Miles In The Park
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Exactly which ladybird did you see?
Click the photo for more info
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As the seasons move on we will be seeing more insect life out & about in the park. One that we can all identify is the ladybird. However, did you know that there are 26 species of Coccinellidae in the UK recognisable as ladybirds? That makes "spotting" the differences between the ones you see more important if you want to know exactly which one you have seen. This chart shows you a few of the more common ones you might come across in your travels.
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Cafe Culture
2 May 2021
On Saturday 1 May cafe culture returned to the country park. For one day only the Dynamo House Community Cafe re-opened serving drinks and home-made cakes. The volunteers needed to practice their new covid-secure operating procedures ahead of an event planned for 31 May. To that end the cafe opened for 3 hours and it was much appreciated by all those who came along. Everything seemed to go well and the weather was on our side, which was vital because we were serving and consuming the goodies outside. Thank you to all involved in making this event a success. We hope to go on to bigger and better things for the next Bank Holiday.
May We Serve You...
27 April 2021
Sat 1 May - 10am to 1pm
Great news - the Dynamo House Cafe will be open serving hot & cold drinks and a selection of home-made muffins on Saturday 1 May 10am to 1pm. This is a trial opening to prepare us for a relaunch event on Bank Holiday Monday 31 May - details to follow.
There will be some new procedures in place to keep everyone covid-safe, including track & trace at the gate and social distancing of the outdoor seating. There will be no Winding Engine House guided tours, however, there will be the usual crowd of friendly volunteers making you coffee, tea, hot chocolate, fruit juice and squash. If you are able to bring along your own mug or thermal cup on the day we would really appreciate it to help cut down on our washing up. We will only be accepting cash and if you have the right change that would be great. 50p for drinks and 75p for cakes.
For our younger visitors we will be selling Peter the Pit Pony books at £3 each to accompany the outdoor trail around the park.
Although you will be able to enter the Dynamo House to use the loo there will be no indoor seating available so check the forecast and dress appropriately!
There will be some new procedures in place to keep everyone covid-safe, including track & trace at the gate and social distancing of the outdoor seating. There will be no Winding Engine House guided tours, however, there will be the usual crowd of friendly volunteers making you coffee, tea, hot chocolate, fruit juice and squash. If you are able to bring along your own mug or thermal cup on the day we would really appreciate it to help cut down on our washing up. We will only be accepting cash and if you have the right change that would be great. 50p for drinks and 75p for cakes.
For our younger visitors we will be selling Peter the Pit Pony books at £3 each to accompany the outdoor trail around the park.
Although you will be able to enter the Dynamo House to use the loo there will be no indoor seating available so check the forecast and dress appropriately!
New Countryside Code
15 April 2021
The Countryside Code has been revised to take account of the increasing numbers of people using the great outdoors and the ever increasing and conflicting pressures on our green spaces. Before your next trip out to enjoy the country park why not have a quick peek and check you know the right things to do.Key changes to the Countryside Code include:
- New advice for people to ‘be nice, say hello, share the space’ as well as ‘enjoy your visit, have fun, make a memory’.
- A reminder not to feed livestock, horses or wild animals.
- To stay on marked footpaths, even if they are muddy, to protect crops and wildlife.
- Information on permissions to do certain outdoor activities, such as wild swimming or flying drones.
- Clearer rules for dog walkers to take home dog poo and use their own bin if a there are no public waste bins.
- A refreshed tone of voice, creating a guide for the public rather than a list of rules – recognising the significant health and well-being benefits of spending time in nature.
- New wording to make clear that the code applies to all our natural places, including parks and waterways, coast and countryside.
Look - Don't Just Flutter By
22 March 2021
As the days lengthen and the temperature rises you will be seeing more insects around the park. Most obvious may well be the butterflies and moths which flutter round the woodland and grassy areas in the park. We have a chart from Butterfly Conservation to help you identify a few of them. For more info pop over to their website by clicking on the chart.
If you happen to snap a photo of the ones you see please send your images in to us.
If you happen to snap a photo of the ones you see please send your images in to us.
