New family-friendly facilities at Sheringham Park
Visitors will soon be enjoying ‘The Bower’* at The National Trust’s
Sheringham Park, a special place for families and education groups, thanks to funding from
Breathing Places.
 A make-over of an
unused car park at Sheringham Park is underway, transforming the space into a haven for
families and schools. The focal point will be a sensory garden with a pond and a simple
multi-purpose shelter for story telling – this will also come in handy for Norfolk
weather conditions!
The Bower will include a dog-free space where children and families can relax and enjoy
themselves while taking part in activities such as environmental art, bug-hunts and
picnics. The project will also include bird-viewing and feeding areas and footage of other
wildlife activities on-screen in the nearby Visitor Centre.
Funding to the tune of £10,000 has been awarded by the BBC-sponsored Big Lottery Fund
for ‘Breathing Places’, which aims to make improvements in local communities.
The National Trust has also contributed £12,000 to the project.
Rob Coleman, Learning Officer at Sheringham Park, applied for the funding and
couldn’t be more pleased at the outcome: “The Bower is just what our visitors
need, a purpose-built venue for all the fun and educational activities we have on offer
here at Sheringham Park. I’m very grateful to our ‘Wednesday’ team of
volunteers who devote their time to the Bower, and the area is taking shape with
tree-felling and fencing. There will be plenty more to do in the coming months as we dig
out the pond and put the new plants in.”
The new plantings will showcase some of the huge range of trees and shrubs introduced
into this country by the great plant collector Ernest ‘Chinese’ Wilson.
*A 'bower' is the word used to describe a 'shaded, leafy recess or retreat' in a garden
or park setting. Abbot and Charlotte Upcher, the first owners of the Repton-designed
Sheringham Park estate, referred to their acquisition as 'Sherringham Bower’ which
provides a historical link to the new project. |
What's on this February
Blickling Hall, Park & Gardens
Hellebore Open Day
Saturday 7 February, 11am - 4pm
Advice and informative talks on growing Hellebores with Hellebore expert Roger Harvey with
an opportunity to view the Blickling Collection and buy a number of varieties. Garden
tours led by Paul Underwood, Head Gardener.
Garden Entry.
Valentine's Dinner
Saturday 14 February, 7.30pm
3-course dinner lovingly prepared by our Head Chef, in the intimate setting of Lord
Lothian's Study. £35, please book on 0844 800 4308.
Opening of the House Dinner
Saturday 28 February, 6.30pm
Join us for an intimate evening tour of the Hall followed by a sumptuous 4 course dinner
in Lord Lothian's Study. £37.50 - early booking advisable on 0844 800 4308.
Felbrigg Hall, Garden & Park
Valentine's Day Dinner
Saturday 14 February, 7pm -10pm
Why not spoil your loved one and book a table at our 'Carriages' restaurant for a romantic
dinner. Booking essential 01263 838237. £28.95 per person.
Pancake Lunch
Tuesday 24 February, 12.30pm - 3pm
Enjoy the best of local and seasonal food with a pancake related menu. Booking essential
on 01263 838237.
Sheringham Park
Sheringham Park Ramble
Sunday 1 February, 2pm at the Visitor Centre.
Volunteer-led ramble starting from the Visitor Centre. Route varies through the year. You
must have suitable clothing and footwear and the ability to walk for at least 2 hours.
Dogs on leads please. Car park charges apply for non-members. Free to all.
Half Term Trail
Saturday 14 to Sunday 22 February
Fun self guided trail through the park. Dogs on leads please. £1 per child - includes a
prize. Pay on day. Car park charges applies for non-members.
Historical Walk
Sunday 15 February, 2 - 3.30pm
Join one of our volunteers for a walk, including the interesting history of Sheringham
Park, with a fun quiz for younger members of the group. Walk approx. 2 miles. Suitable
footwear required. Pay on Day. Dogs on leads please. Car park charges apply for
non-members. Adults £1.50, children free.
Animal Track & Signs
Tuesday 17 February, 10.30am - 12.30pm
Join our Learning Officer and become a wildlife detective. Learn how to follow the trails
animals make and spot the tell-tale signs they leave behind. £3 per child, accompanying
adults £1. No dogs please. Places limited. Booking essential, please telephone 01263
820550. Car park charges applies for non-members.
Volunteer Recruitment Day
Monday 23 February, 10am - 1pm
Do you have a half or full day per week, per fortnight or per month to spare? Come and
chat to us at our Volunteer Preview Day. Refreshments provided. You can help in many ways,
serving our visitors in the Visitor Centre or Refreshment Kiosk, helping with School
Visits or Estate work. Full training provided. Contact Malcolm Fisher on 01263 820550 to
book in. |
