Two positive items about parks!
First of all, we received the following email today from one of our regular readers, Christine Paine:
Something up beat. As I am sure you know there is a park behind the football pitches in Rawreth Lane. I mean the park at the Bedloes end of Rawreth Lane – not Sweyne Park .
.I don’t know who is responsible for it, maintenance etc. but it is a complete joy. Planted for wildlife, grass paths and areas always nicely cut, but not over manicured. I walk the dog there once or twice a week, it is quite her favourite place to go. Because of where it is the dog walkers all tend to be local and also respectful – there a good dog poo bins and it is rare to find any laying around in the park, people pick up, dogs are under control. I sat there last Thursday in the sun, and the dog and I watched a couple of woodpeckers flitting around in the trees, which are starting to turn a lovely colour. It is a quiet, peaceful sanctuary which is a joy to visit. Never crowded even when there are a lot of dogs being walked there, always somewhere to just sit and watch whatever birds, stoats etc. happen to be moving around.
.Whoever is responsible for looking after it deserves high compliments and perhaps you would be good enough to pass them on if you know who it is.
We will certainly pass this on to the council staff concerned !
Secondly, we had the guided walk around Sweyne Park today – the early morning rain stopped in time. 18 people and 2 dogs has a walk around the park, with former council officer Geoff Dawson as our guide. He explained, for example, how he managed the original planting (with lots of plants that produce food for wildlife). Some of the trees are now 20 years old. The wildlife mentioned included squirrels, foxes, deer, jays, waxwings, magpies , green woodpeckers , sparrowhawks and cinnabar moths. All in all, a very enjoyable walk.
However most of the people who came were from Hawkwell and Hockley rather than Rayleigh!
Sweyne Park can be a beautiful place, and it would benefit from local people getting involved in the Friends of Sweyne Park group. Most of us lead very busy lives nowadays, but spending a few hours helping to organise an event would be be a big help. If you can help please phone Heather Meggison on 01702 318057.
A good positive post.
Really nice item (for a change) -make the most of it folks , if you get my drift!!!!.
Couldn’t get to the walk in Sweyne Park as had work committments. Will certainly do next one.
Really enjoyed the walk. It was very interesting to hear Geoff talk about the history, design and planting, all aspects I knew nothing about before yesterday, so I learnt something, and our little ones all got some fresh air and exercise. Was particularly interested to hear about the choice of plants/trees used, and the pockets trees and bushes spread across the park, all to encourage wildlife. A morning well spent. Thank you Geoff for coming out of retirement to pass on your wealth of knowledge.