What's on in the park? Check here!
Film Début
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Heritage Brought Alive
18 March 2019
On Friday 15 March Gedling Borough Council launched their “Heritage Brought Alive Project” at Gedling County Park. The event included the launch of a new 80 page book written by volunteers, including our own Keith Stone, and compiled and edited by Dr Stephen Walker, of Friends of Moor Pond Wood. It is the first ever publication to talk about the heritage of the whole of Gedling borough. It contains information on local communities and historical sites such as Newstead Abbey, Papplewick Pumping Station and, of course, our Bestwood Winding Engine.
The project was made possible thanks to a £74,900 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the work of volunteers over the last 15 months.
A short video accompanies the book and can be viewed here.
The project was made possible thanks to a £74,900 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the work of volunteers over the last 15 months.
A short video accompanies the book and can be viewed here.
In The Meadow We Will Build...
10 March 2019
There was a flurry of snow in the park last night and looking out on the light dusting you might be forgiven for being disappointed. No chance of skiing, sledging, having a snowball fight or building a snow man - or maybe you could... Check out what someone managed to create from the thin layer of snow available. This image turned up on BBC Weather Watchers today - so the impossible was possible.
Playground Update
1 March 2019
The great news is that we have been formally awarded the grant of £50,000 from WREN - a not-for-profit business that awards grants for community, biodiversity and heritage projects from funds donated by FCC Environment through the Landfill Communities Fund. This means, along with the money from fund-raising, we can now afford to have the new Adventure Playground built.
However, before building can start we had to address a Health & Safety issue with a large sweet chestnut tree situated close to the playground area. Every year the tree would produce hundreds of spiky sweet chestnut seed cases, which would fall directly into the playground posing a risk to children playing who may sustain an injury from falling on them. A decision was taken that removal of the tree prior to the building of the new playground would be the best option.
Rob Wombwell (GBC ranger) & Dave Southward (GBC warden) undertook the felling work themselves, then invited Bolsover Woodland Enterprise in to process the felled timber. BWE is a social enterprise providing work experience & training in conservation & woodland management for adults with a learning disability. They brought their planking machine on site & planked the timber – they will now use it to make benches & other furniture to sell to support their enterprise.
Watch out for further updates over the next few months & the whole project will hopefully be completed by the summer. Meanwhile check out the tree felling photos in the gallery.
Rob Wombwell (GBC ranger) & Dave Southward (GBC warden) undertook the felling work themselves, then invited Bolsover Woodland Enterprise in to process the felled timber. BWE is a social enterprise providing work experience & training in conservation & woodland management for adults with a learning disability. They brought their planking machine on site & planked the timber – they will now use it to make benches & other furniture to sell to support their enterprise.
Watch out for further updates over the next few months & the whole project will hopefully be completed by the summer. Meanwhile check out the tree felling photos in the gallery.
Record Figures
28 February 2019
The unseasonally sunny weather we have experienced this month has brought lots of people out into the park. Dog walkers, families, Nordic walkers, horse riders, bird watchers and those just looking for a nice cup of coffee and a cake have been visiting the park and popping into the Dynamo House Café on Saturdays. We have had record takings for several weeks which is great news for the projects that we support in and around the park, such as winter bird food, benches and picnic tables as all the profits are used to fund these. We have also been supporting the Andy's Adventure Playground Appeal but since receiving the news that we have been awarded the grant from WREN we have put the café profits back into our regular funds.
Lost Keys
4 February 2019
We've been contacted by someone who lost a set of keys whilst walking his dogs in BCP on 2nd February. There was a car key and several other keys. One of the door keys had a light blue cover on the key. He was walking from the Dunvegan Drive Rise Park entrance past Bigwood/Oakwood school and returning back to the Dunvegan entrance. There's a £10 reward for anyone finding the keys - please get in touch if you find them via out Contact form.
Cold Snap
27 January 2019
In the middle of January the weather surprised us with some sub-zero overnight temperatures which were followed by bright sunny days. These were just ideal conditions for keen local photographers to get snapping in Bestwood Country Park. The resulting dramatic images are in our gallery. If you have any recent interesting, unusual or generally beautiful photos taken in the park please email them to us at photos@fbcp.org.uk.
Runners Pass Milestone
25 January 2019
On Saturday 26 January the Bestwood Village Park Run will be celebrating their 2 year anniversary. This is likely to mean a higher number of runners than normal so do take care if you are passing the Park Road entrance between 8.30am & 9.45am on Saturday. If you are planning to run the 5km around our beautiful park please try to park sensibly and safely. You will be rewarded for your efforts with biscuits and cakes at the end of the race. Good luck on those hills!
Outside Catering
12 January 2019
Yesterday the Dynamo House Café supplied the outside catering at the annual gathering of the Nottinghamshire Biodiversity Action Group (NottsBAG). The event, held at Brackenhurst Campus of the Nottingham Trent University, offers a chance for representative of groups associated with environmental & biodiversity improvement to get together and hear talks and exchange information in this field. This year the day also included a field trip around the Southwell area to see improvement schemes on the ground. The Dynamo House Café provided morning and afternoon refreshment with drinks & biscuits and a lunchtime treat of cakes. A big thank you goes out to all our amazing bakers who provided a great selection of home-made cakes & biscuits, even providing vegan options to support those attempting "Veganuary". A few doggy bags were given out at the end of the day and everyone seemed to go home happy. The participants were very generous with their donations and all profits will go towards improving Bestwood Country Park, so it really is a win:win partnership.
Volunteering Opportunities
2 January 2019
Sue McDonald, the Community Liaison Officer for Notts County Council, is setting up a new volunteer group to carry out work locally. The work will focus on habitat improvement to increase biodiversity at a site known as The Linby Trail. The first meeting will be on 23 January but from then on the group will run on the first Wednesday of each month; (6th Feb, 6th Mar, 3rd April). If you would like to be involved please contact Sue by 4pm on the Monday before each event.
Phone: 0115 927 3674 or 07971 328 105
email: sue.mcdonald@nottscc.gov.uk
Phone: 0115 927 3674 or 07971 328 105
email: sue.mcdonald@nottscc.gov.uk
New Year Resolutions
1 January 2019
OK, so you made a new year resolution to get fit, or to learn more about your local area, or to meet new people, or to save money, or to improve the wonderful natural environment. All these can be achieved by getting out into your local park. A walk, run or ride around the park is not only good for you, it is free. You can meet new people there by getting involved in a volunteer group doing work in the park like gardening, litter picking, engineering, tour guiding or even baking & serving cakes. Make sure you make the most of this amazing asset on your doorstep - don't miss out on the chance to have a great 2019!
Season's Greetings
19 December 2018
The Friends of Bestwood Country Park would like to wish all our members, supporters, friends and visitors a very happy Christmas. Please come and enjoy the park in the coming days as it can be at its most beautiful in its winter coat. The Dynamo House Café will be open every Saturday throughout the winter and there are additional opening days on Boxing Day and New Year's Day. See you there.
Christmas Cheer
14 December 2018
Last night the Christmas party was held at Emmanuel Church to say a big thank you to all the various volunteer groups that help out in the park. Funding was unavailable from the County Council this year but the FoBCP stepped in to make sure a good evening was had by all. Some photos of the night are in the gallery.
NEWS FLASH
11 December 2018
We have just been notified that our bid to WREN for £50,000 of funding to restore the adventure playground has been successful. This means that, along with the funds already raised by your efforts and donations, we now have enough money in the pot to make the playground a place to come and have an amazing adventure. It looks like 2019 will be a landmark year for the park with the new Andy's Adventure Playground at its heart.Thank you to all involved in the fund-raising and the bid.
Dark December Days
4 December 2018
After last night's first serious frost of the season the Winding Engine House was looking splendid in the morning sunshine. This image, captured by local photographer Tamsyn Cheetham, illustrates the grandeur of the industrial buildings and shows how they now nestle within their beautiful rural setting. More in the gallery. If you capture pictures of the park on your next visit please send them through to us on an email to photos@fbcp.org.uk.
