FRIENDS OF ABINGTON PARK NEWSLETTER WINTER 2026

The winter months are normally a quiet time when we can consider priorities for the coming year and start to make plans for projects and activities.

We always seek to grow our existing projects – and ideas are under consideration already to extend and expand the community gardening and other
work in the park. The months have, though, been dominated by two other issues which have arisen. First, the closure of Workbridge in December – a long-standing and close and valued partner in our community gardening work.

The other being The proposed Active Travel scheme from WNC which is causing much concern.

Other big news is the new toilet block and the refurbishment of the existing block. Both long-demanded and very welcome. We can report that work is about to start on the first phase of the replacement and refurbishment of the railings around the upper spinney.

More details on all of these and more follow in this newsletter

Our wonderful teams who are out in all weathers are busy making plans for the coming year. The group has been planning extensions to their planting areas – to incorporate the surrounding shrubbery areas – most probably with woodland perennials. Given the proposed changes to the area (see below) it is felt that enhancing this area will bring all round improvement.

They are also extending their outreach to new groups who are keen to join and so we will be welcoming them to our projects over coming weeks.

You will almost certainly be aware of the closure of Workbridge. This was a sudden, unexpected and unwelcome change to our partners in the gardening projects. Not only have they tended a section of the garden but have been generous with donating plants when possible and their help and support has been greatly appreciated. They will all be much missed.

As a final gesture, Friends were invited to take donations of any plants, bulbs, and topsoil from their own gardens prior to the demolition work starting. A band of volunteers together with Tom our Ranger and Tracey our leader on the project, loaded up a truck. Workbridge are delighted that everything will be used in the park in various ways to be enjoyed by the public for a long time to come. We wish everyone at Workbridge all the best.

You must have heard that we have finally been promised a new toilet block in the park. The campaign to replace the current unusable block has been ongoing over decades. The old block will finally be demolished – early in 2026 – hence enhancing the approach to the Community Garden on that side. The new block will be sited close to the fitness trail – so on higher ground. After long consultations this was felt to be the safest and most practical location – close to the ice cream vans so more accessible for the public. Apologies to the anglers who have a walk to the loo.

Phase three of the plan for this cycleway has now been published. Friends are in contact with the team about some of the details and further modifications are expected. Though the public consultation is now closed, they continue to liase with key stakeholders whom they have identified, and we trust that this will lead to further improvements.

Though the scheme is still going ahead, we understand that more safety measures have been incorporated – improved safety is uppermost in their considerations. Updated plans will be published over coming weeks.

The railings around the park have long been discussed. They have dilapidated over the years making replacement or refurbishment costs prohibitive. Thanks to the gallant efforts of Chris Calnan, ably supported by the Ranger and a band of volunteers, sections of historic railings around the spinney have been unearthed. We now have a contract with a company who will undertake to restore as many of the sections as possible and replace others. The work is due to start imminently though the poor weather may delay this. The pathway alongside the
lake, next to the spinney will be closed while the work is taking place. I’m sure you will agree that getting this project off the ground has been a major achievement. We are very grateful to Peter Hackett at WNC who negotiated the contract on our behalf and may even have an
agreement to continue with phase two next year. Many thanks to you all.

Those who live or frequent the Weston Favell side of the park will have noticed 20mph signs appearing in the roads around the periphery. The Residents’ Association has permission to erect a number of these signs which, in addition to slowing traffic around the park, will hopefully also slow down speeds on the roads immediately adjacent to the park where traffic often travels far too fast. Speeding issues are under consideration by the Active Travel team as it was an issue we raised with them.

As the Friends enters a new era of wider engagement, more diverse activities and new partners, is there any way you could help or contribute? It need not be long, complicated or even too time consuming. You could assist a group on an informal and occasional basis or become more involved with us in other or new ways. We welcome everyone. Contact us if you would like to learn more.

Our website is proving very successful. We are regularly linked to events across the park and we are active on Instagram and Facebook. This increased visibility brings advantages to everyone who uses the park as well as raising the profile of the work of the Friends.

If you are a member of or are aware of a group who use the park and would like to publicise their activities, do contact us via our website to create a link with our editor