All the photos on the site have been taken in Cherry Orchard Jubilee Country Park unless stated otherwise.
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THAT WENT WELL! A beautiful spring morning, birds singing, sun shining - and bluebells! A real treat - 4k walk from New England Wood, through Rawreth Wood, round Hockley Wood and back. |
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April 13th 2022
Volunteers were working in the park again today. Grass was cut in the traditional orchard and used to mulch round trees, stopping them from drying out. Pear blossom already out - apple blossom will follow soon! Further work in the old gun range cleared the clay bank and leaving an ideal nesting spot for solitary bees. Brambles were cut back revealing bright spurge (euphorbia) and the lavender flowers of vinca major. Thanks to everyone for your hard work. |
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A carpet of wood anemones in New England Wood, an area of Ancient Woodland in the park. Thanks Carol S. for this photo, spring is here.
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Planting a tree for the Jubilee.
The Queens Green Canopy is part of the Jubilee celebrations and our park has been allocated Hornbeams to make a green avenue entrance into the park to mark the Queens Platinum Jubilee. Our volunteers had hoped to be part of the planting team but a mix up with dates meant that they had to be planted without us. Rather, without most of us! Thanks to Tony, who as soon as he realised what had happened went out to take some photos, we have a record of the planting. Many thanks to the team involved, it looks great. |
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VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR Congratulations and heartfelt thanks to Tony, our volunteer of the year. Thank you Tony, for your hard work in the park throughout the year, joining the volunteers every month and working tirelessly in the park litter picking. During the year Tony has stepped up to lead the volunteer group when necessary and his experience and friendly help is what makes every session an enjoyable occasion. Congratulations Tony! |
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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