Roxeth Recreation Ground Management & Improvement Plan 2014 - 2019

Responsible Manager – Michael Wynne Reviewed January 2014 CONTENTS

1.0 A Welcoming Place ...... 1 1.1 Introduction...... 1 1.2 Location...... 2 1.3 Park Details and Description...... 2 1.4 Public Use of the Park...... 2 1.5 Access...... 6 1.6 Facilities ...... 7 1.7 Issues and Resolutions ...... 9 2.0 Heritage and Conservation ...... 11 2.1 Park History ...... 11 2.2 How the Park has Changed ...... 12 2.3 Interpretation ...... 12 3.0 Management Framework ...... 13 3.1 Management arrangements ...... 13 3.2 Financial Management...... 15 3.3 Clean and Well Maintained...... 16 3.4 Sustainability ...... 22 3.5 Community Involvement...... 24 3.6 Healthy Safe and Secure...... 29 3.7 Marketing ...... 31 4.0 Objectives and Aspirations ...... 33 4.1 Roxeth Recreation Ground Action Plan 20014 – 2019 ...... 34 5.0 Monitoring and Review...... 44 Appendix 1 - Facilities, Roxeth Recreation Ground ...... 46 Appendix 2 - Risk Assessment - Roxeth Recreation Ground ...... 47 Appendix 3 - Habitat Management Survey ...... 53 Appendix 4 - Policy framework and strategic framework...... 55 Appendix 5 - Building Asset Survey ...... 58 Appendix 6 - Tree Survey...... 60 Appendix 7 - Habitat survey of conservation areas...... 688 Appendix 8 - Park users survey ...... 72

1.0 A WELCOMING PLACE

1.1 Introduction

The vision of the London Borough of Harrow and partner organisations for Roxeth Recreation Ground is that it will be ‘a place that offers a wide range of recreational opportunities and diverse experiences for everyone to participate in and enjoy. It will be safe, clean and maintained to the highest standards and continue to be an asset that offers something of value to the whole community.’

The Park user’s steering group and Harrow Council provide a comprehensive framework for all developments within Roxeth Recreation Ground. We encourage existing and potential new partner agencies to work with us to incorporate targets into this plan.

We also encourage suggestions from the wider community such as park users, local residents and community groups to have input into the park’s management and improvement. The South Harrow & Roxeth Resident’s Association (SHARRA) represents local residents and park users. They are continually looking for new members and volunteers to help them achieve their aims. The Borough also provides information about its services, including public realm services on its website (www.harrow.gov.uk)

This plan is a comprehensive account of all present and future management issues for the whole park. It will be the subject of ongoing review and will represent the views and wishes of all parties involved with the park.

The Management Plan will aim to ensure that the regeneration and sustainability of the park takes place in a well-organised and structured manner and that all investment in time and money is managed in a way that achieves the vision for the park along with its associated benefits.

Roxeth Recreation Ground is one of Harrow’s main parks. It is a well-used and loved community park located next to the primary shopping location in South Harrow and as such has a large target group of users. The parks has a mix of ornamental gardens, sports and play facilities to attract the broadest cross section of users and has something of interest for a diverse range of local people.

The proposed vision for the future of the park revolves around its use as a wide-ranging recreational facility for the local residents and those visiting from further away. This encompasses both formal and informal use of the park and its facilities as well as the educational benefits of the park.

We will continually promote and develop the park as a site for good and varied recreation excellent horticultural features and an ongoing structure of maintenance leading to the enjoyment of its residents and visitors. Harrow Council believes that both linking to the surrounding community through the park’s excellent location in the borough and recognising the park’s multi use facilities best achieve this vision.

1.2 Location Address: Kingsley Road, Harrow, HA2 8LE

The park is located to the south of the Borough close to the major shopping centre of South Harrow with its main entrance and car park on Eastcote Road and visible from the high street. Its location is close to the South Harrow Piccadilly line station and the popular 140 bus route.

The location of the Park is illustrated in Figure 1

1.3 Park Details and Description

Roxeth Recreation Ground is one of the smaller of Harrow’s Recreation Grounds and is intensively used for formal and informal sports and recreation. It is still a vibrant open space and has changed over the years to reflect the needs of the community.

Cricket and football are still popular sports and South Harrow Cricket Club, one of the original clubs in the park is still going strong.

The Recreation Ground is enclosed by development or railways on all sides and is only visible from outside through the gates at Pitcairn’s Path. Once inside the park, visitors are immediately removed from the noise and bustle of the street.

An adjoining allotment site has been reduced in size due to lack of demand and the area released is now used for wildlife.

As well as the traditional sports and recreation uses the park is the venue for the annual Roxeth Show, held in the second weekend of July each year. The show provides an opportunity for local organisations to promote themselves and fund raise as well as providing various entertainments, all free of charge.

Name Roxeth Recreation Ground Grid Reference TQ148 858 Area 6.88 ha Tenure The site is owned and maintained by The London Borough of Harrow Telephone 020 8863 5611 - 0845 225 2600 Web hhtp://www.harrow.gov.uk/ Status Defined as Public Open Space in the Unitary Development Plan Bylaws The park is identified as a canine faeces removal area. The playground area, tennis courts and bowls green are dog-prohibited areas under the Borough’s Byelaw, Section 164 of the Public Health Act

1.4 Public Use of the Park

The park is open to the public daily between 8am and dusk and is well used by the local residents as an area for informal exercise and dog walking. The Park is popular among 2 all ages and throughout the day the children's play area is busy as parents and carers bring youngsters to play. Park use can be split into two main categories, formal sports and informal recreation.

Formal use includes Cricket, Football and Tennis. The park has been the home to South Harrow Cricket Club for more than 70 years. South Harrow Cricket Club plays every weekend throughout the summer. The two senior pitches are used by local teams throughout the season. During the summer the nearby Weldon Park School makes regular use of the park for athletics.

Informal activities include casual Basketball, walking, jogging, picnicking, dog walking, and play in the playground and passive recreation (sunbathing, relaxing, etc.). The cricket table is used at weekends and some evenings during the season. The football pitches are booked by local clubs for weekend use during the season and the nearby Weldon Park School has occasional use.

The pavilion tearoom is used thrice weekly for meetings of the Harrow Tamil Association Elders.

Other uses for the Park include the annual Roxeth Show, which is attended by up to 5,000 people during the weekend on which it is held.

Improvements to the infrastructure and facilities will encourage all members of the community to visit and enjoy Roxeth Recreation Ground. It is hoped that work to tackle anti-social behaviour and involve marginalised groups will foster a sense of ownership within the surrounding area and ensure the park offers a safe and welcoming environment.

Figure 1 Location Map

Figure 2 Site Plan, Roxeth Recreation Ground

Figure 3 Aerial Photograph, Roxeth Recreation Ground

1.5 Access

The park is situated close to South Harrow Centre. There are 2 entrances, the main entrance from Pitcairn’s Path off Kingsley Road and a pedestrian entrance between 71 and 73 Kingsley Road. The nearby public transport links and main road facilitate access. Public Transport links are approximately five minutes walk away at South Harrow Piccadilly Line station and the bus stops outside and opposite to it. The Parks Service has been responding to the requirements of The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) for some time and new developments include providing access.

The main entrance has been re-landscaped to provide a more welcoming entrance vista to the park and rationalize the car park to provide improved pedestrian access.

Visually attractive and informative entrance signs have been installed at both entrances, the signs set out acceptable ‘dos and don’ts within the park together with a park plan and details of facilities.

Railway

Piccadilly Line to South Harrow Station

Northolt Park Railway Station (Chiltern Railways: Marylebone to Birmingham Snow Hill)

Bus Routes

114 Mill Hill - Burnt Oak - Queensbury - Kenton - Harrow - West Harrow - South Harrow - South Ruislip – Ruislip

258 Watford - Bushey - Harrow Weald - Wealdstone - Harrow - Harrow-on-the-Hill - South Harrow

140 Harrow Weald - Harrow - South Harrow - Northolt - Hayes - Harlington - Heathrow Airport

398 Ruislip - Eastcote - South Harrow - Northolt - Westway Cross

487 South Harrow - Whitton Avenue - Alperton - Western Avenue - North Acton - Park Royal Central Middlesex Hospital - Harlesden

H9 Harrow - Northwick Park Hospital - Kenton - Wealdstone - Headstone - North Harrow - Kings Road - South Harrow - Harrow

H10 Harrow - South Harrow - Kings Road - North Harrow - Headstone - Wealdstone - Kenton - Northwick Park Hospital – Harrow

Car

There is a free car park at the main entrance with 39 spaces, including three disabled bays

Entrance Gates

Pitcairn’s Path: Historical wrought iron gates, 10ft wide with separate pedestrian access gates.

Kingsley Road: 5ft wide chain link clad gate.

Notice Boards

Notice boards displaying byelaws and park information are in place at each entrance.

1.6 Facilities

Roxeth Recreation Ground is a small but well used open space that has changed over the years to reflect the needs of the community. The facilities are compact and encourage an extended and varied use of the park to all sectors of the community

There is a large playground by the in the centre of the park with equipment accessible to users of all abilities. The playground caters for children primarily between the ages of 4 and 12 and is very popular throughout the year. The gates to this area are self-closing devices to avoid accidents, and the area is fenced to prevent access by dogs.

There are numerous benches and bins around the park positioned to allow park users a place to sit, relax and enjoy the surrounds.

The creation of a wild area to the south of the park is a welcome addition to the park and has proved popular with children and dog walkers.

Cricket and football are still popular sports and South Harrow Cricket Club, one of the original clubs in the park, are still going strong.

The original two tarmac tennis courts have been made over as informal football and basketball areas

As well as the traditional sports and recreation use, the park is the venue for numerous events including the Roxeth show.

The facilities of Roxeth Recreation Ground are listed and described in Appendix 1.

Infrastructure

Paths

All the paths have bitmac surfacing.

Litterbins

Boundary Fences

 Chain link fencing to the Piccadilly Line railway on the eastern boundary is owned and maintained by the London Underground.  Chain link fencing to main line railway on the southern boundary is owned and maintained by the Railway.  Chain link fencing to the northern boundary is owned and maintained by the Council.  Perimeter fencing to the allotment site is maintained by the Council using the allotment budget.

Buildings

Sports Pavilion

Constructed in 1965 the building provides four changing and shower rooms for teams, a tearoom facility for use by cricket clubs, staff mess room and equipment storage. The building was reroofed in 2005 and rewired in 2004. Some internal refurbishment has taken place which has resulted in the installation of new lights and heaters controlled via motion panels and time delay sensors, as part of a move to reduce energy usage.

Bowls Club Pavilion

Following an arson attack in 1981 the original timber building, which dated from 1934 was replaced with a steel modular building. The building provided basic accommodation, including changing rooms and a kitchenette until the closure of the bowls club in 2009. The bowls green has now been opened up and incorporated within the infrastructure of the park.

Shelter

One of the original features this is a circular open building. The original half height walls were removed in the 1980’s following vandalism and other anti social activities that were taking place.

Toilet Building

This1930’s building at the main entrance has been subject to misuse. It has been renovated to provide a DDA compliant toilet and storage facilities for the Park Keeper.

