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About us

The Friends Group was formed in 1991 and is very active in working with Chester City Council to develop and maintain the park. There is an established pattern of regular events in the valley for children and adults. The park is very well used and much loved by local people and its popularity lessens the impact of, for example, vandalism.

The 'Friends' have to keep a balance between the needs of local people and the wildlife in the park. We have paths throughout the park, the grass edges are cut regularly and there are seats at about 50 metre intervals to make it accessible for the disabled. But the park has a very natural feel about it and there is much flora and fauna to be seen as you walk along the paths. The water attracts the kingfisher and the Friends' logo, the water rail, as well as mallards and moorhen. Nearly 100 different species of birds have been seen in the park, 286 wildflowers have been recorded and the valley supports 20 species of butterflies.

Working with Mike O'Kell, the representative of Chester City Council, we have achieved our primary aim of creating a large area of wetland in the valley. The pond was dug out in 1993 and leats excavated taking water from the brook, into the pond and out again into the brook. Six sluices control the flow of water and succeed in keeping water in the valley rather than letting it rush down the brook into the River Dee. Paths wind through the valley , gently sloping and good for pushchairs and wheel chairs; in three places we have had to build steps to cope with the gradient.

If you want to get involved with the Friends, or if you want more information about us, please either drop us an email or telephone Pam Atkinson on 01244 351066.

Equipment

The Friends are happy to lend out their equipment to groups or individuals in return for a donation. We have 5 tables, a kitchen tent, 15 pond dipping nets and trays and 3 insect nets. The tent measures about 3mx4m, the side walls are 6 foot high and it opens up on 3 sides. Telephone Pam or send us an email.

Membership

2004-05 was one of our best years, with a membership of 220 - that is households not individuals. A number of these were new members and we hope they will enjoy receiving their newsletters and continue their membership long term. We do lose some members, for example when they move out of the area. There are others who for one reason or another decide not to renew - it would be nice to know why - is there anything we can do to make membership more attractive and retain your support?

It costs £3 a year to be one of the 'Friends' and for this six newsletters a year will be sent to your home which give details about events in the park, the latest news and articles written by local people.

Our most important landmarks

Records of Flora and Fauna

We have several birdwatchers and butterfly recorders who keep a note of the birds and butterflies in the valley but we do not have any records of animals or insects - apart from pondlife. Is there anyone who would like to fill this gap?

Contributions from the Committee

John White writes:
Caldy Nature Park has been a great source of pleasure for me, from the time of the first meeting when the Friends of the park were formed and the Committee was set up, of which I have been a member from the beginning. I have made it an extension of my garden, on which I am very keen, what with planting trees and blbs, laying paths and cutting back trees and shrubs to make it possible for people to enjoy their visits to the park.

One big disappointment has been that we haven't been able to make a bluebell wood due to the canopy not being sufficient to subdue the nettles. The daffodils have made up for that.

I have also enjoyed being involved with the functions in the park, such as Easter Duck Race, Countryside Day and Hallowe'en. Another disappointment must be that we can't get some young people involved in the park as the present Committee are in the main getting a bit long in the tooth. We mourne the loss of the swans as they have been in the park a number of years.

We often see Sheila Winder's children joining in activities in the park and her granddaughter, Katherine Parry, wrote a poem for us.

Jack Frost

Now Jack Frost has arrived
To come and get you all,
To show white is white
He's heading straight for you.

Now Jack Frost has arrived,
Is he here or there?
Is he in the tree?
Wherever is Jack Frost?

Now Jack Frost has arrived
To come and frost you up
Don't go outside or else
He'll prickle you to death.

Now Jack Frost has arrived
He'll prickle you and me
So wrap up warm and snug
And trample on Jack Frost

Tina Watkins writes:
You can always tell when we've been down to the nature park. There's a row of very dirty wellies, the large sticks for catching lions and tigers and bears and some strange esoteric pieces of 'natural' art work that I'm not allowed to throw away for weeks. I try to decide what the attraction is. Is it the stream (that must contain crocodiles) or the trees that are just right for climbing or the path that can be cycled round for hours ? No, I've decided it is the chance for peace and quiet and to be able to sit still for a bit while the kids have fun 'naturally'.

If you want to get involved with the Friends, or if you want more information about us, please either drop us an email or telephone Pam Atkinson on 01244 351066.

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