05/10/20

Beverley Jones, Assistant Project Officer at Nene Park Trust 

Improving access to the Rural Estate

During the course of the last 12 months we have been faced with wet weather, a pandemic and weeks of being furloughed! However, we are delighted to say, that the new signage has now been installed on the Rural Estate.

Our survey showed that many people were unaware that the area to the West of Ferry Meadows was part of Nene Park and could be accessed directly from the main Park. We were very fortunate to receive funding from RDPE LEADER Programme which enabled us to install three information boards, a number of directional finger posts and way marker discs, to help visitors navigate this beautiful part of the Park.  The structures are made from sustainable Accoya wood and are in keeping with the natural environment.

With access to open spaces becoming more important for our health and wellbeing, we hope the footpaths and bridle ways will provide quieter, alternative routes, across a rural landscape, much of which runs alongside the River Nene and the Nene Valley Railway line.  We have worked with Peterborough City Council’s public right of way officer, to improve access and replace stiles with gates where possible.

Enjoying the area

The area is steeped in history with evidence of Peterborough’s Bronze Age and Roman heritage which includes a Tumulus burial mound and a section of Ermine Street, part of the old Roman Road between London and York, which are clearly visible today. 

Fishing and horse riding are popular activities across the Rural Estate and the idyllic villages of Sutton, Water Newton, Ailsworth, Castor and Alwalton with their historic churches, country cottages and local facilities can be reached via the footpaths.

The Station Master’s Garden at Ailsworth is currently being restored by staff and volunteers and provides a peaceful spot to sit among the apple trees and wildflowers to admire the view.

Why not take a trip back in time and travel on the Nene Valley Railway’s Steam Train which runs through the Rural Estate, with stops at Peterborough, Orton Mere, Overton (Ferry Meadows), Yarwell Junction and Wansford Station.

Our Park Rangers and volunteers work hard to keep the pathways and surrounding areas clear and free from litter so please help them by taking your litter home and be mindful of livestock when walking in the area.

For those looking for longer walks with far reaching views across agricultural landscape, the Rural Estate is the perfect place to visit and we hope you enjoy the area as much as we do! 

For Rural Estate visitor information please click here.