News Articles
Newly planted coppice area 2022
Prior to the creation of the tree trail within Gedling Country park The Friends Group and their volunteers had been creating a working example of coppicing by clearing and replanting an existing area of, mainly Alder, woodland close to the northern park boundary. The aim of this project is to diversify our environments and also to provide an example of worked woodland within the park, providing both teaching and learning facilities for woodland management as well as opportunities for craft skills. Considerable care has been taken in the choice of site to create a coppiced woodland without destroying existing valuable sites. The area was chosen for a number of reasons, mainly due its lack of diversity (Mainly dense Alder growth), lack of nesting birds(only one nest found during the initial survey) and low diversity of woodland wildflowers(mainly moss sp. and a few ferns). We also consulted with various environment groups as to the benefits and/or detrimental effects of the project. Friends Group Volunteers working in the woodland
Prior to the creation of the tree trail within Gedling Country park The Friends Group and their volunteers had been creating a working example of coppicing by clearing and replanting an existing area of, mainly Alder, woodland close to the northern park boundary. The aim of this project is to diversify our environments and also to provide an example of worked woodland within the park, providing both teaching and learning facilities for woodland management as well as opportunities for craft skills. Considerable care has been taken in the choice of site to create a coppiced woodland without destroying existing valuable sites. The area was chosen for a number of reasons, mainly due its lack of diversity (Mainly dense Alder growth), lack of nesting birds(only one nest found during the initial survey) and low diversity of woodland wildflowers(mainly moss sp. and a few ferns). We also consulted with various environment groups as to the benefits and/or detrimental effects of the project. Friends Group Volunteers working in the woodland
As with any changes of land usage possible losses as well as gains to species diversity can be experienced, however, it was decided that the creation of an area of coppiced wood from a species poor existing wood would provide many more environmental benefits than losses
Coppicing is the management of a timber resource without the necessity for replanting after felling material and can increase the existing life span of a species up to ten fold, in-fact it could feasibly be possible to extend the life span indefinitely. Trees are felled on a cycle of approximately three to twenty-five years, depending on the species and the uses required(see species descriptions). Evidence from Neolithic times within the Somerset levels identifies coppice timber cut during the winter of 3807and 3806 BCE, the species being lime. Also examples of Neolithic walkways have been discovered within the same area.
Native tree species currently planted within the coppiced woodland and some of their usages:-
Alder – Clogs & Gunpowder charcoal, Lime - Carving & Turnery, Oak – Cooperage & Garden furniture, Hazel – Pea sticks & Hurdles, Sweet chestnut – Gates & Hurdles, Holly – Tool handles & spoons, Yew – Woodwork & Longbows, Field maple – Furniture & Carving, Ash – Besom handles & Furniture, Hawthorn – Walking sticks & Mallet heads, Hornbeam – Chopping blocks & Mallets, Birch – Besoms & Dishes, Alder – Clogs & Small turnery, Blackthorn – Cudgels & Walking sticks.
Shrubs and wildflowers planted within the coppiced woodland :- Bluebell, Primrose, Wood anemone, Snowdrop, Sweet violet, Sweet Woodruff, Betony, Garlic Mustard, Hairy St. Johns Wort, Upright Hedge Parsley, Nettle-leaved Bell Flower, Meadowsweet, Wood violet, Butchers broom, Honeysuckle, Cuckoo Pint, Dark Mullein, Self Heal, Yellow Pimpernel, Wood Avens, Butchers Broom, Guelder-rose, Autumn Crocus, Summer Snowflake,
WILLOWS
Willow fencing within the Coppice Woodland – created by Volunteers of FGCP
Gedling and the Trent Valley in general was an important willow producing area within the UK and the industry employed many local people. Willows as a coppiced product are used for basketwork, fencing tools etc.. The Friends Group are managing an already existing Willow area within the Park and have also commenced planting native basket and weaving varieties within the wetter areas of the Park, the intention being provide a source of material for local weavers and to hold demonstrations and sessions for the public. Working sessions for basket making and green woodworking are planned for 2023, with priority and reduced rates being provided for members. We will keep you updated.
More comprehensive and detailed information regarding Tree planting, native species, coppicing and willow working will be available later this year, as well as details regarding volunteering and events on the Park. Any spare or unwanted woodworking tools would be gratefully appreciated for use by volunteers – contact us via website.
Many thanks for all your support during 2022
Wishing you all a happy Christmas and joyful New Year.
24Nov18 - Co-op donates over £2,900
Coppicing is the management of a timber resource without the necessity for replanting after felling material and can increase the existing life span of a species up to ten fold, in-fact it could feasibly be possible to extend the life span indefinitely. Trees are felled on a cycle of approximately three to twenty-five years, depending on the species and the uses required(see species descriptions). Evidence from Neolithic times within the Somerset levels identifies coppice timber cut during the winter of 3807and 3806 BCE, the species being lime. Also examples of Neolithic walkways have been discovered within the same area.
Native tree species currently planted within the coppiced woodland and some of their usages:-
Alder – Clogs & Gunpowder charcoal, Lime - Carving & Turnery, Oak – Cooperage & Garden furniture, Hazel – Pea sticks & Hurdles, Sweet chestnut – Gates & Hurdles, Holly – Tool handles & spoons, Yew – Woodwork & Longbows, Field maple – Furniture & Carving, Ash – Besom handles & Furniture, Hawthorn – Walking sticks & Mallet heads, Hornbeam – Chopping blocks & Mallets, Birch – Besoms & Dishes, Alder – Clogs & Small turnery, Blackthorn – Cudgels & Walking sticks.
Shrubs and wildflowers planted within the coppiced woodland :- Bluebell, Primrose, Wood anemone, Snowdrop, Sweet violet, Sweet Woodruff, Betony, Garlic Mustard, Hairy St. Johns Wort, Upright Hedge Parsley, Nettle-leaved Bell Flower, Meadowsweet, Wood violet, Butchers broom, Honeysuckle, Cuckoo Pint, Dark Mullein, Self Heal, Yellow Pimpernel, Wood Avens, Butchers Broom, Guelder-rose, Autumn Crocus, Summer Snowflake,
WILLOWS
Willow fencing within the Coppice Woodland – created by Volunteers of FGCP
Gedling and the Trent Valley in general was an important willow producing area within the UK and the industry employed many local people. Willows as a coppiced product are used for basketwork, fencing tools etc.. The Friends Group are managing an already existing Willow area within the Park and have also commenced planting native basket and weaving varieties within the wetter areas of the Park, the intention being provide a source of material for local weavers and to hold demonstrations and sessions for the public. Working sessions for basket making and green woodworking are planned for 2023, with priority and reduced rates being provided for members. We will keep you updated.
More comprehensive and detailed information regarding Tree planting, native species, coppicing and willow working will be available later this year, as well as details regarding volunteering and events on the Park. Any spare or unwanted woodworking tools would be gratefully appreciated for use by volunteers – contact us via website.
Many thanks for all your support during 2022
Wishing you all a happy Christmas and joyful New Year.
24Nov18 - Co-op donates over £2,900
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Thank you to all of the members of the Co-op who chose The Friends of Gedling Country Park as their nominated local group in the Co-op's Gedling store.
During 2018, we have been awarded £2,932 from the Co-op's Local Community Fund. This money will be used by the Friends of Gedling Country Park to continue our development of the nature and environmental trails. |
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11Nov18 - World War 1 Remembrance Beacon Lighting at Gedling Country Park
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As part of the nationwide programme of events and organised by Gedling Borough Council with volunteers from the Friends helping on the night, a beacon was lit in Gedling Country Park to remember the fallen and their families, 100 years after the end of World War 1. |
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26Jul18 - Nature Trail unveiled at Gedling Country Park
A new heritage nature trail, complete with handcrafted wooden sculptures and interactive booklet, has been opened to the public in Gedling Country Park.
