Latest Park News
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| bestwood_country_park_quarry_moth_trapping.pdf |
So Long, Farewell...
5 August 2015
We got a chance to say our goodbyes to Adele on Saturday 1 August at the Mini Miners event. After a year of being our Heritage Officer she is off to pastures new but not without a proper goodbye from the rest of the team. The FoBCP had bought her flowers, BVWI had baked her a cake and the WEH volunteers had bought her a Davey Lamp key ring and made her a paperweight out of a section of the winding rope set on a wooden plinth.
In fact we will be seeing Adele again in the future as she will be volunteering in the park now she is no longer working there. So au revoir, Adele!
In fact we will be seeing Adele again in the future as she will be volunteering in the park now she is no longer working there. So au revoir, Adele!
Steampunk Comes To BCP
2 August 2015
We are giving you lots of notice of this forthcoming event as you might want to start gathering together a costume to join in with the dressing up. Steampunk refers to a sub-genre of science fiction and sometimes fantasy that incorporates technology and aesthetic designs inspired by 19th-century industrial steam-powered machinery. Think Mad Max meets Isambard Kingdom Brunel....
This family friendly event will take place in the park around the Winding Engine House on 5 September from 1pm to 4pm. You will hear more about it closer to the date but start looking out for that top hat and leather waistcoat!
This family friendly event will take place in the park around the Winding Engine House on 5 September from 1pm to 4pm. You will hear more about it closer to the date but start looking out for that top hat and leather waistcoat!
Interesting Find
29 July 2015
Roman relic
Colin brought to our attention an interesting artefact found in the fields near the Rectory in the 1970's. This Roman ring was a reward for some hard hours out with the metal detector. He is keen to see if any of the local land owners would give permission for him to metal detect and possibly add more artefacts to the local collection. If you can offer any help please drop us a line using the Contact form.
Path Finders
26 July 2015
On 17 July a group of the Friends undertook their first solo volunteering session without the usual support of the council staff. It was a good day, productive and lots of fun. They cleared lots of accumulated weeds & grass from areas of the path alongside the top section of the gardens facing the lawns, and pruned some of the very low leaning branches, so that the full width and curve of that part of the path can now be appreciated. The A-board was used for the first time, to identify who the workers were which proved very useful. Passing visitors paused to read it and took time to have a chat - any excuse for a rest. We hope to repeat the activity again in August. A few photos below show what was achieved.
Summer In The Park
25 July 2015
|
The FoBCP summer newsletter is published.
To download a copy click here so you don't miss out on any park events. |
| ||
Greenwood Awards 2015
22 July 2015
At this year's Greenwood Community Volunteer Awards Ceremony the Thursday Volunteers (Voles) from Bestwood Country Park received a well deserved reward.
Here we see a few of them proudly displaying their certificate presented to them on 2 July at the ceremony
Here we see a few of them proudly displaying their certificate presented to them on 2 July at the ceremony
July Meeting
13 July 2015
The monthly meeting of the Friends of Bestwood Country Park will take place on Thursday 16 July starting at 7.30pm. The venue as usual is the Bestwood Lodge Hotel on the Top Valley side of the park.
Everyone is welcome to come along and see what goes on.
Click on the agenda opposite to see the topics we cover in the meeting:-
Everyone is welcome to come along and see what goes on.
Click on the agenda opposite to see the topics we cover in the meeting:-
Training Courses
12 July 2015
There are some interesting identification courses on offer from the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust.
Click the image to read more about them.
Click the image to read more about them.
Sherwood Lectures
7 July 2015
There are two very interesting talks coming up at Sherwood Forest Country Park. Click on the posters below to find out more.
Peas On Earth
11 December 2014
Pie & Pea supper - Yummy!
Tonight Sue McDonald and Adele Williams of Notts County Council said a big thank you to all the volunteers who help out in Bestwood Country Park throughout the year by throwing them a party. Called "Peas on Earth" it was a pie and pea supper held at the Emmanuel Church Hall in Warren Hill. There were hearty portions and lots of seconds of sausage pie accompanied by lashings of mushy peas and mint sauce.
Although not a traditional Christmas dinner it was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. It was rounded off with Rhoda's wonderful tiramisu trifle and Kay's jammy crumble slices and the whole lot was washed down with mulled wine, coffee or juice. A feast fit for any hard working volunteer be they from the Winding Engine House, the park grounds or the Dynamo Café. The entertainment was a hotly fought quiz arranged by Adele. More photos to follow in the gallery.
Although not a traditional Christmas dinner it was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. It was rounded off with Rhoda's wonderful tiramisu trifle and Kay's jammy crumble slices and the whole lot was washed down with mulled wine, coffee or juice. A feast fit for any hard working volunteer be they from the Winding Engine House, the park grounds or the Dynamo Café. The entertainment was a hotly fought quiz arranged by Adele. More photos to follow in the gallery.
Christmas Past
8 December 2014
On 10 December there will be a "Christmas Past" event in the park. Gather around the tree in the Dynamo House for a mince pie and look back at how Christmas used to be.
To book your place contact Adele Williams [email protected] or David Amos [email protected] or both on 0115 976 2422.
To book your place contact Adele Williams [email protected] or David Amos [email protected] or both on 0115 976 2422.
Japanese For Improvers
5 December 2014
The Japanese Garden has once again been the focus of volunteers' energy to get it ready for the winter ahead. Bags of dead leaves were gathered and removed to go off to the Gedling allotment's compost heaps. Once they were gone it revealed the delicate snowdrops poised below to burst forth in the early spring.
Photos of the day are in the gallery.
There is another volunteer session being run on Tuesday - 9 December. Volunteers will assemble at 10 am in the car park of Bestwood Lodge Hotel. Tools and hot drinks are provided - but those taking part will need to wear weatherproof clothing and robust footwear, and bring a picnic lunch.
Dates set for the volunteer maintenance days in 2015 are
Monday 23rd March
Monday 20th April
Monday 23rd November
Monday 7th December.
If you are interested in taking part in any of these sessions please contact
Jane Richardson at 0115 901 3963 or email [email protected].
Photos of the day are in the gallery.
There is another volunteer session being run on Tuesday - 9 December. Volunteers will assemble at 10 am in the car park of Bestwood Lodge Hotel. Tools and hot drinks are provided - but those taking part will need to wear weatherproof clothing and robust footwear, and bring a picnic lunch.
Dates set for the volunteer maintenance days in 2015 are
Monday 23rd March
Monday 20th April
Monday 23rd November
Monday 7th December.
If you are interested in taking part in any of these sessions please contact
Jane Richardson at 0115 901 3963 or email [email protected].
Neighbourliness Needed
24 November 2014
Our near neighbours, the Friends of Titchfield Park, in Hucknall are hosting a "Handmade Christmas Fair" next Saturday 29 November. Taking place at the park café between 2pm and 5pm it promises to be well worth a visit.
There will be stalls selling local handmade crafts, Leen Mills School Choir singing festive songs at 3pm and a visit from the man himself - Santa.
Why not pop along after your visit to the Dynamo House Café in the morning.
There will be stalls selling local handmade crafts, Leen Mills School Choir singing festive songs at 3pm and a visit from the man himself - Santa.
Why not pop along after your visit to the Dynamo House Café in the morning.
Fun For All The Family
9 November 2014
Photo provided by Andrew Wilson
Go on! You know you want to get out there and kick your feet amongst those heaps of autumn leaves.
Don't miss out on this wonderful time of year in the park. There is something for all the family to enjoy and, as this photos shows, the park is at its most colourful at the moment. Why not make the most of this sunny Sunday to take a gentle stroll around our big beautiful park.
It isn't just the kids that enjoy kicking leaves is it, so let yourself go and enjoy the moment.
If the weather lasts into next weekend why not visit the park on Saturday morning and reward yourself with a nice mug of hot soup at the café afterwards.
Don't miss out on this wonderful time of year in the park. There is something for all the family to enjoy and, as this photos shows, the park is at its most colourful at the moment. Why not make the most of this sunny Sunday to take a gentle stroll around our big beautiful park.
It isn't just the kids that enjoy kicking leaves is it, so let yourself go and enjoy the moment.
If the weather lasts into next weekend why not visit the park on Saturday morning and reward yourself with a nice mug of hot soup at the café afterwards.
Notts Wildlife Trust M&ALG Activities
7 November 2014
A long list of great NWT activities you can take part in around the Mansfield & Ashfield area have been published in our Greenwood Events section. Take a look and then get involved.
What A Mug!
3 November 2014
Hot Soup on sale this Saturday.
This coming weekend is forecast to be cold and bright - just the kind of weather to take yourself off into the park for a walk, cycle or ride and then thaw yourself out with a nice mug of hot soup at the Dynamo House Café. Having ironed out the teething troubles regarding the temperature of the soup we are planning to serve up piping hot veg soup from 11 am onwards. It is just 50p for the soup and 50p for the optional home-made roll. Make the most of the park whilst it has its "coat of many colours" on and we will see you in the café later!
Pumpkins and Soup
25 October 2014
The Dynamo House Café will be hosting another Pumpkin Trail event on Saturday 1 November. Children of all ages can pick up a quiz sheet for just 50p and then attempt to find all the spooky clues hidden around the park to complete the sheet and claim their sweet reward. This will run from the café during its opening hours of 10am to 1pm.
There will also be an extra item on the menu at the café from November 1 onwards - home-made soup. So even if the weather looks a little less than inviting you can still venture out into the park knowing you can thaw out over a mug of hot soup and a roll at the café afterwards. However, you may want to call in early to make sure we haven't run out as there will only be around 20 portions available each week.
There will also be an extra item on the menu at the café from November 1 onwards - home-made soup. So even if the weather looks a little less than inviting you can still venture out into the park knowing you can thaw out over a mug of hot soup and a roll at the café afterwards. However, you may want to call in early to make sure we haven't run out as there will only be around 20 portions available each week.
Autumn Walk
20 October 2014
Great views on a blustery hill top.
Yesterday a small group of walkers really enjoyed their autumn ramble round just some of the park’s footpaths, under the guidance of Rangers, Rob and Steve. It was clear, warm and sunny, with an invigorating breeze, and grand long-distance views from the hill top. The colours were starting to show well, and the park was looking at its autumnal best.
The walk covered just over 4 miles, with a stop at Alexandra Lodge to collect some maps of the park, and to visit the re-built loo block nearby - which was finally finished in the late summer - to everyone’s relief! Look out for similar guided walks on our events pages.
The walk covered just over 4 miles, with a stop at Alexandra Lodge to collect some maps of the park, and to visit the re-built loo block nearby - which was finally finished in the late summer - to everyone’s relief! Look out for similar guided walks on our events pages.
TravelRight In The Park
14 October 2014
An event to draw your attention to is the Bestwood History walk, on Saturday 25 October, organised by TravelRight. (Due to illness this was postponed from the original date). TravelRight have recently published several new booklets on local walks and cycle rides, including one showing the park’s own paths. This particular walk will be led by their historian, Chris Matthews, and will leave Southglade Leisure Centre at 1pm. It will use the historical walking and cycling guide, written and designed by Chris, and titled ‘King Coal’, as a reference. Their website is http://nottingham.travelright.org.uk, which has details of many other local walks. We will have a supply of their new booklets available at the Dynamo House café.
Local Volunteering
13 October 2014
Sue McDonald is once again looking for volunteers to help out in Bestwood Country Park and beyond. If you can help out please get in touch with the people named on the posters below.
|
|
Drawing In The Visitors
12 October 2014
Two events have been held at the Dynamo House in October under the banner of the "Big Draw". At both events visitors of all ages were encouraged to represent poppies in various media. Under the watchful eye of artist Sandy Bywater poppies were created in tissue paper or clay.
These were either taken home to be enjoyed or displayed in the Dynamo House. Look out for other craft events in the future at the Dynamo House Café on Saturdays and on special event days.
Check our events list HERE
These were either taken home to be enjoyed or displayed in the Dynamo House. Look out for other craft events in the future at the Dynamo House Café on Saturdays and on special event days.
Check our events list HERE
More Volunteers Needed
13 October 2014
Sherwood Forest Country Park at Edwinstowe are looking for volunteers for a series of upcoming events:
The Halloween Walk (31 October), Sparkling Sherwood (4, 5, 6 & 7 December) and Lantern Walk (14 December). Please read the poster for details.
If you are able to offer to volunteer at any or all of the events, please contact Izi Banton - Country Park Manager on 01623 820335 or e-mail [email protected]
The Halloween Walk (31 October), Sparkling Sherwood (4, 5, 6 & 7 December) and Lantern Walk (14 December). Please read the poster for details.
If you are able to offer to volunteer at any or all of the events, please contact Izi Banton - Country Park Manager on 01623 820335 or e-mail [email protected]
More Mini-Miners
6 October 2014
The monthly Mini-Miners activities are now going to continue through the winter months. Running on the first Saturday of the month these children's activities will now take a different form as they move indoors. October's outdoor event was a washout and had to move into the Dynamo House, which worked really well. So it has been decided to run indoor events on November 1st and December 6th as well. All Mini-Miner activities are free to enjoy so keep an eye out for details of the next event.
Tours To Continue...
3 October 2014
The approach to the WEH.
It has just been announced that the WEH volunteers will continue the free tours of the Winding Engine House throughout the year. They normally stop the drop in tours at the end of October so that they can focus on winter maintenance jobs. However, having carried out lots of repair work on the winding mechanism recently, they have decided to carry on the tours & fit the remaining maintenance jobs around them.
So, if you fancy a tour of the park's most prominent heritage feature just pop in to the Dynamo House on any Saturday between 10am and 12noon to see when the next tour can be arranged for you.
Although the tours are free, there is a donations box and all contributions are very much welcomed to help with the cost of repairs.
So, if you fancy a tour of the park's most prominent heritage feature just pop in to the Dynamo House on any Saturday between 10am and 12noon to see when the next tour can be arranged for you.
Although the tours are free, there is a donations box and all contributions are very much welcomed to help with the cost of repairs.
Autumn Newsletter Published
2 October 2014
Well, the Goose Fair is on the Forest Recreation Ground so it must be the start of Autumn despite temperatures more reminiscent of the Summer. Gill has been busy listing all the forthcoming events and has drawn up the next instalment of the FoBCP Newsletter. You can download it by clicking below or from the archive or just read about al the new events on the Events Page.
| 2014_autumn_friends_of_bestwood_cp_newsletter.pdf |
Greenwood Awards Night
23 September 2014
Last night 4 of the Friends of Bestwood Country Park were invited to the Greenwood Community Awards evening at the John Fretwell Sports Centre near Mansfield. Sheila, Kay, Gill and Jane, arrived at 6pm to find the place buzzing with representatives from all the Friends groups that sit under the Greenwood umbrella.
We were lucky enough to share the table with members of the Friends of Quarry Lane and were soon exchanging good ideas about conservation days and improved publicity. The evening included a wonderful BBQ with lashings of profiteroles and fruit for pudding. Then the volunteer awards were announced. It was very inspiring seeing so many people rewarded for giving their time and efforts over to conserving their little bit of the patchwork of green spaces around the county. For more information on the award winners check out our Greenwood Community page.