Groundsman’s Store

This simple modular building provides storage for the ground staff.

Other nearby Facilities

Educational

 Weldon Park First and Middle School  Orley Farm School  Roxeth first and Middle School  Rooks Heath High School  Whitmore High School  Roxeth Manor First and Middle School

Places of Worship

 Christ Church, Roxeth Hill  South Harrow Baptist Church, Northolt Road  St Gabriel’s Church, Northolt Road  St. Paul’s Church, Corbins Lane

Other

 Roxeth Library, Northolt Road  Community Centre, Northolt Road  Salvation Army, Roxeth Hill  British Legion, Northolt Road

1.7 Issues and Resolutions

Harrow has seen rapid regeneration over the last few years. Local people expect high quality, innovative design and vibrant public spaces to enjoy.

Given the relatively small area of the park and the recognised need to provide the broadest possible range of recreational opportunities, it is necessary to clearly identify local needs through effective consultation. There is also a need for considered design and enlightened management to broaden the spectrum of users, increase satisfaction

9 levels and avoid user conflict. The site should offer distinct areas with their own ambience and provide a broad range of experiences. An integrated approach is being adopted to increase options for recreation and play for all ages and ensure that the site is not dominated by one or two activities or uses.

Entrance signage within the park, including community notice boards is satisfactory, but there is currently a lack of directional signage inside the park, and external signage to guide users to the park could be extended.

The nature of the site, the location of entrances and the condition of footpaths enable easy and inclusive access for all visitors. However, access issues are not simply confined to physical barriers. Access also concerns matters such as good communication and an understanding of cultural issues.

The play, tennis and football areas are extremely well used. However, to date there has been limited dialogue with local youth groups.

A survey of the Park and surrounding area was carried out in January 2006 to establish its current condition and to evaluate surrounding influences. This survey provides a comprehensive landscape analysis of all features and their condition. Aesthetic values and issues were highlighted in order to help define a clear and measured approach to site improvements.

Resolutions

Signage

A review of interpretation in the park has improved the provision of information on routes and features through the position of interpretative panels, directional signs and marker posts.

Access and Inclusion

The reinstatement of toilet facilities has encouraged those users who were concerned by the absence of such facilities to make use of the park.

The council believes that leisure and recreation facilities are of great importance and recognises the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act Part III (DDA) as part of an aspiration for continual improvement to physical access. Designated parking bays are now clearly marked for disabled users and this facility is publicised on the Harrow website.

A consultation programme to identify less obvious or unintentional barriers to access for disabled people and non-users will be carried out to better understand and clearly identify barriers to the service. The findings of this consultation should be clearly outlined and a plan to encourage increased usage of the park will be developed.

2.0 HERITAGE AND CONSERVATION

2.1 Park History

1894 The Harrow area was still very much a farming area. At the inquest following the death of child run over by a Brewers’ Dray on Roxeth Hill the Coroner reported to the Local Board of Health, the predecessor of the Council, that there was need for an area where children could play instead of in the street. 1898 Roxeth Recreation Ground was opened ‘just before the Diamond Jubilee’, due to the efforts of John Short, the ‘Member for Roxeth’. The Board purchased the ground for the sum of £1750. Initially the only access was from the footpath from South Hill Avenue. The extent of the land was 14 acres, 1 rod and 33 perches. The purchase of the two fields for £1750 was completed on March 29th. These fields have evolved into the present Roxeth Recreation Ground. 1900 The Parish of Northolt donated a further piece of land. A large pond was pumped out and filled in. Grazing for sheep was granted. A further contribution of a piece of land in the Parish of Northolt. The open space is dedicated to the public forever 1907 The entrance at Pitcairn’s Path was presented to the Council. 1934 Two Tennis courts and Bowls Green constructed. 1939 During the Second World War a large underground Air Raid Shelter was built inside the main entrance. The construction was of pre cast concrete. The shelters remained in place until 2004 but as the entrances kept opening up making them unsafe they were collapsed in and made safe. The ground was levelled to improve the quality of the cricket outfield. The ground was transformed into allotments during the World War II. The Recreation ground became one of the focal points of the South-Harrow community. 1965 Sports Pavilion built 1979 The Roxeth Show and Carnival Committee was formed and the first Roxeth Show took place in June. This has become an annual event in the park and has grown from being from just a single afternoon event into a two-day event. As well providing the opportunity for local groups and charities to make themselves better known to the local residents it also provides fund raising opportunities. The event also includes a small funfair and arena events like Wild West Shoot Out and dog shows. 2005 Entrance garden dedicated to the memory of Councillor John Cripps, longstanding Councillor for Roxeth Ratepayers Association and a former Mayor. 2009 Former toilet block renovated to include automated DDA toilet 2009 Bowls club disbanded

Trees

The mature Oak trees along the path between the football and cricket fields are all that remain of the field and Parish boundary. This avenue has recently been added to by replacement plantings of oak trees donated by the Scout and Guide groups at South Harrow Baptist Church. On the eastern boundary there is an avenue of mature London Plane trees, probably planted in the 1930’s.

2.2 How the Park has changed Roxeth Rec is an example of a Victorian park, designed to provide both recreational space and decorative gardens for the new, rapidly developing urban population at the end of the nineteenth century. Over one hundred years later the park still constitutes a significant recreational facility and green space in close proximity to a busy town centre. With levels of usage already high, demands on the park are likely to continue to increase as local communities expand, diversify, and develop differing expectations of their requirements from available open space. Unfortunately, many facilities, to a greater or lesser degree, have deteriorated, have been compromised, or have been lost in the century of the park’s life. If positive steps are not taken now the remaining historical fabric will further erode and the diversity and delight afforded to users will be lessened.

Over the years the facilities have changed as follows;

 Grass tennis courts have become hard courts.  One tennis court has become a children’s’ play area.  Tennis courts were refurbished in 2004.  One of the two cricket tables has been taken out of use due to concerns for Health and Safety of players as the outfields cross over and because cricket balls are being hit out of the ground even though the perimeter fence is 3 metres high.  Only one of the original buildings remains.  The public toilets have been renovated and now house a DDA compliant toilet.  The bowls club closed in 2009. The green has become incorporated as part of the park

Some of these adjustments follow changes in the requirements of the public over time, and some have been lost due to budgetary constraints.

2.3 Interpretation

There are interpretive sign boards providing interpretation of the park’s ecology and links to local history and a leaflet has been produced which draws attention to the heritage features of the park and its development history

3.0 MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK

3.1 Management arrangements

Divisional Director Environment & Enterprise

Gary Alderson

Service Manager Harrow Pride

Michael Wynne

Team Leader Team Leader x 2 Team Leader Team Leader x 2 SLA’s Parks Commercial Street Residential Street Cleansing Cleansing Ray Fox Mark Richardson TBC Paul Lilley Steve Caddock Martin Caddock

Charge hands Charge hands Charge hands Charge hands X 2 X 2 X 3 X 3

The London Borough of Harrow’s vision is to be recognised as one of the best London Councils by 2012, in a borough that is cosmopolitan, confident and cohesive.

Within these aspirations, the council has adopted the following corporate priorities for 2013 - 14

 Keeping neighborhoods clean, green and safe  United and involved communities; a council that listens and leads  Supporting and protecting people who are most in need Supporting our Town Centre, local shopping centres and businesses

Roxeth Recreation Ground is owned and managed by the London Borough of Harrow under the auspices of Harrow Pride within the Environment & Enterprise Department.

The Harrow Pride covers all the areas of the borough used by the public and managed by the Council. It brings together staff managing and delivering a broad range of services including; highway maintenance, traffic and parking control, grounds maintenance, and refuse/recycling. The Head of Harrow Pride Services is responsible for the effective management of the portfolio, delivery of capital schemes and delivery on all forward planning issues.

The key, long-term, management objectives for Roxeth Recreation Ground are to ensure that the park is consistently maintained to high horticultural and arboricultural standards for the benefit of all users, and that it is protected and promoted as an essential part of borough life. Harrow Council recognises that strong links between the local community and park users are a vital element to be nurtured for the long-term success and viability of the park.

The Service Manager provides strategic direction for the service and is responsible for ensuring community participation and engagement in the management of parks and open spaces, encouraging involvement from all sections of the community. The ‘Service Manager’ has a specific remit to;

 take responsibility for the proactive development of parks and green spaces;  develop and maintain effective communication methods for consultation with the local community and stakeholders;  develop and deliver consultation strategies for parks, groups, individuals and other stakeholders;  seek recognition of improved standards through national accreditation schemes;  develop, promote, organise, implement and manage a programme of community interpretation and education-based activities and initiatives;  make funding applications, secure funding, implementing and managing the resulting projects;  prepare local parks management plans and contribute to service strategic planning documents;  be responsible for the implementation of local parks management plans within agreed timescales and budgets;

 prepare Green Flag (and other similar) application portfolios and manage projects for the accreditation of parks and the broader service;  Lead on the development of ‘Friends’ and other participating focus groups and work alongside colleagues in ensuring community involvement.

The Team Leader, under the leadership of the Service Manager is responsible for the effective management of the Park through their staff, delivery of capital schemes and delivery on all forward planning issues, community participation and engagement in the management of parks and open spaces, encouraging involvement from all sections of the community. The remit of Team Leader includes:

 Achievement of higher quality horticultural displays  Development of the grounds maintenance standards, as necessary, through feedback from site relating to the appropriateness of specified standards of care  Contact with regular park users  Provision of an informal supervisory presence and point of contact for daytime park users in the event of an incident or emergency

In order to deliver the necessary quality of maintenance in Roxeth Recreation Ground, the council recognises the need to develop the key personnel employed to manage and maintain the Site. Individual training needs are identified by appraisal and incorporated into each employee’s personal development file as identified under the Council’s Individual Performance, Appraisal and Development (IPAD).

All personnel receive training in a broad range of skills that allow them to undertake tasks across Harrow Pride operations. A number of personnel have specialist training in specific Grounds Maintenance operations, such as fine turf management. As part of the development of our staff and commitment to deliver horticultural excellence in the maintenance work undertaken, we have implemented a programme of gaining horticultural NVQs for our operatives (through Capel Manor) and gaining NPTC accreditation for our mower operatives.

Roxeth Recreation Ground represents a major asset in the portfolio of parks managed by the Council’s Area Services. It is vital that development and future management reflect the strategic importance of this open space at the centre of Harrow, building strong and effective partnerships between the major stakeholders to ensure a sustainable approach which will maintain the park’s long term viability and continued support from the local community.

Major decisions should be taken in accordance with the management vision for the park presented in this document and subsequent revisions.

The park must be managed as an entity with due consideration for the various landscape and heritage elements that contribute to its overall character and diversity. It is important that management and maintenance staff develop a custodial attitude in their respective roles. The management of the site should also maintain a flexibility that allows the changing needs of the community and their views to be taken into account with any major developments identified in future revisions of this plan.

