to create the new car park at Lakeside and work is due to start in early December.

Woodlands Sports Pavilion – plans submitted Our plans for a new sports pavilion and MUGA for the Woodlands sports site have now been submitted to Peterborough Council.

To find out more about our plans please visit www.nenepark.org.uk/ woodlands-sports-facilities

7

School in Residence – Our Mini Rangers October saw the launch of our School in Residence project with Paston Ridings Primary School in Peterborough as the first school to take part.

The school had never been to Nene Park on a school trip before and is very excited to be involved. Two classes of Year 3 pupils (7-8 year olds) will come to the Park for six sessions over the year between October 2022 and July next year and our Nene Park Team will go and visit them in their school for a further three visits.

We visited the school first in October and the children took part in a range of activities around the topic of volcanos and the earth. They got their hands dirty, digging in the soil out on their school field and also created their own erupting volcanos. The children then came into the Park for a day trip in November, taking part in a range of activities including seeing and touching a number of fascinating creatures such as a snake, gecko and a rat, brought into the Park by Zoo Lab. The excitement continued with den building in the woods and even an activity to discover what owls like to eat.

The children will be back in the Park before Christmas and then look forward to further sessions in 2023.

Community events In November, we were joined by the Lithuanian Community, who planted an oak tree and took part in some tree conservation tasks.

The oak tree is symbolic in Lithuania and after our tree planting and conservation session, we headed to the Volunteer Hub for a welldeserved coffee and cake.

Community members wrote what the oak tree symbolises to them on an oak leaf with words such as ‘Draugystes’, meaning ‘Friendships’. The group will be returning again next year to plant another oak tree.

If you are part of a local community group and would like to get involved in community conservation days, please email briony.nesbitt@neneparktrust.org.uk for more information or to book a session.

Go fly a kite in 2023 On the 22 April 2023, we are holding a Kite Festival in the Park.

Park visitors will have the chance to learn how to make and fly a kite and there will be prizes for the best decorated kite and best kite flyer, as well as a prize for the best group - schools and clubs are encouraged to get involved.

If you would like to find out more, please contact Lindsey Holmes on lindsey.holmes@neneparktrust.org.uk 8

VOLUNTEER UPDATES

Young People’s Panel We are developing a Young People’s Panel in Peterborough to support the development of the Park with and for young people.

The panel will consist of 12 young people and is being set up to advise Nene Park on how to involve more young people in the Park’s activities and how we can meet the needs of young people as we develop and deliver new projects, as well as getting new perspectives on how we can increase access for young people.

The panel is a new project open to anyone living, studying, or working in Peterborough or the surrounding area, aged 14-19 who are interested in supporting, promoting and delivering new initiatives for young people. It will be an opportunity to develop new skills as there will be training included which will be decided upon by those that make up the panel. We will be linking up with other Youth Panels across Peterborough, to ensure we hear a wide range of youth voices and young people have the opportunity to feedback to their groups.

We’re looking for people with a wide range of interests that might include one or more of the following: Environment & Conservation Work Outdoors, Parks & Greenspaces  Art, Design and Creativity  History & Heritage  Tourism, Sport & Recreation  

The panel will be supported by Briony, Project Development Officer (Communities), and Louise, Project Development Officer (Arts). If you are interested in applying or would like more information, drop an email with questions to briony.nesbitt@neneparktrust.org.uk

Could you help care for the sculptures in the Park?

We’re recruiting a new team of Sculpture Care Volunteers to help look after the artworks in the Park.

Nene Park has 20 sculptures located across Thorpe Meadows Sculpture Trail and Ferry Meadows and Sculpture Care volunteers will help keep the sculptures spick and span - for visitors to enjoy all year round. While you’re out and about there will also be opportunity to engage with visitors - chatting about a favourite sculpture and the work you are doing. No previous experience is necessary, just a can-do attitude and an interest in art & heritage.

For more information or if you would like to become a Sculpture Care Volunteer please email volunteer@neneparktrust.org.uk Or visit our website www.nenepark.org.uk/sculpture-care-volunteer 9

Talking Art – Peterborough Sculpture Collection We have really enjoyed finding out about your favourite sculptures in the Park.

As part of the Collection Conversations project, supported using public funding by Arts Council England, we have been chatting, listening and making art with visitors, volunteers and community groups.

Earlier in the year, pupils at Thomas Deacon Academy Primary joined poet Mark Grist to explore the Peterborough Arch, Quarry and Untitled 1989 sculptures creating some imaginative poems and stories. Young people at the Families First holiday club took part in a sculpture quiz and constructed some fantastic Cormorants and a group of Young Carers, supported

by Centre 33 took part in a photography workshop exploring Bird in Flight. At the half term workshops, families crafted large scale sculptures inspired by Peterborough Arch and Cormorant and a group of avid sketchers joined artist Tony Nero for a walk and draw workshop along the Thorpe Meadows Sculpture Trail.

