parklife 8 autumn/winter 2011/12

www.neneparktrust.org.uk

ParklifeThe magazine of Nene Park Trust, Peterborough

AUTUMN/WINTER 2011 | ISSUE 8

INCLUDESEventsListingsPages 7-10

We hope you enjoy reading this edition of Parklife.

If you require Parklife in a Braille, audioor large text format please contact NenePark Trust on the details below.

If you would like to make any commentsor go on our mailing list to receiveinformation about the Park and futureeditions of Parklife, please write or emailto Nene Park Trust at the address below.

Telephone: 01733 234193Address: Nene Park Trust, Ham Farm House, Ham Lane, Peterborough PE2 5UUEmail: [email protected]: www. neneparktrust.org.uk

Parklife is published by Nene Park Trust and produced by Connaught MediaAdvertising, Marketing and Public Relations – www.connaught-media.co.uk.The paper used for this publication has been produced using wood sourcedfrom sustainably managed forests and is fully recyclable. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of material published in Parklife. Nene Park Trust and the Publishers cannot accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers or contributors and any rights reserved. No part of Parklife may be reproduced, stored in any form of retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any other means, electronic, photographic, mechanical or otherwise without the prior written permission of the Publishers.

Copyright Nene Park Trust 2011.

When I talk to people about the Trust, itoften surprises them to realise just howmuch work is involved in managing andmaintaining Nene Park by our staff andtrustees.

In fact, our work comprises a whole range of tasks, including running the Trust businessitself, maintaining and conserving thelandscape, working closely with our numeroustenants, and bringing the Park to life throughgreat facilities, events and activities.

In this packed edition of Parklife, you can get a real sense of this workthrough articles from our rangers, tenants and visitor services team.As you will see, we are continuing our investment and improvementprogramme, expanding and developing our staff team, and looking toencourage more use of the Park through events, volunteering and agreat new education programme.

Following the installation of visitor counters last year, we now knowthat Ferry Meadows receives over 1 million visits a year and thatNene Park as a whole receives over 1.5 million visits! This makes usone of the top visitor attractions in the region and one of the mostvisited country parks in the UK. We are delighted by these figures,and that our work in providing Nene Park is now being experiencedand enjoyed by so many people.

However, we’re always looking to improve. So, next time you visit, dolet us know what you think of Nene Park and the Trust.

James McCullochChief Executive, Nene Park Trust

Chief Executive’s View

kcontents2 Chief Executives View3 An Awarding Experience

New Faces at the Trust4 Thorpe Wood Drives

Forward5 Ranger’s Diary6 Skills for the Future7-10 Autumn/Winter Events11 Autumn in the Park12 Making the Park Greener13 If you go...

Woodlands Day 201114 Royal Seal of Approval15 Angling on Ferry Meadows

2 AUTUMN/WINTER 11 | ISSUE 8

The Duke of Edinburgh Award, or D of E as it is commonlyknown, is a nationally recognised youth charity with 275,000participants taking part in the scheme every year in the UK.

The volunteering part of the Bronze Award which I was workingtowards brought me to Nene Park.

The D of E award is designed to allow young people to learn newskills and gain valuable life experiences. It is split into four sections:physical, skill, volunteering and an expedition. For my volunteeringI decided to help out with various open events at Nene Park, aimed at young children, in order to raise awareness about theenvironment. I helped out with making bird cakes, leaf pressingand planting sunflowers under the watchful eye of my mentors,Anna Thompson and David Radley, to whom I am very grateful.

The unique opportunity to work with and help new people reallymade a difference to my confidence and people skills. Workingwith young children was extremelyrewarding and was one of the mostenjoyable parts of my time at NenePark. The events that are on throughout the year are reallyfun and educational and are brilliant for anyone seeking to have a goodtime and also to learn something along the way.

Monica DahiyaDuke of Edinburgh Award Volunteer

An Awarding Experience

Clare FreemanLandscapeManagerI shall be working at Nene Park fromSeptember and my role is focused on ensuring thatthe landscape and wildlife of the Park continues to be conserved andenhanced. I have been really impressedwith the friendliness of park visitors, thebird life and the obvious affection thatexists for Nene Park. With such a goodnetwork of cycle paths I have been inspiredto get on my bike and enjoy rides aroundFerry Meadows which is proving to be agreat way to get to know the area and the visitors to the park.

