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| Rushden-Higham Ferrers Pocket Park |
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| The Hedges Pocket Park was established on the former Rushden to Higham Ferrers railway line, providing an excellent refuge for wildlife and a pleasant recreational route for walkers between the two towns. There are lush mature hedgerows on both sides of the central pathway for the entire length of the site. The dog roses are spectacular in June. |
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| Access Point |
| Prospect Avenue, Shirley Road/Windsor Road, The Hedges and Queensway. |
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| Rights of Way |
| UK2. |
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| Suitability |
| Access for wheelchair users is possible via the central entrance point. |
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| History |
| The Hedges Pocket Park is situated on the remains of the Rushden to Higham Ferrers railway line. After the closure of the railway line in 1959 the cutting was left to nature and the site had already become a haven for wildlife. It was then put forward as a possible route for a new link road. Local people campaigned vigorously against this, preferring that the site should be protected as a Pocket Park. |
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| Management Objectives |
| Much of the vegetation along the railway track is bramble, which, whilst providing excellent habitat for small mammals, insects and nesting birds, needs to be cut back periodically in order to provide areas of grassland and other flowering plants. An extensive programme of hedgelaying has been undertaken in order to lengthen the life of the hedgerows. New paths, steps and gates have been installed. |
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| Special Wildlife |
| Bullfinch, Yellow Hammer, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Short-tailed Field Vole, Long-tailed Field Mouse. |
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| Contact Details |
| For more information contact David Linnell on 01933 312 075. |
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| Established : 1991 | |
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| Size :
3.21 acres/1.3 hectares. | |
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| Location :
Higham Ferrers/Rushden. Map | |
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| District/Borough :
East Northamptonshire | |
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| Grid Reference :
Landranger Map No. 153 SP963680. | |
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| Owned By :
Northamptonshire County Council, leased to Higham Ferrers Town Council. | |
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| Managed By :
Higham Ferrers and Rushden Conservation Group. | |
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| Partners :
Northamptonshire County Council, East Northamptonshire Council, Higham Ferrers Town Council, Countryside Agency. | |
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| Great Spotted Woodpecker | |
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