All the photos on the site have been taken in Cherry Orchard Jubilee Country Park unless stated otherwise.
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Beautiful photo of a dragonfly taken in the park by one of our members. Also a photo of the strange things that happen to acorns affected by the Knopper Gall Wasp! You may have noticed this. Although the acorn crop will be affected the tree itself is unharmed. Thank you for sharing the photos TC.
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A great walk on Sunday 18th July, planned for new members to get to know the park. On the day there was a good mix of members new and old, or should we say - established!
We walked in the morning - a wise choice as temperatures rose so that by midday we were glad to be walking back in the shade.
Special thanks go to Richard and Ashley who were able to tell us so much about the park, it's history from the ice age, why the woods are coppiced, not to tread on bluebells and the names of the ever increasing variety of wild flowers. We learned that wild flowers like an impoverished soil so understand why the meadows are cut for hay and the hay taken off. We also noticed that the greatest variety of wild flowers, including rare varieties of orchid, common century (which isn't as common as it's name suggests), 'fox and cubs', can be seen in the eastern meadow where in the past the rich top soil was removed so that clay for bricks was accessible. Now we can see a colourful tapestry of wild flowers.
We walked in the morning - a wise choice as temperatures rose so that by midday we were glad to be walking back in the shade.
Special thanks go to Richard and Ashley who were able to tell us so much about the park, it's history from the ice age, why the woods are coppiced, not to tread on bluebells and the names of the ever increasing variety of wild flowers. We learned that wild flowers like an impoverished soil so understand why the meadows are cut for hay and the hay taken off. We also noticed that the greatest variety of wild flowers, including rare varieties of orchid, common century (which isn't as common as it's name suggests), 'fox and cubs', can be seen in the eastern meadow where in the past the rich top soil was removed so that clay for bricks was accessible. Now we can see a colourful tapestry of wild flowers.
Volunteers in July - Cleared the path behind Blatches Farm and the Hazel Plantation.
More information and photos here.
CAR PARK re-opened!
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Making Hay - July 2021CUTTING THE HAY - RDC have advised that hay cutting in the district should start in mid July. Cutting in Cherry Orchard Park is likely to be towards the end of July, and it will all depend on the weather - of course! In any case - be aware, if you hear the tractors and balers please keep your dogs close by and under control. There will be minimal small animal casualties - rodents, grass snakes. Sadly, that's what happens in real life and I expect the foxes in the area will eat well.
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Volunteers in June! See more here!
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Kirste 5 race - The runners come through the park every year and we are very happy to support them with cheering, clapping, whistling, encouragement and WATER!
CANCELLATION: A message from Karl Cadman, race organiser.
Even though we don't want to do this, we feel that a revised race to cover any new restrictions will mean the race will not be to our normal high standards, along with the added stress to organise at such short notice. We also now need to commit to extra expense to push forward the event.
Therefore, we have taken the hard decision to cancel the Kirste 5 Memorial Race this year.
We thank you for your support, and will be giving you details of how to claim a refund shortly. We will push ahead with a Virtual Race, and ask that you transfer your entry to this race if you can, so we can still make a donation to our charities.
For the full information go to the Kirste 5 website, https://thekirste5memorialrace.org/
CANCELLATION: A message from Karl Cadman, race organiser.
Even though we don't want to do this, we feel that a revised race to cover any new restrictions will mean the race will not be to our normal high standards, along with the added stress to organise at such short notice. We also now need to commit to extra expense to push forward the event.
Therefore, we have taken the hard decision to cancel the Kirste 5 Memorial Race this year.
We thank you for your support, and will be giving you details of how to claim a refund shortly. We will push ahead with a Virtual Race, and ask that you transfer your entry to this race if you can, so we can still make a donation to our charities.
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.
APRIL 2021 - PLEASE NOTE - DELAYED DUE TO COVID RESTRICTIONS AND WEATHER.
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.
APRIL 2021 - PLEASE NOTE - DELAYED DUE TO COVID RESTRICTIONS AND WEATHER.
From 30th September 2019 a Rochford District Council Enforcement Officer has been carrying out unannounced spot checks in the park. The officer, wearing a bodycam, is 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.
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 is reviewed annually at theAGM and updated when necessary. . 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