I am looking forward to working with staff,local clubs and businesses and park visitors to making Nene Park an even better placefor wildlife and people, ensuring that itscharacter is well cared for and that theviews and facilities that are so valued bylocal people are there to enjoy in thefuture.

ArthurSmallmanAssistant RangerI actually startedwith the Trust in2009 as a ParkAssistant just for the summer. I soon foundmyself carryingout a lot of themaintenance work around the Park andwas given an extension to my contract.

In June of this year I was offered the post of Assistant Ranger which I was very happyto accept as I love being in the open air andkeeping things in good order so visitors canenjoy the Park.

New Faces at the Trust

AUTUMN/WINTER 11 | ISSUE 8 3

Thorpe Wood Drives ForwardThe team at Thorpe Wood Golf Course are

preparing for an influx of new golfers from2012 with the addition of a two-tier driving

range to go with the established golf course that has been well used by the Peterborough public since 1975.

Preliminary works have already begun with theconstruction of a new 14th hole, to create morespace for the range. The driving range works shouldcommence from November ready for opening inMarch 2012. Local firms have been appointed tocarry out the majority of the works, all of whom also play golf so their personal interest ensures that we will deliver a facility we can be proud of.

The 23 bay driving range will include a state of theart custom fit facility so that the PGA Professionalscan help golfers find the correct equipment. There will also be dedicated teaching bays to offercoaching through classes and individual lessons.

Golf is a stimulating challenge and gets people outin the fresh air in pleasant surroundings. A round ofgolf is not only enjoyable, it is also excellent

exercise, as an average 18 holes usually involveswalking three to five miles. Golf is a unique all roundsport which can be played by people of all ages,adapted to fit your lifestyle and can be played aloneor in groups.

This is such an exciting time for us and for golf inPeterborough. Once the project is complete we willbe able to offer the full range of golfing facilities tothe public with two 18 hole golf courses, a 12 holepitch and putt and a driving range across two sitesall within Nene Park. It means that there truly issomething for everyone whether you are a totalbeginner, an enthusiastic amateur or a buddingprofessional golfer. Our main aim will always be to offer high quality golf facilities accessible toeverybody.

For updates on the driving range, you can register your interest for seasonal newsletters by [email protected]

Simon FittonDirector of GolfNene Valley Golf Services


Who else in their daily jobs would need the skills of a walking guide, event leader,conservationist, labourer, landscape

gardener, safety advisor, first aider and diplomat? I and my fellow rangers have to be all of the aboveand more!

The Trust employs ten full-time Rangers who are supported by eight part-time Park Assistants inthe summer season. Read on to find out what justone week can have in store for the Ranger team.

Tuesday: School Visit PreparationThe new Discovery Den opened this year andEducation Officer Anna has been fully booked.However, due to the lack of rain, the pond dippingarea is temporarily out of action. The Rangers step in to create a new one on Lynch lake and install agate in a barrier to allow safe access to the lake.

Wednesday: Guided WalksRanger Dave Linscott takes a group of people on a ten mile walk. He shows the group the birdlife,landscape and historical features of Nene Park.

Thursday: Tree WorkRanger Ashley Wheal, who does the tree inspectionsin Nene Park, found that some tree work needed to be done next to Overton Play Area. Ashley hadpreviously marked the tree which needed to comedown. So a day was spent cutting and chipping trees to make the area safe.

Friday: Training DaySarah, who joined us as a Trainee Ranger (see thearticle on page 6), has been undertaking lots oftraining to equip her with skills to help her findemployment when she leaves the Trust inDecember. Having completed a chainsaw course,today she is learning how to drive tractors with atrailer, which is not as easy as it sounds. However, I am pleased to say she passed with flying colours.

Saturday: Duty RangerOne of the things visitors really appreciate about the Park is the permanent staff presence. Every daya Ranger is specifically assigned to be Duty Ranger.This means that as well as being responsible foropening and closing the Park and carrying outroutine safety checks the Duty Ranger is on call to respond to any situation which could arise. This could range from dealing with lost children to carrying out first aid or issuing mobility scooters.