3.2 Financial Management

Harrow Council currently allocates a grounds maintenance budget of around £2,400,000 for the scheduled maintenance of parks and open spaces. There is an annual programme of Capital to deliver maintenance and infrastructure improvements within our parks. 3.3 Clean and Well Maintained

Maintenance and Management Operations

High standards of maintenance promote a sense of pride and ownership of the park within the community. Quality of maintenance is fundamentally important to the appearance, character and setting of the park

There is a commitment to continue training for all site staff to deliver the range of skills that will help deliver horticultural excellence. Operatives working on site are skilled in horticultural techniques and fine turf management. On site operatives are supported through our mobile Grounds Maintenance teams, whose training and development has been enhanced through an NVQ programme (in association with Capel Manor) and NPTC accreditation. Training and development is delivered through the Individual Performance Appraisal and Development scheme (IPAD)

Further operational support is offered through other mobile units such as our mechanical sweepers, Rapid Response team, grab lorries and graffiti removal teams, with all of our personnel who use any specialist equipment receiving the appropriate training to ensure the equipment is operated safely and efficiently at all times.

It is envisaged that the Parks Service, with support from other service areas as appropriate, will pursue the majority of actions in the Action Plan, ensuring high standards of care. The Service Manager (Harrow Pride) has responsibility for managing and providing resources for a significant proportion of the maintenance section of the Action Plan, namely that the structure of the park is fit for purpose both in terms of hard and soft landscape.

Buildings and structures are incorporated into the Borough’s Asset Management Plan, this involves a rolling condition survey and costings which feeds into asset management plan and defines corporate funding for priority works. Weekly checks on the pavilion are done by the Park keeper when cleaning at start of week.

The following section of the Plan provides an outline of the operations needed to maintain the various landscape types found in the park.

With the exception of emptying of dog-waste bins and arboricultural works all grounds maintenance operations are carried out by the Council’s own in-house work force. SDK Kilsyth are employed to empty all dog bins and Gristwood and Toms, a large, locally based company, carries out arboricultural works.

The Council has recently undertaken a Business Transformation Programme (BTP) that has seen the introduction of technology to improve service delivery and assess future operating models. Under this initiative, both mobile working and route planning technologies have been introduced to improve service efficiencies, with a robust quality control programme introduced as part of the service improvements

Roxeth Recreation Ground, along with all the Borough’s parks, is inspected daily for any items which may require attention. This includes vandalism to buildings, furniture or fencing. Observations are recorded via the operatives mobile PDA for comment and corrective action.

All static play equipment is visually inspected daily. Detailed inspections by skilled staff are carried out monthly and there is an annual independent engineering inspection.

When defects are reported requiring action they are recorded and are given a priority time period for completion. Emergency works are carried out within 4 hours.

Regular management team meetings are held to review current performance, resolve operational issues and agree priorities for action

Maintenance Operations

Current maintenance operations are summarised as follows:

General

Inspections are carried out of main park areas each normal working day, before 11:00 am to detect damage, defects, danger, vandalism and graffiti affecting any of the grounds, fences, furniture, structures, buildings, play equipment, surfaces or facilities howsoever caused. If during inspection any item is found to be unsafe immediate steps will be taken to make it safe, or to fence off the danger area. Reports are made to the Team Leader, necessary remedial works, including removal of graffiti could then be instructed.

Litter

To comply with the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Operating through each and every day of the year including Sundays and Public Holidays.

All areas are kept free of litter and refuse to defined standards. Widespread distributions of litter with minor accumulations are cleared within 12 hours, except that the hours between 8pm - 6am are discounted in calculating the 12 hours. All litter bins are checked daily and emptied as necessary. All litter and debris is removed from site for disposal.

Graffiti removal

Offensive graffiti shall be removed within 24 hours of report and other graffiti within one month. The Roxeth Recreation Ground park keeper removes easily reached areas of graffiti as soon as practical.

Leaf collection

Accumulations of leaves from paths and lawn areas are removed from the onset of leaf fall.

Dog waste Bins

Dog waste bins are emptied twice per week and the plastic bin liners replaced. 17

Paths

To be maintained in substantially weed free condition.

All hard surface areas in the Park are swept monthly using stiff bristle brushes or approved machinery to remove any rubbish, litter, glass, loose chippings or other debris, and to prevent accumulation of leaves, mud, grime and moss. All arisings are removed from site for disposal.

Drainage Ditches

These are cleared of debris and obstructions every 2 months to ensure that the ditches are clear and water can flow freely. All debris removed is from site for disposal.

Drainage Gulley’s

Accumulated silt, debris or obstructions are removed periodically to allow free passage of water. Debris removed is from site.

Parks furniture and bench maintenance

All parks furniture is inspected, maintained in a clean condition, and free of graffiti. Vandalised, unsafe, damaged or defective items reported immediately upon discovery.

Timber benches are sanded down to remove any uneven surface and graffiti, cleaned of all algae and other dirt, and re-treated every three years. Metal benches are cleaned of all algae and other dirt, touched up with paint annually and re-painted every five years. Warning notices are securely attached to the bench to prevent its use whilst the preservative is drying.

Sign maintenance

Signs are cleaned of graffiti and other dirt. Minor repairs are carried out after inspection.

Soft Features

 Grass – General: Cylinder mow, rubbish clear, leaf clear.  Annual Bedding: Spring and summer bedding, edge and clip, hoe and weed, dead- head, stake and tie, leaf clear, rubbish clear, irrigate.  Rose Beds: Spring and autumn prune, fertilise, dead head and remove suckers, leaf clear, rubbish clear.  Shrub beds: Leaf clear, weed kill, prune and rubbish clearance.  Cricket Table: Box mow, weedkill, fungicide, spike, scarify, leaf clear, rubbish clear, irrigate, roll  Hedges: Machine cut

Repairs & Maintenance of Parks Infrastructure

Repair, maintenance and associated minor works of the council’s corporate stock and infrastructure carried out within parks and open spaces.

All materials, goods and workmanship supplied in accordance with the agreed standards and in compliance with any relevant European standard, specification or code of practice.

All matters likely to require the instruction of the Authorised Officer with regard to major repairs, defects or equipment are reported immediately upon discovery. Immediate action is taken to address and remedy any safety issues that may be associated with this work.

An equipped and trained mobile team is provided to carry out inspection and maintenance of equipment, fencing, gates, signs, seating and any other associated items including both emergency and planned response to reports of damage, vandalism and safety issues.

Tree Maintenance

All work carried out in accordance with the relevant professional standards (including any relevant up to date guidelines e.g. International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) tree work guidelines, European Arboricultural Council Tree Pruning Guide, Arboricultural Association tree work guidelines).

Full understanding of the implications of health and safety legislation and implementation of the standards set out in the following documents:

 Safe working methods with Top Handled Chainsaws HSE Research Report 2001  Applicable Forestry and Arboricultural Safety and Training Council safety guides  Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. Inspections and replacement/ upgrading of equipment specified in the LOLER regulations ensured

For all tree pruning and other arboricultural operations the use of chainsaws is only permitted where the pruning cut diameter size is greater than 65mm. Pruning cuts of diameter size 65mm and less made by using hand pruning saws, secateurs, loppers, knives or extended polesaws and loppers.

All extraneous items removed from trees, including wire, polythene, kites, tyres, nails, string, tape and rubbish.

Climbing spikes not used unless the tree is to be felled.

Following all arboricultural operations all timber and arisings are either left on site as habitat piles or for use as fencing.

A full tree survey is included as Appendix 6

Non-Routine Maintenance

Maintenance specific to buildings and infrastructure items is dependent on assessment of the day-to-day requirements or specific remedial work that may be required and are funded from an approved repairs and maintenance budget for all parks and open spaces,

Regular inspection of the parks infrastructure is the responsibility of the Park Keeper who inspects all features for damage and minor repair requirements on a daily basis during the course of the routine inspection of the open space.

Building Maintenance requirements are referred to the Council’s Building Maintenance Service. Subject to the works required the building is first inspected by a surveyor or the works passed directly to a contractor on the Council’s select list for action.

Defects in hard surfaces are reported to the Council’s Engineering Service for inspection by a Highway’s Engineer, with repairs then ordered

Repair and maintenance of park infrastructure is currently carried out on an ad hoc basis.

Issues and Resolutions

A schematic master plan has been drawn up to address key landscape issues and provide a guide to the future development of the park to ensure that this is integrated and delivered with regard to both this Plan and the Action Plan contained herein

Trees and other planting

An effective regular inspection and maintenance programme has been implemented for the tree stock within the park with identification of necessary arboricultural work being carried out where appropriate, with full risk assessment, and data records updated regularly. (See Appendix 6)

New tree planting is ad-hoc and has resulted in sporadic planting in some areas of the park. A coherent design approach to tree planting proposals is required.

The suitability of the existing rose, shrub and herbaceous plantings will be reviewed and replanting considered. Planted areas around buildings within the park will be reviewed with the intention of strengthening both their ornamental value and improving the sense of security for park users.

With the conversion of many of the larger properties in the area into flats or their demolition and rebuilding with multiple occupancy properties, the park should, through considered design, offer itself as a garden substitute.

Buildings and Infrastructure

Only one of the park’s earliest buildings remain, this is the shelter. This does add character to the park and help to define the Victorian/Edwardian age. Restoration works to the roof were undertaken last year but an historical investigation would help to identify the original decoration.

The public conveniences have been refurbished to provide a DDA compliant toilet and storage space for the Park Keeper’s use.

The sports pavilion provides changing space, showers and tearoom facilities for sports clubs. The building has been subject to vandalism and is regular graffiti. There is also some subsidence to the back wall, currently temporarily shored up. 20

Seats are well distributed throughout the park and generally in good condition. They are of utilitarian design and not in keeping with the late Victorian character of the park. Consideration is being given to programming the replacement of seats with a more appropriate style, however, two seats near the main entrance have recently been raised in height to assist park users who have walking difficulties. The existing litterbins are in good condition but research into a more suitable design for their future replacement will be programmed. When carrying out replacement the location in relation to seating and areas of use must be considered. In particular, a large bin near the pavilion is required. With the exception of the main entrance all fencing is chain link. The east and west boundaries are the responsibility of the railway companies. This fencing must be secure and vandal resistant. Communication will be started to review the possibility of the future replacement of these fences with a more attractive style. The footpath surfaces around the park have recently been reviewed and re-surfaced where necessary and are generally in a good condition, although the pedestrian entrance via Wood End Lane requires improvement.

Maintenance Operation Framework

Park records

The site will have a record log of significant events to aid future works and research. This will be kept by the Service Manager. It will be in the format of a computer data file.

The log will record the following: significant events in park, records of buried services and apparatus discovered during works or added to park, records of major works.

Separate park operational and events diary will be kept for proposed works and events in the park.

Vehicle access

Vehicle access is required for;

 Scheduled programmed operations e.g. Grass cutting, litter bin emptying, dog waste bin emptying, deliveries of mulch material to walled compound.  Unscheduled programmed operations e.g. Hedge trimming, arboricultural work, path repairs.  Operations in sensitive areas of park.  Infrequent, programmed work.  Emergency access  Events access

Vehicle Types – current and potential

 Works to trees – Transit tipper/chipper, tractor for scrub control  Grass cutting – Tractor and gang mowers (requires only width of tractor for access onto grass), Specialist mowing machines.  Litter– Transit tipper van  Mulch delivery to Park – Transit tipper van  Dog Waste Bin emptying – Escort sized van

Currently, vehicles are not restricted from any area of the park.