Peter & The Pupils
28 November 2018
Jackie and the pupils with Peter
On 27 November the first class of children came to the Winding Engine House to meet Peter the Pit Pony. A class of 3 and 4 year old girls and boys from Hawthorne Primary School came along and took part in an interactive story telling session run by Laura and Jackie to test out the timings and the effectiveness of the materials.
From the feedback we have had the children and teachers loved meeting Peter and exploring their local history. We have a few more photos in the gallery.
If you would like to meet Peter please get in touch with us, or for a self-guided tour pick up a booklet from the Dynamo House at just £3.
From the feedback we have had the children and teachers loved meeting Peter and exploring their local history. We have a few more photos in the gallery.
If you would like to meet Peter please get in touch with us, or for a self-guided tour pick up a booklet from the Dynamo House at just £3.
Mystery Helpers
27 November 2018
We have been trying to track down a mystery couple called Ray & Sue who said they would like to add their names to the mailing list and help out with the Adventure Playground Appeal. However, we sadly took down their email address inaccurately & we can't get a message through to them about the rota. Are you that couple? If so please drop us an email using the contact form.
Meet Peter
23 November 2018
On sale now at the Dynamo House is a great children's story book. Peter the Pit Pony is a beautifully illustrated storybook and guided trail based on the history of Bestwood Country Park from the time it was a coal mine. You can read how Peter the Pit Pony helps young miner Bob find all his mining equipment, and then go on a trail to spot these mining items yourselves around the park. School groups and Early years groups can book a guided workshop to accompany the book and trail or you can use it as a self-guided resource. Be sure to pick up a copy next time you are at the Dynamo House - just £3 a copy. Read more about the ponies of Bestwood Colliery here.
Souped Up Café
30 October 2018
Any one for soup?
Are you feeling the cold when out and about in the park? Help is at hand. This Saturday we start serving soup at the Dynamo House Café to help thaw you out.
From 10am Carol & Ian will be offering home-made vegetarian soup and hand-made bread rolls every first Saturday of the month from now through to the spring. Don't leave it too late to call in though because there is just one soup-kettle full and when it's gone, it's gone.
Mug of soup 50p roll & butter 50p
From 10am Carol & Ian will be offering home-made vegetarian soup and hand-made bread rolls every first Saturday of the month from now through to the spring. Don't leave it too late to call in though because there is just one soup-kettle full and when it's gone, it's gone.
Mug of soup 50p roll & butter 50p
I Came; I Saw; I Made A Note!
22 October 2018
Next time you venture into the park please keep in mind that we want to know what you saw. If you spot any wildlife, plant or fungi please let us know. You can either write a note on the white board which will usually be outside Alexandra Lodge during office hours, or you can drop us a line using the contact form here. Your sightings help us to draw up a picture of what is in the park at any particular time of year. This enables us to make better decisions on how to protect and improve the park to sustain its unique flora & fauna.
Halloween High Jinks
17 October 2018
There is another chance to let your hair down and have some fun whilst raising money for the playground appeal. We are helping to host a Halloween event at the Victory club in Arnold on Friday 26 October along with members of the Maycock family.
All the details are on the poster with entry just £2.
Fancy dress is optional but we know you won't let us down with your imaginative costume ideas. We hope to see you there although whether we recognise you is another matter!
All the details are on the poster with entry just £2.
Fancy dress is optional but we know you won't let us down with your imaginative costume ideas. We hope to see you there although whether we recognise you is another matter!
Monster Munch
15 October 2018
Archie with his cakes
It seems you are never too young to volunteer to help out. Last weekend we had our youngest baker so far donate some wonderful cakes to be sold at the Dynamo House Café.
Archie, who is just 4 years old, brought along some "monster" cakes he had made with the help of his gran, Donna. They were snapped up along with many others by our eager customers.
If you think you could bake for the café please drop us a line and add your name to the baking rota. You can bake any cakes or scones you chose and are usually called upon about once a month. The more bakers we have the less often you bake. We pay for all your ingredients and can collect from you if necessary. Gluten free and vegan bakes are especially welcome to keep our selection on offer as varied as possible.
Archie, who is just 4 years old, brought along some "monster" cakes he had made with the help of his gran, Donna. They were snapped up along with many others by our eager customers.
If you think you could bake for the café please drop us a line and add your name to the baking rota. You can bake any cakes or scones you chose and are usually called upon about once a month. The more bakers we have the less often you bake. We pay for all your ingredients and can collect from you if necessary. Gluten free and vegan bakes are especially welcome to keep our selection on offer as varied as possible.
UK Fungus Day
3 October 2018
Here's one Alan spotted in the park last year.
This Saturday 6 October is UK Fungus Day! Led by the British Mycological Society (the people who love fungi the most), this is a national day dedicated to celebrating and raising the profile of fungi.
At this time of year the park is full of interesting fungi for you to spot. If you come across anything particularly stunning please take a photo and send it to us using photos@fbcp.org.uk.
At this time of year the park is full of interesting fungi for you to spot. If you come across anything particularly stunning please take a photo and send it to us using photos@fbcp.org.uk.
Greyhound Gathering
1 October 2018
On Sunday 30 September the Dynamo House was the location for the gathering of the clans in the world of greyhounds. Over 40 dogs and their owners from the Greyhound Trust Nottingham came along to enjoy a walk in the park and the reward of a drink and a cake at the café. They walked up to the Adventure Playground to better understand the issues we face in refurbishing it. The dogs were exceptionally well behaved and their owners were very generous with their donations to the appeal which totalled £81.86 on the day. There are a few photos in the gallery.
Lost and Found
28 September 2018
Have you been walking in Bestwood Country Park and got home to find that you were missing some keys? If so, we might be able to make your day as some keys have been found and handed in. If you feel these might be yours please drop us a line using the contact form and we will try to reunite you with them.
BBC News Coverage
24 September 2018
Not to be outdone by ITV News coverage it seems that BBC Radio Nottingham are keen to get in on the latest news about Bestwood Country Park. Today on the Alan Clifford show Sue Maycock talked at length about the project to raise funds to refurbish the adventure playground in her son's name. If you missed it and would like to hear the interview please click here.
ITV News Coverage
23 September 2018
Our efforts, along with the Maycock family, to raise funds to refurbish the adventure playground have hit the TV news. On Wednesday, 19 September, ITV Central News aired interviews with the Maycock family and Rob Carlyle (Chair of FoBCP) regarding the appeal. The piece included archive footage of the park including the opening in 2002 and a section showing Andy himself playing in the park. If you missed it and would like to watch the article please click here.
Added Appeal
17 September 2018
Poetry & Music event attendees
Fund-raising for the Andy's Adventure Playground Appeal has been gaining momentum in recent weeks. There have been several events held including a coffee morning at the Church on Rise Park and a Poetry & Music event at the Dynamo House which have boosted the fund. These, along with donations received from Hawthorne Primary and Nursery School, the Hucknall Local History Group and the Industrial Archaeology Group have taken the appeal total to just over £11,000. The Dynamo House Community Café continues to donate its net takings each Saturday to the fund too.
The appeal was further increased by £1,000 when a cheque was received by Sue Maycock from Barclays Bank who pledged matched funding to the appeal. (See photo below). Thanks go to Claire Mason for suggesting we use the Barclays fund matching scheme, and to Barclays for coming up with the money!
In addition the bid for an extra £50,000 from WREN has now been submitted so fingers crossed for some good news from them soon.
The appeal was further increased by £1,000 when a cheque was received by Sue Maycock from Barclays Bank who pledged matched funding to the appeal. (See photo below). Thanks go to Claire Mason for suggesting we use the Barclays fund matching scheme, and to Barclays for coming up with the money!
In addition the bid for an extra £50,000 from WREN has now been submitted so fingers crossed for some good news from them soon.
Playground Publicity
14 September 2018
The Adventure Playground Appeal received some welcome publicity yesterday when an article appeared in the Nottingham Post. We are now looking out for an item on the ITV local news about the appeal which should appear sometime next week, so keep your eyes peeled.