Unveiling of the Gedling Country Park Nature Trail. Photo Courtesy of Notts TV.
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Labour Gedling Borough Councillor Peter Barnes, portfolio holder for environment, said: “The heritage nature trail is fantastic. The walk, the sculptures and the booklets will be great for children to enjoy over the summer holidays and beyond. I’d like to thank the Friends of Gedling Country Park, the artist Peter Leadbeater and all who have all been involved in making this wonderful interactive nature trail.”
The trail features eight 3ft wooden sculptures of the wildlife found across the country park – a heron, badger, hedgehog, fox, rabbit, mole, pipistrelle bat and a green woodpecker. Each carving has information signs with facts about each animal, set at wheelchair-friendly height, and interactive ‘rubbing plaques’ where children, using crayons, can create animal impressions in their booklets. |
Fundraiser for the Friends of Gedling Country Park Sarah Benedek said: “This nature trail is something we’d hoped to develop since the park opened. As well as offering an additional activity for local children and visiting school trips it has been designed with wheelchair users in mind. This will complement the existing equipment in the children’s play area and the Changing Places toilet to make Gedling Country Park one of the most accessible destinations for wheelchair users in the Midlands.”
The trail follows the ‘High Hazels’ accessible footpath, a 1.4km wheelchair and pushchair-friendly circular route.
The trail was commissioned by the Friends of Gedling Country Park and Gedling Borough Council.
It is also part-funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), which is money generated by players of the National Lottery, and is part of a wider £74,000 Heritage Lottery Fund grant to explore and celebrate Gedling’s heritage.
In addition, the trail has received financial support from Co-op Gedling’s community fund.
This article was originally published by Notts TV at https://nottstv.com/new-sculpture-trail-at-gedling-country-park-opened-to-public/
The trail follows the ‘High Hazels’ accessible footpath, a 1.4km wheelchair and pushchair-friendly circular route.
The trail was commissioned by the Friends of Gedling Country Park and Gedling Borough Council.
It is also part-funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), which is money generated by players of the National Lottery, and is part of a wider £74,000 Heritage Lottery Fund grant to explore and celebrate Gedling’s heritage.
In addition, the trail has received financial support from Co-op Gedling’s community fund.
This article was originally published by Notts TV at https://nottstv.com/new-sculpture-trail-at-gedling-country-park-opened-to-public/
10May18 - Dog zones introduced at Gedling Country Park
Gedling Borough Council is to introduce dog zones at Gedling Country Park as part of ongoing improvements to make the park accessible to all.
The 240 acre country park will have three zones; red, yellow and green. The red zones will be where dogs are not allowed to enter, the yellow zones will ask owners to keep dogs on leads and the green areas are where dogs can be let off leads but must be kept under control.
The zones are being introduced to improve safety around the park most notably the children’s play area, visitor centre and car park, as well as protecting livestock and wildlife in the park enclosure. The zones also stop owners from allowing their animals to swim in the lagoons, which can cause harm to wildfowl such as swans, which is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.
The plans will be presented to residents through the official Gedling Country Park Facebook page and the Friends of Gedling Country Park group for feedback.
The park receives hundreds of visitors every month, many with dogs. The proposed zones will make sure that visitors are aware when dogs should be on leads and where they can be exercised off lead but still under control.
The green zones, where dogs can be let off their leads, accounts for a large part of the former colliery land and provides acres of natural habitat for dogs to enjoy, without damaging the ecology of the park.
The zones were introduced after incidents in the park of dogs attacking the livestock and complaints of dogs not being kept under control in the park near the children’s play area.
Councillor Michael Payne, Deputy Leader of Gedling Borough Council said;
“We’re introducing these zones so that everyone who comes to the park can enjoy its fantastic views, walks and café with or without animals. Most visitors control their dogs exceptionally well but we have had incidents where dogs have been entering livestock enclosures, damaged the ecology and causing concerns around the play area and visitor centre, which we cannot allow.
The zones will provide visitors with clear guidance that will improve their experience and remove any uncertainties about how users should control their pets within the park. We welcome any feedback on these proposals and we think many people will find the changes an improvement to what is already, a great destination park.”
The 240 acre country park will have three zones; red, yellow and green. The red zones will be where dogs are not allowed to enter, the yellow zones will ask owners to keep dogs on leads and the green areas are where dogs can be let off leads but must be kept under control.
The zones are being introduced to improve safety around the park most notably the children’s play area, visitor centre and car park, as well as protecting livestock and wildlife in the park enclosure. The zones also stop owners from allowing their animals to swim in the lagoons, which can cause harm to wildfowl such as swans, which is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.
The plans will be presented to residents through the official Gedling Country Park Facebook page and the Friends of Gedling Country Park group for feedback.
The park receives hundreds of visitors every month, many with dogs. The proposed zones will make sure that visitors are aware when dogs should be on leads and where they can be exercised off lead but still under control.
The green zones, where dogs can be let off their leads, accounts for a large part of the former colliery land and provides acres of natural habitat for dogs to enjoy, without damaging the ecology of the park.
The zones were introduced after incidents in the park of dogs attacking the livestock and complaints of dogs not being kept under control in the park near the children’s play area.
Councillor Michael Payne, Deputy Leader of Gedling Borough Council said;
“We’re introducing these zones so that everyone who comes to the park can enjoy its fantastic views, walks and café with or without animals. Most visitors control their dogs exceptionally well but we have had incidents where dogs have been entering livestock enclosures, damaged the ecology and causing concerns around the play area and visitor centre, which we cannot allow.
The zones will provide visitors with clear guidance that will improve their experience and remove any uncertainties about how users should control their pets within the park. We welcome any feedback on these proposals and we think many people will find the changes an improvement to what is already, a great destination park.”
06Mar18 - Memorial benches unveiled at Gedling Country Park
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Benches which tell the story of the mining history of Gedling Country Park have been unveiled at the beauty spot today.
A special ceremony was held to reveal the benches, created by local artist Richard Janes, with the help of students from the nearby Christ The King Secondary Academy. The benches were commissioned by the Friends of Gedling Country Park, and were joined by local councillors at the event. Terry Lock, chairman of Friends of Gedling Country Park said: “This memorial garden is the result of over two years’ work by the Friends volunteers and with the help and financial support of Gedling Borough Council, as well as additional contributions from the Co-op and Nottinghamshire County Council. "We are very proud of what we have achieved for our community and hope it offers a place of solace and quiet reflection for all to enjoy." |
One of the two new memorial benches at Gedling Country Park. Photo courtesy of the Nottingham Post.
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For more information, please see the Nottingham Post article at https://www.nottinghampost.com/news/local-news/benches-honouring-mining-history-unveiled-1305318
There is also a television interview by Notts TV available to view at: https://nottstv.com/programme/two-handcrafted-benches-added-memorial-garden-gedling-country-park-06-03-18
There is also a television interview by Notts TV available to view at: https://nottstv.com/programme/two-handcrafted-benches-added-memorial-garden-gedling-country-park-06-03-18
20Dec17 - Memorial garden artwork unveiled
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As a result of the Friends of Gedling Country Park success in winning £18,425 in funding from Nottinghamshire County Council’s Supporting Local Communities Fund, we today unveiled a new piece of art in the new Memorial Garden at Gedling Country Park.
With the support of Gedling Borough Council, who manage and maintain the park, a local artist Richard Janes was commissioned by the Friends group to work with local children and community groups to create the centrepiece for the garden. It commemorates the miners who worked and died on the site and provides a focal point for anyone wishing to spend a few minutes in quiet reflection. |
25Nov17 - Co-op donates over £4,300
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Thank you to all of the members of the Co-op who chose The Friends of Gedling Country Park as their nominated local group in the Co-op's Mapperley store.
