IT is very sad to find that Mr Gooden, who clearly cares about Hinchingbrooke Country Park (The Hunts Post, April 18), has only limited understanding of it. The Spit, which he refers to as a featureless heath, has some splendid and varied stands of tall

IT is very sad to find that Mr Gooden, who clearly cares about Hinchingbrooke Country Park (The Hunts Post, April 18), has only limited understanding of it.

The Spit, which he refers to as a featureless heath, has some splendid and varied stands of tall grasses which blend in with the developing stands of Norfolk reed on the lake edge. The grasses were threatened by the invading scrub which was beginning to take over, and has been consequently cut back to keep it under control.

The area is frequented by goldfinches, reed buntings and a wide range of butterflies including, on occasion, the clouded yellow. It also has a healthy population of small mammals, as well as being a popular place with visitors to the park.

To call the Spit featureless and a wasteland is to ignore the fact that to some species it is a haven of plenty and it is being managed to keep it that way.

Mr Gooden, who complains about the state of the path around the eastern end of the main lake, also appears not have noticed the extensive and continuing work that has been undertaken to provide an all-weather path around the lake. About half has been completed, starting with the most vulnerable areas. Of course, improved paths have led to many more people using them and consequently more damage being done to the areas still to be completed. The problems of success, I guess.

As a park user, I have been delighted by the continuous programme of improvements undertaken since it opened and now, along with many others, work as a volunteer to help speed things along.

IAN FAZAKERLEY, Bellfield, Brampton

* TO accompany his complaints about tyre marks and the use of vehicles in Hinchingbrooke Country Park (April 18) Mr Gooden chose to have his publicity-seeking picture taken at the one place where all outside commercial vehicles have to pass when using the tarmac road leading to the car park area when delivering to the visitor centre and countryside centre.

Some larger lorries and coaches sometimes run slightly off the tarmac at the sharp left-hand bend and, during heavy rain some time ago, left wheel marks in the mud. These have now been levelled out.

Despite the publicity, very few people attended his meeting, ignoring the efforts of his neighbour outside the door imploring passers-by to attend.

As a regular walker in the park, I am impressed by the work done by the rangers and unpaid volunteers, particularly the rectification work necessary after the activities of some thoughtless dog-owners and mindless vandals. Even when the dog mess bins all around are used, they have to be emptied regularly by the rangers.

If Mr Gooden walks his dog there every day, it is disappointing to find that he is not a member of the Friends of the Country Park. Those of us who prefer to help and put our money where our mouths are would be happy to supply him with a membership application form, as would any of the hard-worked rangers.

JOHN J WALKER, Oak Tree Court, Godmanchester