Protect Our Ground-Nesting Birds
18 March 2021
As spring approaches we are all excited about the explosion of new life in the park as the birds begin to pair up and nest. However, not all birds nest in trees. We have several species of ground nesting birds that take up residence in the country park, such as the skylarks who nest on the top field. It is therefore more important than ever to keep your dogs on a lead to avoid them running off into the fields and disturbing these nests. Please help us to keep all the park residents happy at this critical time by following the advice from Natural England. #RespectProtectEnjoy
Litter Bugs
17 March 2021
Please take your litter home
We have been so excited to see record numbers of people visiting the park during the lock-downs. However, the increased numbers have caused a few issues. People have generally been very good at trying to dispose of their litter in the bins but often these have just been overwhelmed with the sheer amount of rubbish being discarded.
When the bins are full, or even if they have room inside, please take your litter home with you to save it escaping the bins and blowing around the park.
When the bins are full, or even if they have room inside, please take your litter home with you to save it escaping the bins and blowing around the park.
Time Zooms By
8 March 2021
Time flies and it's time for another meeting of the Friends of Bestwood Country Park team. Our meeting was virtual rather than in person so once again we were all getting to grips with the technology. At least no one turned up with a filter on turning them into a cat, no one had a toddler arrive to disrupt their call although we did have a combination of the two when someone's cat arrived to join in the meeting. Roll on the time when we can meet up in person to debate the issues and to plan some exciting events for the future.
Happy St David's Day
1 March 2021
The Winding Engine House
After the sunshine of the weekend March has arrived in a bit of a haze. Mist and fog covered the park today obscuring some of the views but visitors still got to enjoy the steady awakening of the tree buds and the blooming of some of the spring flowers.
Take a look in our gallery to see some of the things to look out for on your next visit.
Take a look in our gallery to see some of the things to look out for on your next visit.
The Early Bird...
27 February 2021
Photo by Laura Millership
The old adage about the early bird catching the worm was certainly true this morning. Laura was up nice and early to take her dog for a walk in the park. She was rewarded for her efforts with some lovely images of the misty sunrise.
You can see some more of her great pictures in the gallery.
P.S. In the gallery you will also find some great shots taken from the quarry by Rob Carlyle early the following morning. Well worth getting out of bed early for.
You can see some more of her great pictures in the gallery.
P.S. In the gallery you will also find some great shots taken from the quarry by Rob Carlyle early the following morning. Well worth getting out of bed early for.
At The End Of The Day...
13 February 2021
Photo by Annie Holmes
Our big beautiful park is a great location for a walk at any time of day but Annie Holmes managed to pick the perfect moment to visit yesterday evening.
She captured this amazing sunset which no doubt brightened up her day. Thank you for letting us share your images.
If you take any interesting shots as you enjoy your walks around the park please let us know. You can send them through to us on photos@fbcp.org.uk.
If you would like to see a few more of Annie's pictures head over to the gallery.
She captured this amazing sunset which no doubt brightened up her day. Thank you for letting us share your images.
If you take any interesting shots as you enjoy your walks around the park please let us know. You can send them through to us on photos@fbcp.org.uk.
If you would like to see a few more of Annie's pictures head over to the gallery.
Big Garden Bird Watch
29 January 2021
This coming weekend you can take part in one of the largest citizen science projects in the world. The RSPB are running the Big Garden Bird Watch and it is really easy to get involved. You just need an hour of your time and a space in your garden or park to go looking for the birds. If you want to practice your identification skills you could check out some bird photos taken in the park by local photographer Steve Plewinski which are in the gallery.
Sight For Sore Eyes
26 January 2021
Winter wonderland - Gill Costello
Our intrepid treasurer, Gill, took herself out for a walk in the park recently and found herself in a winter wonderland.
Having been cooped up in the house, following some very welcome eye treatment, Gill badly felt the need to get back out in the park to enjoy the sights. However, soon after she left home it started to snow, so that walk became really special. The park was soon transformed into a Narnia-like landscape. Snow is always beautiful to look at from the comfort of home but to experience being out doors during a fall of snow is magical. For those brave enough to be outdoors in this weather it was an amazing spectacle.
There are some more of Gill's photos along with some by Steve Plewinski in the gallery.
Having been cooped up in the house, following some very welcome eye treatment, Gill badly felt the need to get back out in the park to enjoy the sights. However, soon after she left home it started to snow, so that walk became really special. The park was soon transformed into a Narnia-like landscape. Snow is always beautiful to look at from the comfort of home but to experience being out doors during a fall of snow is magical. For those brave enough to be outdoors in this weather it was an amazing spectacle.