3.4 Sustainability

The Biodiversity Action Plan includes reference to promote the good management of parks and where possible increase the wildlife value of areas by 2014. Also there are specific actions relating to the reduction of chemical use and peat and including biodiversity in park management plans at: http://www.harrow.gov.uk/site/scripts/download_info.php?fileID=3901

Harrow’s Climate change strategy adopted in June 2009 includes Biodiversity and the Natural Environment as a key action area with specific relation to ensuring that all parks and open spaces have wild areas with reduced maintenance regimes to promote biodiversity and reducing the number of sites with seasonal bedding displays and replace with herbaceous planting that require less water, material and energy inputs and reduce transport impacts

The draft Local development Framework recognises the importance of providing opportunities to access parks and open space with the facilities and play equipment suited to meet the needs of the population. To ensure the existing extensive greenbelt, parks and open spaces are accessible to all for cultural, leisure and recreational activities in order to promote healthy lifestyles and enjoyment for all residents. To consider the ease with which the general public can access public open spaces, in relation to potential demand from future developments.

Management Arrangements

As a part of our vehicle refresh programme all new fleet vehicle will be Euro 4 compliant an old Euro 0 vehicle produces 35 times more harmful exhaust emissions than a Euro 4 truck. Our Grab loader also uses ‘ad blue’ to lower emissions further. AdBlue is used in a process called selective catalytic reduction to reduce emissions of oxides of nitrogen from the exhaust of diesel vehicles

The Council is also exploring hybrid and electric and electric vehicles which currently do not provide effective transport for larger payloads.

Electric street cleaners ( the ‘Glutton’) have been introduced as has an electric barrow to reduce vehicular movements and associated emissions.

Following the completion off an Energy Survey Report in December 2009, work was undertaken to install eco light fittings, heaters and fans into one of the changing rooms. 22

The impact of this work in terms of cost and environmental savings is currently being assessed before a decision is made as to whether to roll it out to the remainder of the building

The use of artificial fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides is limited to fine turf areas only and we encourage responsible and informed use. Weed control of hard standing areas and shrub beds is undertaken without the use of herbicides. Chemical, gas, water and electricity usage is being monitored to target future reduction.

All green waste is kept separate for recycling as compost through the Council’s agreed green waste recycling provider. There are established composting bays in the adjoining allotments which are utilised by the park keeper as and when necessary.

A tree waste-recycling project has already been set up, and chipped bark is being produced and programmed for use as mulch for shrub beds in all parks and open spaces, as appropriate.

The use of peat and peat-based products, where reasonable alternatives are available, is avoided, as is the purchase of plants from organisations that use peat as part of the production process.

Nature Conservation

Our parks become ever more important as the urban landscape is increasingly developed. They give people physical and psychological enjoyment and a break from an increasingly frantic urban lifestyle. For wildlife, parks are also a lifeline as they remain undeveloped areas. Parks provide a feeding and nesting resource, a park with older trees and dense bushes will give nesting opportunities and berry bearing bushes and the short grass allows grazing birds to feed on soil invertebrates.

Roxeth Recreation Ground acts as a valuable wildlife habitat and a significant component in the network of local green spaces. A Phase 1 Habitat survey is included as Appendix 3 and forms the actions to be taken to enhance the Park for wildlife, including ongoing improvements to the site and the annual maintenance plan. A Phase 2 Habitat survey is included as Appendix 7 and was undertaken by the biodiversity officer in October 2012.

Parks traditionally have not managed to be wildlife friendly places (the grass is cut repeatedly and the cuttings left and dead or dying trees are felled). A balance between managing the site for public enjoyment and wildlife interest needs to be achieved. At Roxeth Recreation Ground we are striving to achieve this balance with a number of measures to improve biodiversity already completed or underway. Included are wildflower meadows and nature areas where:

 An adjoining allotment site has been reduced in size due to lack of demand and the area released is now a used for wildlife;  Native planting of trees, shrubs and herbs has taken place;  Mowing regimes have been changed to encourage floral diversity;  Areas have been planted and allowed to develop naturally;  Planting of wet areas with marsh plants;

A key vision for the park is the creation and development of the wildlife areas.

Public Awareness

Raising public awareness of the environment and environmental issues, particularly with children, is a key aspect of partnership working between the Council and stakeholders. Opportunities will be sought to raise public awareness of the environment and environmental issues, such as waste awareness schemes, as part of other events in the park, or as a specific promotions.

Waste

All green waste produced in the maintenance of parks and open spaces is recycled. Chippings from tree works are stored and used for mulching rose and shrub beds. All remaining compost arising from works in the park is taken for recycling by the Council’s green waste composting provider. This includes grass cuttings, leaves and pruning’s.

Litter bins are now lined with clear plastic to allow sorting of material for recycling. As part of Harrow’s overall strategy to improve the amount of waste it recycles, MERF facilities are used to separate waste streams for recycling post collection. Such segregation is already successfully employed as part of the refuse collection service and has resulted in Harrow progressing from being one of London’s worst performing boroughs for recycling to the second best performing, with a recycling figure over 50%.

3.5 Community Involvement

Consultation Strategy

The wide range of consultation methods used during the course of the preparation of this plan for Roxeth Recreation Ground has aimed to ensure that the views and aspirations of a wide range of key stakeholders, including local residents, park users, young people, council officers, councillors and representatives from local organisations and community groups were at the forefront of planning for the future of Roxeth Recreation Ground. The consultation activities are summarised below.

User Group Meetings

Commencing in January 2006, the user group has met regularly, and continues to do so. The membership comprises representatives from South Harrow Cricket Club, South Harrow and Roxeth Residents’ Association, Harrow Agenda 21, Metropolitan Police, Harrow Nature Conservation Forum and council officers. Feedback from attendees is used to formulate plans and specifications for improvement works that are subsequently re-presented to the originators for verification.

Correspondence and Dialogue Unsolicited suggestions and concerns are received via e-mail and through face-to-face meetings on site with park users. These are used as input to improvement plans.

Community Involvement and Issues Resolution Community involvement in public parks is essential for their long-term sustainability and involving local people in the development of Roxeth Recreation Ground is the key to its success. Identifying and addressing the needs and aspirations of its contemporary community has the potential to help protect the Park’s remaining historic features, increase understanding of its value locally and contribute to new features and improvements for the community as a whole.

Roxeth Recreation Ground offers local users, and the wider community of Harrow, a variety of opportunities to escape the bustle of Harrow. The park means many things to many people and its use, both informal and formal, spans a whole range of active and passive activities and serves a range of diverse communities, some of which are presently more visibly involved in the park than others.

The park is used throughout the day. The children's play area is busy as parents and carers bring youngsters to play. The sports area gets heavily used informally and formally, and the park is well used by dog walkers. During the summer the cricket facilities are popular.

It is important to identify and build relationships with those members of the community who do not currently use the park whilst continuing to meet the needs of those who do. A fuller understanding of community issues will be required in order to encourage a broader sense of ownership in the local community. This understanding is developing alongside the consultation activities that are ongoing and will continue to develop over time as consultation is continued and becomes targeted and increasingly focused on those hard-to-reach groups.

The planned development of the park will focus attention on its important role - past, present and future. Community involvement will ensure the significance of the borough’s diverse population can be celebrated and interpreted for the benefit of the local community as well as visitors. There is a commitment from the council to proactively involve the community in decision-making about local services and the direction of the council.

As the lead organisation, the council will work to bring together local residents, community groups, park user’s, business partners and other organisations to establish effective and mutually beneficial partnerships, based on jointly agreed principles, values, objectives and priorities. Such partnerships are essential in developing and improving urban green space and bring benefits, including the potential to develop an integrated management approach for the site.

Issues to be addressed through the development and implementation of this management and maintenance plan for Roxeth Recreation Ground have been identified through analysis and observation of the site by professional advisers, council officers, and the South Harrow and Roxeth Resident’s Association. Comment from the annual Parks & Open Spaces survey, on-site consultation with the community, a questionnaire and key stakeholders’ views have been sought and expressed through consultative processes. Analysis of the detailed comment received has also informed the development of the plan and the identification of issues. Community involvement in the park will be ensured by developing the existing Stakeholders’ interest in the park to form a “Friends of” group.

Involvement of the community in the management of Roxeth Recreation Ground must aspire to the best practice exemplars referred to in a range of key research papers. Guidance is also offered by the former Department of the Environment in its publications 'People, Parks and Cities' and 'Greening the City' which identified self-management and community involvement as fundamentally important for parks and open spaces to thrive. The effective management of Roxeth Recreation Ground relies upon the support and involvement of the community. It is hoped that through continued consultation with local people and partnership working Roxeth Recreation Ground will develop to maximise its potential as a high quality, valued facility for all the community

Community Events

The annual Roxeth Show has been held since 1979 and has grown from a half day event to firstly a full day and in recent years a two day event. The event is very much for the benefit of local residents and organisations but also provides a venue at which the Council can promote its activities and carry out consultation with residents.

The surrounding infrastructure makes Roxeth Recreation Ground an unsuitable venue for large-scale events, such as those held at Byron Recreation Ground or Headstone Manor. The park is, however, able to cater adequately for local events when the majority of attendees travel by foot or public transport. Use of the park for other small local events should be promoted, and improvements to the pavilion to provide a higher standard of facilities will facilitate such events.

Currently the impact on Roxeth Recreation Ground (and the related reinstatement and maintenance) following events is minimal but consideration will be given to the possible effects of greater usage.

Partnership Organisations This Management and Maintenance Plan places Roxeth Recreation Ground in the context of 21st century Harrow with the intention of re-establishing a park that is safe, secure, welcoming and accessible to local residents and the wider community of the Borough. The site offers a wide variety of environmental and recreational opportunities within a dynamic and sustainable management framework. As an integral part of the management of the park, the borough council are seeking to ensure that the facilities and opportunities are enjoyed by the maximum number of residents and community groups within the borough whilst ensuring that working practices and development works take into consideration the full range of current partners and stakeholders. An important internal partnership for the successful delivery of the potential of the park is that between service teams within Arts and Leisure, Healthy Living and Children's Services. These partnerships will enable the establishment of a broad platform to create wider links to the community that are supported in all areas.

There are already strong links and working partnerships with a number of external organisations and these will be expanded to benefit the development of Roxeth Rec.

Partners that the parks Service are already working with, or will seek to work with in future include:

Harrow Council –Adult & Children Services South Harrow Cricket Club Harrow Council – Community & Environment Harrow Probation Service Harrow Agenda 21 South Harrow & Roxeth Residents Association (SHARRA) Weldon Park First & Middle School Youth Connexions Roxeth Safer Neighbourhoods Team Harrow Tamil Association Harrow Nature Conservation Forum Ward Councillors

The functions of these partnerships are far-reaching but a core list includes:

 to enhance communication between local groups and organisations involved in Roxeth Recreation Ground and the surrounding community  to improve co-ordination between these groups and identify areas where project partnership working will be possible  to increase the likelihood of attracting regional and other external funding and investment into the site

South Harrow Cricket Club – website: www. southharrow.play-cricket.com (Affiliated to the Middlesex County Cricket Club, Harrow Council for Racial Equality & Harrow Sports Council)

The object of The Club is to promote, encourage and foster the playing of cricket in the Community. The Club is committed to an effective equal opportunity policy towards all Members and Guests irrespective of class, race, belief, sex, sexuality and disability.

