IN response to the complaint published a few weeks ago concerning Hinchingbrooke Park, I must write and let you know that Hinchingbrooke Park is much appreciated and a relaxing place to visit. The wildlife is varied: there are kingfishers, cuckoos, woodpe

IN response to the complaint published a few weeks ago concerning Hinchingbrooke Park, I must write and let you know that Hinchingbrooke Park is much appreciated and a relaxing place to visit.

The wildlife is varied: there are kingfishers, cuckoos, woodpeckers, robins, thrushes, blackbirds, tree creepers, nut hatches, wrens, chaffinches, blue tits, magpies, rooks, crows, great tits, grebes, moor hens, coots, swans, mallard, geese, cormorants, diving ducks. There are rabbits, muntjac deer, foxes, squirrels, newts, fish, pike.

There are lots of wild flowers such as cowslips, buttercups, wood anemones, lesser celandine, violets, bugle, bird's eye, garlic mustard and white dead nettles.

There are butterflies and moths, including brimstone butterflies, peacock, cabbage white, bumble bees, honey bees, beetles.

There are many trees including hornbeam, beech, hazel, willow, horse chestnut, sycamore, elm, chestnut, pine, and also hawthorn, crab apple, elder and many more. There is an interesting brook and quite a few lakes. This is just some of the wildlife we see.

It must be remembered that, being partly in the flood plain, there are going to be muddy and flooded areas during very wet spells.

Also, some trees were damaged in the very strong winds earlier this year and either came down or had to be taken down.

The rangers are very friendly and provide a welcoming experience for anyone who visits. Lots of different people use the park.

There have been Roman days, Iron age village days, American Civil War re-enactments, Scout camps, boating lessons, art groups, Nordic walkers, cyclists, runners, school cross-country, pond dipping, orienteering, search and rescue teams practising, kite flying, barbecues, dog walkers, to mention but a few.

Also, people with learning difficulties come and help, with help from the rangers, and volunteers come and help with some of the practical jobs.

There are trikes for the disabled and there is also a cafe and plenty of picnic tables.

All in all, it is very interesting to visit and very green and relaxing, too.

JOANNA JEPHCOTT

East Street

Colne