In November 2017, we were awarded £4,359 from the Co-op's Local Community Fund. Since September 2016, the Co-op has raised a total of more than £20 million for local causes including ours. This money will be used by the Friends of Gedling Country Park to continue our development of the Memorial Garden. |
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10Oct17 - Photography competition for 2017/18
One of the winning entries from our first photography competition, courtesy of Martyn Ferrin.
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Following the success of our first photography competition, the Friends of Gedling Country Park are delighted to announce a new competition for 2017/18. We are looking to celebrate the wonderful photographs taken in the park.
A range of prizes are being offered for the best photos with multiple categories available - for all members of the public, members of the Friends and young photographers. Further information and the entry form can be downloaded from our Photography Competition page. |
03Oct17 - FGCP 2018 calendar now on sale
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A 2018 calendar has been produced by the Friends of Gedling Country Park containing selected photos from our 2017 Photography Competition.
To purchase your copy for only £5, please contact us. Hurry though - because stocks are limited! |
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05Sep17 - 10% discount for Friends' members at Café 1899
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Members of the Friends of Gedling Country Park can now receive a 10% discount on food and drink purchases at Café 1899 - recently opened in the Visitor Centre. Members will need to produce one of the new and up-to-date membership cards at the time of purchase to receive this discount.
These new membership cards are currently being posted to all existing paid-up members and will be issued automatically within 21 days to new members. For details of how to become a member, please go to our Donate or Join web page. |
12Jun17 - Visitor Centre now open
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The £1.5 million visitor centre has opened at Gedling Country Park. Café 1899, named after the year the former colliery opened, will serve hot and cold drinks and food – and is also a fully licensed bar.
The centre was opened by the Leader of Gedling Borough Council John Clarke and Deputy Leader Michael Payne. John said the site is “the answer to a vision and a dream. It’s not easy to build on an old pit site and I’m extremely pleased this has opened today. It’s another part of a long-term plan to make this totally family-usable for all aspects of family life." Terry Lock, Chair of the Friends of Gedling Country Park , said the visitor centre is a “fantastic addition to what is already a fantastic park. I’m pleased because the contractors have done it with minimal disturbance to the users. The education, environment and the future are also important to us. This park isn’t for people of my age necessarily, it’s for the children and the babies we see out there in 30, 40, 50 years’ time.” |
Visitor Centre opening 12 June 2017 with Mayor of Gedling Borough Council Vivienne McCrossen, Vernon Coaker MP, Councillors John Carke, Michael Payne, Peter Barnes and many other dignitaries - oh and Terry Lock hidden at the back!
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19Apr17 - Co-op donates £1,498
Trustees of FGCP Terry Lock, Brian Osborne, Rod Fillingham and Francis Rodrigues receiving a cheque from the Gedling Rd Co-op.
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Thank you to all of the members of the Co-op who chose The Friends of Gedling Country Park as their nominated local group in the Co-op's Gedling Road store.
In April 2017, we were awarded £1,498 from the Co-op's Local Community Fund. This will be used for educational purposes when local schools visit the country park. |
13Apr17 - Friends win £18,425 of funding for the memorial garden
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The Friends of Gedling Country Park have won £18,425 in funding from Nottinghamshire County Council’s Supporting Local Communities Fund to commission an artist to create a permanent piece of art in the new memorial garden at Gedling Country Park.
The Friends applied for money from the County Council’s Supporting Local Communities Fund, which provides over £500,000 per year in funding awards to support projects that are beneficial to the local community. With the support of Gedling Borough Council, who manage and maintain the park, an artist will be commissioned by the Friends group to work with local children and community groups to create the centrepiece for the memorial garden. It will commemorate the miners who worked and died on the site and provide a focal point for anyone wishing to spend a few minutes in quiet reflection. |
The memorial garden currently being developed in Gedling Country Park.
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Gedling Colliery was the life-blood of the village and its surrounding areas until it closed in 1991. The site stood derelict for over 20 years before being transformed into a country park in March 2015.
The Friends and Gedling Borough Council have been developing the memorial garden within the country park for a number of months and have already installed several large metal ‘rings’ to mark the entrance. These were salvaged from the former colliery, where they were used underground to maintain the stability of the tunnels.
The park was awarded Green Flag status in 2016 and a unique mining-themed large children’s adventure play area opened later in the same year. A new visitor centre is also near completion making Gedling Country Park one of the top destinations in the county to visit.
Councillor Peter Barnes, Portfolio Holder for Environment said: “This is superb news and huge congratulations must go to the Friends Group who are great ambassadors for the country park and have done very well to get this funding. When we turned the former colliery into this brilliant country park, we always said that the heritage of the site would not be forgotten and these plans for a memorial to remember the miners will go a long way to ensuring that the site’s history is never forgotten.”
Terry Lock, Chairman of the Friends of Gedling Country Park said: “Our sincere gratitude goes to the councillors and members of the public who have helped us in not only achieving this funding but who have donated their time and money to design and develop this memorial garden. We will be working closely with both Gedling Borough and the County Council to ensure that we create a fitting memorial to commemorate all those who gave their lives during the lifetime of the colliery.”
Kevin Sharman, Nottinghamshire County Council’s Transport, Planning and Programme Development team manager said: “We are delighted to support this project which has had a lot of local support and will be a fitting tribute to the miners who lost their lives while the pit was open. The memorial will be a welcome addition to the country park and highlights the variety of projects that communities are benefiting from as part of the Supporting Local Communities scheme.”
For more information on the proposed design for the memorial garden and how you can contribute, please see our Memorial Garden page.
The Friends and Gedling Borough Council have been developing the memorial garden within the country park for a number of months and have already installed several large metal ‘rings’ to mark the entrance. These were salvaged from the former colliery, where they were used underground to maintain the stability of the tunnels.
The park was awarded Green Flag status in 2016 and a unique mining-themed large children’s adventure play area opened later in the same year. A new visitor centre is also near completion making Gedling Country Park one of the top destinations in the county to visit.
Councillor Peter Barnes, Portfolio Holder for Environment said: “This is superb news and huge congratulations must go to the Friends Group who are great ambassadors for the country park and have done very well to get this funding. When we turned the former colliery into this brilliant country park, we always said that the heritage of the site would not be forgotten and these plans for a memorial to remember the miners will go a long way to ensuring that the site’s history is never forgotten.”
Terry Lock, Chairman of the Friends of Gedling Country Park said: “Our sincere gratitude goes to the councillors and members of the public who have helped us in not only achieving this funding but who have donated their time and money to design and develop this memorial garden. We will be working closely with both Gedling Borough and the County Council to ensure that we create a fitting memorial to commemorate all those who gave their lives during the lifetime of the colliery.”
Kevin Sharman, Nottinghamshire County Council’s Transport, Planning and Programme Development team manager said: “We are delighted to support this project which has had a lot of local support and will be a fitting tribute to the miners who lost their lives while the pit was open. The memorial will be a welcome addition to the country park and highlights the variety of projects that communities are benefiting from as part of the Supporting Local Communities scheme.”
For more information on the proposed design for the memorial garden and how you can contribute, please see our Memorial Garden page.
19Feb17 - Bird Nest Box Building Event
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It is National Nest Box Week from 14 – 21 February 2017 and the Friends of Gedling Country Park have decided to hold a Bird Nest Box Building event on Sunday 19 February 2017.
*Update* - 58 bird boxes and a bat box were built by volunteers and their families. Thank you to everyone who helped. Also thank you to Magpie Brewery who gave a generous donation to pay for the materials needed to build the boxes. National Nest Box Week is organised by the British Trust for Ornithology with more information available on their web site here: https://www.bto.org/about-birds/nnbw |
08Dec16 - Memorial Garden appeal launched
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A Memorial Garden has been created at Gedling Country Park to reflect the importance of mining to the Gedling area and to those individuals who once worked in the industry. The garden will also act as a focal point in the park for quiet reflection and remembrance.