#NENEPARKART UPDATES

Nene Park Art Club As part of the Collection Conversations project, we have launched Nene Park Art Club.

The monthly workshops support young people aged 14 to 19 to get creative and explore the Park. The group have enjoyed working with local artists and so far, have created colourful collages with Madiha Ashiq, beautiful block prints with Madhu Manipatruni and intricate 3D sculptures and patterns with Rosannah Croft, inspired by the Pyramid Sculpture by John Maine.

Nene Park Art Club will continue into 2023.

For more information email art@neneparktrust.org.uk

10 10

Sculpture repairs You may have noticed an empty space at Thorpe Meadows alongside Longthorpe Parkway.

Back in October the iconic Peterborough Arch sculpture, by artist Lee Grandjean was temporarily removed from the Park to be inspected by conservators. The impressive large-scale sculpture has been enjoyed by drivers along Longthorpe Parkway and visitors to Thorpe Meadows since 1988 and provides a unique landmark on the western approach to the city.

The work was carved from Iroko wood and pegged together.

Unfortunately, after 34 years exposure to the elements, the sculpture is in need of urgent attention. Once the extent of the works is known, Nene Park Trust will fundraise to ensure this well-known sculpture is not lost from the City.

The artist that created Peterborough Arch, Lee Grandjean, currently lives and works from his studio in Norfolk. He was born in 1949 and grew up in Harlow, Essex. Lee studied at the North East Polytechnic and Winchester School of Art, and was Deputy Head of Sculpture at the Royal College of Art, London.

Explore Thorpe Meadows Sculpture Trail Visitors can now pick up a copy of our new Thorpe Meadows Sculpture Trail guide to find out more information about the artworks located on the short trail.

The new trail leaflet created by local designers Paper Rhino contains an illustrated map and information about the artworks along the trail. Families can also enjoy our new free activity sheet that includes lots of creative and fun activities to enjoy as you walk around the trail. The Sculpture Trail activity sheet has been created and drawn by local artist Madiha Ashiq.

You can pick up a trail guide at Ferry Meadows Visitor Centre or download a copy of the leaflet and activity sheet from our website www.nenepark.org.uk/sculptures

About Peterborough Sculpture Collection The sculptures in Nene Park form part of the Peterborough Sculpture Collection that was established by Peterborough Development Corporation during the development of Peterborough as a New Town.

During the 1970s and 80s Peterborough Development Corporation bought and commissioned new artworks by some of the best British sculptors working at the time. They selected artworks that linked with the architectural style and planning of Peterborough and created a collection that reflected the diverse subject matter and practice of British sculptors creating new work at that time. The aim was to create a culturally rich City and mark a moment in time. The Collection currently comprises of thirty sculptures including important works by Anthony Gormley on the roof tops in Cathedral Square and Lagoon by Anthony Caro, outside The Key Theatre.

1111

Christmas Campaign - #TheNatureEffect This Christmas we are shining a light on all the ways having access to greenspace can improve our quality of life.

At Nene Park Trust we are so proud to play our part in positively affecting those who visit us, with one of our main objectives to improve the conditions of life for those who live in Peterborough. We achieve this through parks and greenspaces.

Did You Know? `£2.1 billion per year could be saved in health costs if everyone in England had good access to greenspace`

Public Health England 2020

We often hear from visitors who share stories with us about being grateful to have a space local to them where they can find moments of calm, make memories in nature and spend time with significant people. The effect greenspaces can have on an individual is often taken for granted. This festive period we are shining a light on these effects. Follow along on our social media where we will be sharing interesting information and looking to hear from you about the experiences you have had at Nene Park.

You can support your Park this Christmas by donating online at www.nenepark.org.uk/the-nature-effect

Celebration Leaves A meaningful and unique way to capture a moment or person.

A beautiful handmade copper oak leaf is engraved with a message of your choice and put on display in the wildlife garden at Ferry Meadows.

Not only is a Celebration Leaf for you or your loved one, but it is also a great act of kindness towards Nene Park Trust. The money received is a huge support to the work of the Trust – meaning you are helping to ensure the Park can be enjoyed by all, forever.

More information on Celebration Leaves can be found on our website at www.nenepark.org.uk/celebration-leaves or the Fundraising Team would love to hear from you at fundraising@neneparktrust.org.uk

FUNDRAISING UPDATES

Our fabulous marathon runners

Big congratulations are in order for Amy and Anne who, on the 2 October completed the London Marathon and have raised over £4,000 for Nene Park Trust! We have been so impressed with the dedication and fantastic spirit both showed in running and all their fundraising.