Table-Top Sale
13 August 2018
Watch out for a little bonus event on at the Dynamo House on Saturday 25 August. During Café opening hours there will be a selection of sale tables to rummage through. Offering anything from house plants to greetings cards, book-folded hedgehogs to fabric craft items there is bound to be something to interest you. Do come along and bag yourself a bargain. All profits from the sale tables will be donated to Andy's Adventure Playground Appeal.
Fire Hazard
8 August 2018
Battling the grass fire on the pit top field - Photo from Roger Williams
On what has been promised by the weather forecasters to be the last of the recent scorching hot days, the park has succumbed to a large grass fire. This afternoon four fire crews had to attend a grass fire on the pit top field and were fortunately able to get it under control relatively quickly. Plumes of smoke could be seen for miles around and large areas of the field have been left blackened. This is a stark reminder of the dangers grass fires pose in these dry conditions.
If you are out in the park please take extra care not to accidentally contribute to these risks. Do not use BBQs or open fires, dispose of cigarettes responsibly and report any fires you see quickly to the fire brigade. There are some photos of the incident and the heroic efforts of the fire fighters in the gallery.
If you are out in the park please take extra care not to accidentally contribute to these risks. Do not use BBQs or open fires, dispose of cigarettes responsibly and report any fires you see quickly to the fire brigade. There are some photos of the incident and the heroic efforts of the fire fighters in the gallery.
August Bonus
5 August 2018
Not only have you got weeks of wonderful summer weather to look forward to in the school holidays but some extra events at the Winding Engine House & Dynamo House Café. On Saturday 25 August there will be a table sale of crafts, creatives and crops during the usual café opening hours. Come along and bag a bargain.
On Bank Holiday Monday 27 August the WEH & DH Café will both be open serving up their usual free tours and reasonably-priced refreshments starting at 10am as usual. All profits from the café & the sale tables will be donated to Andy's Adventure Playground Appeal. Dig deep and help support a great local project.
On Bank Holiday Monday 27 August the WEH & DH Café will both be open serving up their usual free tours and reasonably-priced refreshments starting at 10am as usual. All profits from the café & the sale tables will be donated to Andy's Adventure Playground Appeal. Dig deep and help support a great local project.
BBC Weather Watchers
2 August 2018
This time is was the local BBC East Midlands weather team that used a wonderful image of Bestwood Country Park to illustrate the current heat wave weather we have been experiencing. Well done to Steve Plew for taking such a great photo of our park.
Park Problems
28 July 2018
The prolonged dry weather has been causing problems in the park. The tinder-dry grassland is prone to grass fires and the fire brigade have been called out to several small incidents in the park. We would ask that visitors take extra care when in the park. Please avoid using barbecues, fire pits or other open flames and take extra care disposing of cigarettes. Even broken glass can focus sunlight and start fires so if you see any, and are able to collect it safely, please take it to a bin.
We have also been plagued by alarms going off at the Winding Engine House. So far these have all been false alarms and we beg your indulgence until the cause can be found. If you hear the alarm going off please report it to:
Melvyn Cryer (Service Manager) at Gedling Borough Council - Parks and Street Care
Tel 0115 901 3788 | Mobile 07814 716239
melvyn.cryer@gedling.gov.uk
We have also been plagued by alarms going off at the Winding Engine House. So far these have all been false alarms and we beg your indulgence until the cause can be found. If you hear the alarm going off please report it to:
Melvyn Cryer (Service Manager) at Gedling Borough Council - Parks and Street Care
Tel 0115 901 3788 | Mobile 07814 716239
melvyn.cryer@gedling.gov.uk
National Exposure
26 June 2018
An image of our beautiful park was featured on the BBC1 National Weather Forecast at 6.15pm today. The photo was submitted by Steve P of Nottinghamshire and we would like to thank him for sending in the picture and hope he enjoyed his visit to the Mill Lakes in the sunshine today.
Who You Gonna Call...?
24 June 2018
During office hours, any reports on repairs needed or incidents happening in the Park should be reported to the Park Ranger, Rob Wombwell either by email, text or phone - robert.wombwell@gedling.gov.uk. 0115 975 3782. 07989 682 118. An alternative contact is Warden Dave who's mobile is 07815 535 213. Both are based at the Classroom at Alexandra Lodge.
Out of office hours the 24-hr Gedling Borough Council emergency number is 0800 096 0306 (option 5 for parks). This should only be used for emergencies such as health & safety issues in the park.
Fund Update
23 June 2018
We want to keep you all updated on the progress with the fund-raising for Andy's Adventure Playground. At the last count we had £6,774 in the fund. This is encouraging but we still have a long way to go. Further events are planned including an evening of musical entertainment at The Arnold Victory Club on Friday 6 July. For the moment all profits from the Dynamo House Café are being donated - so if all else fails just eat more cake!
Lights, Projector, Action!
17 June 2018
Thanks to Julie Jeffery for the photo
The park resounded to the strains of "You're The One That I Want" last night as the second of the film shows came to an end at midnight. We were very lucky with the weather on both Friday & Saturday and the films played to full houses both nights. Pizzas were eaten, beers & wine were drunk, blankets were snuggled under and the crowd seemed to enjoy themselves. It is a village event we would be happy to see repeated. Thanks to Sunset Cinema Club, B.R.A.G, the Park Rangers, the stewards and the FOBCP members involved in making it happen. We hope the wildlife will forgive the disturbance (caused mostly by my singing!).
Cinema In The Park
14 June 2018
This coming weekend sees a first for Bestwood Country Park when the cinema comes to town. Sunset Cinema Club will be showing films on Friday and Saturday evenings in the Winding Engine compound. Admittance is my ticket only and they are selling out fast. Friday night is "The Greatest Showman" and Saturday is "Grease". The Dynamo House Café will be open as usual on Saturday 10am to 1pm with the bonus of a sale rail to grab a bargain from.
Charity Cards
15 May 2018
Maureen with a selection of the cards
One of our members has made some great greeting cards for us to sell at the Dynamo House Café to help raise funds for the adventure playground refurbishment. Maureen visited the park for many years, and even now she's moved to Chaddesden she still likes to keep an eye on what's going on! When she heard about the appeal for funds she decided to get creative and make some cards for us. She hasn't set a price, she just wants any money taken for the cards to go to the playground appeal. They'll be on sale in the café again from Saturday 19th May. When you're at the café you can sign the petition supporting the adventure playground refurbishment project.
The Adventure Continues
14 May 2018
It was agreed at the last committee meeting that we would continue the donation of Dynamo House Café profits to Andy's Adventure Playground appeal for the month of May. It is such a very worthwhile cause that we are happy to support it for another month. This of course means that anyone buying a drink or a cake this month can feel a little glow inside that they are helping the appeal.
Birds-eye View
1 May 2017
James Drewry has shared with the village face book group some photos taken from his drone. He has agreed that we can share his lovely shot of the Mill Lakes on our web page. It is amazing to think that this wonderful environment is so easily accessible and just on our doorstep.
Adventurous April
30 April 2018
During the month of April all profits from the Dynamo House Café have been donated to Andy's Adventure Playground Appeal. Money from the 4 Saturdays and the Big Day Out Sunday have made a wonderful contribution to the fund. So far the appeal has raised over £3,500 in total but we have a long way to go if the refurbishment project is to go ahead. We will continue to take donations via the buckets on the counter in the café and you can plot progress on the chart displayed in the Dynamo House.
New Facebook Page
28 April 2018
Very many thanks to our member Scott for setting up and administering our new FoBCP facebook page, and helping us to enter the 21st century at last! Our page is still in its very early days, so hope you'll use it, and like it! Check it out here.
BBC Big Day Out
6 April 2018
On Sunday 22 April the Winding Engine House and Dynamo House Café will be opening up between 10am and 1pm as part of the BBC Radio Nottingham "Big Day Out". This special opening on a Sunday will hopefully bring in some new visitors to our great park and Mining Heritage site.