As you can see no two days are ever the same - but that's what I love about the job.

Ranger’s Diary


Gerald KnottPark Ranger

Skills for the Future is a Heritage Lottery Fund(HLF) project offering work-based training in awide range of skills that are needed to look after

buildings, landscapes, habitats, species, museum andarchive collections.

In late 2010 Peterborough Environment City Trust(PECT) was awarded a grant under the programme to provide nine trainees, with a passion forenvironmental and heritage conservation with thepractical skills needed to pursue a career in the sector.Each trainee received a bursary, and was placed within a host organisation for one year.

Fortunately, Nene Park Trust was lucky enough to hosta “Trainee Ranger” and took on Sarah Jiggins in January2011. Previously, Sarah had studied EnvironmentalConservation and Countryside Management, and haddone an internship with the RSPB. Since coming to thePark, Sarah has been mentored by experienced ParkRanger Dave Linscott, and has been fully integratedinto the Ranger work programme; maintaining theestate, assisting with events and working as the DutyRanger. She has also undergone proficiency certificatesin Chainsaws, Tractors and Tree Inspection.

A second year of funding is set for 2012 so Nene Park Trust is looking for applicants with a passion for the environment, educational qualifications in a countryside management related subject and with experience of practical estate management.

Skills for the Future

Tom Wopat Head Ranger

Opportunities to apply will be during October 2011 and will be advertised on the PECT job pages at(www.pect.org.uk/environment-jobs). Applications will then be shortlisted and interviewed by Nene ParkTrust and PECT. Prior to this, informal enquiries can bemade to Head Ranger Tom Wopat on 01733 234193.


Volunteer Days • Bird Watching Walks • Woodlands DayChildrens Events • Discovering Trees • Wildlife Explorer Watch EventsHelp the Hedgehogs • Beginners Photography ..and much much more

Autumn/Winter 2011

events



Events InformationFor bookings and enquiries:Tel: 01733 234193Email: [email protected]

Event details correct at the time of going topress. Please check our website for up to dateinformation. Events are free unless otherwisestated. If you book onto an event and areunable to come please let us know.

Easy Access EventsThese are events which are accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Events whichrequire accessing uneven terrain or crossingobstacles are not classified as easy access.Please contact us if you have any queriesregarding the accessibility of an event.

Walk InformationRanger led walks vary in length. Some walksinvolve crossing stiles and uneven terrain andare therefore not easy access. Please ensurethat you wear suitable clothing and footwearand remember to bring refreshments.

Children’s eventsAll children aged under the age of 18 must beaccompanied by an adult. One adult mayaccompany a maximum of three children.

Wednesday 5 October

Volunteer Day – Bulb Planting9.45am-12noonSee page 10 for details of our volunteer days.

Friday 7 October

Guided Cycle Ride10am-11.45amJoin Ranger Dave Linscott on a gentle 8-10mile cycle ride within Nene Park.Suitable for: 14yrs+Easy access: Please call for detailsBooking required: Yes

Wednesday 12 October

Walk Around10am-12.30pmA guided walk with Ranger Gerald Knott aroundFerry Meadows, taking in points of interest.Suitable for: All agesEasy access: YesMeeting point: Visitor CentreBooking required: No

Saturday 22 to 30 October

Halloween Trail11am-3pmCollect a trail sheet from the Visitor Centreand return to claim your prize when youfinish. One prize per sheet.Suitable for: 3-12yrsEasy access: YesMeeting point: Visitor CentreBooking required: NoCharge: 50p

Monday 24 October

Collecting Acorns1:30pm-3:30pmJoin Ranger Ashley Wheal for a short talk on why oaks are important for butterfliesfollowed by acorn collecting and potting up.Suitable for: All agesEasy Access: Please phone for details.Meeting point: Discovery DenBooking required: Yes


Making Bird Feeders10am-11am & 11am-12noonJoin Ranger Tom Wopat and help ourfeathered friends survive the winter.Suitable for: 6-12yrsEasy Access: YesBooking required: Yes


