Newark and Sherwood District Council organise guided park ranger walks at both the Green Flag Award-winning Sconce and Devon Park in Newark, and Vicar Water Country Park, near Clipstone
Step into nature and explore some of the best and most beautiful green spaces our district has to offer by joining a guided walk this summer, led by park rangers.
Organised by Newark and Sherwood District Council, the guided walks are being offered at both the Green Flag Award-winning Sconce and Devon Park in Newark, and Vicar Water Country Park.
Park rangers will share insights about the nature and wildlife that can be spotted, as well as giving residents a chance to ask questions and explore nature from a different perspective.
Emma Oldham, portfolio holder for biodiversity and environmental services, said: “These guided walks are such a wonderful addition to Sconce and Devon and Vicar Water Country Park and summer is the perfect time to embrace the lovely weather and enjoy our beautiful natural surroundings.”
“These walks not only allow us to connect with nature but also to learn about the incredible biodiversity and wildlife that thrives in our parks, they make such a great space for our health and wellbeing, whether it’s through socialising, relaxing or just for exercising.”
“Our park rangers are incredibly knowledgeable about our parks, and I really encourage everyone to join these guided walks.
“It’s a great opportunity to learn from them, connect with nature, and enjoy some fresh air while getting active,”
The walks are free and open to all — although booking is required through the council’s website — with new routes organised each month to add variety and will rotate in length from short, to medium, to long.
Guided walks will take place on the first Tuesday of every month at Sconce and Devon Park, and on the third Tuesday of every month at Vicar Water Country Park — both run from 9am to 10.30am.
Vicar Water Country Park has been recognised as a Green Flag Award-winning Park for a number of years and is located in Clipstone on the site of a former colliery.
Over the years the park has transformed into a thriving green space for visitors to enjoy, with an abundance of biodiversity and wildlife too.
The heathland, woodland and grassland, and lake all provide homes and food for a variety of wildlife, including kingfishers, herons, water scorpions, frogs and newts, emperor dragonflies, green woodpeckers, and more.
Sconce and Devon Park, also a Green Flag Award winner, is Newark’s largest open space and home to a variety of habitats including riverside, pastures, woodlands, grasslands and an orchard.
Although some rare plant species, such as the flowering rush, are found in the park, the greatest feature is the diverse range of species within such a small area.
The area is rich in a variety of plant life from tall oaks to small herbs and grasses. Butterflies and dragonflies are in abundance. A range of birds including kingfishers, swans and thrushes can be spotted.
