Inspirational Stories

Hear about some of our inspirational stories over the last few months.

Settlers Volunteers Keep Busy

Over the last eighteen months the Settlers of the Nene Valley have designed, built and developed a garden at Stanwick Lakes to showcase what previous Settlers in this area would have grown and how they would have used the plants.

During this time they have built a strong team of ten volunteers who help in the garden every week – unless the weather was really bad!

Lockdown has meant that Stanwick Lakes, its visitors centre and car park have had to be closed so most of the Settlers team and volunteers haven't been able to visit.

Luckily, our volunteer garden manager Hilary lives within walking distance and is able to visit the garden once or twice a week to keep it watered and tidy. During her visits she also has the opportunity to talk to the local visitors about the garden, plants and the Settlers project. So we have been able to keep the project alive even during lockdown. Read more here.

Settlers Supporting the FareShare Project

FareShare Go is part of an incredible UK wide network, working to distribute food to as many vulnerable people as possible.

Some of the Settlers team are volunteering to support this amazing initiative, helping to distribute food to some of the most vulnerable people in the Nene Valley region. Making up food boxes for individual households and supplying food to a number of Care Homes and Homeless shelters. We are also working with Peterborough Collage and Jim from Café@25 in Irthlingbourgh who amazingly make up 100’s of meals each week and delivering them to the most at risk people and families in our region.

Fun Filmhouse/Royal & Derngate Run!

We wanted to raise money for our work place as it’s been hit hard by covid-19. We make up next to 90% of our income from ticket and bar revenue. All was wiped when we closed our doors on 18th March. And we wanted to help and support. If you’ve been to either Filmhouse or Royal & Derngate you know that we love our jobs and love helping customers have the best experience possible. More here

Spotlight on... Barnwell Country Park

All Aboard for Rushden

Bring your smartphone or tablet to the Greenway in Rushden and discover some interesting characters from Rushden’s past, including the strong-minded suffragettes and the cracking story of an egg delivery lady. Download the All Aboard for Rushden app from your usual app store.

Take a look at our extensive list of walking trails and attractions, available as downloads from the website.

Walking for Health

Active Communities East Northamptonshire works with a wide range of local groups and national partners to get people of all ages and abilities more active across a range of programmes delivered in local communities and leisure facilities. 

The Northampton Health Walks Scheme has been running now for over 10 years, delivering a number of Health Walks across the town. You can also view walks for Peterborough here

East Northamptonshire Greenway

Explore local towns and villages with the East Northamptonshire Greenway walking and cycling route. Find out more by downloading the ‘Boots and Bikes’ leaflet.

Orienteering

Orienteering is an exciting, outdoor adventure sport which involves walking or running whilst navigating around a course using a map and a compass. Find out more about orienteering at Stanwick Lakes or at Nene Park