Autumn Bird Watching Walk10am-12noonBring binoculars and join Conservation OfficerChris Park for a morning of bird watching.Suitable for: All agesEasy access: Phone for detailsMeeting point: Visitor CentreBooking required: Yes

Thursday 27 October

Woodlands Day11am-3pmChainsaw carving, woodcrafts, demonstrations and activities for all agesbased on the theme of wood, woodlandsand wildlife. Check the website for moredetails in the run up to the event. Freeadmission but there may be a charge forsome activities.Suitable for: All agesEasy Access: YesMeeting point Ferry MeadowsBooking required: No

Friday 28 October

Go Batty10:00am-12:30pm (drop-in)Make a flapping bat or Batman mask withRanger Peter Gentleman.Suitable for: 3yrs+Easy Access: YesMeeting point: Discovery DenBooking required: No (drop-in)

Saturday 29 October

Help the Hedgehogs11am-2.30pm (drop-in)Find out all about hedgehogs and how youcan help them this winter with Event LeadersDavid Radley and Anna ThompsonSuitable for: All agesEasy Access: YesMeeting point: Discovery DenBooking required: No (drop-in)

Thursday 3 November

Beginners Photography1.45pm-3.45pmJoin Ranger Ashley Wheal for a beginners’course and learn some top tips. The event isinside. You do not have to bring a camera.Suitable for: 12yrs+Easy Access: YesMeeting point: Visitor CentreBooking required: Yes

Wednesday 9 November

Volunteer Day –Tree Planting9.45am-12noonSee page 10 for details of our volunteer days.


End of Year Walk10am-12noonA walk with Ranger Gerald Knott lookingback at the four seasons in Ferry Meadows(will be replaced by a talk indoors in thecase of adverse weather).Suitable for: All agesEasy Access: YesMeeting point: Visitor CentreBooking required: No


Walk with a Ranger1.30pm-4pmJoin Ranger Ian Lowe for a walk aroundFerry Meadows. Pointing out things ofinterest and answering questions.Suitable for: All agesEasy Access: YesBooking required: Yes

Saturday 26 November

Hedge LayingDemonstration10am-3.30pm (drop-in)Ranger Dave Linscott will demonstrate thistraditional craft and explain its benefits forthe environment.Suitable for: All agesEasy Access: Please call for detailsBooking required: No (drop-in)

Thursday 1 December

Discovering Trees1.30pm-3.45pmJoin Ranger Ashley Wheal for an illustratedtalk followed by a walk to identify ournative trees.Suitable for: 12yrs+Easy Access: YesMeeting point: Visitor CentreBooking required: Yes

October

November

December



Tuesday 6 December

Ferry Meadows in Winter10am-12noonA guided walk with Ranger Gerald Knottlooking at the Park in winter.Suitable for: All agesEasy Access: YesMeeting point: Visitor CentreBooking required: No

Wednesday 7 December

Volunteer Day – Willow Harvesting9.45am-12noonSee page 10 for details of our volunteer days.

Friday 9 December

Winter Wander10am-3pmStretch your legs with Ranger Dave Linscotton a gentle 10 mile walk in and aroundFerry Meadows.Suitable for: 16yrs+Easy Access: Please phone for detailsBooking required: Yes


Tree Dressing10am-12noonEnjoy a morning creating Christmasdecorations from natural materials gatheredin the Park with Park Rangers Gary Masonand Rachel Storey. Suitable for: 6yrs+Easy Access: Please phone for detailsBooking required: Yes

Saturday 17 December to 3 January

Seasonal Trail11am-3pmCollect a trail sheet from the Visitor Centreand return to claim your prize when youfinish. One prize per sheet.Suitable for: 3-12yrsEasy access: YesMeeting point: Visitor CentreBooking required: NoCharge: 50p


From Bottle to Bird Feeder10am-12noon (drop-in)Bring along a clean plastic bottle and turn it into a bird feeder with Ranger SteveWickens.Suitable for: 3yrs+Easy Access: YesMeeting point: Discovery DenBooking required: No (drop-in)

January

Volunteer DaySee page 10 for details of our volunteer days.