South Harrow and Roxeth Residents’ Association

Purpose and Objectives

 To exert any necessary influence upon local government and other bodies with a view to the efficient and economical administration of local affairs  To promote or support any movement for maintaining or improving the amenities of the locality  To support and encourage social activities  To do all such acts and things as are necessary or conducive to any of the above objectives whether by way of direct approach to any District, Local or other body or Authority, by public meetings, press, or other propaganda, or by any lawful means whatsoever.  Generally, to promote and protect the interests of members.

Education and Interpretation 27

Harrow Council recognises that Roxeth Recreation Ground has the potential to offer a range of learning opportunities, from formal school or college visits to skills development or health-promotion activities. Activities within the park can offer people the opportunity to gain new knowledge and understanding through engaging with others, the park and its heritage. With the potential to demonstrate links into cross-curricular subject areas, Roxeth Recreation Ground can support teachers in delivering creative, innovative and exciting lessons. In addition the park can offer informal opportunities for learning for individuals and groups.

Sports facilities within the park offer users the opportunity for physical and social development. There are many regular users of the pitches and other sports areas, training workshops organised by the clubs based at the park and local league games.

There is on-site interpretation addressing the park’s heritage features, its natural environment, its history and development and its nature conservation value. Thus, there is an opportunity for users to learn more about the value of the park without formal guidance. A guided walk to look at the many different species of tree in the park has been arranged in the past and future walks are planned.

3.6 Healthy Safe and Secure Roxeth Recreation Ground, in common with all parks and open spaces, presents a number of health and safety considerations for users and staff.

There are well-established patrol procedures in place for maintaining the security of Roxeth Recreation Ground. The Park Keepers are responsible for providing a security presence within the Park and enforcing the bylaws and regular patrols of the park are carried out with the principal aim of ensuring ‘that people feel safe’. The Service comprises of four park keepers. They use mountain bikes and vans as transport. They work a shift system based on finishing at dusk when they lock the park.

There are excellent links with the police and this communication helps update and the exchange of useful information, particularly regarding any problems that have recently arisen in the park. A team of six police officers and police community support officers from the Safer Neighbourhoods Policing scheme covers Headstone South, and another team of six cover Greenhill ward, both of which border Roxeth Recreation Ground. Regular patrols on foot and bicycle by these teams in the park provide re-assurance to users and act as a deterrent against crime.

An informal ‘security presence’ is provided by in-house maintenance staff when undertaking maintenance tasks on site and all maintenance staff are readily identifiable and approachable.

Other measures in place to minimise health and safety risks include:

 Daily, quarterly and independent annual play area inspections  Regular schedules and sets of procedures for litter collection, cleaning, hazardous waste and dog waste disposal  Staff guidelines issued regarding personal and community safety  Reporting system in place for staff  Reporting system in place for the public  Park Keepers have First Aid training  There is no provision at present for first aid for general park users,  Parks inspections include all aspects of the park

All staff that work in the park have all received training in Health & Safety awareness and Emergency First Aid. A full range of risk assessments for operations in the park have been prepared and are regularly updated. A well-established set of procedures is in place for reporting and recording details of accidents in the park involving both visitors and employees. The records are kept centrally and a copy is passed to the borough’s Health and Safety Officer. Safety monitoring sheets have been established for use by parks staff.

Mayor of London Safer Parks Award

The work that has been undertaken in making Roxeth Rec a safe and secure park, which provides a safe and welcoming environment for users, was recognised in the awarding of a Gold Award in the 2011 Mayor of London Safer Parks Awards.

The Mayor’s Safer Parks Award recognises and promotes new and existing good practice in tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB) and increasing safety in London’s parks. 29

A key part is community involvement and the Award acknowledges the role local people and organisations have played in making a truly successful park.

The award recognises the partnership between the Council and residents who care about their park and are willing to be involved in identifying and tackling problems, and the contribution of local. The wide range of activity that can go towards making a safer park is what makes this award unique.

The award recognised good practice in:

 Partnership working in tackling ASB resulting in improved public perception of the park  encouraging greater use, and enjoyment, of parks  Increasing and supporting community action to improve safety in London’s parks.

Capable Guardians An extensive study carried out by Children and Neighbourhoods Ltd focusing on Harrow Rec, Canons Park and Roxeth Rec identified one of the key issues is that children and young people would like to see some adult ‘safety’ presence in the park.

Children and young people across the borough told us that their perception of safety has a big impact on their usage patterns of Harrow Parks. They told us what makes them feel unsafe in Harrow Parks and what the council could put in place to make them feel safer when using the parks. We have split the ideas and solutions into three different sections that relate to professional terms from the field of ‘designing out crime.

 Capable guardians  Place making  Target hardening

The single most mentioned thing that children and young people told us would make them feel safer in parks is the presence of capable guardians. The term ‘Capable Guardians’ refers to any person that a child or young person feels is going to watch out for them and help them in any dangerous situation.

Children and young people told us that Capable Guardians can mean both people and things, such as family, friends, regular park users, park keepers, park wardens, community police, neighbourhood watch, police and CCTV cameras.

There seems to be a real desire by young people for a greater number of Capable Guardians holding official positions of authority.

Although most children and young people identified some sort of authoritative figure to act as capable guardian in Harrow Parks as a positive thing, some young people also raised concerns about their need for privacy.

To fulfil the role of Capable Guardians requires the following issues to be considered.

Appearance: children and young people told us that capable guardians should be easily recognisable and approachable through highly visible and colourful uniforms.

Visibility: Park staff should ideally be working when children and young people use the parks (evenings and weekends) Accessibility: Children and young people told us that ‘Capable Guardians’ need good people skills and need to be able and willing to communicate and work with children and young people. Safety: Children and young people raised safety concerns for ‘Capable Guardians’ and suggested that they always work in teams of at least two.

Over the past year Harrow Council has improved its presence in the Park by promoting the concept of Capable Guardians. The concept has been used to confer on all Public Realm staff a role in reducing crime and fear of crime in parks, to complement the existing mobile Park Keepers. Using maintenance staff as Capable Guardians has included,

 Having a dedicated park keeper on site during the services core operating hours  adjusting mobile Park Keeper shift patterns to reflect evening use,  staff wearing high-visibility vests and coats,  Encouraging user Groups and volunteers to be active in the park and to liaise with and involve the Police to target increases in anti-social behaviour.

A survey of parks users undertaken at the beginning of 2012 (appendix 7), showed that these measures have had a positive effect on reducing fear of crime, with a significant reduction noted since the previous survey was undertaken in 2006. The presence of a park keeper was also noted as a significant factor in reducing the fear of crime, with the park keeper consistently identified as an “official” presence on site to whom issues could be reported to and as a Capable Guardian for the park.

Harrow Pride operates standard competency based person specifications for our operational staff. This policy of integrating Harrow Pride staff works towards our greatest strength which is as a multidisciplinary team, enabling us to deploy the correct skills, and resources as appropriate. The person specification used for this post is the Grounds Maintenance Operative specification for parks staff, with the addition of good communication skills and the ability to engage with young people to cover the extended role. All staff are required to wear a standard uniform and personal protective equipment (PPE). Staff working on site are also required to be available to answer questions from members of the public and generally ensure that park users are aware of their presence.

Issues and Resolutions

Roxeth Recreation Ground is not viewed as a problem park by police officers, and has not suffered a high level of incidents in the past few years when compared to other high profile parks in the borough. Graffiti and minor vandalism are continuing problems that affect most open spaces within Harrow, but Roxeth Recreation Ground does not suffer greatly from vandalism or graffiti and current costs attributable to work arising from this form of anti-social behaviour are minimal. The high level of usage could be said to discourage significant levels of anti-social or intimidating behaviour.

3.7 Marketing A full review of the park services web pages (www.harrow.gov.uk ) was completed in early 2011, which provided full information on Roxeth Recreation Ground. This included 31 information on the parks location and getting there, opening hours, facilities, information on booking sports facilities and contact details for the parks user groups. A copy of the parks management plan will also be available to those who wish to access it. The review of the Councils web pages will reflect the feedback of park users in terms of the content they wish be able to access for their park. This feedback was gained from a survey of park users undertaken at the beginning of 2011(appendix 7), with the survey highlighting the use of the Councils web pages and park notice boards as the preferred marketing method for the parks. This work compliments the existing parks leaflets and any press releases that are provided through Harrow’s two local papers, the Harrow Times and the Harrow Observer. In addition, the 'Harrow People' is a glossy monthly publication that is delivered to every home in the borough, is produced by the council and has regular features on parks, promoting them as a community resource. Recent articles have included details about the improved play areas and sport facilities that are available for hire.

4.0 OBJECTIVES AND ASPIRATIONS

The vision for the five-year management and improvement plan has seen an increase in the enjoyment of all sections of the community visiting Roxeth Recreation Ground. This has been achieved by improving leisure, sport, play and customer service facilities, renovating areas of horticultural interest and developing a wildlife garden. This vision achieved the following objectives:

 Created a safe, secure and welcoming park  Good and well maintained customer service facilities, including public toilets, bins, benches and paths  High quality/fully stocked herbaceous, shrub and flower beds  Creation and development of wildlife areas  We have improved signage and on site interpretation to enhance the quality of visitors experience  We have designed a promotional leaflet for the park to encourage further use  We have improved play facilities  Improved sports facilities  We have installed a fully DDA compliant toilet. Plans to make the pavilion fully DDA compliant are currently on hold, awaiting a review of marketing proposals.  Increased community involvement by utilising community planting days and other events

We are confident in stating that we have delivered the visions and objectives set out in the original 5 year plan, and have a parks facility of which Harrow and its residents can truly be proud.

We are continuing to work with our partners to develop the next stage of our vision for the future of the park, and will be setting a new 5 year plan to ensure the continued development of the park around its use as a wide-ranging recreational facility for the local residents and those visiting from further away. Future development proposals will encompass both formal and informal use of the park and its facilities as well as the educational benefits of the park.

We will continually promote and develop the Park as a site for the enjoyment of residents and visitors, providing good quality, varied recreational opportunities and excellent horticultural features, with an appropriate ongoing maintenance structure. Harrow Council believes that developing links with the surrounding community and increasing recognition of the Park’s multi-use facilities will best achieve this vision.

The aspiration statements that follow have been drawn together from the consultation process. This has been done in order to define the framework for future working within the three key areas of landscape and maintenance, management and community.

4.1 ROXETH RECREATION GROUND ACTION PLAN 20014 – 2015 A comprehensive Action plan has been included below in support of this Plan. The Action Plan is the framework for achieving the proactive management of the Park and co ordinates the aims, objectives and outputs discussed in previous sections. The implementation of these will enable the achievement of initiatives and activities, referred to within this document. Such initiatives have arisen from consultation with local people and park users as well as good practice in park management. Specific methods of monitoring to measure the achievement of the objectives are also included.