Entry & the guided tours will be free to all and the the Café will be offering home-made refreshments at the usual great value prices. Come & see what we have on offer.
Entry & the guided tours will be free to all and the the Café will be offering home-made refreshments at the usual great value prices. Come & see what we have on offer.
New Perspective
27 March 2018
Although the majority of people walk around the park, or maybe jog if they are taking part in the park run on a Saturday morning, a few of our visitors have a different approach.
Those like Becca Jones get a novel view from horseback as they travel around the bridal ways in the park. This is a shot she took of the Winding Engine House from her elevated vantage point. There are a few more in the gallery. Other visitors bring their bicycles and some their sledges when the weather provides the snowy slopes.
How do you get your new perspective of the park? Share your views with us on photos@fbco.org.uk
Those like Becca Jones get a novel view from horseback as they travel around the bridal ways in the park. This is a shot she took of the Winding Engine House from her elevated vantage point. There are a few more in the gallery. Other visitors bring their bicycles and some their sledges when the weather provides the snowy slopes.
How do you get your new perspective of the park? Share your views with us on photos@fbco.org.uk
Easter Treats
26 March 2018
We have two special treats for you this Easter weekend:-
On Sunday 1 April we are hosting a special viewing of the film Messenger at the Bonington Theatre.
Then on Bank Holiday Monday 2 April we are opening the Winding Engine House so you can take your visiting friends and relatives around your local heritage site. Free tours will be running between 10am and 12 noon - no need to book - just turn up. The Dynamo House Café will be serving refreshments 10am to 1pm to ensure you are fully fuelled for your walks around the park. Come along and get involved.
On Sunday 1 April we are hosting a special viewing of the film Messenger at the Bonington Theatre.
Then on Bank Holiday Monday 2 April we are opening the Winding Engine House so you can take your visiting friends and relatives around your local heritage site. Free tours will be running between 10am and 12 noon - no need to book - just turn up. The Dynamo House Café will be serving refreshments 10am to 1pm to ensure you are fully fuelled for your walks around the park. Come along and get involved.
Sign Of The Times
20 March 2018
Our public parks and open spaces are much loved and used with an estimated 2.6 billion visitors each year but they are also suffering from severe cuts to parks services made by local authorities as they seek to balance their books.
To make this worse the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) now want to abandon their hugely successful Parks for People programme that invested millions of peoples lottery money into improving parks and local facilities. The Heritage Lottery Fund are currently consulting on this change in funding.
You can help us to convince them to rethink and keep this precious funding so parks like Bestwood Country Park can be protected and continue to be enjoyed by everyone.
Please show your support by signing the petition - just click here:- https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/protect-heritage-lottery-funding-for-parks
To make this worse the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) now want to abandon their hugely successful Parks for People programme that invested millions of peoples lottery money into improving parks and local facilities. The Heritage Lottery Fund are currently consulting on this change in funding.
You can help us to convince them to rethink and keep this precious funding so parks like Bestwood Country Park can be protected and continue to be enjoyed by everyone.
Please show your support by signing the petition - just click here:- https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/protect-heritage-lottery-funding-for-parks
Heritage Hunting
8 March 2018
Gedling Borough Council's 'Heritage Brought Alive' is a project to interpret the heritage across the borough, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. It centres on Gedling Country Park but then will filter information out to all the other places of interest in the area, including Bestwood Country Park.
Our Friends group would like to ensure that Bestwood gets its fair share of coverage! So, if you have stories photographs, records artefacts relating to the heritage of this area please tell us so it can be captured and recorded and can contribute to this project.
Contact Keith by email and he can arrange to record your story.
Our Friends group would like to ensure that Bestwood gets its fair share of coverage! So, if you have stories photographs, records artefacts relating to the heritage of this area please tell us so it can be captured and recorded and can contribute to this project.
Contact Keith by email and he can arrange to record your story.
Coiled Spring
6 March 2018
Alexandra Lodge by Marc Steele
Well we have all survived the Beast from the East and the snow and frost it brought to the park. Now we have the thaw! This gives us the prospect of many of the signs of spring all arriving together in the park. Look out for catkins, frog & toad spawn, daffodils, birds nesting and the trees bursting into leaf. If you capture any of these on camera please send the photos through to us for our gallery by email.
A Little Bird Tells Me...
12 February 2018
... you need to know more about garden birds. You can do this by attending a talk on Wednesday 4 April,
7.30pm
at the Nottingham Mechanics (NG1 4EZ). Renowned author and conservationist Peter Holden MBE will be giving a talk
for the Notts RSPB group entitled ‘Birds: their Hidden World’, a
presentation that takes a close look at the intimate lives of many of the
birds that share our gardens and countryside. Peter says: “The more I have
studied birds the more I have come to realise most bird books miss out the
most interesting things”. Everyone is welcome to this open meeting but there will be an entry fee of £3.
On-going Adventure
3 February 2018
Plans are in place to start the refurbishments required to get the adventure playground back into action. It was closed at the end of 2017 due to health & safety concerns. Initially the work will involve removal of some features which are beyond repair and general upgrading of the playground surface of bark chippings. It is hoped that further improvements will take place once funding can be secured. In the meantime we thought you might enjoy this evocative image of the park taken in the area around the adventure playground. To see it even larger just click on the image.
Droning on
2 February 2018
John's drone hovers over the WEH
We were happy to receive a set of photographs showing the Winding Engine House as we have not seen it before. John Blackmore shared with us a set of photos taken using his drone. You can see more images of the WEH as the birds see it by clicking here.
Healthy Hearts
29 January 2018
The February Mini-Miners craft activity will have a Valentine's theme. You can prepare for St Valentine's Day (14 Feb) by decorating a large pink heart to show your love for someone or something. You can adorn your heart with more hearts & flowers and the name of a loved one or you can just decorate it with things you like, such as birds & butterflies, the seaside or sparkly jungle animals - the choice is yours. Come along on Saturday 3 February between 10 and 12 to take part. All craft activities are free.
Bat Chat
25 January 2018
You have an opportunity to find out more about one of the more elusive mammals we share our space with - bats.
One of our neighbouring green space groups, just up the road in Mansfield Woodhouse, are hosting a free talk by Michael Walker of the Nottinghamshire Bat Group on 7 March.
Check out the poster or their website for more information and to book your free place.
One of our neighbouring green space groups, just up the road in Mansfield Woodhouse, are hosting a free talk by Michael Walker of the Nottinghamshire Bat Group on 7 March.
Check out the poster or their website for more information and to book your free place.
Shake A Leg
24 January 2018
One of our fellow Friends groups is holding a fund-raising event which you might like to join in with. The Friends of Moor Pond Woods are holding a line dance just up the road in Papplewick.
You don't need to be an expert as instructions & demonstrations will be given on the night and all the moves are called out as the dance progresses. It is a great way to make new friends, have fun and do a little exercise - you know you promised you would do more of that in the new year!
Click on the poster to read all the details on how you book your ticket.
You don't need to be an expert as instructions & demonstrations will be given on the night and all the moves are called out as the dance progresses. It is a great way to make new friends, have fun and do a little exercise - you know you promised you would do more of that in the new year!
Click on the poster to read all the details on how you book your ticket.
Are You A Fire Starter?
12 January 2018
If your New Year's resolution was to put something back into your community by volunteering here is a great chance to put that promise into action on 24 January. You can have fun at the same time too.
This task day involves cutting & burning loads of branches and brush cleared from a site just up the road from us near Olllerton. You can even bring along something to cook in the ashes for your lunch - a foil wrapped potato perhaps!
To get involved just contact Sue McDonald before 4pm on Monday 22 January to register.
This task day involves cutting & burning loads of branches and brush cleared from a site just up the road from us near Olllerton. You can even bring along something to cook in the ashes for your lunch - a foil wrapped potato perhaps!
To get involved just contact Sue McDonald before 4pm on Monday 22 January to register.
Map of the location where the task will take place
Adventure Playground
5 January 2018
Sadly we have to start the new year with some bad news about the adventure playground in the country park. The site has recently fallen into disrepair to the point where, due to health & safety concerns, it has had to be closed to the public.