To find out more about Amy and Anne’s experience of community fundraising, take a look at their blog: www.nenepark.org.uk/blog/celebrating-ourmarathon-runners

Thank You! We are thrilled to have secured funding from the Viridor in Peterborough Fund which has allowed us to purchase a Ryetec Flail Collector.

This piece of machinery is an amazing new addition which will make a huge difference to us, particularly making existing work more efficient, whilst allowing us to improve our levels of land management.

A big thank you also goes to Van Hage Garden Centre and Bosworth Garden Centre for donating daffodil bulbs as prizes for our October half term trail at Ferry Meadows. The trails were extremely popular and all who took part were appreciative of a prize they could grow and enjoy for years to come!

12

NENE OUTDOORS UPDATES Give the gift of Adventure!

Did you know you can buy gift vouchers for watersports courses and activities at Nene Outdoors?

Available to buy online for £10, these would make a brilliant present for any occasion. Recipients can spend them on paddlecraft hire when the season starts again or can put them towards learning to sail, windsurf or even operate a powerboat.

Keep your eye on our events pages to see our upcoming courses for 2023. We will be offering all levels of RYA Sailing for both young people and adults, windsurfing and the RYA Powerboat Level 2 certificate.

Gift vouchers can be purchased from https://neneparktrust.digitickets.co.uk/giftvouchers/251668

Archery and Climbing tasters Challenge yourself for 2023!

Every school holiday we run climbing and archery taster sessions for you to try. These are always very popular so it’s important to book your session early to avoid disappointment.

Go on… give something new a try!

Climbing sessions are suitable for adults and children over 4 years.

Archery sessions are suitable for adults and children over 8.

Plan ahead for your spring or summer camping trip Our campsites on the shores of Gunwade Lake have been very popular this year with visitors wishing to extend their day trip and experience the calm and serenity of the Park when everyone else has gone home. This means you will have to plan even further ahead next year to get the dates and pitches you’d like for your camping trip.

Keep your eye on our website and social media for when booking will be open for 2023 and then get ready to book!

…And keep your eyes peeled for something new on the water next season!

13 13

Winter

Events

There is no shortage of events and activities to keep the whole family entertained over the winter months at Nene Park. From our Christmas events to our regular children’s nature events and walks - and even events for February half term, please see our full events listing for December, January and February. 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 see a different area of Nene Park.

Suitable for: 14yrs+ Cost: Free Meeting point December: Visitor Centre Meeting point January: Visitor Centre Meeting point February: Thorpe Meadows Car Park

ARTS, CRAFT AND SCULPTURE

Christmas at Ferry Meadows 25 November 2022 – 2 January 2023 Enjoy the magic of Christmas at Nene Park!

• • • • •

Outdoor eco-friendly synthetic ice rink Mini Christmas market Vintage fun fair Festive crafts and activities Shopping at the Gift and Farm Shop

Suitable for: All ages Cost: Ice rink tickets from £6 Meeting point: Centre point at Ferry Meadows Find out more and book ice skating tickets at www.nenepark.org.uk/christmas

Christmas Holiday Trail Wednesday 21 December – Tuesday 3 January 9am–4pm Complete a trail around Ferry Meadows and claim a prize at the end!

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.

Suitable for: All ages Cost: £1 per sheet.

Meeting point: Visitor Centre, Ferry Meadows

Pay and Play Watersports Hire Saturday 10 & Saturday 17 December and every Saturday in January and February 10.30am–12.30pm Make a splash with our ‘Pay and Play’ watersports, available at weekends over the winter period. Activities include swan pedalos and row boats, stand up paddle boards, kayaks and canoes, dinghies and windsurfing.

Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 December See Longthorpe Tower brought to life at our living history reenactment weekend with the Medieval Sokemen Living History Group. One hour tours will be running throughout the weekend.

5 & 21 December, 3 & 25 January and 6 & 22 February 10.30am–12pm

Experienced costumed interpreters will share the remarkable story of the house and its décor and explain about daily life in the 1400s. Find out about the food, costume, medicine, arms and armour and there will also be the opportunity to find out more about how Christmas was celebrated 500 years ago. Meet the Lady of the Manor, a soldier, a barber, a surgeon, a cook and other costumed characters.

