Not many of us would have thought five years ago that the year of staycation was going to be 2021.

Certainly not Ian and Sarah Williams, along with son Ollie, as they dreamt up their vision on what to do with a piece of land they bought on the banks of the River Stour. However, the timing is looking ideal as their clamping site, and more, comes to the fore at an ideal time.

Given its location off the Bergholt Road, in Brantham and its proximity to the area where a certain Suffolk artist loved to paint, calling it Constable Park was a no brainer, and the creativity, yet simplicity, of the site is something John would have been pleased with.

There is even a haywain outside the cafe, adding to the authentic theme.

How to fill the blank canvass was borne from a mixture of imaginative use, utilising the experience they have had in adventurous active breaks, a close connection with the education system, and the much-vaunted Duke of Edinburgh Scheme.

"I have always been one for embracing change," explained Ian. "I have had variety of jobs, from 22 years in the RAF to working with challenging youngsters in schools, to running Duke of Edinburgh Gold expeditions and things have evolved.

"Having bought the land for the DofE wild camps, and thinking where would I like to go on holiday, along with this beautiful river, and Suffolk being wonderful county for being active, this is what has emerged.

Suffolk has walks, cycling a nice clean river without mortised crafts, so why not this park for people to be able to come and stay and enjoy."

Paddleboard and kayaking hire was the first phase, which opened on Saturday and is available all through this half-term and next weekend. The cafe is next, July 1 is the due date for that with manager Hannah James champing at the bit to get fully operational in a thoughtfully decked out informal restaurant with wonderful views and a terraced areas.

A mix of clamping tents and cabins offer variety to suit the clientele's needs, from a quiet couple of days taking in the south Suffolk landscape, or wedding parties, making the most of the fire pit, small amphitheatre, BBQ areas and wide open green spaces.

Ian is hoping Constable Park will attract all ages and said: "We are hoping there will be younger groups excited by paddle board weekends or going kayaking, or school groups that was something exciting while learning, or someone who just wants to sit back, relax, enjoy the view with a nice piece of cake."

An abundance of wildlife, including, kingfishers, herons, great egrets, marsh harries, lapwings, grebes moor hens as well as ducks and swans - means there is loads to see meandering along the river, or settle back on a bank-side deckchair.

Ian has spent so many days' and nights on site, he has names for the regular birdlife, such as Henry the heron, and the kingfishers have provided the theme for the park's branding, including mosaic next to the outdoors shower.

For Ian, this long arduous days, digging, moving and shovelling dirt, have now borne fruit and he is now enjoying the open days when people have made clear how much they appreciate his efforts.

"The best thing for me is days where people are coming in and saying how wonderful it is and what a great idea, Ian said: "There have been hard, dark, days, very laborious and money when I have thought' what am I doing'.

He admitted to being nervous and excited at the opening of the first stage, after all it was five yers ago when he had that first conversation with the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty officers, then the planning authority, the RSPB and the council, assuring them about the concept and how it would benefit the local community.

Assent, consent and planning permission under their belt from the various bodies, the work started in earnest on March 8, 2020 and he made the most of the enforced isolation to crack on.

Ian said: "The whole covid thing did not really affect us as it was heavy work initially so it was easy to isolate. I would be sat in a digger away from everyone.

"It has been a long haul and I have had to wear a numbest of different hats along the way.

"The biggest challenge came from juggling so many balls as a project manager. There is no bible telling you how to bud a holiday park, one minute you a builder, next an engineer then planning consultant.

"I have learnt to focus in what needs to be done and use local people to help get the other things one."

Ian is being somewhat modest, as he and Sarah, have put in a lot of the personal touches and come up with some innovative ideas.

The cabins are mainly upcycled and done out in a smart, yet practical manner. What was going to be a hot tub, is now a fire pit, the glamping tent has a stylish finish inside and nothing conforms to, lets say, the more traditional holiday park you may find on the coast.

Another thing on the to do list, is creating an unusual play and puzzle area between the cafe and another building - watch that space.

There are also plans to form a Friends of Constable Park group. Ian added: "We want to keep the river clean, so we will provide boats we just need manpower."

While there are still some fresh water issues and other superfluous snagging to deal with, and loads of other ideas in his mind, Ian is keen to make everyone know they are welcome to visit and enjoy Constable Park, not just for a staycation this year, but many more to come.

See our What's On page for hire costs and other events going on across the peninsula.

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