Action Plan 2014 - 2019

Roxeth Recreation Ground Action Plan 2014 – 2019 A Welcoming Place Year Objective Action Resource required 12 3 45 Monitor method Identify and address physical Undertake audit. Identify user Council ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Audit completed barriers to the accessibility of requirements. the open space Review Findings RRUG ■ ■ ■ Report on previous recorded Programme improvement works RRUG, Council ■ ■ ■ Programme works with timetable Link events to maximise spread of Council ■ ■ ■ Develop events calenda activity over the year Joint Management Group South Harrow cricket Club Increase cricket provision Council ■ Investigate self maintena Joint Management Group Club. South Harrow Club

Work with affiliated sports Organise joint sports clubs 'Give it a Council ■ Incorporated into clubs to increase access to try' Joint Management Group calendar

sport in the park and promote South Harrow Cricket sport as a vehicle to tackle Club social exclusion and disaffection amongst young people

Heritage & Conservation Year Objective Action Resource required 12 3 45 Monitor method Deal with long grass areas Review grassland management. RRUG ■ Scheme developed an which are not providing Regimes. Decide on future strategy implemented discernable benefit Improve interpretation of Ensure that interpretation is User group, Service ■ Resources developed features and history accessible in a variety of formats Manager

Address redundant bowls Incorporate area as part of park. Council ■ ■ green and club house Remove physical barriers and undertake phased planting programme

Management Year Objective Action Resource required 12 3 45 Monitor method Develop skills and capacity Undertake skills audit Team Leader Ongoing Worksheet returns within maintenance teams and ensure adequate staffing levels

Work with a range of Develop and involve the Roxeth Rec Service Manager - RRUG ■ Annual Management Pla agencies, statutory and non- User Group in strategic decision review statutory bodies and making. departments within Harrow Council to deliver cohesive community led management Protect current resources by Identify available funding streams Service Manager Funding streams identifi demonstrating cost effectiveness and high standards to attract future external funding

Identify additional funding Seek out Appropriate Section 106 Service Manager ■ ■ Section 106 achieved streams funds. Incorporate core park needs within the new Community Infrastructure Levee

Clean and Well Maintained Year Objective Action Resource required 12 3 45 Monitor method Ensure the buildings, features Continue to monitor grounds Team Leader Ongoing Records kept and infrastructure of the open maintenance and associated service space are regularly inspected, standards maintained in good repair and ■ Audit facilities developed appropriately. Continue monitoring and review of surfacing, fencing, ■ Plan improvement progr gates signage and buildings

Evaluate quality, quantity and location Team Leader ■ Audit completed of seating, litter bins and dog waste bin Ensure toilets are clean and Monitor toilet condition and Team Leader Ongoing Availability log functional functionality and effect timely repairs Graffiti and Vandalism Review occurrence of signal crime Team Leader ■ Review complete management Ensure the delivery of high Ensure that maintenance is kept to a Team Leader Ongoing Inspections carried out a quality horticultural and high standard records maintained arboricultural service standards in order that visitor expectations are consistently met

Encourage and support Work with the established Users Service Manager Ongoing Group set up and active community ownership of Steering Group initiatives

Sustainability Year Objective Action Resource required 12 3 45 Monitor method Develop and pursue Commission audit to evaluate the site Service Manager ■ Areas identified, approp sustainable maintenance and identify areas for enhancement to maintenance in place practices that will enhance the promote habitats bio diversity of the park Survey current levels of Include in audit Bio-diversity Officer ■ Prelimary Audit complet species and habitats within the park to guide future development Undertake energy audit of Council ■ Completed pavilion and implement recommendations

Community Involvement Year Objective Action Resource required 12 3 45 Monitor method Develop effective, innovative Strengthen links with existing Service ■ User group active and inclusive methods of consultees. Re-evaluate Steering Manager community consultation and Group makeup engagement Team Leader

Identify further potential members RRUG ■ Membership increase

Identify and address the Identify current and potential schools RRUG ■ ■ ■ Groups identified and lin opportunities for schools to and develop links established utilise the park and the possibilities for educational activities Improve online presence Revamp Council Web-page Council ■ Management Group rep

Create multiple links between all user RRUG ■ User group actioned web sites Develop and maintain Continue support of ‘Friends’ group Service Ongoing Define and undertake ac effective communication links Manager and participation by all stakeholders Team Leader

Identify and better understand Consult with users, Friends and local Service Manager ■ ■ User survey barriers to access and non- community use of the open space Agree strategy RRUG ■ Management Plan targe

Encourage community Community fun days RRUG - Service Manager Ongoing Events diary involvement through planting days and other community events

Healthy, Safe and Secure Year Objective Action Resource required 12 3 45 Monitor method Build confidence on the part of Publicise low levels of crime through Service Manager ■ Campaign developed users and prospective users marketing/press around a ‘Safe Park’ undertaken campaign. Improve physical activity and Establish Green Gym ■ increased participation into casual exercise across a wide Review of play equipment and ■ ■ range of age groups suitability Establish and market formal walking ■ groups in the park Improve boundary defences Thicken defensive planting where Team Leader ■ Planting 2012/13 needed Create a monitored but not Establish a network of users and Service Manager Ongoing Park Watch established supervised culture and establish communication method establish a Park Watch network of regular users Prevent abuse of parking Review car park usage and control of Service manager ■ Management Plan facilities by non-park users facility Agree and instigate control measures RRUG ■ Works completed

Ensure that all current health Review Health and Safety training Service Manager – Training identified, plann and safety standards and Team Leader implemented requirements are complied with throughout the open space

Identify and address the Greater involvement with Police Service Manager ■ Reduction in youth ASB problems of youth and anti (Safer Neighbourhood Team) to reduction in number of social behaviour target identified problems incidents, increase in se safety Ensure the provision of a safe, Develop a schematic master plan to Service Manager ■ Master plan produced challenging and welcoming guide the future development of the green space that encourages park a variety of uses

5.0 MONITORING AND REVIEW

Introduction

This Management & Maintenance Plan contains an action plan that sets out a series of objectives and specifications, in addition to the aspiration statements contained that have informed the action plan. Harrow Pride will be responsible for the delivery of this plan under the leadership of the Service Manager. A small review team will be set up from within Area Services to ensure full ownership of the monitoring and review mechanisms.

The purpose of this section is to set out the principles of the monitoring and review mechanisms and identify the range of issues that need to be considered in relation to both monitoring and evaluation key components to the success of the scheme.

Overview

In order to establish an appropriate mechanism for the monitoring and review of the Management & Maintenance Plan for Roxeth Recreation Ground, it is necessary to establish the most important considerations for the plan and those that will be indicators of its success or failure.

There are four broad indicators which can be measured in a variety of ways and which give a sound footing for the development of a monitoring and review methodology. These are:

 Achievement of identified outputs  Cost and cost management (budgets)  Quality measures  Timescale and programme delivery

Implementation

Monitoring and evaluation activities will take place on a weekly, monthly and annual basis. Monitoring and evaluation will take place in two ways.

Monitoring in relation to the Action Plan will be carried out by the Services Manager. The items that have been identified and set out in the monitoring method of the Action Plan are SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timed) or have specific identifiable outcomes that can be recorded.

It will be the responsibility of the Service Manager to develop a timetable and ensure that each item identified is measured at the appropriate time. In some instances this form of monitoring is more straightforward as the action has either been done or it has not, whereas other items may need to be broken down into constituent parts to ensure that the SMART consistent components are delivered.

On a six monthly basis the Action Plan will need to be reviewed and updated with new outputs, actions and methods of monitoring evaluation being identified as items are completed. On an annual basis it is intended that the entire Action Plan will be

updated following a complete review of the achievements identified and an assessment made of the years successes and/or failures. Items not completed or those that through the monitoring were found to be not as successful as first thought will then be reassessed to see where changes can be made.

Appendix 1 - Facilities, Roxeth Recreation Ground

Facility Number Description Cricket squares 2 Public / Exclusive use Football pitches 2 Hard Tennis Courts 2 Free Memorial Garden 1 Wildflower Area 2 Children’s play area 1 Including facilities for disabled Car parking 39 Cars Disabled Parking 2 Cars Toilet 1 DDA compliant Changing Rooms 2 Groundsman’s Store 1 Shelters 1 Pavilion 1 Park benches 9 Neptune Concrete Southampton and sourced from renewable forests Donated benches 1 Litter bins 8 Glasdon Topsy Dog waste bins 6 Earth Anchor HG25 Notice boards 2 On pavilion Entrance “Welcome” signs 2 Park information and Byelaws Entrance Gates 2

Appendix 2 - Risk Assessment - Roxeth Recreation Ground

Table 1 – Calculation of Risk

Impact

Low Medium High

Likelihood Overall Risk Low Low Low Medium Medium Low Medium Medium High Medium Medium High

Table 2 – Risk Assessment

Task/Activity Who’s Controls in place Risk Further Controls Residual Action Comments at Risk Needed - Always Risk if Risk is Medium or High Housekeeping

General safety of buildings, Users Daily inspection of the gates fallen branches, park vandalism Quantities of seasonal leaf fall Users Leaves blown off paths Low Low Remove leaves from accumulating on paths. weekly and are paths as an ongoing Leaves form slippery surface collected in a one off operation during obscuring obstructions and operation in December November and dips in the ground December

Dog faeces on the ground not Users The park is already Low Low Park Keeper and poop-scooped by owners. covered by poop-scoop Dog Warden Possible slip injury or Byelaws attendance can be infection from Toxicara re-prioritised but if parasite. there is an increase in presence it will reduce presence at other sites. Litter Users Daily litter collection Low Low Reinforce need for daily litter clearance Glass in children’s’ play area. Users Daily inspection before Medium Park locking at Low Possible risk of cuts following 0800 hrs and removal of dusk deters anti falls litter, broken glass as social use necessary

Task/Activity Who’s Controls in place Risk Further Controls Residual Action Comments at Risk Needed - Always Risk if Risk is Medium or High Housekeeping cont.

Entrance gates not secured Users Gates should be locked Low Low open and allowed to be back onto secure posts swung giving risk of injury Obscured Signage can Users Regularly check and Low Low Bylaws are on the prevent users from being clean signs back of the entrance aware of the byelaws which signs. Symbols on apply to the park and have an the interpretative impact on safety panels show the main byelaws. Need to be routinely checked and cleaned of any defacement Risk of Crime

Threatening or antisocial Users Park Keeper to be Low Low behavior present during times of greatest risk. Co- ordinate identified problem times and locations with Police, assistance subject to their other priorities

Task/Activity Who’s Controls in place Risk Further Controls Residual Action Comments at Risk Needed - Always Risk if Risk is Medium or High Risk of Crime cont.