Wednesday 4 January

Winter Bird WatchingWalk10am-12noonBring your binoculars and joinConservation Officer Chris Park for amorning of bird watching.Suitable for: All ages

Easy access: Phone for detailsMeeting point: Visitor CentreBooking required: Yes

Sunday 22 January

Bird Cakes11am-2.30pm (drop-in)Make the birds some seedy cakes and learnhow to take part in the RSPB’s Big GardenBird Watch the following weekend withEvent Leaders David Radley and AnnaThompson.Suitable for: All agesEasy access: YesMeeting point: Discovery DenBooking required: No (drop-in)

February


Saturday 11- Sunday 19 February

Half-term Trail11am-3pmCollect a trail sheet from the Visitor Centreand return to claim your prize when youfinish. One prize per sheet.Suitable for: 3-12yrsEasy access: YesBooking required: NoMeeting point: Visitor CentreCharge: 50p

Wednesday 15 February

Kite Making10am-12noon (drop-in)Learn how to make a kite then fly it on themeadows with Ranger Rachel Storey.Suitable for: 3yrs+Easy access: YesMeeting point: Discovery DenBooking required: No (drop-in)

Friday 17 February

Nest Box Building10am-12.30pmCome and construct a bird box to takehome in time for the nesting season withRanger Dave Linscott.Suitable for: 8yrs+Easy access: YesMeeting Point: Discovery DenBooking required: Yes

Monday 20 February

Guided Walk with a Ranger1pm-3.45pmJoin Ranger Ian Lowe for a guided walkaround Ferry Meadows, giving you a chanceto see things of interest along the way andto ask questions about the Park.Suitable for: All agesEasy access: YesBooking required: Yes

March


Friday 16 March

Friday Wander10am-3.15pmA walk of approximately 10 miles in andaround Nene Park with Ranger DaveLinscott.Suitable for: 16yrs+Easy access: NoBooking required: Yes

Saturday 17 March

Walk in the Woods10am-12.15pmJoin Park Ranger Gary Mason for a guided walk through Bluebell Wood and LynchPlantation.Suitable for: All agesEasy access: YesMeeting point: Visitor CentreBooking required: Yes

Wednesday 28 March

Spring Bird Watching Walk10am-12noonBring your binoculars and join ourConservation Officer Chris Park for amorning of bird watching.Suitable for: All agesEasy access: Phone for detailsMeeting point: Visitor CentreBooking required: Yes

January

February

March



Also, don’t miss...Every Monday*

Walking for Health10am-4.30pmEverybody welcome. It’s a good way to build up activity levels improve yourfeel good factor and chat to people as you walk. It’s free but please bringalong money for a tea or coffee to stopoff in the cafe after the walk.

For more details phone council-trainedvolunteer walk leader, Helen Mould on01733 349024 or [email protected]

*Except bank holidays and exceptionallypoor weather conditions.

Sunday 4 December

Santa RunStarts 11amHelp to fundraise for East Anglia’sChildren’s Hospices (EACH) by takingpart in their Santa Fun Run. Run, jog or walk the 3km course. Route alsosuitable for buggies and wheelchairs.

For more information seewww.each.org.uk or call 01223 205180

Wildlife Explorer/Watch Events The group encourages an interest in nature via fun activities.

There is a charge of 50p for members and£1 for non members, adults go free.

Non-members are welcome but will beencouraged to join the group after twosessions.Suitable for: 7-12yearsBooking required: YesMeeting point: Discovery Den

Sunday 30 October

A Natural Halloween10am-12noon

Sunday 27 November

Amazing Trees10am-12noon

Sunday 11 December

Christmas for the Birds 10am-12noon

For more events check either the RSPB’sWildlife Explorer website or the WildlifeTrust’s Wildlife Watch website.

www.rspb.org.uk/youthwww.wildlifewatch.org.uk

Wednesday 5 October

Bulb Planting9.45am-12.00noonHelp the Rangers make Ferry Meadows amore colourful place to be in Spring.


Tree Planting9.45am-12noonSpades at the ready! Autumn is a great timefor some tree planting.


Willow Harvesting9.45am-12noonHelp the Rangers cut, sort and bundle the Nene Park willow.