We were lucky enough to share the table with members of the Friends of Quarry Lane and were soon exchanging good ideas about conservation days and improved publicity. The evening included a wonderful BBQ with lashings of profiteroles and fruit for pudding. Then the volunteer awards were announced. It was very inspiring seeing so many people rewarded for giving their time and efforts over to conserving their little bit of the patchwork of green spaces around the county. For more information on the award winners check out our Greenwood Community page.
Save Sherwood Forest
21 September 2014
The threat of selling off public forests returns - and there is something we can all do about it. We are very concerned about proposed new legislation in the Infrastructure Bill. The government is introducing legislation that will allow ministers to transfer public land to the Homes & Communities Agency (HCA) to enable development. However, there is a campaign being spear-headed by Save Sherwood Forest to request an exemption from this sell off for public forest estate (PFE) land. For information on how you can lobby members of the House of Lords on this issue please visit the Save Sherwood Forest website HERE.
TravelRight Autumn Programme
20 September 2014
The TravelRight Autumn Programme of events is now out. It contains lots of great events you can get involved with by walking, cycling and taking public transport around the local area. One walk will be of special interest - "King Coal" on Saturday 4 October starting at 1pm from Southglade Leisure Centre. It includes Bendigo's boxing ring, Victorian farming fields, St Emmanuel Church, Bestwood Lodge and follows the Collier's Way to the source of Bestwood's industrial wealth - the colliery.
|
They have also published two new walking & cycling guides entitled "King Coal" (covering Bestwood, Top Valley and Rise Park) and "Smoke in the Valley" (covering Basford and Bulwell). Pick up a copy at the Dynamo House.
More information on all these publications can be found on their website www.travelright.org.uk |
|
Leap Into Action
19 September 2014
We have received reports of horses in the park using the new wooden benches as jumps, particularly the ones near to the Dynamo House. The earth beside the benches is certainly very churned up which seems to verify the reports. If true this is both dangerous for the horses being made to jump a fixed obstacle which will not yield if struck by a hoof, and dangerous for the public passing by this busy vary thoroughfare of the park. If you see this type of activity take place please report it by phoning 0115 9753782 - you can leave a message on the answer phone after hours. Please note the time and place you saw it and anything that would help us identify which stables the horses came from so that action can be taken.
Forum Relaunched
18 September 2014
The FoBCP Forum has moved! Check out its new location on this website under the contact tab. All the old entries have been captured into an archive and the new forum is ready and waiting for your comments, messages, sightings and topical discussions. Please get in touch and let us know your thoughts about our wonderful park.
Bestwood Village Poppy Walk
14 September 2014
The Dynamo House in Bestwood Country Park was the venue for the first of Gedling Borough Council's Poppy Walks to commemorate the start of WWI. On Saturday the group of about 40 people met at 2pm at the war memorial and were lead on a guided walk around the Mill Lakes by Adele Williams, local Heritage Officer. Heading back to the Winding Engine House for a quick tour they ended their walk with a well deserved vintage afternoon tea at the Dynamo House served by the "Nippies" of Bestwood Village WI. Check out the gallery for photos of the event.
Major Oak Woodland Festival
11 September 2014
Here’s information for the coming weekend about the Major Oak Woodland Festival at Sherwood Forest Country Park, Edwinstowe, on Saturday and Sunday, 13 and 14 September. It sounds a grand event and is the first of its kind, centred on woodland affairs.
Look out for Margret on the FoBCP stand and check out the cakes she will be selling to advertise the Dynamo House Café.
More details are on the NCC website - www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/enjoying/events/eventslisting/?entryid139=388798&q=0~oak~
Look out for Margret on the FoBCP stand and check out the cakes she will be selling to advertise the Dynamo House Café.
More details are on the NCC website - www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/enjoying/events/eventslisting/?entryid139=388798&q=0~oak~
Full Steam Ahead
8 September 2014
It was full steam ahead at Bestwood Country Park at the weekend when we hosted a Steam Heritage Day at the Winding Engine House. It was an event which had something for everyone. There were model traction engines in steam offering tours around the site, tours of the Winding Engine House, pony rides, bouncy castle, vintage vehicles on show and lots to eat & drink. The weather was glorious which made the day even better for the approx 300 people who came along. Check out photos in our Previous Events page and in the gallery. Notts TV were at the event and we appeared on the Sunday evening news - take a look by clicking below:-
Parks Petition
26 August 2014
Do you like spending time in our park? Do you enjoy green open spaces anywhere in the UK? If so, we need you to act now to help save their future. The National Federation of Parks and Green Spaces is launching a petition, to be a positive public response to the crisis in parks funding. It aims to help raise the political profile and make parks an election issue for all political parties and for the next Government in 2015.
To read more about what has brought this situation about click here.
You can sign the petition now: http://chn.ge/TXdqhj or by visiting www.natfedparks.org.uk and click on ‘parks petition’.
It’s also available on social media via www.facebook.com/LoveParksWeek and Twitter@LoveParks_Week#LoveParks. You can also see the petition on http://www.natfedparks.org.uk/parks-petition.html.
Please spread the word and sign up now - you can't rebuild an ancient park - once it is gone it is gone forever!
To read more about what has brought this situation about click here.
You can sign the petition now: http://chn.ge/TXdqhj or by visiting www.natfedparks.org.uk and click on ‘parks petition’.
It’s also available on social media via www.facebook.com/LoveParksWeek and Twitter@LoveParks_Week#LoveParks. You can also see the petition on http://www.natfedparks.org.uk/parks-petition.html.
Please spread the word and sign up now - you can't rebuild an ancient park - once it is gone it is gone forever!
Café Rota
21 August 2014
|
After the excitement of the Sunday opening of the Dynamo House Café we are approaching the point where we go back to just Saturday opening again. The experiment of opening on Sunday afternoons 2 - 4pm for June, July & August has had mixed results - mostly dictated by the weather. However, from 1 September onwards the café will just be open on Saturday, 10am to 1pm every weekend. Having said that, there are a few Sunday openings planned as they coincide with special events on the site. To check out when we are open you can click on the photo of the timetable opposite:-
|
|
Play Day Tuesday
18 August 2014
|
Tomorrow - Tuesday 19 August - will see another play event in the park - Bestwood Play Day. Yet more free family fun at Bestwood Winding Engine House from 1 - 4 in partnership with Mansfield Play Forum.
There'll be lots of free activities for kids of all ages, plus the lovely Dynamo House café selling drinks and cakes all at reasonable prices. If you would like to volunteer to help out that would be welcome too. Contact Adele. |
Playtime In The Park
18 August 2014
Yesterday the Winding Engine House compound resounded to the sounds of some very traditional games and activities. The free family event called "Thwack!" was arranged by Heritage Officer, Adele Williams. It involved encouraging local children away from their modern computer games and out into the fresh air to try out some traditional mining community pastimes such as football, cricket, skipping, angling and quoits. Check out photos of the results in the previous events page.
Inspiring Women Move In
30 July 2014
The members of Bestwood Village WI will soon be taking up residence in Bestwood Country Park. Starting with their next meeting on 27 August they will be holding their monthly gatherings in the Dynamo House beside the old colliery winding wheel. They will definitely know their way there as many of them bake and serve in the café at the weekends. The FoBCP are glad to welcome them to their new venue in the park and hope they will be very happy there.
Colliery Music Comes Home
28 July 2014
On Sunday 27 July the Winding Engine House of Bestwood Colliery rang out to the sounds of its colliery band playing and its male voice choir singing. As part of the heritage officer's "Miners and Music" event Bestwood Male Voice Choir sang a selection of their repertoire and the Black Diamonds Brass Band played a medley of tunes. Hearing these concerts in the location where both groups were formed was magical. To make the day even more special we had an impromptu fly-by of a Dakota from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. This, along with a steady stream of drinks and cakes served at the Dynamo House café and seemingly endless amounts of sunshine, made for a magnificent day in the park for over 150 visitors.
See photos of the event here.
See photos of the event here.
Twins In Harmony
21 July 2014
The musicians in action
Yesterday Bestwood Country Park was full of wonderful music. Members of the twinning groups from Echirolles and Grugliasco serenaded visitors to the Dynamo House Café with classical pieces (Morning by Grieg), operatic arias (O Sole Mio) and traditional Italian marches. The sun shone and the visitors flocked in to enjoy this unexpected treat. The musicians had fuelled up before their performance with a very continental picnic in the park which we could all learn a few lessons from.
There are some more photos in the gallery.
There are some more photos in the gallery.
Music In The Park
14 July 2014
On Sunday 20 July there will be music in Bestwood Country Park by the Winding Engine House. Visitors from the French town of Echirolles and from the Italian town of Grugliasco will be giving an informal performance to park visitors free of charge. The café is open from 2 - 4pm and the music begins at around 2.30pm. This has been arranged through the Kimberley and District Twinning Association. Come along and find out more about our local twinned towns and how the twin town relationship can be more than just a name on the bottom of a road sign.
Echirolles, France
|
Grugliasco, Italy
|
A Little Less Litter
13 July 2014
Our youngest litter picker, Charlie Clarke.
Hopefully there will be a little less litter blowing around Bestwood Country Park as a result of our litter pick today. Nine community-minder people turned up to volunteer for 90 minutes of litter picking and we kitted out with litter pickers, gloves and black bags. They covered the area of the park around the Winding Engine House and collected 7 bags of rubbish - mostly discarded cans, bottles, cigarette ends and sweet wrappers - which was taken away by Notts County Council rangers. Their reward was a coffee and a cake back at the Dynamo House Café which was heartily enjoyed. We hope to repeat this event again later in the year.
Summer Stress-busters
9 July 214
Wondering what to do to keep the children entertained over the long summer holidays? Don't panic! Ashfield District Council have put together a booklet containing information on lots of events happening around their district from now to early September. You can download this 24 page A5 leaflet by clicking on the icon below. And remember, Bestwood Country Park is open 7 days a week and it is free to walk, cycle, jog, play, picnic and enjoy the views. Have fun!
| activity_booklet_-_a5_web.pdf |
Litter Pick
8 July 2014
Love walking in the park? Hate seeing litter? Why not combine these two things and do something positive! There is a litter pick session in Bestwood Country Park on Sunday 13 July. Starting at 1.30pm by the new bench between the Park Road car park and the Winding Engine House. All litter picking equipment will be provided but you might be better bringing your own gardening gloves if you have them. Dress for the weather and put your best foot forward in stout shoes.
Your reward for all your efforts will be a free drink at the Dynamo House Café after the session. What do you have to lose! See you there.
Your reward for all your efforts will be a free drink at the Dynamo House Café after the session. What do you have to lose! See you there.
Summer Newsletter
6 July 2014
The new newsletter is now published covering the summer months of July August & September. It notes all the events taking place in the park and gives you contact details if you ant to sign up or know more. You can download a copy below and see previous ones in the archive.
| 2014_summer_fobcp_newsletter.pdf |
Volunteer Dates
16 June 2014
There are a few more chances to get your hands dirty and help out in the park.
The poster has dates on Thursdays throughout the summer for conservation volunteers to sign up to carry out vital work in Bestwood Country Park.
If you are interested in helping out please contact Sue McDonald directly by phone on
0115 9753782 / 07500106567
or e-mail [email protected]
The poster has dates on Thursdays throughout the summer for conservation volunteers to sign up to carry out vital work in Bestwood Country Park.
If you are interested in helping out please contact Sue McDonald directly by phone on
0115 9753782 / 07500106567
or e-mail [email protected]
Take A Seat
15 June 2014
Bench label explaining who sponsored them
You now have some extra chances to take the weight off your feet in the park. Some new & replacement benches have sprung up in the park. They have been paid for by the FoBCP & BVWI out of the profits from the Dynamo House Café. So if you come along to the café you can feel proud that you have helped us pay for them. We have also installed a new picnic table in the Winding Engine House compound for you to make use of. So, come along to enjoy the park & make the most of the chance to sit a while and enjoy the view.
One of the new benches
|
The picnic table
|
New Rota Issued
14 June 2014
The café staff rota for July & August has been issued and is available to download on the Dynamo House Café volunteers' page.
2014 AGM
12 June 2014
It is that time of year again when we have our annual general meeting. Our meeting on Thursday 19th June will be the AGM. Business will be kept to a minimum but there will be a change to elect officers (Chair, Treasurer, Secretary) and hear the annual report of what we have been up to in the past year. The AM will be followed by a normal monthly meeting with a standard agenda. Come along to find out more. We meet at the Bestwood Lodge Hotel at 7.30pm - ask at reception which room we are in as it varies each month.
Sunday Opening Begins
11 June 2014
This year throughout June July & August the Dynamo House Café will be open on Saturdays 10am to 1pm and Sundays 2pm to 4pm. We hope this will enhance our park visitors' experience and may encourage a few people along who might just want to sit out in the fresh air taking in the view with a coffee and a cake to enjoy.
The free tours of the Winding Engine House are available on Saturdays 10am - 12noon or by special arrangements at other times.
The free tours of the Winding Engine House are available on Saturdays 10am - 12noon or by special arrangements at other times.
Neglect Or Protect?
2 June 2014
It has been noticed that the grass areas on the margins and between the parking bays of the Park Road car park have been left to grow wild. This is not down to the council neglecting their duties. It has been agreed to leave these areas to grow wild as they are an important habitat. The wonderful selection of wild flowers and grasses offer homes and food sources for lots of insects, birds and small mammals.
So next time you see the shaggy margins don't think neglect - think about the wildlife habitat being protected from the mower.
So next time you see the shaggy margins don't think neglect - think about the wildlife habitat being protected from the mower.
Campaigning Round-up
23 May 2014
The latest Campaigning Round-up ( an 8 page summary of current campaigns relating to our green spaces across the country) is here for you to read - just click on the icon below to download it.
It aims to amplify the voices of "Friends" groups like ours at a national level.
It aims to amplify the voices of "Friends" groups like ours at a national level.
| 2014_summer_nfpgscampaigningroundup.pdf |
The document highlights the "Love Parks Week" on 25 July to 3 August. Last year over a million people attended events in green spaces throughout "Love Parks Week", and this year 100+ events have already been registered on the LPW website. We are working in partnership with Keep Britain Tidy (who are the co-ordinators), Groundwork and the Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens to try to make 2014 the best year yet. Keep an eye out here for events happening in Bestwood Country Park.
It also discusses the future of park management as councils seek alternative ways to fund park maintenance and development. This is a topic much in the news lately (see What The Papers Say 14 & 15 May) and one very close to our hearts at FoBCP. The National Federation of Parks and Green Spaces, supported by Keep Britain Tidy, the trade paper Horticulture Week and other major organisations, have drafted a public petition to the Government which says:-
PROTECT AND IMPROVE THE UK’S PARKS AND GREEN SPACES!
Our green spaces are vital for people’s health, social well-being and community cohesion. We are concerned about the damage being caused by dramatic cuts to budgets for staff and maintenance, and the lack of funding and investment by local and national government. We call for the Government to ensure adequate public
resources for all green spaces, a statutory duty to manage these spaces to a decent (Green Flag) standard, and a national inquiry into these matters.