There are some more of Gill's photos along with some by Steve Plewinski in the gallery.
Making Tracks
25 January 2021
It snowed! This gives you an added bonus of being able to more easily see who has been out and about in the park before you. You can see the tracks of the birds mammals and other park visitors who have been walking around. Have you seen any interesting tracks? If so, take a photo and send it in to us on photos@fbcp.org.uk.
Green Shoots
24 January 2021
In your walks around the park you should be looking out for the first few signs of spring . As you enter the Mill Lakes from Moor Road you can see the daffodil bulbs starting to push through the ground. Further into the park there are other buds, shoots and fruits preparing for the season ahead. If you see anything interesting in the park please let us know and send us your photos. More photos of the park in our gallery.
Just Checking In
20 January 2021
You might like to know that even though the Dynamo House Cafe is closed we have been keeping an eye on the place. We are giving the building a weekly airing and checking that all is well especially during the worsening weather. Our inspections have been very successful so far and it's good to spend time in the place, however, briefly.
When we do reopen we will be looking for lots of new volunteers to bake, serve and collect the empties. By then we hope to have had a chance to revamp the kitchen space so it will be a much better working environment for the volunteers. If you would like to join our Dynamo House team please drop us a line using the contact us form.
When we do reopen we will be looking for lots of new volunteers to bake, serve and collect the empties. By then we hope to have had a chance to revamp the kitchen space so it will be a much better working environment for the volunteers. If you would like to join our Dynamo House team please drop us a line using the contact us form.
Happy New Year
4 January 2021
As we go forward into 2021 we are all hoping for a swift end to the coronavirus pandemic. However, whilst we are living under the various levels of lock down the country park continues to offer respite from the boredom of staying in at home. We do ask that during your visit to the park you observe the distancing rules, especially at pinch points like the car park and the various gates. Higher visitor numbers are putting extra stress on the bins around the park, so where you can, we would ask that you take your own litter home with you.
On very busy days you may find that the car park is full. If you park on the roads around the park please do so sensibly, not blocking driveways or entrances. In particular the road opposite the bus terminus needs to be kept free of cars to allow the buses to execute their turn at the top of Park Road. Please keep this stretch of road free of cars at all times. Thank you.
On very busy days you may find that the car park is full. If you park on the roads around the park please do so sensibly, not blocking driveways or entrances. In particular the road opposite the bus terminus needs to be kept free of cars to allow the buses to execute their turn at the top of Park Road. Please keep this stretch of road free of cars at all times. Thank you.
Research In The Park
18 December 2020
Female Red Mason Bee - Steven Falk
The Friends of Bestwood Country Park have linked with the University of Nottingham to support a piece of research that will take place in the park over the course of next year. The research aims to find out what environmental and biological factors influence wild pollinators in urbanised environments, with a specific focus on the solitary Red Mason Bee, Osmia bicornis.
The field work for this research will begin in the park in February; when a few solitary bees will be placed in the park in nesting pipes ready to emerge in early spring and start foraging. Throughout the spring and summer masters student, Ieuan Lamb will measure floral resources, pollinator abundance and diversity of other pollinators, as well as measures of land use in the surrounding area. At the end of the summer the solitary bees will lay their larvae back in the nesting sites ready to hibernate over winter. At this point the nesting pipes will be taken away so that the reproductive success of the bees can be measured.
Wild bee populations provide important pollinator services in urban & rural environments. They are often more specific foragers than the domesticated honeybee, Apis mellifera, but their population success in urban environments is variable between species and extensive research has not previously been done. Urban environments increase diversity of food and nesting resources for some species but reduce them for others.
A study site like Bestwood Country Park is important in this type of research as it provides an abundance of natural resources but is also relatively near to other more urban areas, allowing scientifically sound comparisons between the two types of area.
If you see Ieuan working in the park please feel free to stop and say hello, or if you have any questions you’d like to ask about the project please email him at ieuan.lamb@nottingham.ac.uk.