There will be more volunteer days next year so keep an eyeon the website for details.

Please note you must be at least 18 years old to take part in these events.

Do you enjoy being outside in the fresh air? Are you keen to getsome exercise but not a big fan of the gym? Do you enjoy beingclose to nature? Do you want to learn new skills and pick up new

knowledge? Do you like getting to know new people?

If you answered yes to some or all of the questions above then maybe ourvolunteer days are just what you are looking for. The days will be lead byexperienced Nene Park Rangers who will teach you all you need to know.

If you think this could be for you, give us a call on 01733 234193 or send an email to [email protected] and we can book you a place or answer any questions you may have.

Volunteer Days

Exercise...Learn new skills...Fresh air...Nature...Meet people


Autumn in the ParkSpring is a special time as buds burst open and

new leaves unfurl. Like many I am excited by thepromise of warmer weather and I marvel at the

wonder of our trees clothing themselves in a beautifulfresh green dress, which for me eclipses any cat-walkmodel's finery.

But even this spring display can be surpassed by thetrees' final spectacular show in the autumn. Onceagain the trees captivate us. This time with a riot ofcolour before their final disrobing as the Park’s treeschange out of their familiar green attire.

Most of the Park's trees are deciduous, meaning thatas the daylight hours shorten and the weather turnscolder, they prepare for winter by losing their leaves.This is because their leaves are more delicate thanevergreen trees, whose tough leaves can withstandour freezing winters.

But how do trees change colour? Well, it’s all to dowith the chemicals in the leaf. The three in questionare chlorophyll, carotenoids and anthocyanins.Chlorophyll is green in colour and dominates the other chemical pigments; that is why leaves are green. However, in the autumn the chlorophyll content

decreases day by day, and this gradual process allowsthe other chemical pigments to shine through.

The carotenoids are responsible for the yellow andorange colours, and are present in the leaf throughoutthe year and the anthocyanins are responsible for thereds and purples that are mainly found in leaves at theend of the summer.

People have always been enchanted by this spectacle,and in North America it is big business as folk flock tosee the amazing colours of the 'fall'. It is known overthere as “leaf peeping”. Don’t worry though if youcan’t get to North America, just a look on a searchengine can lead you to live webcams showing theautumn fall moving north through the states.

But to whet your appetite, just get down to FerryMeadows or Thorpe Meadows for some leaf peepingcloser to home... like I did last autumn, as you can seeby my photos.

Ashley WhealPark Ranger


Earlier this year Nene Park Trust was presentedwith the Green Tourism Award at the annualEvening Telegraph Green awards. But far from

sitting back and basking in the glory, the Trust ispushing on with more initiatives to make not only the Park but also the organisation as a whole moreenvironmentally friendly.

Here are some of the changes that will be visible to regular visitors:

To try and make recycling more efficient in the Park, a trial sample of litter bins have been adapted byreducing the opening on the front of the recyclingsection. The aim is to make it more obvious that thisside is not for general waste. The signs on the front of the bins explaining what can be recycled will alsobe further simplified.

The street lighting columns in the vicinity of the Visitor Centre had to be replaced due to their age andcondition. The Trust used this opportunity to purchaselamps using the latest LED technology which hasreduced energy consumption. The units are alsospecifically designed to minimise light pollution.

There have also been some measures introducedbehind the scenes:

Following a successful trial some light switches in theTrust’s offices have been replaced with motion andsound sensor switches. This means that lights are notleft on unnecessarily, thus saving money and resources.

A green cone has been installed in the garden of theTrust’s office. This is used to dispose of food waste,(such as fruit peelings, tea bags and plate scrapings),and although Park Rangers leave very little fooduneaten it has still helped reduce the amount ofrubbish sent to landfill by about 20 litres a week!

These measures are just the start of the Trust’senvironmental initiative so keep your eyes open whenout and about in the Park for others, and if you seeexamples in other Parks that you feel could work hereplease do let us know.

Making the Park Greener

Steve WickensPark Ranger


Ferry Meadows Country Park holds anumber of Teddy Bears’ picnics everyyear. It’s an afternoon of fun where

children get the opportunity to meet and spendthe afternoon with Barney the Bear.