We apologise to anyone hoping to use this facility and finding it locked. We are working with the local council to get the necessary repairs done so that it can be reopened.
This is just one of the topics up for discussion at the next FoBCP meeting. If you would like to add anything to those discussions either drop us a line using the contact form or come along to the meeting.
We apologise to anyone hoping to use this facility and finding it locked. We are working with the local council to get the necessary repairs done so that it can be reopened.
This is just one of the topics up for discussion at the next FoBCP meeting. If you would like to add anything to those discussions either drop us a line using the contact form or come along to the meeting.
New Year Celebrations
27 December 2017
The craft activity for our younger visitors to the Dynamo House Café on 6 January 2018 will be in celebration of the New Year. They will be making felt bunting to welcome in 2018. All craft activities are free, so do come along and join in.
However you celebrate the arrival of 2018 please make it your resolution to get out and about into the great outdoors more often.
It is free to visit our park and is good for your body and mind. Take time to look at what is around you and enjoy every moment of 2018. Happy New Year from FoBCP.
However you celebrate the arrival of 2018 please make it your resolution to get out and about into the great outdoors more often.
It is free to visit our park and is good for your body and mind. Take time to look at what is around you and enjoy every moment of 2018. Happy New Year from FoBCP.
Park Partners
26 December 2017
Members of FoBCP have been helping one of our Greenwood partners to set up their own website over the Christmas break. The Trustees of Mansfield Woodhouse Millennium Green have been getting to grips with their new skills in order to advertise the great things they get up to just a few miles up the road from us at Bestwood Country Park. Check out how they are getting along building their website by clicking here.
Cake Recipes
24 December 2017
Our Christmas present to you all is going to be a selection of recipes from the cooks at the Dynamo House Café. We will publish these over the next few weeks so you can recreate some of the café favourites at home. We are starting off with Nell's chewy oat cake which is the first one added to the recipe book here.
Out Of Hours Issues
23 December 2017
If you are out and about in the park and come across something you think needs reporting (alarms going off, dangerous obstructions on the paths etc) but it is outside normal hours to report it to Gedling Borough Council or the rangers please contact the emergency number 0800 096 0306.
Please let us know via our contact page how you got on if you do report something as we are keeping a beady eye on the level of service we are receiving in our park now we are under new management.
Please let us know via our contact page how you got on if you do report something as we are keeping a beady eye on the level of service we are receiving in our park now we are under new management.
Let It Snow
19 December 2017
Out & about in the snow
In the recent snowy weather Rachel Leonardi didn't stay indoors cosy by the fire. She got herself wrapped up warm and took her camera out & about to capture some amazing images of the park in its winter cloak of snow. Check out some of her photos in our gallery or on her facebook page here.
Face To Face
3 December 2017
The calendar main photos
The Friends of Bestwood Country Park will be having a stall at the Bestwood Village Christmas Fayre on Friday 8 December. The event is part of the turning on of the Christmas tree lights and the stalls are in the Community Centre on Moor Road, Bestwood Village. The event kicks off at 6pm as the doors open for refreshments and to browse the stalls. The School choir will perform at around 6.30pm and the Bestwood Black Diamonds Band perform at 7pm. The lights will be switched on at 7.30pm and then there will be a bar in the Community Centre for the rest of the evening. Come along and meet us face to face and find out more about the park and contribute to our funds by buying one of our calendars or craft items from the stall.
Christmas Creations
27 November 2017
Just bring your imagination
On Saturday 2 December we will be getting into the Christmas mood with our "mini-Miners" by helping them to make sparkly woollen Christmas decorations. These can be individually hung on a tree or displayed in a window or made into a garland hung on the wall. All Mini-Miners activities are free to take part in and you take your creations home with you at the end of the session. All the materials are funded from café profits so feel free to order that extra slice of cake as it is all going to a good cause.
Soup Kitchen
17 November 2017
Tomorrow Saturday 18 November, sees the first batch of home-made soup come up for sale at the Dynamo House Café. We will be serving soup on the 3rd Saturday of the month over the winter period. All the soups were serve are vegetarian and the flavours vary with the changing availability of veggies. Come along after 10.30am and bag yourself a mug of hot soup and a home-baked bread roll - each for just 50p. Once it's gone it's gone so don't miss out - come early!
See It - Record It
13 November 2017
Use the map to tell us where you find things
We like to know what plants & animals have been found in our park. This information can help us to protect the wildlife & habitats we already have as well as bid for funding to improve the park and hopefully attract even more interesting species into the park.
If you see an interesting plant, bird, mammal, reptile, amphibian or fish please let us know by using the contact form on this website. You can explain where you had your sighting using this map Ben Moss has prepared for us. Download a copy here:-
If you see an interesting plant, bird, mammal, reptile, amphibian or fish please let us know by using the contact form on this website. You can explain where you had your sighting using this map Ben Moss has prepared for us. Download a copy here:-
| bcp_wildlife_recording_map_and_key.pdf |
Remember, Remember It's November
5 November 2017
With all the fireworks around you can't fail to notice that it is November. This means there are three extra reasons to make you come out for a walk in Bestwood Country Park:-
1 - The home-made soup & bread rolls will be on sale every 3rd Saturday of the month at the Dynamo House Café - just 50p for a mug of soup & 50p for a roll & butter. It sells out fast so get down there as soon after 11am as you can.
2 - The FoBCP 2018 Calendar is on sale at the Dynamo House Café every Saturday until we sell out. We are onto the last box full so make sure you don't miss out.
3 - The autumn leaves are everywhere in the park making your walk a kaleidoscope of colour - catch it before it's all over.
1 - The home-made soup & bread rolls will be on sale every 3rd Saturday of the month at the Dynamo House Café - just 50p for a mug of soup & 50p for a roll & butter. It sells out fast so get down there as soon after 11am as you can.
2 - The FoBCP 2018 Calendar is on sale at the Dynamo House Café every Saturday until we sell out. We are onto the last box full so make sure you don't miss out.
3 - The autumn leaves are everywhere in the park making your walk a kaleidoscope of colour - catch it before it's all over.
Swanning About In The Park
15 October 2017
Brian Smith's image of the Mill Lakes
One of our calendar photographers has been out and about in the park with his lens. Here he has snapped the swan family taking a turn around the Mill Lakes. If you are in the park and manage to capture a great image please share it with us using the email photos@fbcp.org.uk.
Calendar Competition
19 September 2017
Thanks to an array of amazing images sent in by our park photographers we have been able to create the Friends of Bestwood Country Park 2018 Calendar. It is packed with pictures that remind you why the park is such a great place to be any time of the year.
They will be on sale at the Dynamo House Café from Saturday for just £7.50.
They will be on sale at the Dynamo House Café from Saturday for just £7.50.
Festival Fun & Fund-raising
18 September 2017
Margret & Donna hard at work on the stall
The FoBCP stall at the Major Oak Woodland Festival was a great success this year. We attracted visitors to the stall to find out more about our amazing park and also sold them home-baked cakes, book hedgehogs and the first sample edition of our 2018 calendar.
It was a great fund-raising event which hopefully also inspired more people to come along and discover the hidden gem that is Bestwood Country Park.
It was a great fund-raising event which hopefully also inspired more people to come along and discover the hidden gem that is Bestwood Country Park.
Major Oak Festival
11 September 2017
The Friends of Bestwood Country Park will be once again standing a stall at the Major Oak Woodland Festival in Sherwood Forest on 16th & 17th September. This is a great day out for all the family, focussing on all things connected to the forest. Look out for Margret & the team on their stall in Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve, Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire. They will be selling cakes like those sold in the Dynamo House Café, and at the usual low prices, and also have a few book hedgehogs for sale to good homes.
Runners Up
5 September 2017
Forget-me-not summer by Viv
Just like the Countryfile Calendar Competition on TV, judging has taken place in the FoBCP Calendar Competition, although on a slightly smaller scale. Our 24 winners have been chosen; one large image and one small image for each month of 2018. The creators of the winning images will be notified very soon.