Further work is still needed to complete the garden including the provision of mature native trees, benches, Hornbeam hedges and the development of attractive raised borders. The Friends of Gedling Country Park would also like to commission a piece of memorial art work for the new memorial garden. We are launching our appeal for donations and volunteering help to complete the garden. For more information on our proposed designs and how you can contribute, please see our Memorial Garden page. |
A view from the memorial garden, courtesy of Digital Craig Photography.
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01Nov16 - Photography competition is announced
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The Friends of Gedling Country Park are delighted to announce that we are running our first photography competition. We are looking to celebrate the wonderful photographs taken in the park.
A range of prizes are being offered for the best photos with multiple categories available - for all members of the public, members of the Friends and young photographers. Further information and the entry form can be downloaded from our Photography Competition page. |
22Oct16 - Children's play area opens at Gedling Country Park
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A new £200,000 children's play area opened at Gedling Country Park today. It has been provided by Gedling Borough Council and incorporates the park's mining heritage with a "rustic mining tower, mining train and 'old pit' grasslands", preserving the park's history.
The play area has been partially funded by the council who put forward £150,000, alongside a grant from WREN – a not-for-profit business that awards grants for community, conservation and heritage – who provided £50,000 after a successful joint bid for funding by the Friends of Gedling Country Park group. Sarah, a member of the group, said: "We are delighted. The park is a great asset to have, especially during half-term. It's a completely free and fun activity for parents to do with their children." For more information, please see the Nottingham Post article at http://www.nottinghampost.com/new-200-000-children-s-play-area-open-at-gedling-country-park/story-29831612-detail/story.html |
Photo Courtesy of the Nottingham Post. Councillor John Clarke with local children, Sophia, 8, and Isabella, 5 at the official opening of the play area.
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A new toilet block (including a disabled toilet) has also opened next to the children's play area close to the Spring Lane car park.
07Oct16 - Work has begun on new £1.2m visitor centre at Gedling Country Park
Photo Courtesy of the Nottingham Post.
Tricia Akers of Allan Joyce Architects, Helen Wallace of Nottingham City Council, Terry Lock, chairman of the Friends of Gedling Country Park, Cllr John Clarke of Gedling Borough Council and Chris Flint of G F Tomlinson.
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Work on a £1.2 million visitor centre at a country park which was the home of a former colliery has begun - heralding the start of a "bold new future".
The plans for the centre, at Gedling Country Park, were approved in July and the first phase of construction is underway, with an expected completion date of Spring 2017. The centre will have a modern café and an outdoor seating area overlooking the park's spectacular views and will celebrate the site's mining history. The first phase of the works include preparing the ground before the steel structures are installed in December. The fitting of the centre will start in early Spring 2017 and it is expected to be ready for visitors in late Spring. |
The commencement of the works coincides with the build of a new £120,000 children's play area at the site, which is due to be completed later this month.
Terry Lock, chairman of the Friends of Gedling Country Park group, said he was "delighted" to see work start. He added: "We have been open for 19 months and now we've got a children's play area, which is nearly ready to open, we have got toilet blocks and work starting on the visitor centre, as well as cattle and sheep on the park. I'm really delighted and very impressed with the rate that they are progressing on it."
For more information, please see the Nottingham Post article at http://www.nottinghampost.com/work-has-begun-on-1-2m-visitor-centre-at-gedling-country-park/story-29788293-detail/story.html
Terry Lock, chairman of the Friends of Gedling Country Park group, said he was "delighted" to see work start. He added: "We have been open for 19 months and now we've got a children's play area, which is nearly ready to open, we have got toilet blocks and work starting on the visitor centre, as well as cattle and sheep on the park. I'm really delighted and very impressed with the rate that they are progressing on it."
For more information, please see the Nottingham Post article at http://www.nottinghampost.com/work-has-begun-on-1-2m-visitor-centre-at-gedling-country-park/story-29788293-detail/story.html
16Sep16 - Shorthorn cattle arrive at Gedling Country Park
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To enhance the protected grassland habitats at Gedling Country Park, we have today had a collection of shorthorn cattle take up residence in the park for the next few months. They will provide useful maintenance of the grassland in the fenced off areas where there are numerous ground nesting birds, including two Red Listed (extremely endangered) species, the Skylark and the Lapwing (Peewit/Green Plover).
Please can all dog owners keep their dogs out of the fenced off areas? They make up only a small proportion of the overall 240 acres park and so there are plenty of other areas where dogs can roam, provided they remain under the control of their owners.
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10Aug16 - Green Flag Award for Gedling Country Park
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Gedling Country Park has been awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award® following a successful application by Gedling Borough Council with support and input from the Friends of Gedling Country Park .
The Green Flag Award® scheme recognises and rewards the very best green spaces and is the benchmark national standard for parks and green spaces in the UK. As the national standard for parks and green spaces, holding a Green Flag Award® brings with it a vast amount of prestige. It is also an excellent example of civic achievement and provides communities with a great sense of civic pride. |
To be eligible for a Green Flag Award®, sites must be freely accessible to the public and perform well against the following eight criteria:
More information on the Green Flag Award® scheme can be found at their web site: http://www.greenflagaward.org/about-us/about-green-flag-award/
The video below is a BBC East Midlands Today news article broadcast on 21 July 2016 about the recently awarded Green Flag Award and go ahead for a new visitor centre.
Copyright BBC 2016.
- A welcoming place
- Healthy, safe and secure
- Clean and well maintained
- Sustainability
- Conservation and heritage
- Community involvement
- Marketing
- Management
More information on the Green Flag Award® scheme can be found at their web site: http://www.greenflagaward.org/about-us/about-green-flag-award/
The video below is a BBC East Midlands Today news article broadcast on 21 July 2016 about the recently awarded Green Flag Award and go ahead for a new visitor centre.
Copyright BBC 2016.
08Aug16 - Friends of Gedling Country Park volunteers win Greenwood Award
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Two volunteers who work with the Friends of Gedling Country Park were recognised with Greenwood Community Awards recently at Swancar Farm in Trowell.
Greenwood Partnership Board Chair, Councillor John Knight presented the awards to community groups and individual volunteers, for outstanding contribution towards improving the environment. He praised volunteers in his welcome speech: “We are pleased to be able to recognise volunteers who work year in, year out to make ours such a beautiful county.” Nominations had been received from groups and organisations for environmental work carried out over the last year working towards the creation of Greenwood, Nottinghamshire’s Community Forest. |
Councillor Jenny Hollingsworth, James Jackson, Councillor John Knight, Neil Smith and Rod Fillingham
(c) Marlow Photographic
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One Hundred and forty guests enjoyed a review of achievements by volunteers and organisations presented by Friends of Gedling Country Park’s Rod Fillingham, Chair of the Friends of Greenwood Community Forum.
Rod Fillingham congratulated the award winners and said: “Congratulations to every one of the award winners. Tonight has shown how diverse volunteers can be, with many vital assets including vision, determination, knowledge, skill, experience, but above all humour.”
Award winners’ biographies:
Neil Smith & James Jackson, Biodiversity Volunteer Award Winners
Nominated by the Friends of Gedling Country Park
Neil Smith & James Jackson are volunteers from Nottingham Trent University. They are both in their first year and have thrown themselves headlong into the world of surveying for the Friends of Gedling Country Park. They regularly attend weekly practical conservation tasks and their willingness to undertake any and all tasks is an inspiration. They are extremely hard-working.
Due to their studies they are both extremely valuable assets to the group as they contribute much technical knowledge. They also make many suggestions for improvements that are taken on board. They have developed surveys for the site including invertebrate, reptile, amphibian, tree, bird, mammal and vegetation surveys.
Awards were also presented to Diane Townsend and Daniel Green for their work and contributions in other parks across Gedling.
Rod Fillingham congratulated the award winners and said: “Congratulations to every one of the award winners. Tonight has shown how diverse volunteers can be, with many vital assets including vision, determination, knowledge, skill, experience, but above all humour.”