The afternoon starts with a stroll around thegarden looking for any footprints that may havebeen left by Barney and hopefully find Barneyhimself at the end. Then it’s time for a bear huntlooking for teddy bears around the Park with alittle help from Barney.

Bear hunting works up quite an appetite so thechildren can then tuck into the picnic luncheswhich they bring along. After lunch and a resteverybody gets the chance to do somecolouring in and then it’s time to wave goodbyeto Barney until the next Teddy Bears’ Picnic.

Everybody knows that bears have to hibernateduring the winter so look out for Barney and more Teddy Bears’ picnics next spring in the next edition of Parklife or on our website.

If you go downto thewoodstoday... Rachel Storey

Park Ranger & friend of Barney

Woodlands Day 2011

Woodlands Day is back again this October half-term with a whole host of activities anddemonstrations all based around wood,

woodlands and wildlife.

Last year’s event saw chainsaw carving, birds of prey,ferret roulette, tree climbing by the Rangers and theTrust’s very own Tree Doctor as well as demonstrationsand exhibitions from local organisations andcraftspeople.

We are still working away on organising the line up forWoodlands Day 2011 but we have no doubt it will be asequally well received as last year’s event with plenty tosee and do for all ages.

So for those of you who missed the event last year orfor those of you who would like to come again, makesure you put Thursday 27 October in your diary.

To find out more details on what there will be to seeand do you can check the website closer to the date or phone Visitor Services on 01733 234193. There willbe no admission charge and no car park fee howeverthere may be a charge to participate in some activities.

David Radley Visitor Services Officer


Peterborough office t 01733 [email protected] smithsgore.co.uk

Orton Waterville,Peterborough

Character offices on the Nene Parkavailable on flexible terms.Total 3,418 sq ft (317 sq m)

A converted and extended detachedfarmhouse situated on the edge ofFerry Meadows Country Park witheasy access to Peterborough(trains to King’s Cross under onehour) and the A1(M). The site isself-contained with maturelandscaping and parking for atleast 15 cars.

Guide rent £20,500 per annum(approximately £6 per sq ft)

The 21st of June was a very important day in Ferry Meadows as crowds of local schoolchildren and members of the public proudly

waved Union Jack flags to welcome His Royal Highnessthe Duke of Gloucester to the Park.

His Royal Highness, who had last visited the Park in1995, came to Ferry Meadows to officially open thenew Discovery Den education centre and as part of his visit was given a tour of the new facility. The Dukestopped to chat to pupils from Gunthorpe PrimarySchool who had been taking part in a River Study day,before unveiling a plaque to declare the Discovery Deneducation centre officially open. As a special “thank you”

the Duke waspresented with a hazelcrook made by RangerDave Linscott fromwood sourced in Nene Park.

During his visit theDuke also found time to take a tour through the Park,dropping in at the Watersports Centre to meet withvolunteers and service users of the Peterborough‘Sailability’ and Adapted Cycling schemes. In fact, hewas enjoying himself so much he decided to leavebehind his official vehicle to take a walk back throughthe Park in the company of Chief Executive JamesMcCulloch before finishing his visit with afternoon tea in the newly refurbished Green Cafe.

The Duke seemed impressed with the changes whichhave been made since his last visit and was interestedto discuss plans for the future so who knows, maybewe will be looking forward to another Royal visitsometime soon!

Anna ThompsonEducation and Events Officer

Royal Seal of Approval


Excavated in the 1970’s to provide sand and gravel for the development of GreaterPeterborough, the lakes at Ferry Meadows

have a reputation of being one of the Country’sPremier Bream Fisheries. However, in 2006/2007 aninvasion of Nuttalls Weed and Zebra Mussels resultedin a dramatic decline in fishing. Since then work toalleviate the problem has resulted in the fishingshowing signs of improvement.

The Lakes form a 3 lake complex, with fishingpermitted on Gunwade Lake (shared with other WaterSports) and Overton Lake. The angling is controlled byThe Peterborough and District Angling Association(P&DAA) who lease most of their waters from theNene Park Trust.

