All the photos on the site have been taken in Cherry Orchard Jubilee Country Park unless stated otherwise.
Not a member yet - JOIN NOW! £5 PER HOUSEHOLD PER YEAR. Join HERE!
Spring Walk April 2023
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The previous week's weather may have put off a few walkers but those that joined us enjoyed a beautiful spring morning - some sunshine, no rain, little wind - it was ideal. Setting off from the car park at Cherry Orchard Way we walked through the Community Orchard, admired the pear blossom and carried on to the Friends' Path. Passing what is probably one of the oldest trees in the park, an ash, that has been there for at least 400 years, we carried on through the meadows and paths to Pooh Sticks Bridge then up along the field margin to the west of The Scrubs to admire the bluebells. the MOST IMPORTANT LESSON learned - DON'T walk on the bluebells. It takes 100 years for bluebells to spread just 1 metre - and just 1 month's footfall to kill them. So please don't walk over the bluebells - not even for that special photo! More photos HERE.
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March 2023 - Rain and sleet this morning, but were the volunteers deterred? Absolutely not!
There's more information and photos about their work this month on the Volunteers page. |
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A new orchard!
Volunteers met to plant 100 fruit trees, apples, pears, plum and cherry - an extension to our original orchard. In less than four hours the scrubby meadow became an orchard. Amazing work everyone. Started in the fog and finished in brilliant sunshine. Thank you everyone. |
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VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR! Congratulations to Liz and Alan our two volunteers of the year for 2022! Thank you both so much, not only for your support of the park, the Friends and the volunteers, but for your hard work at all the volunteer sessions. A round of applause for Liz and Alan please! For all the photos and more information about the December volunteer session in the Hazel Plantation go to "Conservation Volunteers".
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Regenerating the wildlife lake Progress.....
Autumn 2022
At last! It's been almost 6 years in the thinking, planning and funding and finally the lake has been returned to its original purpose - A WILDLIFE LAKE. Thanks go to Essex Wildlife Trust and Rochford District Council working together. |
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Park History
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Then.....
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.....and now!
The post close to the tree is the same one that you can see on the left edge of the earlier photo.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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
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