Award winners’ biographies:
Neil Smith & James Jackson, Biodiversity Volunteer Award Winners
Nominated by the Friends of Gedling Country Park
Neil Smith & James Jackson are volunteers from Nottingham Trent University. They are both in their first year and have thrown themselves headlong into the world of surveying for the Friends of Gedling Country Park. They regularly attend weekly practical conservation tasks and their willingness to undertake any and all tasks is an inspiration. They are extremely hard-working.
Due to their studies they are both extremely valuable assets to the group as they contribute much technical knowledge. They also make many suggestions for improvements that are taken on board. They have developed surveys for the site including invertebrate, reptile, amphibian, tree, bird, mammal and vegetation surveys.
Awards were also presented to Diane Townsend and Daniel Green for their work and contributions in other parks across Gedling.
13Jul16 - New £1.2m visitor centre planned at Gedling Country Park
Artists impression of the new visitor centre at Gedling Country Park
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The proposed visitor centre has been given the go ahead with funding provided by Gedling Borough Council.
Phase 1 due to complete in Spring/Summer 2017 will see the creation of a cafe with indoor seating and outside terraces close to the new children's play areas, as well as a new toilet block. Terry Lock, chairman of the Friends of Gedling Country Park volunteer group, added: "We are delighted with the plans. It's the next step in a long term plan for the park." Mr Lock said that there was a lot of support for an expansion of the visitor centre to do more to remember the mining heritage of Gedling. He described the current proposals as "phase one". "This is the base," he added. "We are chuffed with the designs and we are committed to working together with everyone up there to make the park even more enjoyable for the families that use it." |
For more information, please see the Nottingham Post article at http://www.nottinghampost.com/mining-history-celebrated-at-new-1-2m-visitor-and-heritage-centre-planned-at-gedling-country-park/story-29507957-detail/story.html#MxkX0CFSBbY7Wwpu.99
The detailed planning application, which includes plans of the centre can be found at https://pawam.gedling.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=O9UJZ7HLJDF00
The detailed planning application, which includes plans of the centre can be found at https://pawam.gedling.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=O9UJZ7HLJDF00
19May16 - Friends of Gedling Country Park becomes a Registered Charity
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The Friends of Gedling Country Park has successfully applied to become a registered charity with the UK Charity Commission and is now a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). Our registered number is 1167205.
This is a significant step forward for the group to enable it to apply for grants and donations and help our fund raising activities with the public. |
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24Mar16 - Magpie Brewery provides a Grant for the Butterfly Walk
Magpie Brewery has kindly given a £400 grant to the Friends of Gedling Country Park to fund improvements to the Butterfly Walk, including land levelling and wild flower seed planting for Spring 2016.
The company is a independent craft brewer based in Nottingham, who as well as producing real ale also run two pubs: the Crafty Crow opposite Nottingham Castle and the Doctor's Orders in Sherwood near to the Forest Recreation Ground.
The company is a independent craft brewer based in Nottingham, who as well as producing real ale also run two pubs: the Crafty Crow opposite Nottingham Castle and the Doctor's Orders in Sherwood near to the Forest Recreation Ground.
23Mar16 - Gedling Country Park is Celebrating its First Birthday This Week
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The £1.6 million pound Gedling Country Park has been officially open for a year and to celebrate the anniversary, Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke will be planting a commemorative tree in the centre of the park next to the memorial stone.
In its first 365 days the park has had over 30,000 visitors who have walked, cycled, ran and walked their dogs around the former colliery site. As a colliery it was a cornerstone of the area until it closed in 1991 and stood derelict for over 20 years. More recently a programme of landscape reclamation using 4,500 tonnes of soil brought in from nearby to encourage new vegetation to grow and tree planting on the 240 acre site has taken place. Followed by the construction of 9.5 miles (15km) of all-weather pathways and cycle tracks, 1.4km of them wheelchair accessible. |
The Friends of the Gedling Country Park group, set up when the park opened, has attracted nearly 900 members and the group is organising a birthday celebration on Sunday 27 March at the park. The group will be hosting one of its popular Xplorer activities as well as other events throughout the day. The group have been involved in a number of projects to support the council to improve the park. Over the last year they've helped plant over 450 trees, organised clean ups, volunteering days and raised funds to help build a children’s play area in the park.
Leader of the Council, Councillor John Clarke, said;
“I’m overwhelmed by the success of the first year of the park being open. We never expected it to be so popular with residents. This means that we will accelerate our plans for the park and we will have more facilities in place including toilets and a visitor’s centre which will improve the park even more. We would like to say thank you to everyone who visits the park and especially to the Friends of Group and our officers for all their hard work to help improve it and make it such a success.”
Leader of the Council, Councillor John Clarke, said;
“I’m overwhelmed by the success of the first year of the park being open. We never expected it to be so popular with residents. This means that we will accelerate our plans for the park and we will have more facilities in place including toilets and a visitor’s centre which will improve the park even more. We would like to say thank you to everyone who visits the park and especially to the Friends of Group and our officers for all their hard work to help improve it and make it such a success.”
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For the full press release, please download this document from Gedling Borough Council (PDF requires Adobe reader):
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22Mar16 - Improvements to the Butterfly Walk
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Improvement works to the Butterfly Walk have been made today including the levelling of the walk-way, clearance and wild flower seeding. A temporary closure of the footpath from Spring Lane (near to Lambley) occurred whilst our contractors were on-site.
Thank you to the Friends volunteers for their help. More volunteer days are listed in our Events Calendar. it would be great if you could come and join us. |
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19Mar16 - We are looking for a Volunteer Communications Officer
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*UPDATE* 21Apr16 - This vacancy has now been filled.
We are excited to announce a vacancy for a Volunteer Communications Officer! We are looking for someone with flair and creativity to join our friendly team. You could be a recent graduate/student, local specialist or someone looking to develop new skills. Experience of managing social media, developing communications for the third sector/voluntary organisations and dealing with the media would be advantageous. |
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Main tasks:
- Contribute to FGCP's social media presence
- Create and circulate FGCP e-newsletter
- Write copy for press releases and local newsletters (including Gedling Village magazine)
- Develop communications to send out to new and existing members
- Promote membership online and at local events such as village fairs, events at the Country Park or local festivals etc.
- Collate and send out welcome packs to new members
- Develop and maintain relationships with key groups
02Feb16 - Funding grant received from Veolia
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Veolia has kindly provided £961 of funding to the Friends of Gedling Country Park through its EnviroGrant scheme.
This generous grant will be used to purchase a honey bee extractor for use with the bee hives we have recently installed into Gedling Country Park. |
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Veolia Veolia Nottinghamshire runs a community fund called the EnviroGrant scheme. This is a fund to which not-for-profit community groups based in the county of Nottinghamshire (excluding the city of Nottingham) can apply for grants of up to £1,000 for projects which improve their local environment. For more information, please see: http://www.veolia.co.uk/nottinghamshire/envirogrant (opens in a new window).
01Feb16 - Fencing is being implemented to safeguard areas for ground nesting birds and other wildlife
Skylark (Photo Courtesy of the RSPB)
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This month Gedling Country Park is having fencing installed around four selected areas designated for the protection of ground nesting birds and other wildlife that could be disturbed by loose dogs, pedestrians and cyclists.
The park has numerous ground nesting birds using the site, including two Red Listed (extremely endangered) species, the Skylark and the Lapwing (Peewit/Green Plover) and it is important that they are protected. |
Lapwing (Photo Courtesy of the RSPB)
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We ask that all dog owners keep their dogs out of the fenced off areas. They make up only a small proportion of the overall 240 acres park and so there are plenty of other areas where dogs can roam, provided they remain under the control of their owners.
Please note that under the Wildlife & Countryside Act of 1981, it is an offence (punishable with a fine of up to £5,000) to recklessly damage or to interfere with a wild bird nest that is either occupied or is being built.