It will be put up on the e-gov petitions page in June and needs at least 100,000 signatures to trigger activity and debate in Parliament. We will post a link here for you to follow to add your weight to the campaign.
It also discusses the future of park management as councils seek alternative ways to fund park maintenance and development. This is a topic much in the news lately (see What The Papers Say 14 & 15 May) and one very close to our hearts at FoBCP. The National Federation of Parks and Green Spaces, supported by Keep Britain Tidy, the trade paper Horticulture Week and other major organisations, have drafted a public petition to the Government which says:-
PROTECT AND IMPROVE THE UK’S PARKS AND GREEN SPACES!
Our green spaces are vital for people’s health, social well-being and community cohesion. We are concerned about the damage being caused by dramatic cuts to budgets for staff and maintenance, and the lack of funding and investment by local and national government. We call for the Government to ensure adequate public
resources for all green spaces, a statutory duty to manage these spaces to a decent (Green Flag) standard, and a national inquiry into these matters.
It will be put up on the e-gov petitions page in June and needs at least 100,000 signatures to trigger activity and debate in Parliament. We will post a link here for you to follow to add your weight to the campaign.
Big Lunch : Big Success
19 May 2014
The sunshine brought out the crowds
The sun shone all day and the crowds came out to play in the park for the second year of the Feed a 1000 Challenge sponsored by Veolia. Armed with a budget of £700 (the amount that the average family spends on food that they then waste) the chefs set out to serve 1,000 free portions of food to the crowds visiting Bestwood Country Park on Sunday. Volunteer groups had stalls promoting their work in the community and the Dynamo House Café was open for business as usual serving drinks and cakes at 50p a portion. They sold out of cake at about 2pm despite baking enough to feed a small army. All proceeds from the café will go back into improving amenities in the park via the Friends Group. A great day was had by all - more photos in the gallery.
Forest School
17 May 2014
We would like to welcome the latest "Park People" to our website.
The Hollies Day Nurseries encourage learning for youngsters through outdoor experience in their Forest School sessions in Bestwood Country Park. They use the park to bring outdoor learning to life which has been shown to improve self-esteem and confidence in the young children taking part.
You can find out more about them on their page in the Park People section or on their own website.
The Hollies Day Nurseries encourage learning for youngsters through outdoor experience in their Forest School sessions in Bestwood Country Park. They use the park to bring outdoor learning to life which has been shown to improve self-esteem and confidence in the young children taking part.
You can find out more about them on their page in the Park People section or on their own website.
Name To A Face
13 May 2014
Recognise anyone?
We have finally been able to put a name to one of the faces on our archive picture taken at the opening of the Country Park.
Davis Squires contacted us via email to say the ranger pictured on the right was Anna Chylak.
Check out the photo and see who's who on our archive page.
Davis Squires contacted us via email to say the ranger pictured on the right was Anna Chylak.
Check out the photo and see who's who on our archive page.
Newsletter, Newspapers & News
10 May 2014
Whilst the Spring FoBCP Newsletter has been available for a while now we have also been making the news in the local press too.
We have had several articles in both the Hucknall & Bulwell Dispatch and the Nottingham Post recently with regard to the reopening of the Wheel Engine House for visitors after the winter break for maintenance.
Check out our "What the papers say" page to see the press coverage we have been receiving.
Meanwhile to find a copy of the latest Newsletter either download one here or pick up a paper copy from the Dynamo House information table just inside the door.
We have had several articles in both the Hucknall & Bulwell Dispatch and the Nottingham Post recently with regard to the reopening of the Wheel Engine House for visitors after the winter break for maintenance.
Check out our "What the papers say" page to see the press coverage we have been receiving.
Meanwhile to find a copy of the latest Newsletter either download one here or pick up a paper copy from the Dynamo House information table just inside the door.
| 2014_spring_fobcp_newsletter.pdf |
The Early Bird...
26 April 2014
Swan on Mill Lakes
Gill Costello reports on this morning's bird spotting walk around the park.
The weather forecast for the day was ‘wet’, and it had been raining since first light. Nevertheless, nineteen people turned up in the Winding Engine House car park at 9am for the walk - the rain stopped, and the sun came out later. We heard a great-spotted woodpecker drumming from the car park before we set off!
We walked along the hill path behind the engine house, down and along the Sustrans path, then across the footbridge in the village for a circuit of Mill Lake. It was a good walk, with bluebells in the woods, and a grand display of cowslips on the north bank of Mill Lake. Two of the cowslips were quite a deep orange, which I’ve not seen before. Terry educated us on identification and on the bird song that was starting up everywhere as the weather cleared, including the skylark that serenaded us first of all over the hill fields. We saw no rarities, just a good look and listen to our beautiful regular birds, and the chance to stand and take it in. We finished up back at the car park, and some of us went on to the Dynamo House Café to enjoy tea and cake and a sit down.
There was a long list of birds spotted along the way, many due to Terry, who was our excellent birding guide for the walk. The list included: skylark, swallow, crow, whitethroat, meadow pipit, blackcap, long-tailed tit, blue tit, robin, kestrel, blackbird, magpie, jay starling, mallard, coot, moorhen and chick, swan, Canada goose, greylag goose, great crested grebe, tufted duck, gadwall, woodpigeon on nest, coot and moorhen nests. In addition some hybrid geese-of-57-varieties were about with chicks. Birds that we heard but didn’t see were willow warbler, chiff chaff and wren. The swallows, whitethroats, blackcaps, chiff chaffs and willow warblers were probably all recently arrived summer migrants, so last night’s cold wind and rain must have been a shock for them.
For anyone wishing they could have attended, and willing to get up early, there’s another guided bird walk, on Sunday 11 May, 6 am – 8 am, starting from the Winding Engine House car park, to listen to spring bird song at its height. There’s a charge of £4 for adults and £2 for children, which includes parking and breakfast tea and toast afterwards in the Dynamo House. Please note it's not suitable for wheelchair users. Pre-booking is essential – call 0115 975 3782.
The weather forecast for the day was ‘wet’, and it had been raining since first light. Nevertheless, nineteen people turned up in the Winding Engine House car park at 9am for the walk - the rain stopped, and the sun came out later. We heard a great-spotted woodpecker drumming from the car park before we set off!
We walked along the hill path behind the engine house, down and along the Sustrans path, then across the footbridge in the village for a circuit of Mill Lake. It was a good walk, with bluebells in the woods, and a grand display of cowslips on the north bank of Mill Lake. Two of the cowslips were quite a deep orange, which I’ve not seen before. Terry educated us on identification and on the bird song that was starting up everywhere as the weather cleared, including the skylark that serenaded us first of all over the hill fields. We saw no rarities, just a good look and listen to our beautiful regular birds, and the chance to stand and take it in. We finished up back at the car park, and some of us went on to the Dynamo House Café to enjoy tea and cake and a sit down.
There was a long list of birds spotted along the way, many due to Terry, who was our excellent birding guide for the walk. The list included: skylark, swallow, crow, whitethroat, meadow pipit, blackcap, long-tailed tit, blue tit, robin, kestrel, blackbird, magpie, jay starling, mallard, coot, moorhen and chick, swan, Canada goose, greylag goose, great crested grebe, tufted duck, gadwall, woodpigeon on nest, coot and moorhen nests. In addition some hybrid geese-of-57-varieties were about with chicks. Birds that we heard but didn’t see were willow warbler, chiff chaff and wren. The swallows, whitethroats, blackcaps, chiff chaffs and willow warblers were probably all recently arrived summer migrants, so last night’s cold wind and rain must have been a shock for them.
For anyone wishing they could have attended, and willing to get up early, there’s another guided bird walk, on Sunday 11 May, 6 am – 8 am, starting from the Winding Engine House car park, to listen to spring bird song at its height. There’s a charge of £4 for adults and £2 for children, which includes parking and breakfast tea and toast afterwards in the Dynamo House. Please note it's not suitable for wheelchair users. Pre-booking is essential – call 0115 975 3782.
Twitter Report
22 April 2014
The latest annual report of bird and natural history in the park for the last year is now out. Full of interesting statistics, graphs & maps of sightings and numbers of birds, moths, butterflies, mammals and flora it is a great reference work. It has a summary of the year in the park and highlights some rarer sightings and changes over time.
Get your hands on a copy for just £5.
If you would like to buy a copy of the report it can be ordered from the Park Rangers:-
T : 0115 927 3674
E : [email protected]
Get your hands on a copy for just £5.
If you would like to buy a copy of the report it can be ordered from the Park Rangers:-
T : 0115 927 3674
E : [email protected]
Voice Of The Vole
21 April 2014
The latest instalment of the ever popular Voice of the Vole has been sent through by Brick . Check out what those Monday volunteers have been up to by clicking here.
Open Season
20 April 2014
News that the Winding Engine House is to re-open for business got the local press excited this weekend. The Hucknall & Bulwell Despatch published an article on page 14 of Friday's edition, announcing the fact that the free tours of the WEH were back on the agenda. On Good Friday the Nottingham Post sent a photographer to take photos of the WEH volunteers and the café volunteers to illustrate their story about the reopening of the heritage site. In the end the story appeared on page 4 of Saturday's paper only using the photo of the WEH chaps and with some rather inaccurate text! On Saturday BBC local news sent a team to capture people taking the first tours of the season up the Winding Engine House. This turned out to be a very busy day on site with good numbers of people taking the tours and visiting the café . Let's hope all this publicity brings in lots of people on Bank Holiday Monday too.
|
Click on both of the news articles here to read the full story as reported in the Dispatch and the Post.
|
Tell Us Your Story
13 April 2014
We need to collect as much information as we can from local families about how WWI affected them. Do you have any family history relating to WWI and the local area around the park? This could include those who stayed at home, working in the mine or the iron works, on the surrounding farms, or working on Bestwood Hall estate, as it was then. How did the war affect them, both during and afterwards? How were their later lives changed by it? Would your children / grandchildren like to research past members of your own family who were involved? Do you have a connection with anyone on the list of names of those who died? We need your help to tell the real story of WWI in our local area.
|
Click here -------------> to download the list of names and where they are currently recorded.
|
| ||
WWI Heritage Lottery Bid
13 April 2014
Some of us have had several small meetings recently to talk about putting in a Heritage Lottery Fund bid to commemorate WWI. If anyone else would like to be involved in some way, please get in touch. For details of ideas so far, please read on:
- Planting a young tree to replace an old copper beech that stood at the edge of the car park of the Bestwood Lodge Hotel. The small circle of land where the old tree stood would have the new tree planted in it and a surround built around it. The names of the men who died would be inscribed into a memorial there. There’s a war memorial in Bestwood Village and another in Emmanuel church, but this new one,as far as we know, would be the first to include all the names from Bestwood St Albans parish in one place locally. A bench could be installed nearby, for people to pause there on their way into the park. The project will plan to involve local schools, asking the children to research into their own family histories and tell their own stories.
- Finally we were thinking of setting up a community walk, possibly from the Emmanuel Church, to the hotel and the new memorial, through the park using, of course, Colliers Path, calling in at the Dynamo House café and the Winding Engine House, and finally to the newly cleaned Bestwood Village War memorial and St Mark's Church.
The next meeting to talk about the possible bid will be in early May, so please if you can contribute get in touch with us using the contact us form by Monday 5 May, or come along to our general meeting next Thursday, 17 April, 7.30 pm at Bestwood Lodge Hotel.
- Planting a young tree to replace an old copper beech that stood at the edge of the car park of the Bestwood Lodge Hotel. The small circle of land where the old tree stood would have the new tree planted in it and a surround built around it. The names of the men who died would be inscribed into a memorial there. There’s a war memorial in Bestwood Village and another in Emmanuel church, but this new one,as far as we know, would be the first to include all the names from Bestwood St Albans parish in one place locally. A bench could be installed nearby, for people to pause there on their way into the park. The project will plan to involve local schools, asking the children to research into their own family histories and tell their own stories.
- Finally we were thinking of setting up a community walk, possibly from the Emmanuel Church, to the hotel and the new memorial, through the park using, of course, Colliers Path, calling in at the Dynamo House café and the Winding Engine House, and finally to the newly cleaned Bestwood Village War memorial and St Mark's Church.
The next meeting to talk about the possible bid will be in early May, so please if you can contribute get in touch with us using the contact us form by Monday 5 May, or come along to our general meeting next Thursday, 17 April, 7.30 pm at Bestwood Lodge Hotel.
Coast To Coast Bike Ride
12 April 2014
One of our founder members, and an ex-Chair of our group, is doing a coast-to-coast bike ride for charity on 4 June this year. You can help John raise money for a great cause by donating directly to his fund-raising page - here. This will send your donation straight to the Batten Disease Family Association. They can automatically reclaim Gift Aid if you are a UK taxpayer, so your donation is worth even more. Please support John if you can. He’s a brave and determined man but a bit more push from his Friends always helps…
Poppy Plans
10 April 2014
Look out for things starting to happen in our neighbourhood to mark the centenary of World War I. For example the Bulwell and Bulwell Forest councillors have approved funding for poppy planting to take place at the junctions of Hucknall Road and Bestwood Road involving the British Legion to mark the anniversary. Also Gedling BC have plans to plant an area of wild poppies in the park. More info on these as we get them.
Vexed Vole
7 April 2014
Read the supplementary report from 'Brick' of the Voles and see what is currently getting his goat in Voice of the Voles.
What's On Guide
5 April 2014
The latest What's On Guide is now available to read or to download on our events page. Click the link HERE. There are also guides to Rufford Park and Sherwood Forest to check out.
Support For Park From Locals
4 April 2014
We were please to see this letter printed in the Nottingham Post on the 4 April stating objections to the latest proposal for 101 houses on the edge of the village. The author specifically mentions the country park and seeks to defend it from the encroachment of the planned new houses. Thanks for the support Sharon!
|
|
|
More Help Needed
3 April 2014
Call For Help!
29 March 2014
The Thursday volunteer days are proving very popular. So much so in fact that a list of future dates has been published taking us through to the end of July.
Click on the image to view the poster.
Check out when you could help out with a little work in the park. It's cheaper than joining a gym and you have something great to show for your efforts at the end of the day. Give it a go!
Contact Sue on [email protected]
Click on the image to view the poster.
Check out when you could help out with a little work in the park. It's cheaper than joining a gym and you have something great to show for your efforts at the end of the day. Give it a go!
Contact Sue on [email protected]
Spring Newsletter
28 March 2014
|
Gill has been busy again preparing the Friends Spring Newsletter. It contains the latest information on events in the park and how you can get involved in supporting the park by volunteering your time to its upkeep. Back- copy Newsletters are stored in the archive.
|
Download your copy here:-
| ||
Dates For Your Diary
27 March 2014
► SATURDAY 5 APRIL - MINI-MINERS DAY - The first of this new series of events will take place on the first Saturday of the month at and around the Dynamo House between 10am and 12 noon. Under-fives can “tunnel for coal”, and older ones can join in the hunt for mining objects around the site. The café will of course be open as usual.