The field work for this research will begin in the park in February; when a few solitary bees will be placed in the park in nesting pipes ready to emerge in early spring and start foraging. Throughout the spring and summer masters student, Ieuan Lamb will measure floral resources, pollinator abundance and diversity of other pollinators, as well as measures of land use in the surrounding area. At the end of the summer the solitary bees will lay their larvae back in the nesting sites ready to hibernate over winter. At this point the nesting pipes will be taken away so that the reproductive success of the bees can be measured.
Wild bee populations provide important pollinator services in urban & rural environments. They are often more specific foragers than the domesticated honeybee, Apis mellifera, but their population success in urban environments is variable between species and extensive research has not previously been done. Urban environments increase diversity of food and nesting resources for some species but reduce them for others.
A study site like Bestwood Country Park is important in this type of research as it provides an abundance of natural resources but is also relatively near to other more urban areas, allowing scientifically sound comparisons between the two types of area.
If you see Ieuan working in the park please feel free to stop and say hello, or if you have any questions you’d like to ask about the project please email him at ieuan.lamb@nottingham.ac.uk.
Big Thank You
9 December 2020
Normally around this time of year we would all be meeting up at the volunteers' Christmas party. It is a chance to say thank you to all the groups that contribute to the maintenance and improvement of our big, beautiful Park. Sadly that won't be happening this year as parties are off the agenda. That doesn't mean that we don't appreciate all the great work our volunteers do in and around the park. So we would like to send a big shout out to our Winding Engine House volunteers, Dynamo House cafe bakers & servers, our volunteer working parties (the Voles), the members & committee of the Friends Group, our Park Rangers, Heritage Officer and everyone at NCC & GBC involved in the maintenance & promotion of the park. There may not be a thank you party this year but you have been appreciated more than ever. It has been a really difficult year but we have come to realise just how important the park is to the local community. Be proud that you contributed to their enjoyment of the park.
Leaves of Steele
20 November 2020
Oak leaf in early sunshine - Marc Steele
Wondering what to do for the weekend? Why not take a leaf out of Marc and Jennifer Steele's book and take a walk in Bestwood Country Park. If you take your camera or your phone with you please send us your wonderful photos of our amazing green space as it changes its coat ready for winter. Email them in to us on photos@fbcp.org.uk . If you want to see the rest of the photos that Marc took you should check out the gallery.
Ups & Downs
12 November 2020
The country park in general, and Andy's Adventure Playground in particular, are being much enjoyed by the extra lockdown visitors and families. We have more walkers & bikers taking their exercise and enjoying relaxing away from Covid stresses. At times like this the park is needed more than ever both for physical and mental health & well-being.
However, the downsides to this popularity are the resulting parking problems at the Winding Engine House car park in Bestwood Village, especially at weekends. Overflow cars are again causing problems on Park Road including blocking the turning circle for the buses by parking opposite the bus stop. The south car park is bigger, but is also seeing increased numbers. In all cases we would ask you to please park responsibly. If you have come out for a walk in the park why not park away from the entrance if the car park is full and add those few extra steps to your daily total.
However, the downsides to this popularity are the resulting parking problems at the Winding Engine House car park in Bestwood Village, especially at weekends. Overflow cars are again causing problems on Park Road including blocking the turning circle for the buses by parking opposite the bus stop. The south car park is bigger, but is also seeing increased numbers. In all cases we would ask you to please park responsibly. If you have come out for a walk in the park why not park away from the entrance if the car park is full and add those few extra steps to your daily total.
Veto On Volunteering (for now)
11 November 2020
The park is well into autumn and we are well into another lockdown. Sadly it's been confirmed that all the nature conservation volunteer work parties have been cancelled, when they had only just got going again. We understand that the plan is to review the situation early in the new year. In the meantime both the Saturday morning Community Cafe and the Winding Engine House will also remain closed. The Park Rangers Rob and Dave, of Gedling Borough Council, are working as usual Monday - Friday, based in the Classroom and you may be relieved to hear that the toilet block near Alexandra Lodges is open.
If you would like to consider volunteering once things are back on track here are the opportunities available to you ad the vital contacts you will need.
If you would like to consider volunteering once things are back on track here are the opportunities available to you ad the vital contacts you will need.