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

Suitable for: All ages Cost: Various tickets from £3.30 (child) Meeting point: Longthorpe Tower

WALKS AND TALKS Social Walking Group

14

Longthorpe Tower – Living History Event

Nene Park Art Club Saturday 3 December, Saturday 14 January, Saturday 4 February and Saturday 4 March 10am–12pm

CHILDREN’S NATURE ACTIVITIES

Are you aged 14-19? Do you enjoy being outdoors? Do you like art? As a member of Nene Park Art Club you can take part in art workshops, learn about the sculptures in the Park, meet local artists, develop art events, and help take care of the sculptures in the Park.

Suitable for: 14–19yrs Meeting point: Discovery Den Cost: £20 for blocks of 4 sessions, (no part refund if you are unable to make a session). Booking essential For more information contact or to get involved contact art@neneparktrust.org.uk or call/ text Louise 07423 032176

Christmas Wreath Making Workshop Sunday 4 December 10.30am–12.30pm and 1.30–3.30pm Come and join us for some festive fun, where you will create your own beautiful Christmas door wreath. In this session you will learn how to make your wreath from scratch, on a moss based ring, with lots of beautiful seasonal foliage. We will also have a choice of natural decorations, such as pine cones, twigs and dried fruit. You can finish off your creation with a choice of gorgeous ribbons. All materials, tools and full tuition will be provided by Michaella from House of Blooms, who has over 10 years’ experience in the floristry industry.

Suitable for: 16yrs+ Cost: £42 per wreath Meeting point: Discovery Den, Ferry Meadows

Christmas Willow Weaving Workshop Sunday 11 December 10am–12pm and 1–3pm This is a beginner 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 unique pieces of work. You will make three small items from a star, angel, small reindeer and a wreath ring.

Suitable for: 16yrs+ Cost: £22 Meeting point: Discovery Den

Nature Tots Mondays: 12 December, 9 & 23 January, 13 & 27 February and 13 March 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: 2yrs+ Cost: £4 Meeting point: Outside the Discovery Den

Wild Home Educator Sessions Mondays: 12 December, 9 & 23 January, 13 & 27th February and 13 March 1.15–3.15pm 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 please only book onto one session each month.

Suitable for: 5–11yrs Cost: £4 Meeting point: Outside the Discovery Den

FEBRUARY HALF TERM Half Term Holiday Trail Saturday 11 – Sunday 19 February 2023 9am–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. No need to book; just pop into the Visitor Centre to find out more.

Soap Making Workshop

Suitable for: All ages Cost: £1 per sheet Meeting point: pop into the Visitor Centre, Ferry Meadows

Saturday 18 February 10.30am–2.30pm

Pay and Play Watersports Hire

Do you love natural skincare products, want to reduce plastic waste in your home or start a new hobby? This introductory workshop teaches you how to make your own hair and body soap using the traditional cold processed method and all natural ingredients.

Saturday 11 - Sunday 19 February 11am-4pm Make a splash with our Pay and Play watersports, available every day during February half term. Activities include swan pedalos and row boats, stand up paddle boards, kayaks and canoes, dinghies and windsurfing.

Suitable for: 18yrs+ Cost: £50 Meeting point: Discovery Den

Book online www.nenepark.org.uk/water-pay-play-activities

15 15

Winter

Events

Climbing Wall

Tracks and Signs

Tuesday 14 February 11am–3.30pm

Friday 17 February 10–11.30am and 1–2.30pm

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?

We will find out all about creatures that live in Ferry Meadows using the signs that they leave behind them. You will also get to take your own Plaster of Paris track home with you.

Suitable for: Adults/children 4yrs+ Cost: £12. Booking essential Meeting point: Outside Nene Outdoors

Bushcraft Activities Wednesday 15 February Tool Use: 10-11.30am

Suitable for: 5yrs+ Cost: £5 Meeting point: Discovery Den, Ferry Meadows

Archery Thursday 16 February 11am–3.30pm 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.

Suitable for: Adults and children 8yrs+ Cost: £12. Booking Essential Meeting point: Nene Outdoors

SAVE THE DATE IN 2023!

Kite Festival Saturday 22 April More details coming soon!

Learn how to use a selection of tools including loppers and gimlets to turn elder sticks into crafts such as toys, ancient tools, beads, jewellery and many more!

Peterborough Celebrates Festival Please save the weekend date of 19-21 May 2023 The festival will be back at Ferry Meadows again in 2023 for another exciting weekend filled with music, theatre, performances, art and craft, World food and drink and community participation and involvement. We can’t wait!

Firelighting and Cooking 12.30–2.30pm Learn more about firelighting techniques and how to light a fire. Participants will be shown how to use basic bushcraft techniques to light a fire without using matches and get to try to light their own.

Suitable for: 8yrs+ Meeting point: Forest school site, near Lakeside car park, Ferry Meadows Cost: £12 for each event

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.

16 16

 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.