► SATURDAY 12 APRIL - BESTWOOD VILLAGE LITTER PICK
Gedling Borough Council are assisting with a village litter pick. Meet at St Mark's Church at 10am to be kitted out with hi-vis jackets and litter grabbers. Roadsides, paths and parks will all be scoured for litter before returning to the church to dump the bags of rubbish and take a well earned drink & biscuit. If you think you can help, contact [email protected], so they have some idea of numbers.
► THURSDAY 17 APRIL - FRIENDS GROUP MONTHLY MEETING, from 7.30pm at Bestwood Lodge Hotel. All welcome.
► SATURDAY 19 APRIL - BESTWOOD WINDING ENGINE HOUSE TOURS. Bestwood Winding Engine House re-opens for drop-in visitor tours after its winter maintenance. The grand team of volunteers have worked very hard over the winter to get it ready for visitors. If you haven’t toured it yet, do drop in between 10am and 12 noon.
► SUNDAY 20 APRIL - EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE 5.30 AM START, FOLLOWED BY BREAKFAST. Join the congregation from the six Bestwood churches for this dawn service in the woods. Afterwards enjoy a well-earned breakfast at Emmanuel Church Hall. For more details and to book breakfast phone 0115 920 8879 or 0115 955 0423. There’s a small charge for breakfast. Check out the poster here.
► WEDNESDAY 23 APRIL - HEATH WALK
This month’s Health Walk, lead by Sue McDonald, for the usual gentle 90-minute walk. These popular events are held every month, starting from the Winding Engine House car park at 10.30am. For more details and future dates, phone Sue on 0115 975 3782.
► SATURDAY 26 APRIL - SPRING BIRD WALK - 9 AM - 11 AM
Join local birdwatcher Terry Adams for this free walk & explore the park checking out the resident birds and those arriving from migration. The walk is approx 2 miles, so wear suitable footwear. Sorry, no dogs on this one, and please note this walk is unsuitable for wheelchair users. The walk starts & finishes at the Winding Engine House, and of course the Dynamo House Café will be available for a sit down, cuppa and cake afterwards. Check out the poster here.
► SATURDAY 26 APRIL - NOTTS AND LINCS AIR AMBULANCE - DYNAMO HOUSE CAFÉ CHARITY MORNING 10 AM - 12 NOON
The café team have chosen the Notts and Lincs Air Ambulance as their charity for this day, and we hope as many of you as possible will support this great and life-saving service, which is almost entirely funded by voluntary contributions. Check their website Here.
► SUNDAY 27 APRIL - NATIONAL MINING MEMORABILIA ASSOCIATION, DYNAMO HOUSE AND WINDING ENGINE HOUSE 10 AM - 2 PM
An opportunity to view mining heritage displays and bring along your own mining memorabilia to show. Free tours of the Winding Engine House will be available, and the café will be open of course for coffee/tea and cakes. For more details call David Amos on 0115 976 2422.
► SATURDAY 12 APRIL - BESTWOOD VILLAGE LITTER PICK
Gedling Borough Council are assisting with a village litter pick. Meet at St Mark's Church at 10am to be kitted out with hi-vis jackets and litter grabbers. Roadsides, paths and parks will all be scoured for litter before returning to the church to dump the bags of rubbish and take a well earned drink & biscuit. If you think you can help, contact [email protected], so they have some idea of numbers.
► THURSDAY 17 APRIL - FRIENDS GROUP MONTHLY MEETING, from 7.30pm at Bestwood Lodge Hotel. All welcome.
► SATURDAY 19 APRIL - BESTWOOD WINDING ENGINE HOUSE TOURS. Bestwood Winding Engine House re-opens for drop-in visitor tours after its winter maintenance. The grand team of volunteers have worked very hard over the winter to get it ready for visitors. If you haven’t toured it yet, do drop in between 10am and 12 noon.
► SUNDAY 20 APRIL - EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE 5.30 AM START, FOLLOWED BY BREAKFAST. Join the congregation from the six Bestwood churches for this dawn service in the woods. Afterwards enjoy a well-earned breakfast at Emmanuel Church Hall. For more details and to book breakfast phone 0115 920 8879 or 0115 955 0423. There’s a small charge for breakfast. Check out the poster here.
► WEDNESDAY 23 APRIL - HEATH WALK
This month’s Health Walk, lead by Sue McDonald, for the usual gentle 90-minute walk. These popular events are held every month, starting from the Winding Engine House car park at 10.30am. For more details and future dates, phone Sue on 0115 975 3782.
► SATURDAY 26 APRIL - SPRING BIRD WALK - 9 AM - 11 AM
Join local birdwatcher Terry Adams for this free walk & explore the park checking out the resident birds and those arriving from migration. The walk is approx 2 miles, so wear suitable footwear. Sorry, no dogs on this one, and please note this walk is unsuitable for wheelchair users. The walk starts & finishes at the Winding Engine House, and of course the Dynamo House Café will be available for a sit down, cuppa and cake afterwards. Check out the poster here.
► SATURDAY 26 APRIL - NOTTS AND LINCS AIR AMBULANCE - DYNAMO HOUSE CAFÉ CHARITY MORNING 10 AM - 12 NOON
The café team have chosen the Notts and Lincs Air Ambulance as their charity for this day, and we hope as many of you as possible will support this great and life-saving service, which is almost entirely funded by voluntary contributions. Check their website Here.
► SUNDAY 27 APRIL - NATIONAL MINING MEMORABILIA ASSOCIATION, DYNAMO HOUSE AND WINDING ENGINE HOUSE 10 AM - 2 PM
An opportunity to view mining heritage displays and bring along your own mining memorabilia to show. Free tours of the Winding Engine House will be available, and the café will be open of course for coffee/tea and cakes. For more details call David Amos on 0115 976 2422.
Greenbelt Land Under Threat
26 March 2014
The threat of extensive building on the edge of Bestwood Village is back on the cards meaning large tracts of greenbelt land would be turned over to housing. Margret Vince, Chair of FoBCP was asked for her thoughts on these proposals by The Nottingham Post. Read the article below:-
Bestwood In Bloom
25 March 2014
Daffodils created by the WI
The results of all that hard work by volunteers from FoBCP and the Environment Agency back in October can now be seen at the entrance to the Country Park. The grass bank beside the Bestwood Lodge Hotel car park is full of bright daffodils in joyful clumps across the slope. You can't help but smile when you look at them. Spring has obviously sprung in and around the park.
See photos of the real ones in the gallery.
See photos of the real ones in the gallery.
Dates For Your Diary
17 March 2014
On Wednesday - 19th March - we have the second of two spring volunteer maintenance sessions at the Japanese Gardens, from 10am. Please come if you can - it's rewarding and you do only as much as you feel up to. Bring a packed lunch.
On Thursday - 20th March - it’s our March Friends group meeting, at 7.30 pm in Bestwood Lodge Hotel.
On Thursday - 20th March - it’s our March Friends group meeting, at 7.30 pm in Bestwood Lodge Hotel.
A "Friend" Has A Birthday
16 March 2014
Happy Birthday Richard
Yesterday at the Dynamo House Café we were celebrating more than just the fact that the sun was shining and the park was busy. One of our "Friends of Bestwood Country Park" had a birthday.
Richard has to refrain from eating our lovely cakes so we made him a giant cheese scone to mark the occasion, complete with candle and a sing-song from his pals.
Richard had earned his treat as he had completed his regular Nordic walk around the pathways of the park before dropping in to the Café just before closing time. He was sure of especially attentive service as his partner, Joanne, was on duty serving in the Café.
Richard has to refrain from eating our lovely cakes so we made him a giant cheese scone to mark the occasion, complete with candle and a sing-song from his pals.
Richard had earned his treat as he had completed his regular Nordic walk around the pathways of the park before dropping in to the Café just before closing time. He was sure of especially attentive service as his partner, Joanne, was on duty serving in the Café.
Burning Issue
14 March 2014
A week last Saturday a large section of fencing around the camp-site, Jason's sweat lodge wood frame & a lot of his firewood was burned during what appeared to have been a very large night time party - judging by the amount of drinks bottles & rubbish left on site. The fencing was replaced last week by the Rangers. The Saturday just gone, the same thing happened! The Rangers are rightly refusing to replace the fencing in case the same thing occurs this weekend, especially with the weather set fair. It's already cost something in the region of £600 in fencing materials. Covert cameras may be erected to capture future arson activities but we also need your eyes and ears to spot any problems.
So this is a request, please, for members on the village side of the park to keep an eye open for fires or other suspicious activity and make sure to report it to the police. For members on the south side of the park - even if all you see is a large group carrying loads of supermarket bags into the park in the evening its worth reporting - the people responsible may have been walking in from the Rise Park/Top Valley/Warren Hill side of the park - do let the police know if you can. The local beat team, I believe, are PC 3374 Kylie Westlake or PCSO 4803 Rich Shipstone at Arnold Police station, or
PS 2272 Andy Berryman
Gedling North NPT
Arnold Police Station
101 Ext 853 4167
[email protected]
www.nottinghamshire.police.uk
So this is a request, please, for members on the village side of the park to keep an eye open for fires or other suspicious activity and make sure to report it to the police. For members on the south side of the park - even if all you see is a large group carrying loads of supermarket bags into the park in the evening its worth reporting - the people responsible may have been walking in from the Rise Park/Top Valley/Warren Hill side of the park - do let the police know if you can. The local beat team, I believe, are PC 3374 Kylie Westlake or PCSO 4803 Rich Shipstone at Arnold Police station, or
PS 2272 Andy Berryman
Gedling North NPT
Arnold Police Station
101 Ext 853 4167
[email protected]
www.nottinghamshire.police.uk
Have I Got Some Old News For You
13 March 2014
News from 30 years ago was making the headlines again at the Dynamo House this week. On Wednesday 12 March David Amos had arranged for BBC Radio Nottingham to broadcast their morning show from the Bestwood Colliery site in acknowledgement of the 30 year anniversary of the start of the miners' strike of 1984.
Memories were exchanged and memorabilia examined over a coffee and a cake from the café. The event was not only broadcast on the radio but BBC East Midlands Today filmed the event and the item appeared on the 6.30pm show that night. What a great advert for the local mining heritage aspects of the Country Park.
Memories were exchanged and memorabilia examined over a coffee and a cake from the café. The event was not only broadcast on the radio but BBC East Midlands Today filmed the event and the item appeared on the 6.30pm show that night. What a great advert for the local mining heritage aspects of the Country Park.
Bestwood Village Housing Proposals
12 March 2014
The latest proposal to use the brown field site of the Bestwood Colliery industrial estate to build 220 new homes was outlined in the Nottingham Post.
They asked the Friends of Bestwood Country Park for a comment on the proposal and Chairwoman, Margret Vince, stepped up to give our view.
Read her comments in the full article by clicking on the attached article taken from the Nottingham Post
They asked the Friends of Bestwood Country Park for a comment on the proposal and Chairwoman, Margret Vince, stepped up to give our view.
Read her comments in the full article by clicking on the attached article taken from the Nottingham Post
A Walk In The Park
8 March 2014
On 8 March the Nottingham Post advertised a great walk in our wonderful Country Park as part of their "Best Foot Forward" series.
Click on the article to find out more.
Click on the article to find out more.
Ramble Reminder
7 March 2014
Here's a great chance to get involved in the Save Sherwood Forest Campaign. There is a ramble in the woods on Saturday 22 March in Bestwood Country Park - the most southerly remnant of Sherwood Forest.
The walk meets up at the Dynamo House at 10.15am for a 10.30am start. The great news is you can pop back into the Dynamo House Café on your return for some well earned tea and cake. It will be staying open an extra hour until 1pm just in case you get side-tracked by our amazing park and take a little longer on your walk.
Check out the poster for details of the arrangements.
The walk meets up at the Dynamo House at 10.15am for a 10.30am start. The great news is you can pop back into the Dynamo House Café on your return for some well earned tea and cake. It will be staying open an extra hour until 1pm just in case you get side-tracked by our amazing park and take a little longer on your walk.
Check out the poster for details of the arrangements.
Friends Have It In The BAG
6 March 2014
Marget & Gill (FoBCP) & Kay (BVWI) at the ready
The Friends of Bestwood Country Park were pleased to be asked to cater for the morning & afternoon refreshments at the Nottinghamshire Big BAG (Biodiversity Action Group) event at Brackenhurst College, near Southwell. Held every two years, this event brings together like-minded people from local business, government and volunteer groups to find out about each other's work and learn more about the natural environment.
With lectures & workshops on subjects such as the butterflies of Nottinghamshire and dissecting owl pellets, the delegates worked up quite an appetite. Luckily FoBCP had teamed up with their friends at the Bestwood Village WI to bake up 240 biscuits and 120 pieces of cake to keep everyone well fuelled. Kind donations on the day from satisfied customers more than covered the cost of the ingredients so the remainder will be added to the FoBCP funds which are used to help enhance the park. See more photos in the gallery.
With lectures & workshops on subjects such as the butterflies of Nottinghamshire and dissecting owl pellets, the delegates worked up quite an appetite. Luckily FoBCP had teamed up with their friends at the Bestwood Village WI to bake up 240 biscuits and 120 pieces of cake to keep everyone well fuelled. Kind donations on the day from satisfied customers more than covered the cost of the ingredients so the remainder will be added to the FoBCP funds which are used to help enhance the park. See more photos in the gallery.
Smile Please!
27 February 2014
Are you between 16 and 25? Fancy learning to be more creative with your photographs? Don't have a lot of spare cash? Then this is just the course for you.
Click on the poster for full details of this series of free photography workshops. Booking is essential!
Once you have the know-how you can come into our amazing country park and try out your new skills, If you have any great pictures of the park we would love to show them on our website,
You can email them to us or use a drop box if you have a few to send. Email us for details.
Click on the poster for full details of this series of free photography workshops. Booking is essential!
Once you have the know-how you can come into our amazing country park and try out your new skills, If you have any great pictures of the park we would love to show them on our website,
You can email them to us or use a drop box if you have a few to send. Email us for details.
New Houses For Feathered Friends
22 February 2014
Gary Joynt (Notts County Council) was on hand today at the Winding Engine House to help budding conservationists make a small wooden birdhouse.
Drilling and hammering could be heard all morning as 9 families tried their hand at some simple carpentry and went home with a new nest box for their garden for just £5.
The photo shows the first box of the day rolling off the production line. So all we need now is a couple of blue tits in need of a home to take up residence in this desirable property.
The extra trade this event attracted to the café also helped to raise almost £100 for the Friends of Bestwood Country Park which is used, amongst other things, to put up bird boxes and feeders in the park and keep them stocked with black sunflower seeds all winter.
A few more photos are in the gallery.
Drilling and hammering could be heard all morning as 9 families tried their hand at some simple carpentry and went home with a new nest box for their garden for just £5.
The photo shows the first box of the day rolling off the production line. So all we need now is a couple of blue tits in need of a home to take up residence in this desirable property.
The extra trade this event attracted to the café also helped to raise almost £100 for the Friends of Bestwood Country Park which is used, amongst other things, to put up bird boxes and feeders in the park and keep them stocked with black sunflower seeds all winter.
