Nenescape
The Nenescape Landscape Partnership Scheme (LPS) was a £4.5 million project to celebrate, protect and conserve the natural and built heritage of the River Nene and its landscape.
Led by the River Nene Regional Park and part-funded with a £2.8 million grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Nenescape Landscape Partnership Scheme began its five year delivery phase in 2017 following two years of project development.
Building on the work of the Nene Valley Nature Improvement Area project, Nenescape LPS combined natural heritage conservation and restoration with community heritage, historical research and public engagement to form a scheme of projects that explore the Nene Valley, its people, heritage and identity in a changing landscape.
The projects under the Nenescape banner were delivered through three broad themes, each supported by a number of Partnership projects.
- Listen to the Past
- Explore the Now
- Secure the Future
Nene Park Trust projects
- Walking in Time – Five projects exploring and celebrating the heritage of the Lower Nene Valley at Nene Park including the creation of Bluebell Wood boardwalk and interpretation of archaeology.
- Farming for the Future – A meadow restoration and grants scheme to improve wildflower and wetland areas and engage the public with these habitats.
- Volunteer Task Force – A volunteering programme covering three broad roles: historical research, public engagement and outdoor conservation.
- Investing in Skills – A programme of training, apprenticeships and opportunities to develop skills within the partnership.
Bringing Nature Closer
Between 2017 and 2019, work was carried out to restore Heron and Goldie Meadows back to wetland. We cleared the existing cross ditches and added further scrapes and pools on the meadows which meant that the water stayed on the meadows for longer, attracting more birds and wildlife.
This project was funded mainly by The National Lottery Heritage Fund through the Nenescape project but also by The Environment Agency, the Mick George Community Fund and a sizeable donation from the family of Terry Hadoke, a former Nene Park Trust Trustee.
As a part of the project we also added viewing platforms and interpretation boards about the project and the wildlife to look out for on the restored wetland meadows.
Bluebell Wood Boardwalk
This 752m long boardwalk beside the river in Bluebell Wood in Ferry Meadows was constructed in 2019 by a team of Nene Park Trust volunteers (using 42,000 screws and taking 1,209 volunteer hours). This boardwalk has opened up this part of the Park, offering a more accessible walkway to visitors especially those with pushchairs or wheelchairs.
Restoring Station Master’s Garden
2021 saw the completion of the restoration of the old station master’s garden on Station Lane, Castor – to the west of Ferry Meadows.
The project involved staff, volunteers and local residents clearing, tidying and planting – restoring colour and biodiversity back to this previously neglected site. We also added an interpretation board about the garden’s history and a hand crafted bench, making this a lovely place for visitors to stop and rest.
Walking with Romans
We worked with the Nene Valley Archaeological Trust to produce a Heritage Audit of the heritage sites across Nene Park; new signage around the Park and in 2022 developed four new Walking in Time Heritage Trails, which can be picked up from the Visitor Centre in Ferry Meadows or found online.
Apprentices
The Nenescape project funded two horticultural apprentice placements in 2019. These two young people gained new skills and on the job experience with our horticulture team while studying for the British Association Landscape Industries (BALI) Horticulture Level 3 qualification.
