Developing from a visioning exercise on the future of Calne held in January 1999, CARP (Castlefields Canal and River Park association) is a group of organisations and individuals interested in the development of an area west of the town known generally as castlefields. CARP finally gained its charitable status in 2001 and has drawn up a buisiness plan with a view to seeking major funding for this project.
The Area in question forms part of the Marden valley and includes the River Marden and a section of the Calne branch of the Wilts & Berks Canal. 'Route 4' of SUSTRANS, national cycleway network, also passes through the park.
The main thrust of the scheme comes from the report of a study, commissioned by North Wiltshire District Council, into the river Marden through Calne. The study concluded that certain improvements to the river, landscaping in the area of Castle Park and the reinstatement of the flood plain through the valley, could have wide reaching benifits for the environment and wildlife of the area.
The aims of the association are: 'To preserve, protect, develop and improve the environment of the River Marden Valley and surrounding area and to provide amenities and facilities for recreation and leisure activities for the benefit of the public'.
More information about the association can be found on their website:
http://www.calne-castlefieldspark.co.uk/