Please note that under the Wildlife & Countryside Act of 1981, it is an offence (punishable with a fine of up to £5,000) to recklessly damage or to interfere with a wild bird nest that is either occupied or is being built.
16Dec15 - Funding approved for children's play facility at Gedling Country Park
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Gedling Country Park will soon have an exciting new children’s play facility, thanks to a successful joint funding bid by the Friends of Gedling Country Park and Gedling Borough Council. The £50,000 grant from funding body WREN will mean that the new children’s play area will open as soon as construction work has completed (expected to be Autumn 2016). The money, awarded by WREN’s FCC Community Action Fund, will be used to create a younger children’s play area, while funding allocated by Gedling Borough Council, will be used to provide an adjoining older children’s play provision. |
Terry Lock, Chairman of the Friends of Gedling Country Park believes the new play area will have a positive impact on the whole community. “We’ve had an overwhelming response from the public in support of our application, with over 1,200 online followers specifically for this project, and letters of support from some high profile people within the local community. It’s fantastic that WREN has awarded this money and we’re really looking forward to the children’s play area taking shape over the next few months.”
WREN is a not-for-profit business that awards grants for community, biodiversity and heritage projects from funds donated by FCC Environment through the Landfill Communities Fund. Cheryl Raynor, WREN’s grant manager for Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire, says: “We are delighted to be supporting the Friends of Gedling Country Park with this project and pleased that our funding will provide such a fantastic facility for young people across the borough. WREN is always happy to consider grant applications for projects that make a difference to local communities and we’re really looking forward to seeing this one take shape soon.”
Councillor Peter Barnes, Portfolio Holder for Environment, confirms: “This is great news for the group who’ve worked tirelessly to get this funding and we’re delighted for them. The council will also be contributing £70,000 to the older children’s play area and we’ve expanded the car park, we’re installing toilets and there will be a portable café outlet in the near future. All of these exciting developments will make Gedling Country Park an even better destination for people to visit.”
WREN is a not-for-profit business that awards grants for community, biodiversity and heritage projects from funds donated by FCC Environment through the Landfill Communities Fund. Cheryl Raynor, WREN’s grant manager for Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire, says: “We are delighted to be supporting the Friends of Gedling Country Park with this project and pleased that our funding will provide such a fantastic facility for young people across the borough. WREN is always happy to consider grant applications for projects that make a difference to local communities and we’re really looking forward to seeing this one take shape soon.”
Councillor Peter Barnes, Portfolio Holder for Environment, confirms: “This is great news for the group who’ve worked tirelessly to get this funding and we’re delighted for them. The council will also be contributing £70,000 to the older children’s play area and we’ve expanded the car park, we’re installing toilets and there will be a portable café outlet in the near future. All of these exciting developments will make Gedling Country Park an even better destination for people to visit.”
09Dec15 - Friends of Gedling Country Park nominated for 2016 Pride of Gedling Award
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The Friends of Gedling Country Park have been nominated for the 2016 Pride of Gedling Awards in the category of Outstanding Community Project.
The awards, run by the Nottingham Post and Gedling Borough Council, are a celebration of the unsung heroes that make the borough of Gedling tick. Chairman Terry Lock said: "Being nominated for this award is a real credit to everyone involved. Not just the committee members but everyone who has volunteered or even just picked up litter when they've passed by. "We can take pride that the park is always being used well. Just like the pit used to be, it's the centre of the community in Gedling and something we can all be very proud of." |
Photo Courtesy of the Nottingham Post
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Councillor John Clarke, leader of Gedling Borough Council, added: "The Friends have been a tremendous asset, not only helping us run it by keeping an eye out up there and bits of maintenance but applying for funding and generating ideas too.
For the full story in the Nottingham Post please see:
http://www.nottinghampost.com/Friends-Gedling-Country-Park-nominated/story-28321097-detail/story.html
For the full story in the Nottingham Post please see:
http://www.nottinghampost.com/Friends-Gedling-Country-Park-nominated/story-28321097-detail/story.html
27Nov15 - Funding grant received from People's Postcode Lottery
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The People's Postcode Lottery has provided £1,500 of funding to the Friends of Gedling Country Park through the Postcode Community Trust.
This generous grant will be used to purchase equipment to allow us to continue our environmental activities in Gedling Country Park, such as tree planting. It will also contribute towards a range of additional bee hive and honey making equipment and a pagoda for fund raising activities. We sincerely thank the players of the Postcode Lottery and the Postcode Community Trust. The Postcode Community Trust is a grant-giving charity funded entirely by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. For more information on their funding activities, please see: www.postcodecommunitytrust.org.uk (opens in a new window). |
15Nov15 - 420 trees provided by the Woodland Trust to plant in Gedling Country Park
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The Woodland Trust has kindly provided its first community tree pack of 420 trees to the Friends of Gedling Country Park. Planting by our members and volunteers has started this weekend and will continue through November and into December 2015. To volunteer to help, please see our Events Calendar for details.
This first pack that has been provided by the Woodland Trust comprises of 105 Rowan, 105 Hawthorne, 75 Hazel, 75 Silver Birch, 45 Dogwood and 15 Wild Cherry trees. They are being planted alongside the new Spring Lane 150 Homes development to create an attractive boundary for the new residents and park users alike. UPDATE: The second pack of 420 trees has arrived in March 2016 and tree planting will begin immediately. |
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14Nov15 - Social meeting with the Friends of Gedling Country Park
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Over 100 members of the public met the Friends at Mapperley Social Club for an update on what we have been doing in the park in our first year (including our new bee hives and local honey production) and information on the forthcoming developments such as the car park extension, new toilet block, new children's play areas and visitor centre.
We also had an opportunity to explain the impact of developments around the park area including the 150 homes off Spring Lane, the 1,000 homes off Arnold Lane and the Gedling Access Road and how we are working with the developers of each to improve access into the park and boundaries. Our thanks go to Mapperley Social Club for kindly hosting this meeting. |
13Oct15 - Car park extension announced for Spring Lane entrance to Gedling Country Park
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Gedling Borough Council has announced that construction work will be undertaken during October 2015 to provide 25 additional car parking spaces adjacent to the existing car park off Spring Lane. There should be no disruption to the use of the existing car park and park users whilst the work takes place.
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03Jul15 - The Friends of Gedling Country Park sign up for the British Orienteering Xplorer programme
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The Friends have signed up to participate in the Xplorer programme and will initially host six family fun orienteering events in Gedling Country Park - starting on Saturday 25 July 2015 and running throughout the summer holidays.
They have also agreed to host two more events during October half term and a Christmas event as well. Xplorer is the perfect outdoor activity for primary and pre-school children and their families. It is a family friendly navigation challenge that is educational and fun and gives children a sense of adventure as they explore the park to find the markers. |
It involves a healthy mix of physical activity and decision making that the whole family can enjoy together. Using a simple map the aim is to find a number of markers that are located around the park. At each marker children need to identify what is pictured and enjoy learning a fun fact to tell their friends. Older children will have fun competing against their friends or other family members whilst younger children will enjoy the excitement of successfully finding the markers.
For the exact dates that we will be holding these events, please see our Events Calendar page. Everyone is welcome and these events will be free for members of the Friends of Gedling Country Park and £1 for all other participants.
For more information about the Xplorer programme, please see http://www.britishorienteering.org.uk/page/go_xplore
For the exact dates that we will be holding these events, please see our Events Calendar page. Everyone is welcome and these events will be free for members of the Friends of Gedling Country Park and £1 for all other participants.
For more information about the Xplorer programme, please see http://www.britishorienteering.org.uk/page/go_xplore
29Jun15 - Voting has now closed for the Memorial Gardens public vote
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Voting has now closed and the One Family Foundation are verifying the votes for all of the community projects that applied for funding. 103 projects applied for the £25,000 grants and over 750 people voted for ours, which left us in seventh place as voting closed at midday on Monday 29 June 2015.
