Walks, Talks, Discovery Days & Craft Demonstrations

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Walks
Many visitors to Nene Park and Ferry Meadows are interested in learning and understanding a bit more about things they see - or miss seeing - when they visit. To help interpret the Park we offer a programme of guided walks, talks and craft demonstrations that look at a wide range of topics including the history, heritage and wildlife as well as how and why we manage aspects of the Park.

Our walks and talks aim to be a friendly meeting point for all and to promote a better understanding of the Park.

The programme of Walks, Talks, Discovery days & Craft Demonstrations is described in our Park Life newsletter which is available as a PDF.

Every effort is made to follow the programme, but we reserve the right to modify or cancel at short notice as routes can change, and the weather can affect some activities.

Walk leaders and speakers are usually members of the Trust's staff working in the Park and help care for it or people with a particular knowledge of the subject who enjoy sharing it.

Most walks last about two hours or so and proceed at a gentle pace, with regular stops en-route to appreciate various aspects of the Park.

Sensible footwear and clothes appropriate to the weather are recommended. Binoculars can be useful for most walks.

Dogs on leads are usually welcome; guide dogs always are.

Most walks start from the Visitor Centre in Ferry Meadows unless otherwise stated in the programme. (location plan link) and link to (resources Ferry Meadows leaflet) The walk leader will always be at the start whatever the weather. If it is poor then the leader in consultation with participants will make a decision whether or not to carry on.

For a few events in the programme places are limited and prior booking is necessary which will be indicated within the event details.

Family Discovery Days
These are intended for parents/guardians/carers and children to come along and discover and learn together. Suitable for children aged 8 - 12 years. Families should consist of one or two adults with a maximum of three children per adult. Advanced booking is essential.

Walks and other events may be organised at relatively short notice to look at a particular phenomenon or events that arise, so don't forget to look at the What's On section.

Talks
Talks are usually illustrated with slides or power point and typically last about an hour or so. These are held in the John Horrell Room in the Ferry Meadows Visitor Centre. This has seating for about 40 people and is equipped with audio visual facilities including an induction loop for hearing aid wearers. Talks can sometimes be tailored to your specific area of interest. If you have a group that would be interested in such a talk then please contact the Visitor Services Officer.

The John Horrell Room The John Horrell Room at the Visitor Centre is dedicated in memory of John Horrell Farmer, Countryman, Educationalist and Board Member of Nene Park Trust 1988 – 2005 and makes an ideal small venue for meetings, conferences and exhibitions.

Please contact the Visitor Services Officer to discuss hiring arrangements and your requirements.

Willow Growing
Nene Park is still a “Working Landscape” and uses products wherever possible to practical and economic benefit. This includes using traditional styles of management of parts of Nene Park, particularly the woodlands, producing raw materials which in turn are used by traditional craftspeople to make a wide variety of objects both practical and decorative.
 

Within the Park there are some very old willow pollards as well as many recently created ones. These are periodically harvested and the material produced is used by a local Thatcher.

Also Willow grown on our osier beds is harvested annually in the winter to provide rods for traditional basket makers as well as more contemporary uses in garden structures.

After harvesting there is usually a limited supply of bundles of un-stripped willow rods that are available for sale, unfortunately we are unable to arrange delivery.

Please contact Terry Daunt (Senior Ranger) to discuss your requirements and to purchase willow by telephone on 01733 234443 ex 132 or by email tdaunt@nene-park-trust.org.uk

Craft Demonstrations
Practitioners of traditional crafts are invited to demonstrate their skills and sometimes to lead courses to pass them on.

Over the past few years over twenty craftspeople, many recognised as leading exponents in their field, have visited Nene Park providing considerable interest for visitors. The range of products has been wide and varied including Willow Baskets, Chairs, Rush work, Coracles, Lovespoons, Thatching Spars, Trugs, Sticks, Hurdles and Turnery.

Most of the demonstrations take place at the demonstration area on Ham Lane near the main pedestrian entrance or as part of larger events held on the grass area adjacent to the Visitor Centre.

Some events may be organised at relatively short notice so don't forget to look at the What’s On section.