Attack from persons under Users Park locking as soon as Low Low cover of dark possible after dusk

Vehicles in Park

Vehicles movements in Park Users There is a current Low Low Reinforce guidance on paths and in less expected method of work for places. maintenance vehicles. All drivers have driving assessment before driving Council vehicles Shrubs

Overhanging / protruding Users Shrubs regularly pruned Low Low shrubs twigs and branches to open sightlines, overhanging paths. Poking or remove protrusions and scratching by branches lifted up from the ground to aid visibility Dense growth in shrub beds Users Maintenance includes Low Low obscuring sightline and annual prune. This is providing hiding places for increased to where anti social activity. security is of concern

Task/Activity Who’s Controls in place Risk Further Controls Residual Action Comments at Risk Needed - Always Risk if Risk is Medium or High Trees

Rotten or deadwood in trees Users There is an existing Low Low Park Maintenance to programme of tree inspect for obvious inspection hazards on a more frequent basis. Tennis Courts

Maintain gates and fencing in Users Included in daily Low Low good condition to restrict inspection of park access and prevent hazard from damaged wire fencing. Sports Pitches

Cricket - Surface of wicket Users Wickets prepared on Low Low Monitor liable to damage from day of match unauthorised use. Risk of bad bounce during match play and injury to players. Football Pitches - Cracking Users Clubs to check pitches Low Low Monitor and settlement, also dog before play and use faeces subject to a Referee’s decision

Task/Activity Who’s Controls in place Risk Further Controls Residual Action Comments at Risk Needed - Always Risk if Risk is Medium or High Play Area

Children falling while playing Users Safer surfacing in Low Daily visual on equipment accordance with inspection standards is installed Misuse of play area Users Advisory Signs at Low Signs to be kept entrances to provide clean information on restrictions of use

Appendix 3 - Habitat Management Survey

Designation Site of Borough Importance for Wildlife Grade 1

Area Habitat Condition Management Work Year 1 Un established Poor Fine grass and/or Annually grass meadow creation 1 Un established Poor Meadow cut Annually grass 2 Rough grass Good Meadow cut Annually 3 Young scrub Poor Allow to develop No cutting 4 Boggy Area Excellent Vegetation clearance Year 3 5 Rough grass Fair/Good Rough grass cut Annually 6 Scrub Fair Rotational scrub Different control area annually

Rotational scrub control

Scrub should not be cut between March and July. If nesting birds are observed work should be halted immediately. To maximise the value for wildlife, scrub should be cut down regularly to encourage thick regrowth from the base of the plants. Scrub areas should not be clear totally in one season. Instead an area of scrub should be split into sections. Each section should then be cleared on a rotation basis. This means that there is always a patch of scrub for wildlife to utilise; it also creates an uneven age structure of vegetation growth. This is more beneficial to wildlife than a uniform area of scrub.

Rough grass cut

Area to be cut in August and cuttings removed. Desire lines, vistas and areas adjacent to surfaced pathways will require more regular cutting, all cuttings should be removed.

Coppice holly

Holly should not be cut between March and July. If nesting birds are observed work should be halted immediately. Holly should be cut to ground level, if it is considered that it is impairing the growth or establishment of other under storey vegetation.

Hedge management

Never cut down between March and July. If nesting birds are observed work should be halted immediately. Due to the even age structure of the remnant hedgerows, coppicing sections to encourage new growth could be considered. A small section should be coppiced initially as a trial.

Fine grass and/or meadow creation

In these areas the grass seed has not established well and they need to be reseeded. This should be done using either a fine grass mix for hedgerow areas or a wildflower mix for hedgerow areas or a combination of both mixes. If using wildflower seed, reseeding annually may be necessary.

Vegetation clearance from boggy area

The boggy area should not be unnecessarily managed or disturbed. However vegetation growth should be monitored, it the density of vegetation is causing the area to dry out half the vegetation from the area should be removed.

Create a bare earth surface

The south facing side of this mound could be attractive to some invertebrates. Investigation will be needed to determine if the underlying soil type is suitable. If the soil type is acceptable the grass from the south facing side should be removed, either by physically removing the turf or by using a non selective herbicide.

Shrub beds and sensory garden

Both areas require replanting as current planting is moribund. Plants should be selected that have features which benefit wildlife. These could be native or non native.

Appendix 4 Policy framework and strategic framework

Legislative Framework

Roxeth Recreation Ground’s Management and Maintenance Plan is placed within the context of the relevant legislative framework. (www.odpm.gov.uk & www.hmso.gov.uk )

Roxeth Recreation Ground is owned and maintained by The London Borough of Harrow. It is defined as Public Open Space in the Unitary Development Plan, and is subject to the provisions of the Open Spaces Act 1906. Other relevant legislation is listed below.

Public Health Acts 1848 – 1875 and Open Spaces Act 1906

In section 164 of the Public Health Act 1875 and section 15 of the Open Spaces Act 1906 local authorities are able to make bylaws for the regulation of public walks, pleasure grounds and open spaces. Under section 15 of that Act the level of power available to the council is outlined concluding that the statutory authority is dependant upon the authority's interest in the space and whether or not the council is involved in the management of the land. Within this framework there are model byelaws relating to opening times; protection of wildlife; horse riding; vehicles: prohibition of driving mechanically propelled vehicles elsewhere than on roads; ball games; power driven model aircraft and metal detectors.

Disability Discrimination Act 1995 - Part III - Access to Goods and Services

The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) came into effect on the 1st October 2004. The Act defines a disabled person as someone with "a physical or mental impairment, which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities."

The Act protects the rights of a wide range of people with sensory, mental or physical disabilities. However, in practice by removing barriers everyone will benefit. Access issues are not simply confined to physical barriers. Making changes to improve access does not only benefit disabled users of the parks but also users with small children and older people who would appreciate easier access.

To assist in improving access, some reasonable physical changes have been made, including the following.

 Providing adequate seating  Providing clearer signs  Installing a DDA Act compliant public convenience  Providing a sensory garden  Using colour contrast safer surfacing on new play equipment  Selecting a range of accessible play equipment

Making such changes would not only benefit disabled users of the parks and their carers / companions, but they would also benefit users with small children and older people who would appreciate easier access.

More information can be found on http://www.disability.gov.uk/

Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996

This act confirms the responsibility of dog owners and those in charge of dogs to dispose of dog waste with due care. This applies to 'land, which is open to the air and to which the public are entitled or permitted to have access'. http://www.hmso.gov.uk/acts/acts1996/1996020.htm).

The Park is identified under Byelaws as a canine faeces removal area. The playground tennis courts and bowls green are dog-prohibited areas under the Borough’s Byelaw, Section 164 of the Public Health Act.

Crime and Disorder Act 1998, Section 1

Anti-social behaviour is behaviour which causes or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to one or more people who are not in the same household as the perpetrator’.

Some of the forms it can take are:

 Signal crime such as graffiti, vandalism and urination, which can make even the tidiest park, look squalid and increase the fear of crime  Abusive and intimidating language  Excessive noise, particularly late at night  Littering  Drunken behaviour and resulting mess

It is Harrow’s policy to work with the community and Safer Neighbourhood teams to reduce anti-social behaviour in our Parks and Open Spaces

Statutory Instrument 2004 No 118 Prescribed Descriptions (England) Order 2004 (established crime and disorder strategies). Article 2 stipulates that the co-operation of authorities is required (section 5(1) of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998) in the formulation and implementation of strategies for the reduction of crime and disorder and drug misuse.

Strategic Framework

Geographic Context

Harrow is situated in the northwest of London where the green belt, covering one fifth of the 19 square miles of the borough, blends into the urban density of this vibrant world city. The borough is just 12 miles and 15 minutes away from central London with excellent road and rail links to the rest of the country.

Thus, Harrow is well placed to participate in and contribute to the prospects and demands of London life.

Urban Context

Public Parks have been a feature of the urban environment since the expansion of our towns and cities following the Industrial Revolution. This urban environment is still subject to rapid change with commercial, industrial and residential developments continually adapting to meet the needs of the changing populations of the borough.

Key issues regarding parks within the context of the borough’s urban landscape have been set out as follows:

The green and living landscapes of Harrow’s public parks provide an important contrast to the built environment. Ensuring the future vitality of parks can come from imaginative partnership working with other public facilities and community groups. Roxeth Recreation Ground represents an important green space resource for people living nearby. There is clearly great potential for Roxeth Recreation Ground to provide a contrasting and valuable green space facility for the surrounding communities.

Socio-economic Context

The population of Harrow, which currently stands at 210,700, is increasing and becoming more diverse. 42% of its residents and 58% of school and college pupils belong to minority ethnic groups. In fact, the last census (2001) placed Harrow as the fifth most diverse authority in the country. A third of the population was born outside the United Kingdom. All these factors have created a vibrant and rich cultural mix but they also set challenges for the borough in meeting the many different needs and expectations of the local population.

Over 37% of the population in Harrow are aged 45 and over and 14.5% is aged over 65. This is balanced by the fact that 23% of residents are 17 and under. Well over half of all people aged over 16 are married and just over a third of households in Harrow have dependent children.

The demographics outlined below offer a context for understanding the potential audiences for Roxeth Recreation Ground but by no means provide a comprehensive view of the kinds of people who are likely to use and benefit from the park.

Demographic Analysis of the Borough (estimates)

Population

The resident population is circa 206,814 in 79,112 households, and has experienced a 2.78% growth rate since 1991

12% of dwellings are overcrowded.

Ethnicity

41% of Harrow’s population is non white-British, an increase from 26.2% in 1991

Age

20.16% of the population is aged 0 – 16, 11.40% of the population is aged 16 – 24.

The 2001 Census found that 14.88% of Harrow’s residents stated that they had a limiting long-term illness (any long term illness, health problem or disability which limits daily activities or work). This is marginally lower than the average for England & Wales (18.2%).

Roxeth Recreation Ground has the potential to make a significant contribution to the ‘Healthy Living’ agenda, especially looking at ill health prevention and an active life in older age. The Joint Commissioning Strategy for Older People (http://harrowhub/downloads/Joint_Commissioning_Strategy_- _Older_People.pdf)

28.49% of the Borough’s households have dependent children, making it clear that the site has to cater for heavy current and future use by young people, from infancy through to early adulthood.

Community Benefit

Feedback from the consultation activities carried out indicates that the park is valued as a ‘sanctuary’ and a ‘refreshing change’ from the surrounding built up areas.

Roxeth Recreation Ground is viewed as a place which can be used by children, adults, families and groups and much of the feedback indicated that people value the park for its variety of uses – from exercising and walking the dog to sitting quietly and taking children to play.

Roxeth Recreation Ground can be seen to be contributing to people’s quality of life in many ways, from health and fitness to social interaction and play. The park provides a valuable space set aside from crowded residential and commercial areas.

