Newark ranger aiming to help grow park interest
A park ranger is breathing fresh air into Sconce and Devon park in his first full year in the role.
Ranger Simon Hill has big plans for the upcoming year at the park, hoping to get more people involved with their local green space.
Since joining the park team in May 2021, he has been working to improve the park and its facilities.
He said: “I’m a bit of an environmentalist, so I’m looking at what can be done within the park.”
He is keen to introduce more midweek evening activities, as well as spruce up the events on offer for children.
The Friends of Sconce and Devon Park’s spring calendar includes:
February — Friends annual meeting at the Tom Mann Pavilion
March — Spring Tree ID with Ranger Simon and Mel Penson
March — Great British Spring Clean litter pick
April — Bat walk with Katie Doull from the Sherwood Forest Trust. To be held one evening during the week starting April 25.
May — Guided butterfly and moth walk with Mel Penson from Butterfly Conservation East Midlands and Emma Gilbert from Nottingham Trent University.
May — Wetland plant identification and survey in Devon Pastures with Mel Penson.
Simon is also hoping to offer different play opportunities, such as slacklining.
He said: “I want to set up things children wouldn’t normally do, especially in a town park.”
Schools and uniformed groups including Cubs and Scouts are also getting involved with trips to the park for forest school sessions in Hawton Holt, led by Simon. An outreach programme also allows the ranger to take the activities into schools.
Pupils get involved in sensory activities, learn about trees, insects and habitats and develop gardening skills in the planting area, which has been upgraded with a donated polytunnel. Interest from schools is welcomed.
The growing area also supports the park in its plan to take part in the Crop Drop.
Simon is also overseeing a makeover of the park, based on what people who use the space want.
Current projects include rebuilding a bridge and laying new footpaths. One of the footpaths falls on the Parkrun route, and Simon has enlisted the runners to help lay the path they will use.
New wildlife-themed benches, donated by The Friends of Sconce and Devon Park and funded by the Lincolnshire Co-op, take pride of place near the Rumbles café.
The Queen’s Sconce will also be subject to increased maintenance.
Details for park events and activities will be available on the Sconce and Devon Park Facebook page.