A few more photos are in the gallery.
Know Your Trees
20 February 2014
Pick up your copy whilst stocks last.
The new tree walk guide was launched at the February meeting of the FoBCP. Money raised by the group along with a generous donation by Councillors Roy & Pauline Allen, has paid for the production and printing of the new leaflet.
They will be on sale at just £1 a copy at: Dynamo House & Winding Engine House
Bestwod Lodge Hotel reception
Bestwood Village Post Office.
The leaflet uses a map and numbered trees in the park to help you find and identify a range of tree species. There is a quiz for youngsters following the trail inside and an invitation to tea at the café on the back page.
They will be on sale at just £1 a copy at: Dynamo House & Winding Engine House
Bestwod Lodge Hotel reception
Bestwood Village Post Office.
The leaflet uses a map and numbered trees in the park to help you find and identify a range of tree species. There is a quiz for youngsters following the trail inside and an invitation to tea at the café on the back page.
Spring Has Sprung
18 February 2014
It seems all is not doom and gloom in the park. Despite the atrocious weather of the last few months the bulbs have been pushing their way through to surprise us all. The snowdrops are putting on a display in the Japanese Gardens and the newly planted bulbs on the grassy bank by the hotel car park are ready to continue the show in a few week's time. If you walk through the park keep your eyes peeled for signs that Spring is just around the corner.
Build A Little Birdhouse...
17 February 2014
There is an extra reason to get up to the Dynamo House on Saturday morning on 22 February. You can watch a demo and then have a go at making a bird box for your garden.
This forms part of National Nest Box Week and is timed so that you can have your new residence up and available for occupancy this spring.
Click on the photo opposite for more info and a contact details for Gary Joynt if you need to know more.
The café will be open as normal serving hot & cold drinks and home baked cakes and biscuits at just 50p each.
This forms part of National Nest Box Week and is timed so that you can have your new residence up and available for occupancy this spring.
Click on the photo opposite for more info and a contact details for Gary Joynt if you need to know more.
The café will be open as normal serving hot & cold drinks and home baked cakes and biscuits at just 50p each.
Any Volunteers Out There?
|
There are more opportunities to get your hands dirty helping out in our local parks & woods. Sue McDonald has issued the latest volunteering dates for February & March 2014 which you can download below.
|
| ||
What's On?
Hedgelaying - a park activity
The Winter Newsletter of the FoBCP is out in the wild now and may well be appearing on a notice board near you. If you want to download a copy of your own just click on the icon below. The newsletter lists many of the events taking place in the park and has contact details for you to find out more.
The what's on list also appears on our Events page.
The what's on list also appears on our Events page.
| 2014_winter_fob_news.pdf |
Planning Proposals Neighbouring The Park
26 January 2014
Some of you will have been to the public consultation in Bestwood Village Community Centre about the new housing proposals. These new plans take the development area away from the green belt land neighbouring the country park and into the brown field site of the old colliery currently used by the business park. If you didn’t manage to attend to pick up a consultation form but want to check details and/or make a comment they are here. Comments are accepted until the end of January, then will be collated and forwarded to Gedling BC with the planning application.
|
Images from the St Modwen website
|
Fencing Under Surveillance
25 January 2014
There have been several instances of the fencing around the horse pasture field, across the Main Drive from the Gedling Car Park, and elsewhere in the south east corner of the park, nearest to Arnold being stolen or damaged. The affected areas will now be watched by CCTV in order to catch the culprits in action. Meanwhile keep an eye open for vandals damaging fencing and report any incidents to the police - PC 3374 Kylie Westlake or PCSO Shipston are the officers involved.
What's On?
24 January 2014
Arnold Local History Group
Here are a couple of dates for the diary:-
HISTORY OF PARKS
For those of you interested in delving back in time Arnold Local History Group is starting a course on local parks and open spaces. It starts on Monday 3 February, for 8 weeks, at the Wagon and Horses pub in Redhill, from 7 pm to 9 pm. Check the details or find out more about the ALHG here.
JAPANESE WATER GARDENS VOLUNTEER DAYS:
This spring the agreed dates are Wednesday 26 February and Wednesday 19 March, both from 10 am. Tools, and (usually) tea and coffee provided. It’s a very satisfying job to do; clearing the paths of the original design of the Japanese water gardens at the Bestwood Lodge end of the park. It is great fun and you can do as much or as little as you feel you can. Everyone is welcome to come along - register your interest and check if places are available with Sue McDonald on 0115 975 3782. Every pair of hands makes a difference!
MONTHLY FoBCP MEETING:
The next meeting will be on Thursday 20 February at 7.30pm in a room at the Bestwood Lodge Hotel. All welcome to come along but please drop us a line using the contact form here so we know to book a big enough room.
HISTORY OF PARKS
For those of you interested in delving back in time Arnold Local History Group is starting a course on local parks and open spaces. It starts on Monday 3 February, for 8 weeks, at the Wagon and Horses pub in Redhill, from 7 pm to 9 pm. Check the details or find out more about the ALHG here.
JAPANESE WATER GARDENS VOLUNTEER DAYS:
This spring the agreed dates are Wednesday 26 February and Wednesday 19 March, both from 10 am. Tools, and (usually) tea and coffee provided. It’s a very satisfying job to do; clearing the paths of the original design of the Japanese water gardens at the Bestwood Lodge end of the park. It is great fun and you can do as much or as little as you feel you can. Everyone is welcome to come along - register your interest and check if places are available with Sue McDonald on 0115 975 3782. Every pair of hands makes a difference!
MONTHLY FoBCP MEETING:
The next meeting will be on Thursday 20 February at 7.30pm in a room at the Bestwood Lodge Hotel. All welcome to come along but please drop us a line using the contact form here so we know to book a big enough room.
Author Amos
22 January 2014
The Nottingham Post Article
David Amos, Heritage Conservation Officer at the Bestwood Winding Engine House, launched his new book at the Dynamo House on Saturday 18 January.
The event was covered by the Nottingham Post and was a great success. The Dynamo House was buzzing with the chatter of ex-miners, fellow academics and others interested in the book, which is part of a series of publications plotting the full history of the Nottinghamshire coal fields called The Miners of Nottinghamshire.
David's book which is Vol 4 in the series, covers the turbulent years of 1980 - 85 including the miners' strike. Click on the image here to read the article in full.
<~~~~~
There is another book launch on February 15 at the DH Lawrence Heritage Centre in Eastwood between 11am and 2pm. Copies of the book at available from David priced £13.99.
The event was covered by the Nottingham Post and was a great success. The Dynamo House was buzzing with the chatter of ex-miners, fellow academics and others interested in the book, which is part of a series of publications plotting the full history of the Nottinghamshire coal fields called The Miners of Nottinghamshire.
David's book which is Vol 4 in the series, covers the turbulent years of 1980 - 85 including the miners' strike. Click on the image here to read the article in full.
<~~~~~
There is another book launch on February 15 at the DH Lawrence Heritage Centre in Eastwood between 11am and 2pm. Copies of the book at available from David priced £13.99.
Volunteering
21 January 2014
|
Fancy becoming a conservation volunteer? Here is a great chance to get involved in the maintenance of Sherwood Forest.
Click on the poster to read all about it or download the leaflet which you can fill in to volunteer your services. CLICK BELOW TO DOWNLOAD
| ||
Bombing At Clumber Park
20 January 2014
Clumber Park is following the lead of Bestwood Village with some yarn bombing in its walled garden.
To link in with their Wassailing Festival they are wrapping the apple trees in the orchard in woolly coats and adding knitted apples in the hope of inspiring the trees to fruit well later in the year.
If you want to get involved take a look at the poster (or download your own to display) and download the knitting pattern to make your own apple for the orchard. All contributions need to be at Clumber (in person or by post) by 25th February so get knitting!
To link in with their Wassailing Festival they are wrapping the apple trees in the orchard in woolly coats and adding knitted apples in the hope of inspiring the trees to fruit well later in the year.
If you want to get involved take a look at the poster (or download your own to display) and download the knitting pattern to make your own apple for the orchard. All contributions need to be at Clumber (in person or by post) by 25th February so get knitting!
|
| ||||
FoBCP Monthly Meeting
15 January 2014
The monthly meeting of the Friends of Bestwood Country Park will take place on Thursday 16 January at the usual venue of the Bestwood Lodge Hotel. Kick off is at 7.30pm. Observers are welcome to come along but please let us know you are coming so we can ensure there are enough chairs to go around.
You can download the agenda by clicking the icon below.
You can download the agenda by clicking the icon below.
| fobcp_agenda_2014_01_16.pdf |
Winter Newsletter
14 January 2014
Gill has been busy over the last few days and has drawn up the FoBCP Winter Newsletter. It contains all the latest news from the park and information on how you can get involved in the future with events and activities in the park. If you are interested in volunteering in the park there are ideas ranging from baking for the community café to woodland management tasks with the "Voles".
To download your copy click on the icon below.
To download your copy click on the icon below.
| 2014_winter_fob_news.pdf |
Park In The Post
13 January 2014
Bestwood Country Park managed a double whammy recently when it managed to be mentioned in the Nottingham Post newspaper not once but twice on the same day. If you thumb through a copy of the newspaper from 6 January you will find an article about a hedge-laying course in the park and a small piece about the Dynamo House Café looking for more volunteers so it can expand its opening hours this summer. Check out the clippings from the paper below.
|
|
Party Venue
12 January 2014
Happy Birthday to you?
Looking for a venue to host a family gathering, hold a talk or slide show, or have a birthday party? How about the Dynamo House in Bestwood Country Park? Thea held her birthday party there on Saturday and had around 40 friends and family drop by to help her celebrate. The catering was sorted out by ladies from the Bestwood Village WI with hot & cold drinks, sandwiches and cakes on offer. Drop in to the café on Saturday morning to see the venue and discuss the options.
Volunteers Step Forward
6 January 2014
|
The list of Thursdays when volunteers will be needed for work in the park has been drawn up for Jan, Feb & March 2014. You can download the details on the poster below.
|
| ||
Happy New Year!
5 January 2014
Everyone at the Friends of Bestwood Country Park would like to wish you a wonderful 2014. We hope you get to spend lots of time in our big, beautiful park whatever the weather as there is always lots to see and do.
The Dynamo House is a great place to pick up maps & information sheets, read about the local area's history or see the mini-museum exhibits. Bring along your memories of life in the mines for our Heritage Officers to record for future generations, or you photographs of the local area to be copied for our archives. You will always receive a warm welcome.
You can download a nature spotting sheet for the kids at the DH or by clicking below.
The Dynamo House is a great place to pick up maps & information sheets, read about the local area's history or see the mini-museum exhibits. Bring along your memories of life in the mines for our Heritage Officers to record for future generations, or you photographs of the local area to be copied for our archives. You will always receive a warm welcome.
You can download a nature spotting sheet for the kids at the DH or by clicking below.
| 2014_what_can_be_seen_at_bcp-_children_friendly.pdf |
Storm Damage
27 December 2013
Thanks to Abigail Sturton for the photo
Several villagers reported that the park had suffered damage to its trees in last night's high winds.
This photo was posted on the village facebook page by Abigail who was stopped in her tracks by a fallen tree and had to take an alternative route. The moral of this posting - be careful out there if you are out and about in the park as the rangers may take a while to get round to clearing the last of the damaged trees.
This photo was posted on the village facebook page by Abigail who was stopped in her tracks by a fallen tree and had to take an alternative route. The moral of this posting - be careful out there if you are out and about in the park as the rangers may take a while to get round to clearing the last of the damaged trees.
Mansfield Nature Reserve Project
17 December 2013
Easy access in action.
We are always interested in local improvements for nature conservation so it was good to hear news that work
has finished on a project to restore the pond at Quarry Lane Local
Nature Reserve, near Mansfield.
The scheme, which is part of the Upper Maun Project, is part funded by the Environment Agency. It will now attract a greater variety of wildlife to the area and improve conditions for water voles. Work on the dipping platforms and path will make the pond area safe and accessible for the whole community including people with disabilities or limited mobility. Local schools will now have greater access for environmental education visits too. Read more.
The scheme, which is part of the Upper Maun Project, is part funded by the Environment Agency. It will now attract a greater variety of wildlife to the area and improve conditions for water voles. Work on the dipping platforms and path will make the pond area safe and accessible for the whole community including people with disabilities or limited mobility. Local schools will now have greater access for environmental education visits too. Read more.
Crayfish & Soup
16 December 2013
The Dynamo House turns into a soup kitchen
Today saw a gathering at the Dynamo House of various volunteer groups who help out in Bestwood Country Park. In the morning they were treated to a talk by Emma about the endangered White Clawed Crayfish, which we are lucky enough to have present in the River Leen as it passes through the park. The volunteers then had to earn their lunch by taking part in a fire drill evacuation of the Winding Engine House. The good news was that they all survived the "fire" and the building was clear in under 2 minutes. This great result was rewarded by being served bowls of wonderful home-made soup with chunky bread, rounded off with lots of naughty Christmas delights including festive mince pies and Chris's chocolate peppermint squares.
The day was arranged by Sue McDonald as a big thank you to all the volunteers for their hard work throughout 2013 and was a lovely way to finish off the year.
The day was arranged by Sue McDonald as a big thank you to all the volunteers for their hard work throughout 2013 and was a lovely way to finish off the year.
Winter Walk
14 December 2013
Your local park just waiting to welcome you
If you fancy stepping out to walk off the excesses of Christmas we would encourage you to do so locally. No need to drive miles to Rufford or Clumber; we have two options for you right on your doorstep.
27 December 10.30am to 2pm Annesley Winter Walk lead by David Amos, setting off from Annesley Old Church. Details on 01623 457092.
28 December Bestwood Country Park take a walk around at any time but between 10am - 12 noon you can set yourself up for the trek or refuel afterwards at the Dynamo House Café, which will be open as normal serving hot drinks & cakes.
Whatever you do at Christmas make sure you get out and about in your local wonderful winter wonderland!
27 December 10.30am to 2pm Annesley Winter Walk lead by David Amos, setting off from Annesley Old Church. Details on 01623 457092.
28 December Bestwood Country Park take a walk around at any time but between 10am - 12 noon you can set yourself up for the trek or refuel afterwards at the Dynamo House Café, which will be open as normal serving hot drinks & cakes.
Whatever you do at Christmas make sure you get out and about in your local wonderful winter wonderland!
Best Foot Forward
9 December 2013
|
Best Foot Forward offers a number of short walks in the Nottingham City area. These FREE guided health walks offer you the opportunity to improve your health, make new friends, have fun and get to know your local environment. Each day of the week focuses on walks in a particular area.
