The groups help the Council develop the park and put forward suggestions for activities and events. Whether it’s taking part in litter picks, organising nature walks, reporting vandalism or any project you want to see then you can join in and have your say.

Since it was set up last year, the Friends of Sweyne Park group has been a great success. As a result of resident’s requests at the meetings of the Friends of Sweyne Park Open Space group, a number of changes have already been made, including:

• the installation of additional bins
• improvements to access
• the provision of advice to dog owners about responsible dog ownership
• events such as a litter pick morning and a RSPB-led Bird Walk have been held

The success of the Sweyne Park group led to the formation of the Friends of Cherry Orchard Jubilee Country Park group in March.

Rochford District Council’s Portfolio Holder for the Environment, Councillor Michael Steptoe, said “‘Friends of’ groups are invaluable to the Council, as they give us a real idea of what’s needed in the local parks and open spaces from a resident’s point of view.

The Council already works hard to keep our parks and open spaces litter free and act quickly when vandalism is reported. However, the way residents have enthusiastically embraced the idea of ‘Friends of’ groups has been a huge positive for us and park users.”

The Chairman of the Friends of Cherry Orchard Jubilee Country Park group, Graham Hutchinson added: “Cherry Orchard Park is a beautiful part of the District and is used by a large number of people, whether it’s for taking the family out for a walk, exercising the dog or enjoying the wildlife.

To be able to talk directly to the Council about what regular users want to see and what needs doing means we can make it an even better facility for everyone to enjoy.”

For more information on how to join a Friends group you can contact Rochford District Council’s Senior Environmental Assistant Heather Meggison on 01702 318057 or email beafriend@rochford.gov.uk

A group of Friends (pictured) got up early for a guided bird walk around the park led by Glenn Jacobs the South Essex Marshes RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) Community Officer.

Although the weather was overcast and there were a couple of light rain showers, the group thoroughly enjoyed listening to and trying spot the various birds in the park. Glenn identified many birds by their calls and song and the group were amazed to learn that as well as seeing and hearing the more common birds that we are used to
seeing – such as blue tits, starlings, blackbirds and collared doves – they were also hearing (and sometimes seeing) black caps, whitethroats, green finches and green woodpeckers.

The group also learned that the old English word for the green woodpecker is ‘Yaffle’, because of the laughing’ sound that the male makes. Glenn even identified the various types of calls that the different birds use from the ‘Hello, I’m here’ type of call to the ‘This is my territory, go away’ type of call.

As well as talking about the birds, Glenn identified and pointed out an abundance of wild plants in the park that along with the various trees and shrubs, provides a wealth of food for birds.

At the end of the walk, Glenn gave the group further information about the RSPB and other events they are holding in the area before everyone headed home for breakfast!

The Friends also organised a litter pick adding to the service the Council already provides.

Thirteen Friends donned tabards and collected rubbish to help make the park a cleaner, better place. If you are interested in becoming a Friend of Sweyne Park, or joining the Council’s newly-launched Friends of Cherry Orchard Jubilee Country Park, you can contact Heather Meggison at Rochford District Council on 01702 318057
or email- beafriend@rochford.gov.uk

The response was fantastic, and now the Council are looking for more people to get involved.

Open public meetings were arranged to provide residents and interested parties with the opportunity to put forward their views, ideas for events or park improvements to ensure residents and park users could make a real difference to its future.

As a result of residents’ requests at these meetings, a number of changes have already been made, including:

• the installation of additional bins
• improvements to access
• the provision of advice to dog owners about responsible dog ownership

The group is now in the process of organising family friendly events in the park, such as Nature Walks and will be issuing a quarterly newsletter with news and information about the park.

Rochford District Council’s Head of Environmental Services Richard Evans said “It is very satisfying to see how local people have got involved with this project and have started to influence real changes. We are now looking for more residents to sign up as members of this group and to continue the good work. It is important for residents to have their say over their local area, as this is one way in which they can do this”.

To find out how you can become a member of the Friends of Sweyne Park Group, please contact Heather Meggison on 01702 318057 or email beafriend@rochford.gov.uk .

The Council hope to progress the development of the friends group further at the next meeting and provide feedback on what it is able to do to address some of the issues raised. In the meantime, the Council will look into introducing additional litter and dog waste bins by the new benches, however if you feel that they are required in other areas, please let the Council know.

With regards to signs about litter, the Council would like to thank Sharon Howell who has very kindly put up some laminated RSPCA ‘lethal litter’ posters in the park. The Council can provide additional posters if required.

For those people who attended the meeting, please can you contact beafriend@rochford.gov.uk with your contact details. Although details were collected at the meeting, some were difficult to read, and it would be useful to have an email address if you have one.

In addition, if you know of anyone who was unable to make the meeting or who would be interested in joining the Friends of Sweyne Park group and attending future meetings, then please ask them to contact the Council via the above email addresses.