Land of the Fanns 100 Stories
Walk 8: South Ockendon and Belhus

Circular Walk
Monday 3^rd June 2019, 10am-2:30pm

Book a place here.

Introduction
This walk is part of the Land of the Fanns ‘Community Mapping – 100 Stories project’ led by Kinetika, which, with local communities, will identify and celebrate 100 stories gathered in response to the Land of the Fanns landscape areas, and make 100 silk flags using Kinetika’s batik silk painting process. The project will culminate in a 100 Stories Walking/Arts festival in Summer 2020.

The walk route has been devised by local volunteers to inspire stories, memories and responses and during the walk we invite you to do any or all of the following

• Enjoy the walk, meet people, connect with Land of the Fanns and get to know the area if you are new to it
• Think about your personal connections to the landscape en route
• Share stories about the area
• Capture stories or themes through informal writing and drawing activities
• Record the experience through taking photos on smart phones or cameras

Walk description
The walk starts at Little Belhus Country Park where there will be an introduction to the Community Mapping project by Kinetika.  The walk then begins with a tour around Little Belhus, which is an ambitious project to turn 86 hectares of former landfill into a country park. From there the route continues to St Nicholas Church to have a look around inside the Church. Passing the Zig Zag Bridge the walk continues to Oak and Ash Plantation where remnants of Belhus Manor House can be seen such as the Long Pond, Belhus House Stench Pipe and Ice House.  The walk then loops back to Little Belhus, passing Little Belhus House on the way. The walk will finish with a summary from Kinetika at Little Belhus Country Park.

• Registration for walk: 9:45am
• Walk starts: 10:00 am
• Meet: Little Belhus, Arisdale Avenue, South Ockendon
• Walk ends: 2:30 pm
• Ends: Little Belhus, Arisdale Avenue, South Ockendon

• Duration: 4.5 hours
• Distance: 7 miles
• Grading: Moderate
• Walk leaders: Bob Stevenson, Sonia Dewell, Dhruti Bell

Parking
Free Parking at Little Belhus, Arisdale Avenue, South Ockendon

Train stations
The nearest train station at the start and end of the walk: Ockendon (RM15 6PD) approximately 0.5 mile walk to Little Belhus Country Park

Buses
Nearest bus stop: Arisdale Avenue. X90/269/11

Accessibility
These walks are of different lengths and on different terrain. Some are mainly on footpaths, and other mainly on footpaths where ground may be uneven. This walk is not suitable for wheelchairs.

About the Land of the Fanns Community Mapping Project: 100 Stories
The 100 Stories programme will work with local communities and individuals of all ages across the Land of the Fanns area to identify and celebrate 100 stories gathered in response to the Land of the Fanns landscape areas, and make 100 silk flags using Kinetika’s batik silk painting process. The project will culminate in a 100 Stories Walking/Arts festival in Summer 2020. Alongside the community mapping and arts festival will be a creative skills training programme including interpreting the landscape through art, creative writing, filming, photography and walk leader training.

Please note:

You need to choose walks within your capabilities; the walk leaders are experienced but must take your word that you are sufficiently fit for the grade of walk you have chosen.

Walk leaders will be at the start of the walk regardless of the weather. In the unlikely event of any unforeseen circumstances, Land of the Fanns and Kinetika reserve the right to change or cancel a walk and/or performance. Please check the website www.landofthefanns.org regularly for any updates or follow us on Twitter  or Facebook. .

Please ensure that you are properly equipped for all walks. The weather can be unpredictable so bring waterproof clothing and/or sun hats and sun cream – it’s best to be prepared for everything!

Walking boots/shoes are recommended, but otherwise please wear suitable and comfortable footwear- best to leave open-toe sandals or high heels at home.

Make sure you bring a packed lunch, if necessary, and plenty to drink.

Due care has been exercised in organising the walks, however Kinetika, the funders and associated partners of the project cannot accept liability for loss, accident or injury caused to any person following the routes.

We will be taking photographs and video of this event to promote and celebrate the project in print and online. If you do not give consent to be photographed or filmed please let a member of the Kinetika team know on the day.

Participants under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Link to Eventbrite page here.