Log ring
Visitors to the park since May will have seen the new log ring. The old ring was decaying and some logs had been removed for safety reasons. We hope the new and pretty expensive chestnut logs, which are stripped of bark and oiled, will last well into the future. Children enjoy stepping on the logs but the new ones are bigger and more comfortable for grown-ups to sit and have a chat.
Green Flag Community Award 2023/4
Ashwood Acre is looking pretty shaggy at the moment, as is usual in August. The park was at its summer best when the Green Flag Award judge arrived in late May to take a look. He liked what he saw and in July we received one of the most positive reports we have ever had and a top band score. A sentence in the judge’s final summary reads ‘This is a prize site which is most valued by the local community and provides a hidden wealth of happiness to all local users, keep up the good work and enjoy this site.’
Visitors to the park since May will have seen the new log ring. The old ring was decaying and some logs had been removed for safety reasons. We hope the new and pretty expensive chestnut logs, which are stripped of bark and oiled, will last well into the future. Children enjoy stepping on the logs but the new ones are bigger and more comfortable for grown-ups to sit and have a chat.
Green Flag Community Award 2023/4
Ashwood Acre is looking pretty shaggy at the moment, as is usual in August. The park was at its summer best when the Green Flag Award judge arrived in late May to take a look. He liked what he saw and in July we received one of the most positive reports we have ever had and a top band score. A sentence in the judge’s final summary reads ‘This is a prize site which is most valued by the local community and provides a hidden wealth of happiness to all local users, keep up the good work and enjoy this site.’
Summer 2023
Wildflower Survey
In mid-July two workers for the Wildlife Trust conducted a wildflower survey in the park five years on from the previous survey. They found that there has been good progress since 2019. They said ‘The meadow in particular has improved its plant diversity with yellow rattle now performing particularly well. Yellow rattle has reduced the vigour of the grasses as it is parasitic on grasses. As a result wildflowers are increasing through this section of the site.’
In mid-July two workers for the Wildlife Trust conducted a wildflower survey in the park five years on from the previous survey. They found that there has been good progress since 2019. They said ‘The meadow in particular has improved its plant diversity with yellow rattle now performing particularly well. Yellow rattle has reduced the vigour of the grasses as it is parasitic on grasses. As a result wildflowers are increasing through this section of the site.’
Good Neighbour Scheme
Some months ago we were invited by Northamptonshire Acre (Action with Communities in Rural England) to consider joining the Good Neighbour Scheme which is funded by the National Lottery. We have been awarded a small grant which will assist us in buying tools and equipment which might help people elderly people or people with disabilities to work more easily in the park. The grant will also enable us to plan and cater for community events which may help more people to enjoy the park and feel part of its community, perhaps including some who may feel lonely, isolated or vulnerable.
Some months ago we were invited by Northamptonshire Acre (Action with Communities in Rural England) to consider joining the Good Neighbour Scheme which is funded by the National Lottery. We have been awarded a small grant which will assist us in buying tools and equipment which might help people elderly people or people with disabilities to work more easily in the park. The grant will also enable us to plan and cater for community events which may help more people to enjoy the park and feel part of its community, perhaps including some who may feel lonely, isolated or vulnerable.
Spring 2023
Spring Celebration
The Annual May Spring Celebration, with locally grown flowers, scrubs, vegetable plants, cakes, live music, children's activities (planting sunflowers, bug hunting) Hartwell Homeless Small Animal Sanctuary and Northants Acre. All proceeds will help support the running of the park for another year.
A very enjoyable afternoon for all ages ! Thanks to all the volunteers who made it all possible.
A very enjoyable afternoon for all ages ! Thanks to all the volunteers who made it all possible.
Meadow - Yellow rattle
We've been working on our wild flower meadow for many years and in 2022 we finally had success with a covering of Yellow rattle. Yellow rattle helps to keep the grasses at bay and reduces the soil quality, providing a suitable environment for wild flowers.
Last Autumn we scarified the meadow and spread more rattle seeds and trod them in. Now in the spring we are very happy to see more rattle springing up all over the meadow.
Last Autumn we scarified the meadow and spread more rattle seeds and trod them in. Now in the spring we are very happy to see more rattle springing up all over the meadow.
Replacement Log ring
Our log ring (made of 9 Oak logs), required replacement. With supporting funding from ACRE we've now replaced the rotten logs with new bigger Chestnut Logs. They're now a great place to sit and enjoy the park - for all ages, young and old!
Summer in the park
Busy summer: Success with Yellow rattle all over the meadow!!!
May event with plants, cakes, tree planting and live music
Annual hayrake of the whole park
May event with plants, cakes, tree planting and live music
Annual hayrake of the whole park
Spring in the Park 2022
Annual Hayrake 2021
Signs of the park waking after the winter! March 2021
Autumn in the park
Signs of spring in the park
Annual Hay Rake 2019
Spring comes to the Park 2019
2018
Snow covered park - Dec 2017
Annual Hay rake - Sept 2017
Tea and cake - Working party July 2017
Plant Sale 20th May 2017
Feb and May 2016
January 2016 in the Snow
November 2015 in the Park
Slideshow (below) of Ashwood Acre through the Seasons