The Government's regeneration agency, English Partnerships, has put together plans for the 420 acre park which would be designed to attract walkers, cyclists and runners.

The move has been given an early welcome by people living near the area.

Councillor Paul Varnsverry (Lib Dem, West Hunsbury), whose ward covers the land where the park would be created, said: "People have high hopes for this country park and are very much looking forward to it being developed."

The area where the country park would be created is mostly farmland at the moment.

As part of the development, English Partnerships has said work would be carried out to improve the habitats of bats, badgers and water voles which currently live in the area.

A number of new bridges over the River Nene would also be created for cyclists, while special bunds would be created both to protect against flooding and to act as raised walkways. New car parks and footpaths would be created for visitors.

Plans for the new park will go on show in Upton next week and in Kislingbury at the beginning of June.

Chris Green, one of the experts who will be at the exhibitions, said: "We're looking to get feedback on the proposals from people. But the whole thing is still at a very early stage, so this is just a chance for people to comment on what they'd like to see in the park."

The country park would have the new Cross Valley Link Road – which is currently being built – running right through the middle of it.

It is expected the park will be managed by the Wildlife Trust.

A full planning application for the scheme is expected to be put together by English Partnerships later in the year.

Displays of the plans are on show at Upton Meadows Primary School from noon until 8pm on Tuesday, May 27, and at Kislingbury Village Hall from noon until 8pm on Monday, June 2.