The funding is allocated to the top four projects and so we aren’t anticipating a victory here although the winners are announced on Monday 06 July 2015. That said, the amount of publicity we have generated for the park is excellent and we hope you will visit it regardless. Whatever happens, this isn’t the end and we are already looking ahead to other funding opportunities for the park development. Watch this space and thank you again to everyone who voted and supported us. |
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18Jun15 - BBC East Midlands Today news article about the funding campaign for memorial gardens in the park
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The campaign launched by the Friends of Gedling Country Park to secure public votes for memorial gardens gathered momentum when BBC East Midlands Today broadcast a news article about the gardens and the 128 miners who lost their lives. The video has been placed on the home page of this web site, to make the campaign more prominent to visitors and to hopefully persuade them and all of their friends and family to cast their votes.
Voting runs until 29 June 2015 and we need as many members of the public to register and vote for our project please. The top four community projects in the UK each win £25,000 from the OneFamily Foundation - and we are currently in the top 10 and so need that extra push from all of you please. |
See our Memorial Gardens page for more information, including how to vote.
06Jun15 - Members meeting for the Friends of Gedling Country Park
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Saturday 06 June 2015 - The Friends met at Lambley Village Hall to update the members on what we had been doing since the inaugural AGM last September and the opening day on 28 March.
This had been one of the commitments we made at the AGM and it was our first chance to present to members what had been happening and our visions for the future. We also had an opportunity to explain the impact of developments around the park area, Spring Lane and the Gedling Access Road and how we are engaging with the developers and planners. |
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It was an ideal opportunity to talk about the plans for the Memorial Gardens and explain why we were seeking the voluntary sector funding and how important it was for everyone to vote for the scheme.
We will be holding more events later in the year but what will help us now is finding out who can help with the many tasks we would like to undertake in the park. If you have any skills in the following areas and can help out please Contact Us:
A big thank you goes to the members who managed to get along and chat to us. It’s your park and it’s important that we listen to your views to help plan our future activities and dialogue with Gedling Borough Council and other key stakeholders.
We will be holding more events later in the year but what will help us now is finding out who can help with the many tasks we would like to undertake in the park. If you have any skills in the following areas and can help out please Contact Us:
- First aid
- WIldlife surveys
- Helping to gather data from surveys
- Helping out on walks
A big thank you goes to the members who managed to get along and chat to us. It’s your park and it’s important that we listen to your views to help plan our future activities and dialogue with Gedling Borough Council and other key stakeholders.
02Jun15 - Voting starts for our funding application for the development of memorial gardens
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The Friends of Gedling Country Park has submitted a funding application to the OneFamily Foundation to develop memorial gardens in the park to commemorate the 128 miners who lost their lives at the former Gedling Colliery.
For more information, please see our Memorial Gardens page. To make these gardens a reality, we need YOU to vote please. Voting runs from 02 June to midday on 29 June 2015 and we’re asking you to please make your voices heard by voting here: http://foundation.onefamily.com/gedling-country-park-memorial-gardens |
20Apr15 - Attention dog walkers - there are ground nesting birds breeding in the park right now!
Illustration of a Skylark (courtesy of the RSPB)
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Dogs are very welcome in Gedling Country Park, however please keep them on a lead during the bird nesting season (March to September).
Gedling Country Park has numerous ground nesting birds using the site, including two Red Listed (extremely endangered) species, the Skylark and the Lapwing (Peewit/Green Plover). |
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Dogs roaming freely over the grassland could disturb the nesting potential of these already threatened species, so we request that during the nesting period (March to September) you keep these areas dog free please. Hopefully, in the future, we will be able to raise monies to fence these nesting areas during the breeding season and therefore protect them. |
Illustration of a Lapwing/Peewit/Green Plover (courtesy of the RSPB)
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Please note that under the Wildlife & Countryside Act of 1981, it is an offence (punishable with a fine of up to £5,000) to recklessly damage or to interfere with a wild bird nest that is either occupied or is being built.
Thank you for helping to conserve the important wildlife within the park.
Thank you for helping to conserve the important wildlife within the park.
31Mar15 - Volunteer day on Monday 13 April 2015
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Gedling Borough Council has organised a volunteer day for Gedling Country Park on Monday 13 April 2015 and they are looking for the Friends and other volunteers to help out please.
This day will include litter picking and the removal of tree guards from some of the woodland within the park. |
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If you are interested in attending, please email the Friends coordinator Francis Rodriques at [email protected]
Jane Richardson who is the Gedling Borough Council Parks Development Officer will be hosting the day, along with one of the Park Rangers.
We will meet in the Spring Lane car park at 10am (go to our How to Get Here page if you're unsure where this is). The Council will bring a van, litter pickers and black bags. Along with litter picking we will also remove the green tubes around the trees in the areas adjacent to the DDA compliant path. Some of the tubes may require cutting off so it would be helpful if volunteers could bring along a pocket knife. The rangers and Jane will be working alongside the volunteers, all litter should be bagged up and left next to the footpaths (not the zig zag areas of paths) so that we can use the vehicle to collect the bags.
Volunteers should wear sensible footwear, work gloves, outdoor clothing and bring their own refreshments please. There are no toilets on the site. We aim to finish on site around 3pm.
Volunteers can spend as much or as little time as they want to and could perhaps arrange with Francis to attend a morning session of say 10am-12pm and/or an afternoon session of 1pm-3pm. This will be easier to manage and more comfortable for the volunteers in the absence of loos.
Jane Richardson who is the Gedling Borough Council Parks Development Officer will be hosting the day, along with one of the Park Rangers.
We will meet in the Spring Lane car park at 10am (go to our How to Get Here page if you're unsure where this is). The Council will bring a van, litter pickers and black bags. Along with litter picking we will also remove the green tubes around the trees in the areas adjacent to the DDA compliant path. Some of the tubes may require cutting off so it would be helpful if volunteers could bring along a pocket knife. The rangers and Jane will be working alongside the volunteers, all litter should be bagged up and left next to the footpaths (not the zig zag areas of paths) so that we can use the vehicle to collect the bags.
Volunteers should wear sensible footwear, work gloves, outdoor clothing and bring their own refreshments please. There are no toilets on the site. We aim to finish on site around 3pm.
Volunteers can spend as much or as little time as they want to and could perhaps arrange with Francis to attend a morning session of say 10am-12pm and/or an afternoon session of 1pm-3pm. This will be easier to manage and more comfortable for the volunteers in the absence of loos.
23Mar15 - From colliery to country park - the countdown begins
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News from Gedling Borough Council
Where once there were spoil heaps and pit wheels, Gedling Borough Council has created Nottingham’s newest destination country park. The countdown is now on for the opening of the new £1.6 million Gedling Country Park. The park will be officially opened on Saturday 28 March at 11am by the Leader of Gedling Borough Council, John Clarke. There will be lots of free events and entertainment on the park between 10.30am and 3pm. Local people are invited to celebrate its opening and enjoy the new footpaths, wildlife habitats and spectacular views and learn about its heritage and green energy. |
There’ll be a range of free activities throughout the park for all ages, including arts and crafts, nature discovery, sports and heritage trails, musical entertainment and refreshments.
Leader of the Council, Councillor John Clarke said: “I’m thrilled that after 20 years we’ve transformed the last of the colliery sites in Nottinghamshire into a country park for people across Gedling and the county to enjoy. It is a jewel in Gedling’s crown, and was crying out to be transformed for everyone to enjoy. I am personally delighted with its tasteful and sensitive transformation which manages to capture its history and heritage, safeguard its wildlife and put it on the map for its green energy credentials. We also have some very exciting plans for its future, and it will continue to evolve, with a children’s play area and visitor facilities.”
Gedling MP Vernon Coaker added: "It's a green lung for the city and is a fitting tribute to everyone who worked here and their relatives, many of which should be here to enjoy the opening this weekend."