One of the Monday walk areas is Bestwood. All the various Bestwood walks are in the Green Flag areas of Bestwood including some in Southglade Park. Meeting place: Southglade Access Centre,
Southglade Road, Bestwood Estate at 1.15pm Grade: Easy to moderate Walk length: 1 and 3 miles Duration: 40-60 minutes Terrain: Relatively flat Download the booklet by clicking below:-
| ||
Christmas Past Event
7 December 2013
A Christmas Past event is being run from 10.30am to 12 noon on Tuesday 17 December at the Winding Engine House & Dynamo House off Park Road in Bestwood Village - come along to this free event to share your and your family’s memories of Bestwood at Christmas. The poster has all the details. All are warmly welcome, but please call Adele or David on 0115 976 2422 so that they can get enough cuppas and mince pies in!
Latest Vole News
6 December 2013
Frosts herald the approach of winter
The Voles have been busy around the park over the last few months. You can read all about what they have been getting up to throughout the Autumn in our "Voice of the Voles" section.
There are now opportunities for you to volunteer with work in the park on 3 days: Mondays, Sundays & Thursdays. Check if places are available with Sue McDonald on 0115 9753782
There are now opportunities for you to volunteer with work in the park on 3 days: Mondays, Sundays & Thursdays. Check if places are available with Sue McDonald on 0115 9753782
Trouble On Park Boundary
5 December 2013
The local Neighbourhood Watch have circulated the details below - if you’ve any information that could help the rangers, our neighbouring farmer, and the police to sort out this problem please get in touch as shown:
There have been five instances of criminal damage to the fencing at Bestwood Country Park in recent weeks. The damage has occurred in an area that bounds private land, and that is used by dog walkers, horse riders, mountain bikers and pedestrians alike, and it is believed that whoever has been causing the damage has done so to allow unhindered access to the park and private land.
This damage has caused the rangers a great deal of work to repair and a great deal of expense.
If anyone receives any information regarding who may be responsible for causing this damage, please notify the local beat team, PC 3374 Kylie Westlake or PCSO 4803 Rich Shipstone at Arnold Police station.
PS 2272 Andy Berryman
Gedling North NPT
Arnold Police station
101 Ext 853 4167
[email protected]
www.nottinghamshire.police.uk
There have been five instances of criminal damage to the fencing at Bestwood Country Park in recent weeks. The damage has occurred in an area that bounds private land, and that is used by dog walkers, horse riders, mountain bikers and pedestrians alike, and it is believed that whoever has been causing the damage has done so to allow unhindered access to the park and private land.
This damage has caused the rangers a great deal of work to repair and a great deal of expense.
If anyone receives any information regarding who may be responsible for causing this damage, please notify the local beat team, PC 3374 Kylie Westlake or PCSO 4803 Rich Shipstone at Arnold Police station.
PS 2272 Andy Berryman
Gedling North NPT
Arnold Police station
101 Ext 853 4167
[email protected]
www.nottinghamshire.police.uk
Wreath Making Classes
2 December 2013
The two wreath making classes held at the Dynamo House on Sunday the first of December were well attended and had some amazing results - check out a couple of the creations on the previous events page.
Lighting Up Christmas
1 December 2013
Several locations around the Bestwood Country Park are holding celebrations to mark the turning on of their Christmas lights - check out the dates, times & locations on the posters page.
Help For Hospice
18 November 2013
Hospice helpers mingle with the customers
On Saturday 16 November the Dynamo House Café was taken over by Nottinghamshire Hospice for their fund-raiser. Carol & Marlene from BVWI helped members of the Hospice team to serve drinks & cakes during the 2 hour café opening session. Money was raised from the sale of a vast range of cakes & drinks, a sale table and a donations bucket, resulting in a total of £107.65 being handed over to the hospice.
The Dynamo House Café will continue to host charity sessions once a quarter for worthwhile local causes so look out for the next one sometime after Christmas.
Saturday also saw the launch of the Dynamo House Café Recipe Book which will be on sale at the Café for £1 whilst stocks last.
The Dynamo House Café will continue to host charity sessions once a quarter for worthwhile local causes so look out for the next one sometime after Christmas.
Saturday also saw the launch of the Dynamo House Café Recipe Book which will be on sale at the Café for £1 whilst stocks last.
Vote Vote Vote!
10 November 2013
We have submitted a bid to the Galaxy Hot Chocolate Fund for some much needed cash to help improve facilities at the Dynamo House Café. The fund are supporting warm hearted people & projects and your vote can help ensure that we are one of the recipients. Click HERE to go and cast a vote. Please tell your friends to vote for us too.
Bird Seed For Sale
9 November 2013
The Dynamo House Café is now selling wild bird seed at just 80p for a 1Kg bag. We buy in bulk to feed the birds in our park though the tough winter months and are buying a little extra to pass on to our customers at the discount price. Be sure to pick up a bag next time you are passing and enjoy the sight of wild birds in your garden enjoying their treat almost as much as you enjoyed your coffee & cake at the café.
Rearranged Volunteer Day
8 November 2013
The maintenance session on the Japanese Water Garden will now take place from 10am on Wednesday 4 December. We are looking for as many volunteers as possible to get stuck in and clear the leaves, tidy the shrubbery and generally get the area ready for the spring when all the revealed snowdrops will have their moment of glory. Tools, tea, coffee and biscuits - are provided just bring yourself and some sensible clothes & footwear. Every extra pair of hands really does make a difference!
Christmas Reward For Volunteers
7 November 2013
To say a little thank you to all the Park Volunteers they are all invited to a Christmas gathering at the Dynamo House on Monday 16 December from 1030am. There will be an illustrated talk by Emma and lots of lovely Christmas fayre to indulge in. Booking is essential. Details are on the poster in the Events section.
Bonfire Party
5 November 2013
The annual MS Fund-raising Society bonfire party at Gaunt Hill will take place on Saturday 9 November from 6.30pm Tickets are just £10 which includes your burger or hot dog- details on the posters page.
Volunteers Wanted
3 November 2013
A new volunteer group are being set up in Bestwood Country Park. They will meet up on two Thursdays a month between 10am and 3pm from now until April 2014 and carry out woodland management tasks mainly in Bestwood Country Park.
The poster gives you all the details including contacts for Sue McDonald (Community Liaison Officer for Country Parks & Green Estates) who is arranging the sessions.
If you want to have a flavour of what park volunteers get up to just check out the Voice of the Voles written by one of our Monday volunteers.
The poster gives you all the details including contacts for Sue McDonald (Community Liaison Officer for Country Parks & Green Estates) who is arranging the sessions.
If you want to have a flavour of what park volunteers get up to just check out the Voice of the Voles written by one of our Monday volunteers.
Sharing The Profits
28 October 2013
16 November 2013
It has been agreed that the profits from one Dynamo House Café session each quarter will be donated to another local charity. This follows the success of the Macmillan Cancer Support café session back in September when £150 was raised to help with their amazing work.
The next sponsored charity day will be held on 16 November for the Nottingham Hospice. This session will be our Oct/Nov/Dec slot so we will be choosing another worthy cause for our 2014 Jan/Feb/Mar slot very soon.
If you are involved with a local charity that you think we should consider for a future donation please drop us a line using the "contact us" form. Otherwise please make a note of the date and make a special effort to come along and support a great local cause by buying a coffee & a cake.
The next sponsored charity day will be held on 16 November for the Nottingham Hospice. This session will be our Oct/Nov/Dec slot so we will be choosing another worthy cause for our 2014 Jan/Feb/Mar slot very soon.
If you are involved with a local charity that you think we should consider for a future donation please drop us a line using the "contact us" form. Otherwise please make a note of the date and make a special effort to come along and support a great local cause by buying a coffee & a cake.
The Big Draw Returns
21 October 2013
To remind you - the park is once more taking part in the national Big Draw event, with local professional artist Sandy Bywater, at the Dynamo House this coming Saturday - 26 October. The theme is ‘Draw Tomorrow’. This event runs from 10 am - 4 pm.
You can read more about the national Big Draw campaign at http://www.campaignfordrawing.org/bigdraw/
It is all FREE and there is no need to book, just come along and enjoy the chance to have a go. You will be encouraged to draw, make or create your own tomorrow in a box. The café will be open during the event from 10am to 4pm.
You can read more about the national Big Draw campaign at http://www.campaignfordrawing.org/bigdraw/
It is all FREE and there is no need to book, just come along and enjoy the chance to have a go. You will be encouraged to draw, make or create your own tomorrow in a box. The café will be open during the event from 10am to 4pm.
Prepare For Christmas
20 October 2013
In preparation for Christmas the Dynamo House will be the venue for a workshop to teach you how to make a living wreath for your door. The course costs £8 to make one wreath and there are two sessions to choose from on the same day.
The workshop will be run on Sunday, 1 December; 11am to 1pm or 2pm to 4pm.
Light refreshments will be available whilst you work.
The poster shows some of the wreaths produced last year, so come along and see what you can make for your door.
The workshop will be run on Sunday, 1 December; 11am to 1pm or 2pm to 4pm.
Light refreshments will be available whilst you work.
The poster shows some of the wreaths produced last year, so come along and see what you can make for your door.
INNS Talk
18 October 2013
Grey Squirrel - A common INNS
At the next FoBCP monthly meeting, on Thursday, 21 November, Sue McDonald will be entertaining and informing us all with a talk on Invasive Non-Native Species.
Those of you who have met Sue will know to expect anything but a boring talk. Come along to enjoy the talk and learn a little along the way.
Non-members of the Friends group are welcome to attend.
Those of you who have met Sue will know to expect anything but a boring talk. Come along to enjoy the talk and learn a little along the way.
Non-members of the Friends group are welcome to attend.
Local Park Needs You!
17 October 2013
We are looking for volunteers to help out with some conservation work at our near neighbour Rufford Abbey Country Park on Wednesday 23 October.
If you can help please contact LEANNE WOMBWELL (Assistant Manager)
by e-mail on
[email protected]
or tel 01623 821334
If you can help please contact LEANNE WOMBWELL (Assistant Manager)
by e-mail on
[email protected]
or tel 01623 821334
Pit Talk
14 October 2013
Did you work down the pits in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire or Leicestershire? If so, we want to hear from you.
On Saturday 19th October at the Dynamo House in Bestwood Village a project called "Pit Talk" will be hoping to ‘record the language unique to the Notts, Derbyshire and Leicestershire coalfields before it's lost… and highlight terms that found their way into the local language and are still being used more widely today.'
Come along and contribute or just to find out more. Drinks & cakes available from the café as normal.
On Saturday 19th October at the Dynamo House in Bestwood Village a project called "Pit Talk" will be hoping to ‘record the language unique to the Notts, Derbyshire and Leicestershire coalfields before it's lost… and highlight terms that found their way into the local language and are still being used more widely today.'
Come along and contribute or just to find out more. Drinks & cakes available from the café as normal.
Free Family Fungi Foray
12 October 2013
Don't forget the Free Fungi Foray Day tomorrow at the Dynamo House. It runs from 10.30am to 4pm with fungi forays at 11am and 2pm. The Café will be open all that time serving hot & cold drinks and home-baked cakes. Wrap up warm, put on your wellies & come along and share in the fun. Poster with full details here.
UPDATE: - Photos of the event in the Previous Events section.
UPDATE: - Photos of the event in the Previous Events section.
Award Astonishment
11 October 2013
The volunteers from the Winding Engine House and the Dynamo House Café were proud to receive the runners up award in the team category in the Pam Clipsham volunteer awards.
Brenda & Carol from the Café team went along to collect the award on behalf of the team at Gedling BC on the evening of Thursday 10 October.
The certificate is now displayed on the wall of the Dynamo House for all the customers to see. They were surprised enough to be nominated never mind their astonishment at coming second.
Brenda & Carol from the Café team went along to collect the award on behalf of the team at Gedling BC on the evening of Thursday 10 October.
The certificate is now displayed on the wall of the Dynamo House for all the customers to see. They were surprised enough to be nominated never mind their astonishment at coming second.
Meet David
3 October 2013
Check out the Park People section to find out more about one of our Heritage Officers, David Amos. His long awaited profile and photo have finally been published so just click here and read all about him.
Planting Flowers In The Rain
2 October 2013
Raining stair rods but the planting goes on.
The Friends of Bestwood Country Park, together with a party from the Environment Agency, helped Gedling Borough Council plant around 2,000 daffodil bulbs today. Choosing the wettest day for weeks, they set out to plant up the grassy knoll adjacent to Bestwood Lodge Hotel's car park. The planting eventually extended around the bank leading into the park and included clumps of large daffodils edged with a band of the miniature "quail" variety. Spring should see visitors greeted with a "host of golden daffodils" as they enter the park. See photos of just how wet they got in the gallery.
Donation To Charity
30 September 2013
On Saturday 28 September all the profits from the Dynamo House Café were donated to Macmillan Cancer Support. The sun came out & so did the crowds, in such numbers that it was standing room only at times. Everyone was very generous buying lots of hot drinks, cakes and take-away boxes of goodies as well as making some monetary donations.
We were able to make a donation to Macmillan of £150 to help them continue their vital work caring for cancer sufferers & their families. Thanks to everyone involved.
We were able to make a donation to Macmillan of £150 to help them continue their vital work caring for cancer sufferers & their families. Thanks to everyone involved.
Fashion & Fungi
27 September 2013
We have posters advertising two events in the Greenwood in early October. A Fun Fungi Day at the Dynamo House in Bestwood Country Park on 13th October and a fashion show at the Ashwood Centre in Kirkby in Ashfield on 14th October. Full details are available on the posters page in the events section.
Supporting Good Cause
25 September 2013
The Friends of Bestwood Country Park and Bestwood Village WI will be serving coffee, tea, hot chocolate and juices along with their usual array of great home-baked cakes at the Dynamo House Café this Saturday. However, instead of the profits being used to enhance the Country Park as normal, this week all profits will be donated to Macmillan Cancer Support. This is all part of their annual "World's Biggest Coffee Morning" campaign. So if you would like to support a great cause and have a nice start to your Saturday come along and treat yourself between 10am and 12 noon.
Greenwood Awards
24 September 2013
ARTICLE FROM NOTTINGHAM POST
Volunteers and supporters of a Notts community woodlands have received awards for their efforts. The annual Greenwood Community Awards took place at the Goosedale Conference Centre, in Papplewick, earlier this month to recognise people's contributions over the last 12 months towards improving the environment. Greenwood Partnership Board chairman, Councillor John Knight, presented the awards to community groups and individual volunteers. Each year the Greenwood Partnership says thank you to volunteers by organising a celebration event. Greenwood covers 161 square miles of Notts, from Mansfield in the north to Nottingham in the south, and from Eastwood in the west to Farnsfield in the east. Find out more here.
Volunteers and supporters of a Notts community woodlands have received awards for their efforts. The annual Greenwood Community Awards took place at the Goosedale Conference Centre, in Papplewick, earlier this month to recognise people's contributions over the last 12 months towards improving the environment. Greenwood Partnership Board chairman, Councillor John Knight, presented the awards to community groups and individual volunteers. Each year the Greenwood Partnership says thank you to volunteers by organising a celebration event. Greenwood covers 161 square miles of Notts, from Mansfield in the north to Nottingham in the south, and from Eastwood in the west to Farnsfield in the east. Find out more here.
