A series of heritage-focused projects are now underway to encourage people to explore new areas of Nene Park in Peterborough.
Home to one of the nation’s largest country parks, Ferry Meadows, the entire area is managed by independent charity Nene Park Trust.
The plans form part of the Nenescape Landscape Partnership Scheme, a Heritage Lottery funded project announced late last year. The scheme involves 12 partners and 16 projects, all focused on celebrating the natural and built heritage of the Nene Valley which stretches from Northampton to Peterborough.
Nene Park has titled its part of the scheme ‘Walking in Time’, as it will inspire people to explore the area on foot. The plans include:
Creating a ‘Walking with Romans’ heritage trail: bringing to life nationally significant Roman discoveries in the area with guided walks, display boards and a mobile app. The trail will improve access to the historic settlement of Durobrivae, near Castor and Ailsworth.
Restoring Castor Station Master’s cottage garden: restoring colour and biodiversityback to this remnant of the once-thriving railway on Station Lane, Castor.
Improving riverside walking routes: so that people can follow the course of the river on foot and its enjoy natural beauty.
Creating new art pieces for Park gateways: improving the appeal of key routes connecting Peterborough city centre with Ferry Meadows by engaging local artists and communities in projects to create paintings, temporary art sculptures and eco-art celebrating the river area and its heritage.
Celebrating with a launch: Organising an event to mark the new attractions trails and thank community engagement participants and partner organisations.
All projects within Nenescape will take place over the next five years, along with river restoration work, improving access to and from the River Nene and working with communities to tell the stories of the river.
Adrian Oates, Head of Fundraising at Nene Park Trust said: “We’re really excited to be part of this initiative. It’s the biggest grant-funded project we’ve ever been involved in and we’re making great progress already: we are working closely with Nene Valley Archaeological Trust (NVAT) to take forward the historic research aspects of the project.
“What’s great about the Walking in Time project is that there will be lots of opportunities for people to get involved. We’ll be seeking volunteers and artists and help in many forms during the project: and in return we can offer new skills, fun, wellbeing and teamwork!”
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