The Friends of the Wick Country Park (FoWCP)

Who are we?

We are a very friendly group of volunteers who work enthusiastically alongside the staff from Basildon Borough Council, with the aim of meeting the objectives as listed below. The Friends of the Wick Country Park organisation was first formed as the Park was created, and first met back in 2005. At present there is a committee of seven enthusiastic people who give as much time as they can, working alongside the Park Ranger, towards developing the WCP and encouraging the community to enjoy its facilities and the diversity of its wildlife habitats.

Aims and Objectives

Our Constitution lists our Objectives as:

To participate with Basildon Borough Council in the management and conservation of The Wick Country Park
To give information, advice and assistance to the Officer appointed by Basildon Borough Council
To encourage public interest and co-operation in the management of the Park
To promote public interest in Natural History and Conservation

The 'Friends' organise events that aim to see the Park enjoyed by as many people as possible. Each of our events and projects is planned to support one or more of these objectives. Our ethos is to provide free events, many of which include a quiz that requires the children to search the event arena looking for clues. There is often a related craft activity and refreshments are provided in the pavilion. At some events charities and businesses are invited to run stalls.

A year in the life of ....

What better way to summarise what the Friends Group is all about? Please read our recent Chair's Reports - for 2018, for 2017, for 2016 and for 2015.

Our 'Skylarks' Archive

We produce a quarterly newsletter - called The Skylark - for all paid-up members of The Friends of The Wick Country Park. Back-numbers of the publication are available as an archive on this website, and collectively they provide a blow-by-blow account of the Development of the Park and of the activities of the Friends Group. To access this archive please click here (Updated on Wednesday, 03-Feb-2021 20:47:41 GMT ). Please note that a few of the very earliest issues are currently missing from our on-line record.)

Grants and Projects

As well as organising events at the Park, we also seek financial backing for more significant developments. Please click here to read about some of our past projects. (Updated on Tuesday, 31-Dec-2019 16:29:37 GMT )

Why not become a member?

Please click here (Updated on Tuesday, 31-Dec-2019 16:29:38 GMT ) to read more about the benefits of membership and to download a membership form.

Some Pictures from our Archives - Some of our Events and Projects

Our biggest event is 'Paws in the Park' This event is a fun dog-show and is held at the beginning of June. It is always very popular, and one year it attracted 700 people and nearly as many dogs!

FoWCP Picture

Nature Quest in August is a nature discovery day aimed at families and includes very popular pond-dipping and bug-hunting activities.

FoWCP Picture

The annual Kite Festival is usually held in the middle of September and is a great attraction for all ages. Everyone loves to see the huge kites soaring in the sky over the lake. Instructions and materials are provided so anyone can make their own kite, which is guaranteed to fly.

FoWCP Picture

The 'Friends' also apply for grants and have fund-raising events such as Quiz nights. With money raised we have purchased 5 picnic tables (to encourage people to stay longer), two notice boards (to inform the public of what is going on in the park), 3 large gazebos (to provide shelter from the sun/rain), 11 rustic benches, 2 owl boxes, and nature investigating equipment (such as sweep nets, magnifying pots and clipboards)

FoWCP Picture

Supported by grants from Veolia Pitsea Marshes Trust and the Diamond Jubilee Celebration Grant the 'Friends' have been able to reline the dipping pond. This work will enable it to support a wider range of animals and plants and also be ready for organised groups of youngsters to pond dip.

FoWCP Picture