Have Your Say
23 September 2013
There’s a drop-in public consultation on Wednesday 2 October, at the Community Centre in Bestwood Village, between 2 and 7 pm. Hopefully it will give an opportunity to see exactly what Gedling Borough Council is currently planning, and give your views. Although we have been told there are no plans for building on park land, any nearby development is bound to have knock-on effects for the park.
County Council Spending Consultations
The County Council manage and provide funding for most of our big park, although Gedling BC look after its south-eastern corner. You can now visit www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/budget to take part in the County Council’s budget challenge consultation. There’s a chance to give your views in three stages. Please note Stage 2, confusingly, only runs up to 25 October, whereas Stages 1 and 3 are open until 17 January.
The good news is that part of stage 2 is NCC’s draft Strategic Plan 2014-18, which lists as their second priority (of five) ‘protecting the environment’, and includes the paragraph:
"We want to ensure that the county’s heritage is preserved and can be enjoyed by all. Our country parks and open spaces provide an attractive environment that we will promote for both residents and visitors… We will encourage people to get involved and help to protect, restore and improve our countryside by volunteering with a local wildlife group or conservation organisation."
The bad news is that they have a £154m funding gap.
If you’d like to contribute to the challenge debate, please have a look at the website and make your views known.
County Council Spending Consultations
The County Council manage and provide funding for most of our big park, although Gedling BC look after its south-eastern corner. You can now visit www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/budget to take part in the County Council’s budget challenge consultation. There’s a chance to give your views in three stages. Please note Stage 2, confusingly, only runs up to 25 October, whereas Stages 1 and 3 are open until 17 January.
The good news is that part of stage 2 is NCC’s draft Strategic Plan 2014-18, which lists as their second priority (of five) ‘protecting the environment’, and includes the paragraph:
"We want to ensure that the county’s heritage is preserved and can be enjoyed by all. Our country parks and open spaces provide an attractive environment that we will promote for both residents and visitors… We will encourage people to get involved and help to protect, restore and improve our countryside by volunteering with a local wildlife group or conservation organisation."
The bad news is that they have a £154m funding gap.
If you’d like to contribute to the challenge debate, please have a look at the website and make your views known.
Volunteers' Efforts Rewarded
22 September 2013
Yesterday the Winding Engine House and associated Dynamo House Café & its Mini-museum were inspected by a secret shopper form VisitEngland - The English Tourist Board and previously known as Enjoy England. All of the attractions displaying the Quality Rose Marque are visited annually by independent assessors commissioned by Visit England. The wonderful outcome of this latest inspection is that we retained our "Place of Interest" award. Our current Enjoy England signs will be replaced with VisitEngland Official Partner signs during 2013.
See photos in the gallery of the volunteers who happened to be on duty this weekend proudly displaying the plaque.
Better still come along and see what a great tourist attraction you have on your doorstep.
See photos in the gallery of the volunteers who happened to be on duty this weekend proudly displaying the plaque.
Better still come along and see what a great tourist attraction you have on your doorstep.
Autumn Newsletter
19 September 2013
The Autumn Newsletter is available for you to download. It has all the latest news on what has been happening in the park and things to look forward to in the coming months. Check out the document download below and catch up with older copies of the newsletter in the archive.
| 2013_autumn_fob_newsletter.pdf |
Computer Bugs
17 September 2013
On Saturday 16 November the annual insect exhibition run by DANES (Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Entomological Society) will be held at the Nottingham Trent University Brackenhurst Campus 11am to 4pm. Check out the details on the posters page
In The Park After Dark
11 September 2013
Meet Penny the pipistrelle.
Tonight, as the sun set over the country park, people were making their way to the Dynamo House to listen to a talk on one of our most interesting mammals - the bat.
Lynn, a member of the Notts Wildlife Trust and the Nottingham Bat Group gave an interesting illustrated talk about bats, focussing on the species currently found in Nottinghamshire.
The star of the talk was Penny, the common pipistrelle bat. She had been found injured in the Rise Park area and nursed back to health by members of the Notts Bat Group. Sadly, although she healed well, she would never fly and has been recruited as an educational bat to help people better understand these much maligned creatures.
The group then headed down to the Mill Lakes where they were armed with electronic detectors and sent off to spot any passing bats. Several species were both heard and seen. The park it seems is just as full of wildlife at night as it is during the day - it just takes patience & a little technology to find it.
Check out photos of the bat night in the gallery.
Lynn, a member of the Notts Wildlife Trust and the Nottingham Bat Group gave an interesting illustrated talk about bats, focussing on the species currently found in Nottinghamshire.
The star of the talk was Penny, the common pipistrelle bat. She had been found injured in the Rise Park area and nursed back to health by members of the Notts Bat Group. Sadly, although she healed well, she would never fly and has been recruited as an educational bat to help people better understand these much maligned creatures.
The group then headed down to the Mill Lakes where they were armed with electronic detectors and sent off to spot any passing bats. Several species were both heard and seen. The park it seems is just as full of wildlife at night as it is during the day - it just takes patience & a little technology to find it.
Check out photos of the bat night in the gallery.
Steaming Success
8 September 2013
One of the traction engines in full steam.
Today the Steam Heritage Day held in the Bestwood Country Park by the Winding Engine House was a great success. The sun shone on the crowds who came along to see the steam fairground organ and model traction engines. There were rides on ponies or on the back of the larger traction engines and free tours of the Winding Engine House. Drinks & cakes were served in the Dynamo House Café where the display boards & mining exhibits could be seen.
A lovely family day out was had by everyone who came along - well done to all the volunteers who helped make it happen, especially those FoBCP members involved. There are photos of the day in the gallery. Nottingham Post article here.
A lovely family day out was had by everyone who came along - well done to all the volunteers who helped make it happen, especially those FoBCP members involved. There are photos of the day in the gallery. Nottingham Post article here.
Go Batty In The Park
5 September 2013
Do you want to know more about one of our cutest native mammals? Come along to the Dynamo House on Wednesday 11 September at 6.30pm and find out all about British bats. The talk will be followed by a walk around the Mill Lakes (7.30pm) to hopefully see and hear them in the flesh. There is a small charge of £4 which will go to the Nottinghamshire Bat Group. Bats are not the scary creatures Scooby Doo would have you believe. The more you understand about them the more you will admire them.
Full details of the event are on the posters page.
Full details of the event are on the posters page.
Steam Heritage Day
4 September 2013
This coming Sunday 8 September the Winding Engine House in the Country Park will once again be a hub of activity, this time aimed at the grown ups as well as the kids - so bring the whole family down.
A steam heritage day will showcase the mining heritage of the area and the massive part our fantastic local colliery played in producing coal.
Activities include:
• Miniature steam traction engines and a steam fairground organ which will remind visitors of the power behind the industrial revolution.
• The Bestwood Black Diamonds Brass Band, which has a long association with the Bestwood Colliery, providing entertainment.
• Storyteller Amanda Smith will lead an interactive storytelling session about stories related to Bestwood Colliery’s past.
The day kicks off at 11am and runs through to 4pm - come along and support your local heritage site and have a great day out into the bargain. The Dynamo House Café will be open throughout serving up fresh filter coffee, tea, hot chocolate, juices and home-baked cakes - just 50p each.
Poster with all the details is on the posters page.
A steam heritage day will showcase the mining heritage of the area and the massive part our fantastic local colliery played in producing coal.
Activities include:
• Miniature steam traction engines and a steam fairground organ which will remind visitors of the power behind the industrial revolution.
• The Bestwood Black Diamonds Brass Band, which has a long association with the Bestwood Colliery, providing entertainment.
• Storyteller Amanda Smith will lead an interactive storytelling session about stories related to Bestwood Colliery’s past.
The day kicks off at 11am and runs through to 4pm - come along and support your local heritage site and have a great day out into the bargain. The Dynamo House Café will be open throughout serving up fresh filter coffee, tea, hot chocolate, juices and home-baked cakes - just 50p each.
Poster with all the details is on the posters page.
Miners Day Strikes Gold
3 September 2013
The Mini-Miners Family Day Out held on Saturday 31 August was a storming success. Families came out to enjoy the sunshine and all the activities on offer and the whole place was buzzing with happy faces. The volunteer engineers were kept busy taking people on free tours of the Winding Engine House and the ladies of the Bestwood Village WI were run off their feet serving hot & cold drinks and freshly baked cakes in the Dynamo House Café. There are some photos of the day in the gallery.
Mini Museum
17 August 2013
Annesley Colliery Banner
The Dynamo House has been treated to a bit if a make-over and now has the start of a mini museum inside. The walls have been decked with memorabilia from the local mines (banner & commemorative plates) and the glass display cupboard filled with mining artefacts and items of interest relating to the colliery.
Come along and take a look at what is on offer and watch the collection grow as we find more local items to display.
Photos in the gallery.
Come along and take a look at what is on offer and watch the collection grow as we find more local items to display.
Photos in the gallery.
Extra Committee Meeting
16 August 2013
Committee meeting at Bestwood Lodge Hotel
August is usually such a quiet month for the Friends Of Bestwood Country Park that we normally don't have a committee meeting. However, there is so much happening in the park in early September we had to squeeze an extra meeting in to help arrange the final details.
This is us in action putting the final touches to the Mini Miners Day on 31 August and the Steam Heritage Day on 8 September.
This is us in action putting the final touches to the Mini Miners Day on 31 August and the Steam Heritage Day on 8 September.
Rota Released
15 August 2013
Gill has published the latest volunteer rota fr shifts in the Dynamo House Café. You can download a copy from their page in the Park People section.
Wild Things In The Park
14 August 2013
Take a peek at our latest page to find out all about the Wild Things that happen in the park. We hope to have more groups who provide children's activities in the park featured on the site very soon.
August Meeting Agenda
11 August 2013
The agenda for the forthcoming meeting at the Bestwood Lodge Hotel on Thursday 15 August can be downloaded below. If you would like to come along and observe the group in action please drop a quick line to us on this email address so we know how many chairs we need. It will be decided on the night which room at the hotel we use as they fit us in around their other bookings so please ask at the reception where to find us. The meeting runs from 7.30pm to around 9.30pm.
| 15_08_13_agenda.pdf |
Mini-Miners Day
5 August 2013
Bring a blanket and have a picnic
Be sure to make a note in your diary of this forthcoming FREE event at the Winding Engine House. On Saturday, 31 August there will be fun for all the family when our heritage officers offer kids an opportunity to be mini miners.
The under 5's can tunnel for coal, older kids can hunt for mining equipment like lamps & canaries around the park and there will be a chance to dress up as a miner and handle real mining objects.
There will be tours of the Winding Engine House given by our volunteer engineers & the Dynamo House café will be open to purchase hot & cold drinks and home-baked cakes.
The under 5's can tunnel for coal, older kids can hunt for mining equipment like lamps & canaries around the park and there will be a chance to dress up as a miner and handle real mining objects.
There will be tours of the Winding Engine House given by our volunteer engineers & the Dynamo House café will be open to purchase hot & cold drinks and home-baked cakes.
Archive Launched
4 August 2013
Can you name these people?
The first item to go into our archive arrived today. This is a photograph taken on the day the Bestwood Country Park opened. It was donated to our archive by Sheilagh Stones. If you have any interesting old shots of the park please drop us a line and we can add your images to our archive.
Bigger version of this photo is in the archive with names put to the faces we know.
Bigger version of this photo is in the archive with names put to the faces we know.
August Meeting
31 July 2013
We are planning to have an August meeting of the FoBCP. In other years the August meeting has been skipped but this year we have so much happening in the park we decided to have an August meeting after all. It will be held at the Bestwood Lodge Hotel at 7.30pm on Thursday, 15 August. The agenda will be posted here as soon as it is published.
Sunday Opening
30 July 2013
The Dynamo House Café will be opening from 2pm to 4pm on Sunday afternoons during August. This is a trial to see how much demand there is for a drink and a cake on a Sunday afternoon in the park. Please spread the word about the extra opening and come along and enjoy a drink and a cake for just £1 served by our team of volunteers.
Latest What's On Listing
29 July 2013
The new listing of events arranged in the park between October 2013 and March 2014 is available for downloading. Just click on the icon below, or check out the details on the events page.
| bestwood_winter_whats_on_.pdf |
Heritage Trail Comes To BCP
25 July 2013
On 24 July the launch event for the Mining Heritage Trail leaflet took place in St. Mark's church and the Winding Engine House in Bestwood Country Park. To read a write up of the day click here. The new leaflet can be downloaded below.
| miningheritagetrail.pdf |
Fruiting Fungus
23 July 2013
Dryad's Saddle or Pheasant's Back Fungus
Here’s something weird for the July sighting list. Having checked with the Notts Fungus Group we can confirm it is a
Dryad’s Saddle fungus.
It's huge, (that is a 30cm ruler in the photograph for scale) or at least it was on 21 July when Gill spotted it at the side of the front-line footpath between the Hatton Close & Ludgate Close entrances.
Di Mears at the NFG said it might fruit again, so keep an eye out for this giant later in the year.
It's huge, (that is a 30cm ruler in the photograph for scale) or at least it was on 21 July when Gill spotted it at the side of the front-line footpath between the Hatton Close & Ludgate Close entrances.
Di Mears at the NFG said it might fruit again, so keep an eye out for this giant later in the year.
Volunteers Wanted
22 July 2013
Do you have time to lend a helping hand?
Celebration Event
20 July 2013
Pick up a Heritage Trail leaflet on the day
The Winding Engine House is at the heart of an event run by Nottinghamshire Open Churches on 24 July 2013. The new Mining Heritage Trail leaflet will be launched with a day-long event centred on two locations in Bestwood Village: St Mark's Church and the Winding Engine House in Bestwood Country Park.
You are invited to come and hear about the pivotal role played by Nottinghamshire churches in the lives of coal mining communities during the 19th & 20th centuries. The day starts at 11am at St Mark's with a series of talks followed by a buffet lunch. The focus then moves to the Winding Engine House where hot drinks & cakes will be followed by a guided tour of the site. The event is free but booking is essential. Email Heather to book a place.
You are invited to come and hear about the pivotal role played by Nottinghamshire churches in the lives of coal mining communities during the 19th & 20th centuries. The day starts at 11am at St Mark's with a series of talks followed by a buffet lunch. The focus then moves to the Winding Engine House where hot drinks & cakes will be followed by a guided tour of the site. The event is free but booking is essential. Email Heather to book a place.
Park Proposal
17 July 2013
Below is an outline proposal for an activity area in the Bestwood Country Park put forward by the Village Vision group. The suggested location is on the path from the entrance on Park Road opposite the post office walking towards the Winding Engine House - the area sometimes known as the Extension Field. It is JUST AN IDEA at this stage and has many hurdles to cross before becoming a reality, if ever. However, at this stage we would welcome your thoughts and comments, changes and improvements so that these can be taken forward into the next stage of the process.
If you would like to make a comment please use our contact form to send them in and we will forward them to the village vision team. Click on the image below to see a larger picture.
If you would like to make a comment please use our contact form to send them in and we will forward them to the village vision team. Click on the image below to see a larger picture.
Richard's Review
16 July 2013
Richard has kindly sent in lots of his photos from 2012 to add to the gallery. Check out his images from the main park & the mill lakes during last spring - remember the sun, the mist and all that snow.