In the meantime some of the runners up can be seen in our gallery. We had so many images submitted that were just too good not to be shown, even if they didn't make the final cut, so enjoy a taster of what is to come by clicking here. The full list of submissions are available in the gallery.
In the meantime some of the runners up can be seen in our gallery. We had so many images submitted that were just too good not to be shown, even if they didn't make the final cut, so enjoy a taster of what is to come by clicking here. The full list of submissions are available in the gallery.
Ready For Hibernation?
26 August 2017
The younger visitors to the Dynamo House Café on Saturday 2 September will be able to make their very own hedgehog. These hogs won't need to hibernate in the winter as they are made from old books. It is a great way to recycle a book destined for landfill and a fun way to make a new friend. All mini-miner activities are free t take part in so come along and enjoy a prickly project.
Two Times Tables
19 August 2017
At the Dynamo House today we had fun with two types of table. There was a table top sale where customers could bag a great bargain and help café funds too. We also had a delivery of new chairs & tables for use outdoors at the café. These arrived flat packed and needed constructing by park volunteers. Gill took on unwrapping the chairs whilst the WEH volunteers took on building the tables. The question did arise - just how many men does it take to make a table? Perhaps if one of them had read the instructions...
Budding Artists
5 August 2017
We bring the materials - you bring the inspiration
Being the first Saturday of the month the Friends of Bestwood Country Park put on an activity for the younger visitors to the Dynamo House Café. This month it involved making a flower garden picture using collage and drawing skills. Six young artists tried their hand at this creative craft and the results were stunning. Take a look at their pictures in our gallery.
Improve Your Mood... With A Walk
2 August 2017
It is the start of the summer break for schools & colleges and you will probably be looking for something to do to fill the long summer days. How about a walk in the park? Even if the weather isn't up to much a walk can improve your mood and clear your head. You might be inspired by the views in the park to be creative when you get back home with a picture, story or decorative craft. Just get out and enjoy the great outdoors - you know it's good for you.
Spread The Love
14 July 2017
Freedom to walk & think in the park #LoveParks
Love Parks Week starts today and runs through to 23 July and we are asking you to get involved. It's easy to take part. Any time from 14 - 23 July simply visit your local park (hopefully Bestwood Country Park), take a photo and share it and the reason why you love your park on social media using the hashtag #LoveParks.
Get involved & demonstrate just how much we all love our country's parks plus helping to protect them for future generations. For more information check out the Keep Britain Tidy website:-
http://www.keepbritaintidy.org/loveparksweek/2859
Get involved & demonstrate just how much we all love our country's parks plus helping to protect them for future generations. For more information check out the Keep Britain Tidy website:-
http://www.keepbritaintidy.org/loveparksweek/2859
Volunteer Here
13 July 2017
Click the image to see the poster
If you have ever been along to the Robin Hood Festival in north Nottinghamshire you will know it is a great event packed with entertainments and activities for all the family & 2017 will be no exception.
However, the event doesn't run itself. If you would like get involved in making this event a success you can become a "Hoodie Helper". Check out the details on the poster and please note the short deadline for singing up.
You will get a lot out of the event as a helper - the stock of chocolate treats & free parking pass are ample reward for helping out. If you are reasonably fit and active, enjoy engaging with people and would like to be a part of this really fun event then get in touch with Sue and help make the festival something special.
However, the event doesn't run itself. If you would like get involved in making this event a success you can become a "Hoodie Helper". Check out the details on the poster and please note the short deadline for singing up.
You will get a lot out of the event as a helper - the stock of chocolate treats & free parking pass are ample reward for helping out. If you are reasonably fit and active, enjoy engaging with people and would like to be a part of this really fun event then get in touch with Sue and help make the festival something special.
Golden Event
2 July 2017
Yesterday the site of Bestwood Colliery was bustling with visitors wanting to mark the 50 years since its closure. This event, the brainchild of Keith Stone, was a great success, due in no small part to the growing interest in local history. People travelled from around the county to see the displays about the working days of Bestwood Colliery, take a tour around the restored Winding Engine House, hear the Bestwood Male Voice Choir sing and hear a talk by local mining heritage expert Dr David Amos. The usual offerings of drinks and cakes were available in the Dynamo House along with craft activities for younger visitors as it was Mini-Miners Saturday. There are some photos of the day in the gallery.
Park In The Dark
26 June 2017
On the 16th of June, a moth trapping session took place at Bestwood Country Park. Two traps were set up at the Classroom, they were monitored throughout and the moths they attracted were carefully collected in pots, identified and then released. The night produced a total of 46 species of moth, including interesting species:-
Red-necked Footman is a species that prefers deciduous broad-leaf woodland habitats and is distributed locally throughout southern England but has recently spread into the Midlands and East Anglia.
Scallop Shell is a species that also prefers woodland, particularly damp woodland, and is found locally throughout the country, but is scarce in the north-east and Scotland.
Peach Blossom is common in the UK in light, open woodland and scrub, often where bramble is abundant.
Scorched Wing, similar to the species already mentioned, prefers broadleaved woodland and scrub, especially areas with oak, it is locally distributed throughout most of England and Wales.
It is hoped that more sessions will take place in the future which will allow the moth
assemblage of Bestwood Country Park to be studied and monitored. This could potentially influence conservation efforts, tailoring it towards those species which frequent the park. Photos and the full list of what we found are below.
For further information on British moths visit:
http://butterfly-conservation.org/
https://www.ukmoths.org.uk/
Red-necked Footman is a species that prefers deciduous broad-leaf woodland habitats and is distributed locally throughout southern England but has recently spread into the Midlands and East Anglia.
Scallop Shell is a species that also prefers woodland, particularly damp woodland, and is found locally throughout the country, but is scarce in the north-east and Scotland.
Peach Blossom is common in the UK in light, open woodland and scrub, often where bramble is abundant.
Scorched Wing, similar to the species already mentioned, prefers broadleaved woodland and scrub, especially areas with oak, it is locally distributed throughout most of England and Wales.
It is hoped that more sessions will take place in the future which will allow the moth
assemblage of Bestwood Country Park to be studied and monitored. This could potentially influence conservation efforts, tailoring it towards those species which frequent the park. Photos and the full list of what we found are below.
For further information on British moths visit:
http://butterfly-conservation.org/
https://www.ukmoths.org.uk/
50th Anniversary of Colliery Closure
25 June 2017
Next Sunday (1st July) there will be an event held at Bestwood Colliery to mark the 50th Anniversary since the colliery closed its doors. After many years of producing coal, at times in record amounts, the colliery closed. It was the heart of so many things in the village, the social club, the sports teams, the Christmas entertainment for the kids and the summer trips to the seaside.
Despite the pit closure the village has remained a great community and wants to mark this important milestone in a positive way. Read all the details of the event on the poster and we hope to see you coming along to enjoy the fun.
Despite the pit closure the village has remained a great community and wants to mark this important milestone in a positive way. Read all the details of the event on the poster and we hope to see you coming along to enjoy the fun.
Get The Buzz
24 June 2017
Do you want to help create open spaces that are pollinator friendly landscapes? If so, this course is for you.
Held in Toton on 25 July this is a day that could help you understand the importance of the pollinators and then let you explore ways to encourage them in your local green area.
This free workshop is aimed at anyone involved in managing a local green-space or community space and will involve a classroom session followed by a site visit in the afternoon.
Places are limited so please contact Notts Wildlife Trust soon and book your place.
Held in Toton on 25 July this is a day that could help you understand the importance of the pollinators and then let you explore ways to encourage them in your local green area.
This free workshop is aimed at anyone involved in managing a local green-space or community space and will involve a classroom session followed by a site visit in the afternoon.
Places are limited so please contact Notts Wildlife Trust soon and book your place.
Last Few Days...
19 June 2017
The last date to submit entries for the FoBCP Calendar photo competition is midnight on 1 July. So you just have a few more days to pop out and snap a winner, or sort through your stack of images and email your favourite to us. Full details of the competition are here.
