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• From a disused industrial site to a vibrant community space

• Date:

  7th January 2008

• Contact:

  Sarah Egerton

• Organisation:

  The Civic Trust

Rushcliffe Country Park, managed by Rushcliffe Borough Council, is an excellent example of how a disused, industrial site can be transformed into a vibrant, attractive venue that offers many opportunities for the community.

Built on the site of a former Ministry of Defence bomb-filling factory, the site was reclaimed, redesigned, and opened as Rushcliffe Country Park in 1993. The park is now managed by Rushcliffe Borough Council and has a full-time ranger service. It is home to several annual events, attracts over 250,000 visitors a year, and encourages as large and diverse a mix of the community as possible.

The careful creation, nurturing and development of conservation, the mix of amenity areas, alongside attraction and event programmes means that the park truly is a place that all can enjoy. The Park plays a leading role in educating visitors about conservation issues and the use of sustainable resources. The Environmental Education Centre has wind turbines, solar panels, and a biomass boiler and visitors can gather more information from the displays inside. The centre is also host to a range of Environmental Education activities, which take place throughout the year. Members of the community are encouraged to get involved in several ways through recreational pursuits, working within the Friends group, and taking part in events.

The Friends have contributed over 30,000 volunteer hours developing many practical skills that help to sustain the flora and fauna of the park. Recent projects have included Willow Sculptures, a Trim Trail (in conjunction with a local Secondary School), the creation of a Tree Identification Trail and the carving and installation of seats and other exciting features, as well as conservation work such as hedge laying and tree planting.