06/03/24:

The wildlife Garden in Ferry Meadows is currently closed to visitor access due to the welcome area works moving into this area. We will be starting to construct a new feature archway and re doing the paths and planters in this space. Please bear with us while this work is being carried out. 

10/02/24:

Update on the works from Project Manager Tom

From 08/01/24:

Update 23/11/23:

Over the next two weeks the works will involve:

• Plant beds being reduced in size
• Block paving being taken up, and the area levelled off.
• Drainage installation.
• Block paving being re-laid/re-used in areas not having resin bound gravel.
• Block work being put up for toilet extension.
• Manhole being reduced and rebuilt so that it is flush to new surface.

Aerial view below shows the area which is fenced off (red line) and the access area for visitors from the car park (green line). All facilities remain open. 

Update 07/11/23

• Contractor cabins arrive and herras fencing goes up

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The main arrival area at Ferry Meadows is a visitor’s first impression of the Park and where people gather for activities, events, to use facilities and to plan their next steps into the park. Between November 2023 and April 2024 we are making improvements to the Centre Point area of Ferry Meadows to improve the welcome experience for our visitors,. Improvements include re-landscaping and improving  the toilets with the provision of enhanced and upgraded facilities alongside a new extension which will include a Changing Places facility. 

The Changing Places facility is a larger accessible changing and toilet facility which includes a hoist, height adjustable changing bench as well as space for carers. This will be a vital facility for many disabled people enabling them and their families to enjoy the park.  T

A new canopy area will also be created gathering together the car park machines, information displays and creating a focal point connecting to the toilets. The landscaping in the area will be further improved ensuring a clear arrival point for visitors with a realigned footpath, taking visitors from the welcome area more directly to the Visitor Centre. A new central feature tree and increased seating both in the centre and around the edge of the area will create a greater sense of place.  The new landscaping will include increased biodiversity-rich planting and sculptural features such as habitat features and an arch covered walkway.  The proposals also include resurfacing, removing the patch work of different paving and tarmacs to give a more consistent appearance and feel to the area.  These designs are centred around the use of timber in both its raw and engineered formats making the most of its versatility, embedded carbon and natural aesthetic.

These works have been made possible by funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of our 5-year Your Community Greenspace project.