Wait For It!
18 June 2017
Just a quick note to remind you that you will have to wait a little longer this year for the Sunday opening to start. This year we are running Sunday opening in July, August & September and are swapping to open in the morning 10am to 12 noon. Please spread the word about the changes and let us know if you like the new arrangements or prefer the old routine. We will review the options at the end of the year.
What A Treasure!
16 June 2017
At our Annual General Meeting on Thursday 15 June there was a welcome break from the usual business to mark a special milestone. Gill Costello has been our treasurer for 10 years - she was there at the beginning when funds were scarce and the pennies needed to be watched carefully and bid made to all and sundry. She is still there today cashing up the takings from the Dynamo House Café sessions and making plans to spend the much larger Heritage Lottery Fund money if and when we receive it. She does much more than just be our treasurer as she also takes on the unenviable task of sorting out the volunteer rota for the café and often rolls up her sleeves to do the washing up too. That, along with writing & circulating newsletters and generally keeping everyone in the right place at the right time, can hardly leave her a spare minute to relax. However, we hope she finds time to enjoy her gifts as they are certainly well deserved. We may have helped her eat the cake...
Heritage Tours Training
3 June 2017
If you have ever been on one of the Hucknall Heritage bus tours you will know they are a great afternoon out. If you want to know what goes into the running of this type of activity you should come along to this training course. It is run by Hucknall Tourism & Regeneration Group in partnership with Notts CC.
It is just £5 per person, and lunch and refreshments are included.
For more info or to book a place contact the Local Heritage Officer, Laura by email:-
laura.simpson@nottscc.gov.uk
It is just £5 per person, and lunch and refreshments are included.
For more info or to book a place contact the Local Heritage Officer, Laura by email:-
laura.simpson@nottscc.gov.uk
Sunday Opening In July, August & September
2 June 2017
The 2017 Sunday opening hours have been announced. This year we will be opening on summer Sundays in the morning, from 10am to 12 noon, in July, August & September. This is a trial so we would be happy to receive your feedback on the change from afternoon opening. Meanwhile the Saturday morning opening, from 10am - 1pm, will continue throughout the year. Tomorrow will be Mini-Miners activity day and we will be making woollen caterpillars - see below.
Retired Greyhounds Walk The Park
29 May 2017
Yesterday 40 members of the Retired Greyhound Trust brought their best friends for a walk around Bestwood Country Park. To help them enjoy their visit the Dynamo House Café opened up to serve them drinks & cakes and to give their dogs drinks and doggy biscuits. A good time was head by all involved and there are a couple of photos in our gallery.
May Bank Holiday Weekend
16 May 2017
Make a wriggly caterpillar
We have another bank holiday on the horizon and to make your visit to the park even more fun we are opening the Winding Engine House for tours and the Dynamo House Café for refreshments on BH Monday 29th. This will be swiftly followed the next weekend by another great Mini-Miners' Saturday activity with our younger visitors making woollen caterpillars. All materials & tuition is free.
Easter Opening
14 April 2017
HAPPY EASTER!
The park is always open and ready to help you enjoy a long Bank Holiday weekend. To add to your enjoyment the Dynamo House Café will be open on both Saturday and Monday 10am to 1pm. Come along and experience the park at its freshest in its best spring greenery. You can also discover Bestwood Colliery's mining heritage with a free tour of the Winding Engine House between 10am and noon on both days. Have a great weekend.
Planning Ahead
29 March 2017
1st July 2017
A date for your diary - 1st July 2017.
This year marks 50 years since Bestwood Colliery closed and to mark the occasion there will be a special event held on Saturday 1st July at Bestwood Country Park, Bestwood Village. It is hoped that this event will be of interest to a broad section of the community with or without mining connections. You can download more information about the day by clicking on the link below.
This year marks 50 years since Bestwood Colliery closed and to mark the occasion there will be a special event held on Saturday 1st July at Bestwood Country Park, Bestwood Village. It is hoped that this event will be of interest to a broad section of the community with or without mining connections. You can download more information about the day by clicking on the link below.
| 1st_july_anniversary_flyer.pdf |
Blossoming Crafts
28 March 2017
The April mini-miners' craft activity will involve making sprigs of cherry blossom. This way you can enjoy the beauty of spring blossom without cutting any off the trees. All activities are free and are open to all ages. Mini-miners takes place every first Saturday of the month at the Dynamo House Café during the opening hours of 10am to 1pm. Come along and join in the fun.
International Day Of Happiness
20 March 2017
Today 20th March is the International Day of Happiness. What is the International Day of Happiness? It’s a day to be happy, of course! Since 2013, the United Nations has celebrated the International Day of Happiness as a way to recognise the importance of happiness in the lives of people around the world.
Happiness is known to improve health & well-being so why not do something to make you & those around you happier: Maybe wrap up warm & go out and splash in a few puddles around the Mill Lakes, take a walk and enjoy the spring flowers in the Park or phone a friend and arrange to meet up for a coffee at the Dynamo House Café on Saturday. Whatever you do today we hope it makes you & others smile.
Happiness is known to improve health & well-being so why not do something to make you & those around you happier: Maybe wrap up warm & go out and splash in a few puddles around the Mill Lakes, take a walk and enjoy the spring flowers in the Park or phone a friend and arrange to meet up for a coffee at the Dynamo House Café on Saturday. Whatever you do today we hope it makes you & others smile.
Celebrate With The Neighbours
13 March 2017
Our neighbouring "Friends" group over at Moor Pond Woods near Papplewick are holding a weekend of celebrations on 17 - 19 March. This is to mark the successful end of their two-year Heritage Lottery funded programme of works. The events include a Jive Night, a Local History Day and the launch of a new walking trail.
The new walking trail links local public houses: the Horse and Groom (Linby) , Griffins Head (Papplewick) and Station Hotel (Hucknall) with Moor Pond Woods. A new leaflet includes information about points of interest and will be available on the day.
To find out more details check out their website: http://moorpond.papplewick.org/
The new walking trail links local public houses: the Horse and Groom (Linby) , Griffins Head (Papplewick) and Station Hotel (Hucknall) with Moor Pond Woods. A new leaflet includes information about points of interest and will be available on the day.
To find out more details check out their website: http://moorpond.papplewick.org/
Mining Heritage
8 March 2017
The East Midlands Coalmining Heritage Forum meeting is being held at Bestwood Winding Engine House & Dynamo House on 22 April. Various coalmining heritage organisations and individuals are being invited to come along and take part. This is an invitation only event but anyone interested in coming along can contact David Amos to discuss their interest in the event. Call him on (01773) 760030 or mobile 07914 373 745 or email on david.amos99@ntlworld.com.
Spring Has Sprung
2 March 2017
March has arrived and the weather has been very mixed so far. Sunshine & showers has been ideal for everything that is trying to grow & bloom in the park. Between the rain showers get out into the park and spot the changes unfolding before your eyes. If you take photos please share them with us either for the website gallery or put them forward for inclusion in our 2018 calendar. Email them here:- photos@fbcp.org.uk
Crafting Cork Coasters
28 February 2017
The craft activity for children on the first Saturday of March at the Dynamo House Café will be making cork-backed drinks coasters. All Mini-miners' activities are free and are carried out on a first come first served basis.
Children will be able to decorate the coasters with designs of their own choice and can either take them home or leave them at the café to use again on their next visit.
Children will be able to decorate the coasters with designs of their own choice and can either take them home or leave them at the café to use again on their next visit.
Mining Heritage
13 February 2017
We are looking for anyone who worked at Bestwood Colliery when it closed back in 1967. We would like to speak to them or their family members as part of a heritage project marking the 50th anniversary of the closure of the pit. We hope to stage an event on 1 July this year celebrating the achievements of the colliery and recording the memories of those who were connected to it. If you worked there, or had family who did, please get in touch with us via our contact page.