Terry Lock, Chair of the Friends of Gedling Country Park, said: “This park is a great natural resource and we are really pleased to see it transformed into a public space. We want to work with the council to make the most of the park’s mining heritage and environmental potential. This could become a community project of national importance and we are looking forward to the next big challenge of creating a visitor and heritage centre.”
For full details of this news release from Gedling Borough Council you can visit this article on the Nottingham Post website.
Notts TV came to film the opening preparations at the park. Click this to see the video or go to the HERITAGE section of this web site.
For more information - including a map of the events and details of where to park - please see our Opening Day page.
Leader of the Council, Councillor John Clarke said: “I’m thrilled that after 20 years we’ve transformed the last of the colliery sites in Nottinghamshire into a country park for people across Gedling and the county to enjoy. It is a jewel in Gedling’s crown, and was crying out to be transformed for everyone to enjoy. I am personally delighted with its tasteful and sensitive transformation which manages to capture its history and heritage, safeguard its wildlife and put it on the map for its green energy credentials. We also have some very exciting plans for its future, and it will continue to evolve, with a children’s play area and visitor facilities.”
Gedling MP Vernon Coaker added: "It's a green lung for the city and is a fitting tribute to everyone who worked here and their relatives, many of which should be here to enjoy the opening this weekend."
Terry Lock, Chair of the Friends of Gedling Country Park, said: “This park is a great natural resource and we are really pleased to see it transformed into a public space. We want to work with the council to make the most of the park’s mining heritage and environmental potential. This could become a community project of national importance and we are looking forward to the next big challenge of creating a visitor and heritage centre.”
For full details of this news release from Gedling Borough Council you can visit this article on the Nottingham Post website.
Notts TV came to film the opening preparations at the park. Click this to see the video or go to the HERITAGE section of this web site.
For more information - including a map of the events and details of where to park - please see our Opening Day page.
25Feb15 - Gedling Country Park officially opens to the public on Saturday 28 March 2015
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Gedling Borough Council is organising an exciting family fun day on Saturday 28 March 2015 with lots of events and attractions to celebrate the opening of the park.
The Friends of Gedling Country Park will be there on the day offering refreshments, park information and membership details. Please come and join us at the pavilion near the main car park just off Spring Lane. |
For more information - including a map of the events and details of where to park - please see our Opening Day page (under the HOME section of this web site).
24Feb15 - Redhill Road Runners organise 10k run at Gedling Country Park for Sunday 29 March 2015
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The Redhill Road Runners have organised a 10k run at Gedling Country Park on Sunday 29 March 2015. Following the success of previous Redhill Road Runners 10k events at Bestwood Country Park, they are proud to announce this brand new race for 2015. Further information can be found at their website (opens in a new window).
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17Feb15 - Mining heritage set to be celebrated at entrance to Gedling Country Park
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The Nottingham Post has this great article about how mining memorabilia will mark the entrance of Gedling Country Park as a tribute to the colliery that was the “lifeblood” of Gedling for almost a century.
Plans to place two refurbished mining carts at the Spring Lane entrance to Gedling Country Park, which opens at the end of March, go before the council’s planning committee on Wednesday 18 February 2015. |
Gedling
Colliery employed thousands over its 93-year history and the carts
were used on an underground rail network spanning 35-miles. They were
used to deliver coal to the bottom of shafts before it was lifted to the
surface.
Graham Tavner, chairman of the Gedling Miner’s Memorial Trust and one of the Trustees of the Friends of Gedling Country Park, came up with the plan. He said: “For 90-odd years the pit was the lifeblood of the village, so it’s vital we protect our heritage. The majority of the carts got left underground but we have tracked down a few which have been preserved and they will be a great visual landmark at the entrance of the park. The country park will be used by the next generation, but it’s important that we do not forget about the last generation – many of whom worked as miners here.”
The carts will be painted white – the colour British Coal demanded when they were in use – and the dates the pit was open from, 1898 to 1991, are set to be welded onto the side.
Terry Lock, Chairman of the Friends of Gedling Country Park, said: “If you look back 150 years these fields would have been flat.” he said. “The hills were created from the spoil of the colliery. It’s important that we make people aware of the contribution that the colliery made to Nottingham. Without it, the city might not have ever spread over this way. You don’t know how different things would be now.”
Mr Lock said he was pleased to see the country park utilising the history and that the park’s long-term vision includes a visitor centre with further history of the colliery.
Former miner Mr Tavner, 73, has lived in the village for more than 50 years and hopes that films he made on the last day of the pit and shortly after it closed will be shown.
Graham Tavner, chairman of the Gedling Miner’s Memorial Trust and one of the Trustees of the Friends of Gedling Country Park, came up with the plan. He said: “For 90-odd years the pit was the lifeblood of the village, so it’s vital we protect our heritage. The majority of the carts got left underground but we have tracked down a few which have been preserved and they will be a great visual landmark at the entrance of the park. The country park will be used by the next generation, but it’s important that we do not forget about the last generation – many of whom worked as miners here.”
The carts will be painted white – the colour British Coal demanded when they were in use – and the dates the pit was open from, 1898 to 1991, are set to be welded onto the side.
Terry Lock, Chairman of the Friends of Gedling Country Park, said: “If you look back 150 years these fields would have been flat.” he said. “The hills were created from the spoil of the colliery. It’s important that we make people aware of the contribution that the colliery made to Nottingham. Without it, the city might not have ever spread over this way. You don’t know how different things would be now.”
Mr Lock said he was pleased to see the country park utilising the history and that the park’s long-term vision includes a visitor centre with further history of the colliery.
Former miner Mr Tavner, 73, has lived in the village for more than 50 years and hopes that films he made on the last day of the pit and shortly after it closed will be shown.
08Dec14 - Friends of Gedling Country Park launches its membership scheme
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The Friends of Gedling Country Park today launched its membership scheme to enable anybody to become a member and 'friend' of the park. This gives them the opportunity to get involved in a range of volunteering and park development activities, discounts on events and regular newsletters and updates. Both individual and family memberships are available, with more information and an application form available in the GET INVOLVED section of this website.
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08Dec14 - Friends of Gedling Country Park holds public update meeting and outlines future initiatives
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On Monday 8 December 2014, the Friends of Gedling Country Park held an update meeting for members of the public at which it outlined its progress so far and its future plans. These plans include designs and funding applications for a miners memorial park, wild flower gardens and a 'Colliers Walk'. Further information available in the About the Park-->Our Vision for the Future section of this website.
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29Sep14 - Nottingham Post article about the Friends of Gedling Country Park
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As a result of the formation of the Friends of Gedling Country Park, the Nottingham Post has written this article about the group and how we intend to make the local community proud of its new country park.
Surprisingly, Chairman Terry Lock somehow managed to persuade them to take a photo of him standing next to one of the park's new lagoons! |
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18Sep14 - Nottingham Post Environmental Awards: From pit to green perfection
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The Nottingham Post in conjunction with the Nottingham Wildlife Trust has confirmed that Gedling Country Park is now in the running for the Nottingham Post Environmental Awards 2014's Environmental Development of the Year.
Terry Lock, Chairman of the Friends of Gedling Country Park, said: "I'm absolutely delighted that the park is in the running for the award. It just shows how far we've come. It's an ambitious project and is really starting to take shape." A solar farm is also planned within the boundaries of the park, to generate enough energy for 1,000 homes, and Mr Lock said a host of new wildlife habitats could emerge. |
"We
have a really diverse range of wildlife and have been contacted by Bat
Watch and Nature Watch, who want to use the site," he reported. "We're
also looking for ways to incorporate some of the history of the pit
here. It's vital that a 'friends of' group is involved. These are the
people who are going to be involved in fundraising, dealing with issues
and the ones using the park from day to day. I think it will attract
people from all over and play a major role in Nottinghamshire's goal to
become one of the greenest places to live."
