All the photos on the site have been taken in Cherry Orchard Jubilee Country Park unless stated otherwise.
We're back - in a socially distanced way! Wednesday 23rd September our Conservation Volunteers met for the first time since March. Following all the COVID-19 guidelines we cut back the brambles and cleared the path next to the stream leading into New England Wood. Thank you very much everybody! More photos HERE!
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UPDATE!
Three more benches have been installed along the new path from the car park to the bridleway. The benches are made of hard wood (oak) felled in Hockley Woods and have been made for us by Canopy Community Conservation. |
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Government Update - September 2020
When seeing friends and family you do not live with you should:
When seeing friends and family you do not live with you should:
- meet in groups of 6 or less
- follow social distancing rules
- limit how many different people you see socially over a short period of time
- meet people outdoors where practical: meeting people outdoors is safer than meeting people indoors because fresh air provides better ventilation
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Rochford District Council have responded to our concerns about the amount of litter left in the park now that so many people are using it for their daily exercise. Bins will be emptied daily and the situation reviewed as the lockdown regulations are changed.
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Reasons to be Cheerful! We are filling our gallery with photos taken in the park that bring us joy. You can put them on our Facebook page or email them to us at cherryorchardpark@gmail.com Go to The Gallery to check them out.
Kirste 5 2020 - message from organisers Karl, Mike, Ian.
There will be more races, more opportunities, more great times, more chances to run great paths on the Kirste route, but we feel we would be reckless if we did not cancel The Kirste 5 Memorial Run for 2020.
For the full information go to the Kirste 5 website, https://thekirste5memorialrace.org/
There will be more races, more opportunities, more great times, more chances to run great paths on the Kirste route, but we feel we would be reckless if we did not cancel The Kirste 5 Memorial Run for 2020.
For the full information go to the Kirste 5 website, https://thekirste5memorialrace.org/
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Click HERE to report an incident or problem in the park.
Click HERE to report an incident or problem in the park.
Essex Wildlife Trust have advised that they hope to start work regenerating the lake in the coming weeks. This has been a long time coming but it appears that funds are available now to improve the area and bring it back to its original purpose - a lake for wildlife.
Members were advised some years ago now of the proposal to regrade the banks and open up the 'dyke' to encourage the water voles to return, and introduce an area of wet woodland by extending the nearby plantation. EWT are also hopeful that they will be able persuade the Environment Agency to change the extraction licence that allows RDC to divert water from the stream into the lake, so that it can flow all year round instead of just in the winter months.
Members were advised some years ago now of the proposal to regrade the banks and open up the 'dyke' to encourage the water voles to return, and introduce an area of wet woodland by extending the nearby plantation. EWT are also hopeful that they will be able persuade the Environment Agency to change the extraction licence that allows RDC to divert water from the stream into the lake, so that it can flow all year round instead of just in the winter months.
From 30th September 2019 a Rochford District Council Enforcement Officer will be carrying out unannounced spot checks in the park. The officer, wearing a bodycam, will be able to issue Fixed Penalty Notices and fines of £100 to anyone not clearing up after their dog. Thanks to RDC for this initiative.
Membership - Members of the group find out first about opportunities to help in the park, events happening in the park and have the opportunity to be part of consultations held by Rochford District Council regarding the future development of the park. It's easy to join for just £5 per household per year - JOIN ON LINE HERE. Members can also be part of our Conservation Volunteer Group.
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Fantastic final video of the car park extension from our friend Norm Bright. This not only shows how it looks now that the work is all but finished, but shows shots from the progress along the way as well. It's just beautiful to watch. Thank you very much Norm, your video updates have been much appreciated. There has been no information from RDC regarding the official re-opening of the car park. Will let you know as and when.
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SURVEY: Thank you to everyone who took part in our survey. A great many members of the Friends took the time to complete it and the results have given us, and Rochford District Council, a clear idea of what users feel is important in the development of our park.
The overall impression that the results give is that people actually like the park the way it is, there being no support for changes such as cafes, toilets, agility trails, gyms etc. People would however, like to see improvements in conservation efforts, maintaining path ways and reducing litter.
The most voted for high cost project was weather proofing pathways through the park to improve accessibility for all.
The most voted for low cost project was to provide additional bird and insect boxes and the planting of wild flowers.
The Friends committee has initiated a search for grants that the group can apply for to improve pathways/accessibility in the park. This will also mean that more litter/dog waste bins could be provided as there will be year round access to them for maintenance and emptying. It is a long term aim and Rochford District Council have promised their support.
In the meantime we are pleased to be able to proved a further 10 new nest boxes for small birds, to compliment the 4 owl boxes we erected last year.
The overall impression that the results give is that people actually like the park the way it is, there being no support for changes such as cafes, toilets, agility trails, gyms etc. People would however, like to see improvements in conservation efforts, maintaining path ways and reducing litter.
The most voted for high cost project was weather proofing pathways through the park to improve accessibility for all.
The most voted for low cost project was to provide additional bird and insect boxes and the planting of wild flowers.
The Friends committee has initiated a search for grants that the group can apply for to improve pathways/accessibility in the park. This will also mean that more litter/dog waste bins could be provided as there will be year round access to them for maintenance and emptying. It is a long term aim and Rochford District Council have promised their support.
In the meantime we are pleased to be able to proved a further 10 new nest boxes for small birds, to compliment the 4 owl boxes we erected last year.
FOCOP is registered with easyfundraising - find out more here.
Who can use the Bridleway? - more information here.
How to report an incident or a problem in the park - click here.
Who can use the Bridleway? - more information here.
How to report an incident or a problem in the park - click here.
Who are the Friends of Cherry Orchard Jubilee Country Park?
In the Spring of 2010, a ‘Friends of Cherry Orchard Jubilee Country Park’ group was formed. This allows us, the local community, to have a say in how our local park is managed. As we are the users of these facilities, we are best placed to say what is needed in the park.
What are our aims?
- To encourage more people, from all sections of the community, to use the park and to enjoy its full potential and promote an atmosphere of mutual appreciation and respect.
- To protect, conserve and enhance The Cherry Orchard Jubilee Country Park as a place of freedom, recreation and enjoyment for the long term benefit of all sections of the local community.
- To use its funds to support, maintain and increase the facilities in the park
- To act as a focal point for the involvement of the community in
consultations with Rochford District Council concerning the park.
Our constitution was updated at the 2015 Annual General Meeting. A copy is available here.
Membership
Membership is open to everyone who shares the Aims of our Friends group and costs just £5.00 per household per annum. This enables us to hold regular meetings, provide Newsletters, maintain the website and hopefully arrange informative and fun events for all the family. Go to the membership page to join on line or download a membership form.
Members are encouraged to contribute to this website. Contact us for more information.
The Friends of Cherry Orchard Jubilee Country Park have a hard working and enthusiastic committee who work within a constitution agreed with Rochford District Council
Members are encouraged to contribute to this website. Contact us for more information.
The Friends of Cherry Orchard Jubilee Country Park have a hard working and enthusiastic committee who work within a constitution agreed with Rochford District Council