Flowers In February
1 February 2017
Folded Flowers
Saturday 4th February will see the Dynamo House Café full of blooming activity. The Mini-Miners will be making paper flowers this month to pass on to a loved one for Valentine's Day or to give to their Mum on Mothers' Day. All Mini-Miners' activities are free and happen every 1st Saturday of the month.
There will also be home-made vegetable soup & rolls on sale from 11am. 50p a mug & 50p for a roll & butter.
Watch out early on for the Park Runners who will be setting out at 9am on their 5km run. See you there!
There will also be home-made vegetable soup & rolls on sale from 11am. 50p a mug & 50p for a roll & butter.
Watch out early on for the Park Runners who will be setting out at 9am on their 5km run. See you there!
Calendar Competition
31 January 2017
2017 is the tenth year of the existence of our Friends group, and we’d like to celebrate it by collecting photos of the park as it is now, to put them into a Bestwood Country Park calendar for 2018, which we’ll have printed. We’d also like to collect photos of the colliery as it was before it closed, contrasting the two sets of images.
If you can get involved with this in any way please check the details below and help where you can, or pass it on to someone else who might!
If you can get involved with this in any way please check the details below and help where you can, or pass it on to someone else who might!
| 2018_bcp_calendar.pdf |
Volunteers Needed
30 January 2017
We would like to contact anyone - of any age - who is enthusiastic about our park wildlife. There’s no need to be an expert, we need enthusiasts! The plan is to get in contact with a group of people who’d be willing to help in some way in building up a picture of wildlife in the park over time. Once we have a few people who are all interested, we hope to meet up to decide the best way forward. Whether your interest is in flowers, animals, birds, trees, insects, reptiles, frogs, fungi... please register with us and join the adventure. Send us your details using the contact form.
Over-run With Enthusiasm
29 January 2017
Well the inaugural Park Run event in Bestwood Country Park was an undoubted success. We had 311 runners turn up to tackle the 5km around the park at 9am on Saturday 28th January. There were so many runners that it caused a few headaches on the parking front. The small car park was soon full and cars spilled out onto the surrounding roads which are quite narrow & not suited to on road parking. Apologies to anyone trying to get around that part of the village on Saturday morning if your progress was slowed by the congestion. We hope to address this by next week with negotiations ongoing with other parking areas in the village to take the overspill. To check out the results click here: http://www.parkrun.org.uk/bestwoodvillage/results/latestresults/
Park Life
26 January 2017
Don't forget your barcode
The phenomenon of park runs has swept the country and we are poised to join in. The Bestwood Country Park, 5km Park Run will start on Saturday 28 January. It will continue on each Saturday after that and all runs will begin at 9am. It is free to enter but you must register first so you have a bar code to bring along to show at the start line.
You register here:- http://www.parkrun.org.uk/bestwoodvillage/
We look forward to seeing all these active people enjoying the park at the weekend.
You register here:- http://www.parkrun.org.uk/bestwoodvillage/
We look forward to seeing all these active people enjoying the park at the weekend.
Chances to Volunteer
2 January 2017
Click to enlarge
The rota for the Conservation Task Day volunteers has been published. They meet at Alexandra Lodge every Thursday (except the days excluded on the poster) and carry out vital repair and improvement work in the park.
All tools and training is provided - you just bring your enthusiasm and a packed lunch. It is a great way to exercise whilst doing something worthwhile for the community and it is also a good way to make new friends.
If you are interested in getting involved contact Sue.
All tools and training is provided - you just bring your enthusiasm and a packed lunch. It is a great way to exercise whilst doing something worthwhile for the community and it is also a good way to make new friends.
If you are interested in getting involved contact Sue.
"Naked" Walk or Park Run?
31 December 2016
If your New Year's resolution is to be more active why not join us in the park for a walk or even a run.
WINTER TREE WALK – Sunday 8 January, 10.30 am – 12 noon, meeting at Dynamo House. Join a ranger on a guided walk through the woodlands; learn how to identify trees in their naked winter state and enjoy their silhouettes. Wear suitable footwear for steep, uneven, narrow and muddy paths – not suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs or those with mobility issues
5KM PARK RUNS are planned to start in our park from 28 January, (9am start) and every Saturday after that. (See www.parkrun.org.uk for general information and more details closer to the date.) It is free to join in but you need to register and get a bar code to print out and bring along on the day.
Of course you can reward yourself afterwards with a warm drink and a piece of cake at the Dynamo House Café which, as always, will be open 10am to 1pm.
WINTER TREE WALK – Sunday 8 January, 10.30 am – 12 noon, meeting at Dynamo House. Join a ranger on a guided walk through the woodlands; learn how to identify trees in their naked winter state and enjoy their silhouettes. Wear suitable footwear for steep, uneven, narrow and muddy paths – not suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs or those with mobility issues
5KM PARK RUNS are planned to start in our park from 28 January, (9am start) and every Saturday after that. (See www.parkrun.org.uk for general information and more details closer to the date.) It is free to join in but you need to register and get a bar code to print out and bring along on the day.
Of course you can reward yourself afterwards with a warm drink and a piece of cake at the Dynamo House Café which, as always, will be open 10am to 1pm.
Xmas Extras
27 December 2016
The Winding Engine House and the Dynamo House Café have been working overtime throughout the Christmas period. Since we promise to be open EVERY Saturday that meant opening on Christmas Eve. Around 100 people were glad we did as they took the opportunity to drop by during their visit to the park. We also try to open on Bank Holidays and we managed to be open on Boxing Day BH although sadly not today. Yesterday we had 122 visitors to the café who almost ate the place out of cake! Look out for more extra chances to visit us in 2017 starting with Saturday 31 December and Monday 2 January.
Firm Foundations
26 November 2016
Base for the storage container
Have you seen the new structure at the side of the Dynamo House Café? Want to know what it is? Well, we hope that it is the start of something amazing. It is the base for a shipping container we are going to have delivered to the site. This container will act as a store and is the first phase in what we hope will be a wonderful upgrade at the site. Watch this space for more information about changes at DH Café & WEH.
Colourful Collage
4 November 2016
One of our FoBCP members has been out enjoying the autumn show in the park. Brian managed to capture these lovely views around the park on his stroll which perfectly illustrate the variety of landscapes on offer. From the wild and random to the manicured and man-made the park has it all.
In these coming days of early autumn get out into the park and enjoy the free show.
Click on the image shown here to expand it and enjoy the views.
In these coming days of early autumn get out into the park and enjoy the free show.
Click on the image shown here to expand it and enjoy the views.
Linked Events
3 November 2016
Two events coming up in the next couple of weeks have links to Bestwood Country Park and the Winding Engine House. Check out the details by clicking below:
Soup Weather
2 November 2016
Vegetable Soup
The forecast is set fare for the weekend. Saturday promises to be cold, dry and bright - perfect for a walk in the park to take in the autumn colours. Your well deserved reward will be the opportunity to have a mug of hot home-made soup at the Dynamo House Café afterwards to help you thaw out. At just 50p for the soup and 50p for the home-made roll & butter it won't break the bank either. There might even be 50p left over for a piece of cake too! See you there.
In partnership with
Andy's Adventure Playground
Current total in the fund £19,800 Plus £50,000 WREN grant
If you wish to donate to this wonderful local project please click here.
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 Park Photos by Katja Hock
Bestwood St Albans Parish Council
Bestwood Village Park Run
Bestwood Village WI
Bestwood Village Wikipedia entry
Greenwood Community Forest
Gedling BC - Country Parks
Love Parks
Mercian Archaeological Services
Nottinghamshire Biodiversity Action Group
Nottinghamshire CC - Country Parks
Rise Park Bestwood Country Park Pages
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 Park Photos by Katja Hock
Bestwood St Albans Parish Council
Bestwood Village Park Run
Bestwood Village WI
Bestwood Village Wikipedia entry
Greenwood Community Forest
Gedling BC - Country Parks
Love Parks
Mercian Archaeological Services
Nottinghamshire Biodiversity Action Group
Nottinghamshire CC - Country Parks
Rise Park Bestwood Country Park Pages
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.
