What's on in the park? Check here!
Halloween High Jinks
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| 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 £12,300
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.