If you have images we could use on the website please send them in to us on this email address. PHOTOS
If you have images we could use on the website please send them in to us on this email address. PHOTOS
Birthday Party
13 July 2013
Some of the volunteers with the card & cake
It was just one year ago that the Dynamo House Café opened its doors for the first time. From Gill & Margret's small idea has sprung a village favourite. Walks in the park on a Saturday morning just wouldn't be the same without popping into the café for a drink and a piece of home-baked cake. To thank the volunteer bakers and servers they gathered at the café this morning for a chance to enjoy a drink & a piece of birthday cake themselves for a change. The birthday cake, decorated by Kay, represented the small acorn of an idea from which this great project has grown. Gill thanked all the volunteers and especially the ladies from the Bestwood Village WI who's continued enthusiasm kept the café open through the winter months and continues to draw in customers with their wonderful baking. Some extra photos of the celebrations are on the BVWI website.
Dates For The Diary
8 July 2013
Make a note of the dates
A couple of dates to make a note of later in the year:
Wednesday 2 October
Volunteers needed for a bulb planting session in the Arboretum, organised by Gedling Borough Council. Sessions usually run between 10 and 3 with a lunch break.
Wednesday 6 November
Volunteers needed for a leaf and bramble clearing session at the Japanese Gardens in the Arboretum, timings as above.
Wednesday 2 October
Volunteers needed for a bulb planting session in the Arboretum, organised by Gedling Borough Council. Sessions usually run between 10 and 3 with a lunch break.
Wednesday 6 November
Volunteers needed for a leaf and bramble clearing session at the Japanese Gardens in the Arboretum, timings as above.
I Spy With My Little Eye...
5 July 2013
...something beginning with S
If you spy something interesting in the park who can you tell? How do you know what others might have seen that you could look out for on your walk?
Sue McDonald plans to put a monthly sightings list on the new park notice board by the classroom, near Alexandra Lodge.
We’d like to encourage people to send in their sightings either by phone, email, through our website contact form or just by putting a note through the Alexandra Lodge letter box. Your sightings can then be added to the next monthly list.
Birds, mammals, insects, snakes, lizards, fungi, flowers - the list can go on and on. whatever is seen, you will need to note what it was, and where & when it was seen. We hope to have a location map available very soon so we can all use a set of consistent location names - watch this space!
Sue’s phone 0115 975 3782 or 07500 106567 (Leave a message out of hours)
Email: [email protected]
Sue McDonald plans to put a monthly sightings list on the new park notice board by the classroom, near Alexandra Lodge.
We’d like to encourage people to send in their sightings either by phone, email, through our website contact form or just by putting a note through the Alexandra Lodge letter box. Your sightings can then be added to the next monthly list.
Birds, mammals, insects, snakes, lizards, fungi, flowers - the list can go on and on. whatever is seen, you will need to note what it was, and where & when it was seen. We hope to have a location map available very soon so we can all use a set of consistent location names - watch this space!
Sue’s phone 0115 975 3782 or 07500 106567 (Leave a message out of hours)
Email: [email protected]
July Meeting
1 July 2013
Date for your diary
The July meeting of the Friends of Bestwood Country Park will take place on Thursday 18 July at the Bestwood Lodge Hotel. Kick off is 7.30pm. Observers are welcome to come along but are asked to let our chair, Margret, know you are planning to come along so we can sort out enough chairs. The number of attendees at the June AGM caught us out a little and we had to send out for extra seating!
The agenda is on the meetings page.
The agenda is on the meetings page.
July Events
25 June2013
The events both in Bestwood Country Park and in the surrounding Greenwood Community Forest area have been updated. Check out the events page and the posters section for things to do over the summer.
June Meeting
18 June 2013
The next meeting of the FoBCP will be on Thursday 20 June at 7.30pm. The venue as usual will be the Bestwood Lodge Hotel. This will contain our AGM as well as the usual monthly agenda items. The agenda will be available to download here as soon as it is distributed. If you are new to the group but would like to come along to observe proceedings please contact our Chair, Margret, so we can make sure we have enough seats at the table! Download the agenda below.
| fob_agenda_2013_6_20_1.pdf |
Café Volunteer Rota Update
17 June 2013
The rota for July & August is now available in the Park People section of the website. This covers two big events:
13 July - the Dynamo House Café celebrates its first birthday. This is quite a milestone and we hope to mark it in some way - quite possibly & very appropriately with a cake!
31 August - the family activity day will take place around the Winding Engine House & Dynamo House. More details on that closer to the time.
13 July - the Dynamo House Café celebrates its first birthday. This is quite a milestone and we hope to mark it in some way - quite possibly & very appropriately with a cake!
31 August - the family activity day will take place around the Winding Engine House & Dynamo House. More details on that closer to the time.
Bulwell Forest Week Of Action
15 June 2013
The Leaflet is packed with events to take part in.
Between the 22 and 29 June a whole host of events are being run in the Bulwell Forest Ward which should have you springing into action. Everything from Bowls to Aqua Zumba, including walking, toddling, cycling and singing. Two of the events are taking place in Bestwood Country Park.
Thursday 27th June an RSPB expert will lead a free bird-spotting walk around the park starting from the Dunvegan Drive entrance at 10am. Bring your binoculars along if you have them.
Friday 28th June there is a free dog walk around the park when you will be able to see what is being done to tackle the issue of dog fouling in the park. Set out for this short walk from the Dunvegan Drive entrance to the park at 5.30pm.
View it by clicking on the images or download the file by clicking the icon below.
Thursday 27th June an RSPB expert will lead a free bird-spotting walk around the park starting from the Dunvegan Drive entrance at 10am. Bring your binoculars along if you have them.
Friday 28th June there is a free dog walk around the park when you will be able to see what is being done to tackle the issue of dog fouling in the park. Set out for this short walk from the Dunvegan Drive entrance to the park at 5.30pm.
View it by clicking on the images or download the file by clicking the icon below.
        |
| ||
Date For The Diary
10 June 2013
Add it to your diary
Rufford Country Park Charity Awareness day
7 July - 11am - 3 pm.
This event will give an opportunity for local and national charities and 'Not For Profit' organisations to showcase what they are about and what they actually do including the FoBCP. Hopefully the event will raise awareness and support to worthwhile causes and may hopefully lead to recruitment of new volunteers and supporters.
7 July - 11am - 3 pm.
This event will give an opportunity for local and national charities and 'Not For Profit' organisations to showcase what they are about and what they actually do including the FoBCP. Hopefully the event will raise awareness and support to worthwhile causes and may hopefully lead to recruitment of new volunteers and supporters.
Women Who Do
4 June 2013
Another local event poster has been added to the posters page.
To check it out along with all the others please click here.
We try to publish details of all events taking place within the geographical area of the Greenwood Community Forest that would benefit the community. If you know of any such events please get in touch.
To check it out along with all the others please click here.
We try to publish details of all events taking place within the geographical area of the Greenwood Community Forest that would benefit the community. If you know of any such events please get in touch.
The Big Lunch
3 June 2013
The Winding Engine House at the heart of the event
On Sunday, 2 June Bestwood Country Park hosted their own
BIG LUNCH. This was a massive event designed to bring local people into the park to enjoy the facilities and to learn a little more about food waste and how to reduce it. Families came along to taste one of the 1,000 free portions of food prepared by the mobile kitchen. Volunteer groups had information stands to encourage local people to come along and get involved. The Winding Engine House volunteers were leading by example, offering free tours of the site to the visitors. The café was open serving hot & cold drinks and a selection of home-baked cakes, which raised around £160 for the Friends of Bestwood Country Park funds. Thank you to everyone who came along to help out on the day or to enjoy the event. Please come back soon.
BIG LUNCH. This was a massive event designed to bring local people into the park to enjoy the facilities and to learn a little more about food waste and how to reduce it. Families came along to taste one of the 1,000 free portions of food prepared by the mobile kitchen. Volunteer groups had information stands to encourage local people to come along and get involved. The Winding Engine House volunteers were leading by example, offering free tours of the site to the visitors. The café was open serving hot & cold drinks and a selection of home-baked cakes, which raised around £160 for the Friends of Bestwood Country Park funds. Thank you to everyone who came along to help out on the day or to enjoy the event. Please come back soon.
| |||
Long Way Round
26 May 2013
You may find you need to take the long way round to get to the Bestwood Village end of the park in the coming weeks. There will be road restrictions on Moor Road for the best part of 8 weeks with temporary traffic lights in operation for some of the time and diversions in place at other times.
Beware - it might take a few extra minutes to get to the park - but it will be worth it when you get there!
You can read the details of the restriction by clicking on the picture to make it larger.
Beware - it might take a few extra minutes to get to the park - but it will be worth it when you get there!
You can read the details of the restriction by clicking on the picture to make it larger.
Meet Adele
25 May 2013
You can find out all about one of the new Heritage Officers in the park people section. We hope to have some words from David and photos of both very soon.
Annual Report
|
Lesser Redpoll featured on the cover, courtesy of Ben Moss.
|
It’s 36
pages include a review of the year’s weather, and a monthly summary of
bird sightings, followed by a detailed systematic list of the birds seen, where
and when. Summaries follow of reported sightings of mammals, fungi, reptiles
and amphibians, butterflies, moths and other invertebrates, and selected flora
and lichen.
At the end of the report is a map and index compiled by FoBCPs member Ben Moss, extremely useful for those who wish to report their own wild life sightings to the rangers, for later inclusion in the report. It shows the locations and names of various areas which are used when reporting, and saves having to say vague things like ‘seen in third field on the left’!. As well as the contact details shown above for your sightings, you can drop hand-written notes of any sightings through the Rangers’ letter box at Alexandra Lodge if that is easier for you.
At the end of the report is a map and index compiled by FoBCPs member Ben Moss, extremely useful for those who wish to report their own wild life sightings to the rangers, for later inclusion in the report. It shows the locations and names of various areas which are used when reporting, and saves having to say vague things like ‘seen in third field on the left’!. As well as the contact details shown above for your sightings, you can drop hand-written notes of any sightings through the Rangers’ letter box at Alexandra Lodge if that is easier for you.
Voice of the Vole
23 May 2013
The Vole's page in the groups section has been updated with information about their work and some great photos showing what they have achieve recently in the park. Take a look now by clicking here.
Summer Newsletter Out Now
22 May 2013
The June edition of the newsletter is out a little early so why not download a copy below and get ahead with all the park news.
| 2013_summer_fobcp_newsletter.pdf |
New Woodland Fencing
21 May 2013
The new fencing along Main Drive opposite Bigwood School land has caused some comments! That small patch of woodland was put up for public auction by the County Council last year, and sold to the landowner whose land is adjacent. The rest of the park’s land to the south is owned and managed by Gedling Borough Council. The Friends group were told about the sale beforehand. We understand that NCC did not feel able to pay the upkeep for the fencing around the private land.
The new landowners have assured us that they have no plans for the patch other than to re-puddle the pond and to manage the woodland. They are however very keen to keep people off the land as they have found over the years that they get a better variety of both wild life and plants than in the areas where the public are admitted.
The new fencing does cut across a desire line used by walkers, but the new owners have created a new path which connects the existing desire path with main drive, such that only about 50 yards of the desire path is lost to the public. No public footpath is involved in that area.
Traditional morticed post and rail fencing has been used to match that originally fitted in the country park, although this gives the owners less security, because they feel it is in keeping with the surroundings. They have said, however, that they would have to reluctantly consider something more secure if they find people entering the land. They assure us that they do care about the area, but equally they want to preserve their privacy.
If you have any concerns please contact Sue McDonald - [email protected], Community Liaison Officer for the park.
Monthly Meeting
15 May 2013
It's that time again folks - the monthly meeting of the FOBCP will be taking place at the Bestwood Lodge Hotel at 7.30pm on Thursday 16 May. The meeting agenda can be downloaded below. If you are are thinking of coming along for the first time please drop us a line using the contact form so we know to expect you and can make sure there are enough chairs at the table and coffees in the pot.
| fobcp_agenda_16_may_2013.pdf |
Songs At Sunrise
6 May 2013
An elusive whitethroat
Gill Costello's account of her early morning walk in the park lead by Sue McDonald has been written up in the previous events section. Read just how many of our wonderful spring songbirds she managed to hear on her saunter through the park on a sunny Saturday morning in May.
Check out the Events page for future guided walks like this one that you can join in with.
Check out the Events page for future guided walks like this one that you can join in with.
Table Top Sales
27 April 2013
Locally sewn quilts on sale.
Over the May Bank Holiday there will be an extra attraction at the Winding Engine House & Dynamo House in the Country Park. On both Saturday 4th May and Monday 6th May there will be a small selection of table-top sales on offer for you to check out. They will be selling locally produced knitted, sewn and crafted items alongside some second-hand books. Come along and net yourself a bargain between 10am and 12 noon on Saturday and 10am and 12.30pm on Sunday.
There is a review of this event in the previous events section and photos in the gallery.
There is a review of this event in the previous events section and photos in the gallery.
FOBCP Spring Newsletter
20 April 2013
The Spring issue of the FOBCP Newsletter is now available to download. Just click on the icon below to download the file and enjoy a good read.
Back copies of the previous newsletters can be found in the archive.
Back copies of the previous newsletters can be found in the archive.
| 2013_spring_fobcp_newsletter.pdf |
Dynamic Fund-raising
19 April 2013
The Dynamo House Café has been in operation for about a year now and is proving ever more popular with park visitors. It is run by volunteers from several local groups including the FOBCP, the Bestwood Village WI and Bestwood Village Vision. By providing drinks, treats and of course a welcome comfort stop it has become the destination for bird-watchers, dog walkers, horse riders and those visiting the Winding Engine House. The funds raised from the sales of drinks and snacks is fed back into FOBCP funds and will be used to enhance the park with items such as bird feeding stations and benches.
Outside the Dynamo House
|
Inside the café
|
FOBCP Meeting
18 April 2013
The monthly meeting of the FOBCP will be held tonight at the Bestwood Lodge Hotel
starting at 7.30pm. The agenda is available on the meetings page. There
is a wedding fayre on at the hotel and parking will be at a premium so
please car share where possible.
Spring Definitely Arrived!
14 April 2013
The results of the Spring Into Bestwood Event were in full evidence in the Dynamo House today. The walls have been decorated by a kaleidoscope of butterflies rippling along one wall and colourful flowers across the windows.
Sandy Bywater adding the finishing touches to the butterfly display
Spring Into Bestwood
12 April 2013
Today marks the first day of the two day event of Spring Into Bestwood which we hope heralds the end of winter and the start of some warmer weather. The event is being run at the Dynamo House, off Park Road, Bestwood Village by artist Sandy Bywater. Visitors will be offered the chance to make flowers, butterflies and birds from paper and card to take home or to help decorate the room. Come along and have a go for just £2. The ceramic garden made by members of local groups under Sandy's guiding hand will be on display outside. Light refreshments will be available to buy at the Dynamo House Café which will be extending its opening hours to coincide with the event from 11am to 4pm Friday and 10am to on Saturday.