The P&DAA offer yearly handbooks priced at £24 per year for adults, £12 for senior citizens, and £5 for juniors. This allows the holder to fish Overton andGunwade Lakes (with some pegs available all yearround) and the river Nene from Sutton throughout itslength to The Dog in a Doublet Sluice at Thorney, some8 miles of river.

Day tickets for non-members are available from localfishing tackle dealers Wades of High Street Fletton,

Sheltonsof SouthStreetStanground, Webbs of Newark Avenue Dogsthorpe andthe Lakeside Cafe in Ferry Meadows. All these OutletsCharge £4 per day for adults and £2 per day for seniorsand juniors. If day tickets are bought from thepatrolling bailiffs, the cost of day tickets is £5 and £3per day, respectively.

The majority of anglers either use the pole/waggler orswim feeder method. The lakes contain several speciesof fish and just a few of the species taken over recentmonths include bream to 10lbs, carp to 30lbs, zanderto 14lbs and pike to 35lbs, plus roach, tench, chub andeels. In fact a good day’s fishing is usually to be had bywhich ever method is used.

All anglers must return all fish alive to the waters,observe all rules of the Association and Nene ParkTrust and be in receipt of a valid Environment Agencyrod licence.

Andy JacksonPeterborough and District Angling Association (P&DAA)

Angling on Ferry Meadows


Play Golf!Two Great Courses- Two Great Choices

ORTON MEADOWS Golf CourseOrton Waterville, Peterborough PE2 5UUTel: 01733 237478www.ortonmeadowsgolfcourse.co.uk

THORPE WOOD Golf CourseThorpe Wood, Peterborough PE3 6SETel: 01733 267701www.thorpewoodgolfcourse.co.uk

• Pay as you play

• Club and Trolley Hire

• Large well-stocked Golf Shops

• 12-hole Pitch & Putt Course at Orton Meadows

• Golf Societies welcome

LAKESIDE Cafe and BarCome and enjoy homemade

food in beautiful surroundings

• Open 365 days of the year

• Available for parties, corporate events and business meetings

• Ample parking

Lakeside Cafe & Bar, next to the Watersports Centre, Ferry Meadows

Tel: 01733 [email protected]

LYNCH FARM RIDING LTD

WISTOW WAY • ORTON WISTOWPETERBOROUGH • PE2 6XA

www.lynchfarmriding.co.ukTEL: 01733 234445

Ferry MeadowsRailway

Nene Park, Peterborough

• A train ride for children of all ages from 1 to 91 !

• Take a ride across the park from Ham Lane to the Watersport Centre

• See website for Autumn/Winter timetable.

Tel: 01933 398889www.ferrymeadowsrailway.co.uk

Tuition for: Power Boats, Windsurfing, Sailing & Kayaking

Hire for: Cycles, Canoes, Kayaks, Pedalos &Rowing Boats, Sailing Dinghies and Windsurfers

Retail: Jack Holt, Gul, Minnkota Outboards,Ocean Kayaks, Old Town, Crewsaver Yak

01733 234418

Lakeside LeisurePeterborough’s Premier Family Outdoor Leisure Facility

Lakeside Leisure, Watersports Centre, Ferry Meadows, Ham Lane, Peterborough PE2 5UU

visit: www.lakesideleisure.com

• Campsite available for group bookings• Licensed café/bar• Public Day launching for

Non-powered Craft• Tuition to suit all ages• RYA PWB level 2• Sailing Club - new members welcome

Visit Notcutts for fantastic seasonal deals. PLUS a great range of Spring flowering bulbs.

www.notcutts.co.ukOundle Road, Orton Waterville

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Neneglides

SegwAY Experience

07519 809 383www.neneglidessegway.co.uk

What are you doing today?

Horse Riding in Nene Park

The Green Cafe at Ferry Meadows

Come and join us for breakfast,lunch, afternoon tea or justrelax with a warming coffee

or an iced cold drink

Open daily from 9.30am

parklife 8 autumn/winter 2011/12

Documents

emailto nene park trust

magazine of nene park

copyright nene park

andmaintaining nene

park greener13

thatnene park

nenepark trust

trust businessitself