Misty and Mellow
10 November 2020
Following our call for photos of the park Rachel Leonardi has allowed us to share some amazing photos she took on her walk in Bestwood Country Park. She certainly has an eye for an interesting picture and has captured the mood of autumn in the park perfectly. There are more shots in the gallery.
Colour and Conkers
9 November 2020
Photo by Joanna Staples
Back in the spring the beautiful country park saw us through Lockdown 1 by offering us walks through the natural environment as it awoke and blossomed. Now we find ourselves in Lockdown 2 the park can again offer us an escape. At the moment the trees are putting on their most colourful show of the year as autumn takes hold. There are conkers & sweet chestnuts to be foraged and misty mornings to enjoy. If you get out into the park and take any photos of this most fruitful of seasons please drop them over to us on photos@fbcp.org.uk as we would love to share them with those people who can't get out into the park at the moment. Joanna has been taking some shots including this interesting view of Alexander Lodge. There are more in the gallery.
News from October 2020 - November 2018 is stored on our News Archive page here.
News from October 2018 - November 2016 is stored on our News Archive page here.
News from October 2016 - November 2015 is stored on our News Archive page here.
News from November 2015 and before is stored on our News Archive page here.
News from October 2018 - November 2016 is stored on our News Archive page here.
News from October 2016 - November 2015 is stored on our News Archive page here.
News from November 2015 and before is stored on our News Archive page here.
In partnership with
Who are we?
The Friends of Bestwood Country Park was formed in late 2007 and focuses its activities a few miles north of Nottingham in Bestwood Country Park.
The group’s aim overall is to promote the interests of our big beautiful park, its habitats and flora and fauna as well as its many human visitors and its historic buildings, and to serve as an active means of communication and co-operation between all users.
The group meets most months on the 3rd Thursday of the month at the Bestwood Lodge Hotel. You can check out what goes on at the meetings page. We are always looking for new members to join us and everyone is welcome to come along to the meetings. If you think you would be interested in coming along please use the contact us form to let us have your details.
The group’s aim overall is to promote the interests of our big beautiful park, its habitats and flora and fauna as well as its many human visitors and its historic buildings, and to serve as an active means of communication and co-operation between all users.
The group meets most months on the 3rd Thursday of the month at the Bestwood Lodge Hotel. You can check out what goes on at the meetings page. We are always looking for new members to join us and everyone is welcome to come along to the meetings. If you think you would be interested in coming along please use the contact us form to let us have your details.
What do we actually do?
There are several strands to the group of people interested in the park so it is not all about meetings! If you’re into engineering, you might be interested in joining the Winding Engine House Volunteers. If you’re into practical conservation, there’s a group that meets on Mondays (except bank holidays) to help the rangers with their work. A similar practical group meets on the first Sunday of the month. No experience necessary and tools will be provided.
To find out more check out out volunteering page under the Events tab.
To find out more check out out volunteering page under the Events tab.
The Forum
We have previously run a web forum where people can log any wildlife they see or get involved in discussion threads on issues involving the park. This old forum has been moved into this website where all old posts have been archived.
Useful Links
Read the Richard the Ranger's blog - click here
Read Rob's blog - click here
Read Rob's blog - click here
141 Bus Timetable
Bestwood Country Park Facebook account
Bestwood Country Park Flickr site
Bestwood Village Park Run
Bestwood Village WI
Bestwood Village Wikipedia entry
Greenwood Community Forest
Friends of Newstead & Annesley Country Park
Love Parks
Mercian Archaeological Services
Nottinghamshire Biodiversity Action Group
Nottinghamshire CC - Country Parks
If you have images of the park you would like to add to our gallery please send them in to us using photos@fbcp.org.uk
You can discuss the format we need using the contact us form.
Bestwood Country Park Facebook account
Bestwood Country Park Flickr site
Bestwood Village Park Run
Bestwood Village WI
Bestwood Village Wikipedia entry
Greenwood Community Forest
Friends of Newstead & Annesley Country Park
Love Parks
Mercian Archaeological Services
Nottinghamshire Biodiversity Action Group
Nottinghamshire CC - Country Parks
If you have images of the park you would like to add to our gallery please send them in to us using photos@fbcp.org.uk
You can discuss the format we need using the contact us form.
Actually wanted Friends of Buchan Country Park, based in West Sussex? If so, click here:- fobcp.org.uk.