Appendix 5 - Building Asset Survey

Appendix 6 - Tree Survey

Roxeth Recreation Ground

Tree Risk Number Species Visited Height Trunk Health Recommendations Rating Tree works Next inspecti 1 X cupresocyparis leylandii 16/02/2009 9.0m 26cm Good None recorded.. 4 None recorded.. February 2013 2 X cupresocyparis leylandii 16/02/2009 9.0m 30cm Good None recorded.. 4 None recorded. February 2013 3 X cupresocyparis leylandii 16/02/2009 9.0m 28cm Good None recorded. 4 None recorded... February 2013 36 Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Unidentified v 16/02/2009 8.0m 15cm Good None recorded. 2 None recorded... February 2013 35 Carpinus betulus 16/02/2009 8.0m 29cm Fair None recorded. 4 None recorded... February 2013 34 Acer platanoides 16/02/2009 9.0m 25cm Good None recorded. 4 None recorded... February 2013 33 Acer saccharinum 'Laciniatum' 01/09/2009 12.0m 61cm Fair None recorded. 4 STDW February 2013 43 Quercus robur 16/02/2009 4.0m 7cm Good REMST 2 None recorded. February 2013 32 Unidentified species 16/02/2009 7.0m 21cm Good None recorded. 4 None recorded. February 2013 31 Ilex aquifolium 16/02/2009 4.5m 25cm Good None recorded. 4 None recorded. February 2013 30 Prunus laurocerasus 16/02/2009 4.0m 9cm Good None recorded. 2 None recorded. February 2013 29 Malus domestica cultivar 16/02/2009 5.0m 16cm Fair None recorded. 2 None recorded. February 2013 28 Prunus cerasifera 'Pissardii' 16/02/2009 9.0m 43cm Good None recorded. 4 None recorded. February 2013 27 Quercus robur 16/02/2009 14.0m 77cm Good CLEAN 4 None recorded. February 2013 25 Crataegus unidentified species 16/02/2009 5.0m 35cm Fair None recorded. 2 None recorded. February 2013 26 Prunus cerasifera 'Pissardii' 16/02/2009 7.0m 23cm Fair None recorded. 2 None recorded. February 2013 24 Crataegus monogyna 16/02/2009 4.0m 15cm Fair None recorded. 2 None recorded. February 2013 23 Prunus kanzan 16/02/2009 7.0m 31cm Poor SITE1 7 None recorded. August 2009 21 Prunus dulcis 16/02/2009 7.0m 21cm Fair None recorded.. 2 None recorded. February 2013 22 Unidentified species 16/02/2009 5.0m 15cm Good None recorded. 2 None recorded. February 2013 19 Unidentified species 16/02/2009 13.0m 50cm Good CLEAN 4 None recorded. February 2013 20 Prunus kanzan 16/02/2009 8.0m 32cm Fair None recorded. 4 None recorded. February 2013 17 X cupresocyparis leylandii 16/02/2009 8.0m 30cm Good None recorded. 4 None recorded. February 2013 18 X cupresocyparis leylandii 16/02/2009 8.0m 30cm Good None recorded. 4 None recorded. February 2013 60

16 X cupresocyparis leylandii 01/09/2009 8.0m 28cm Poor None recorded.. 7 CLEAN,SITE1 August 2009 15 Unidentified species 16/02/2009 8.0m 27cm Good None recorded.. 4 None recorded.. February 2013 14 Salix x chrysocoma 01/09/2009 13.0m 45cm Good None recorded.. 4 CLEAN February 2013 12 X cupresocyparis leylandii 16/02/2009 8.0m 35cm Good None recorded.. 4 None recorded.. February 2013 11 Unidentified species 16/02/2009 8.0m 33cm Good None recorded.. 4 None recorded.. February 2013 10 X cupresocyparis leylandii 16/02/2009 8.0m 30cm Good None recorded.. 4 None recorded.. February 2013 9 Malus domestica cultivar 16/02/2009 6.0m 29cm Good None recorded.. 4 None recorded.. February 2013 8 X cupresocyparis leylandii 16/02/2009 8.0m 30cm Fair SITE1 4 None recorded.. February 2013 5 Prunus avium 16/02/2009 4.5m 10cm Fair None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 7 X cupresocyparis leylandii 16/02/2009 8.0m 40cm Good None recorded.. 4 None recorded.. February 2013 6 X cupresocyparis leylandii 16/02/2009 8.0m 30cm Good None recorded.. 4 None recorded.. February 2013 13 X cupresocyparis leylandii 17/02/2009 8.0m 30cm Good None recorded.. 4 None recorded.. February 2013 179 Prunus cerasifera 'Pissardii' 17/02/2009 6.0m 30cm Poor None recorded.. 8 None recorded.. August 2009 178 Prunus unidentified species 17/02/2009 3.0m 9cm Fair None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 177 Malus unidentified species 17/02/2009 7.0m 20cm Fair None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 176 Malus unidentified species 17/02/2009 7.0m 10cm Fair None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 174 Acer campestre 17/02/2009 8.0m 29cm Poor None recorded.. 5 None recorded.. February 2013 175 Acer campestre 17/02/2009 9.0m 65cm Poor SITE1 7 None recorded.. August 2009 173 Crataegus monogyna 17/02/2009 5.0m 17cm Fair None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 172 Prunus avium 17/02/2009 11.0m 18cm Good None recorded.. 4 None recorded.. February 2013 171 Querus petraea 17/02/2009 16.0m 37cm Good None recorded.. 4 None recorded.. February 2013 170 Fraxinus oxycarpa 'Raywood' 17/02/2009 5.0m 14cm Good None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 168 Acer campestre 17/02/2009 8.0m 20cm Good None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 167 Unidentified species 17/02/2009 17.0m 74cm Good None recorded.. 6 None recorded.. February 2013 166 Aesculus hippocastanum 17/02/2009 17.0m 56cm Fair None recorded.. 6 None recorded.. February 2013 165 Platanus x hispanica 17/02/2009 22.0m 80cm Good None recorded.. 6 None recorded.. February 2013 203 Quercus unidentified speceis 17/02/2009 3.0m 7cm Good REMST 2 None recorded.. February 2013 202 Quercus unidentified speceis 17/02/2009 3.0m 7cm Good REMST 2 None recorded.. February 2013 163 Platanus x hispanica 17/02/2009 25.0m 71cm Good None recorded.. 6 None recorded.. February 2013 162 Platanus x hispanica 17/02/2009 25.0m 63cm Good None recorded.. 6 None recorded.. February 2013 161 Platanus x hispanica 17/02/2009 25.0m 66cm Good None recorded.. 6 None recorded.. February 2013 164 Aesculus hippocastanum 01/09/2009 18.0m 67cm Poor None recorded.. 12 FELL,GRIND August 2009 160 Platanus x hispanica 17/02/2009 25.0m 63cm Good None recorded.. 6 None recorded.. February 2013 61

159 Platanus x hispanica 17/02/2009 25.0m 72cm Good None recorded.. 6 None recorded.. February 2013 158 Ulmus x hollandica 17/02/2009 8.0m 18cm Poor FELL,GRIND 10 None recorded.. August 2009 157 Fraxinus excelsior 17/02/2009 10.0m 24cm Good None recorded.. 4 None recorded.. February 2013 152 Salix unidentified species 17/02/2009 9.0m 40cm Good None recorded.. 4 None recorded.. February 2013 151 Tilia cordata 17/02/2009 10.0m 27cm Good None recorded.. 4 None recorded.. February 2013 108 Tilia europaea 17/02/2009 14.0m 32cm Good None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 109 Tilia europaea 17/02/2009 11.0m 32cm Good None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 110 Acer campestre 17/02/2009 7.0m 15cm Good None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 111 Tilia europaea 17/02/2009 13.0m 32cm Good None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 153 Tilia europaea 17/02/2009 15.0m 45cm Fair SITE1 5 None recorded.. February 2013 155 Unidentified species 17/02/2009 5.0m 10cm Poor None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 112 Prunus padus 17/02/2009 9.0m 23cm Good None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 114 Tilia europaea 17/02/2009 13.0m 41cm Good None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 113 Betula pendula 17/02/2009 6.0m 15cm Poor None recorded.. 5 None recorded.. February 2013 116 Prunus padus 17/02/2009 10.0m 31cm Good None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 115 Betula pendula 17/02/2009 6.0m 11cm Poor None recorded.. 5 None recorded.. February 2013 117 Tilia europaea 17/02/2009 8.0m 25cm Good None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 118 Tilia europaea 17/02/2009 14.0m 43cm Good None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 119 Platanus x hispanica 17/02/2009 15.0m 60cm Fair None recorded.. 5 None recorded.. February 2013 120 Tilia europaea 17/02/2009 13.0m 38cm Good None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 121 Tilia europaea 17/02/2009 14.0m 32cm Good None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 123 Unidentified species 17/02/2009 11.0m 28cm Good None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 128 Tilia europaea 17/02/2009 9.0m 30cm Good None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 127 Fraxinus excelsior 17/02/2009 10.0m 15cm Fair None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 124 Castanea sativa 17/02/2009 6.0m 13cm Fair None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 122 Castanea sativa 17/02/2009 5.0m 15cm Fair None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 125 Fraxinus excelsior 17/02/2009 12.0m 18cm Fair None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 126 Fraxinus ornus 01/09/2009 11.0m 30cm Poor None recorded.. 5 CR30 February 2013 129 Fraxinus excelsior 17/02/2009 17.0m 80cm Fair None recorded.. 6 None recorded.. February 2013 130 Betula pubescens 17/02/2009 7.0m 13cm Fair None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 131 Fraxinus excelsior 17/02/2009 9.0m 23cm Good None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 132 Fraxinus excelsior 17/02/2009 9.0m 23cm Good None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 156 Fraxinus excelsior 01/09/2009 17.0m 70cm Fair None recorded.. 9 CR30 August 2009 62

133 Betula pubescens 17/02/2009 5.0m 9cm Fair None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 134 Platanus x hispanica 17/02/2009 12.0m 30cm Good SITE1 5 None recorded.. February 2013 135 Castanea sativa 17/02/2009 8.0m 16cm Good None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 136 Betula pubescens 17/02/2009 5.0m 8cm Fair None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 204 X cupresocyparis leylandii 16/02/2009 9.0m 25cm Good None recorded.. 4 None recorded.. February 2013 4 X cupresocyparis leylandii 17/02/2009 9.0m 28cm Good None recorded.. 4 None recorded.. February 2013 137 Salix caprea 17/02/2009 5.0m 20cm Fair None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 138 Salix unidentified species 17/02/2009 12.0m 51cm Good None recorded.. 4 None recorded.. February 2013 139 Crataegus monogyna 17/02/2009 5.0m 30cm Fair None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 140 Tilia europaea 17/02/2009 8.0m 26cm Good None recorded.. 4 None recorded.. February 2013 141 Tilia europaea 17/02/2009 13.0m 40cm Good None recorded.. 4 None recorded.. February 2013 143 Tilia cordata 17/02/2009 9.0m 28cm Good None recorded.. 4 None recorded.. February 2013 145 Tilia cordata 17/02/2009 7.0m 26cm Good None recorded.. 4 None recorded.. February 2013 147 Malus domestica cultivar 17/02/2009 4.0m 13cm Fair None recorded.. 5 None recorded.. February 2013 149 Quercus robur 17/02/2009 17.0m 97cm Good SITE2 4 None recorded.. February 2013 150 Quercus robur 17/02/2009 7.0m 20cm Good None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 106 Crataegus monogyna 17/02/2009 5.0m 18cm Fair None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 107 Crataegus monogyna 17/02/2009 5.0m 50cm Poor None recorded.. 5 None recorded.. February 2013 105 Sambucus nigra 17/02/2009 4.0m 23cm Fair None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 104 Quercus robur 17/02/2009 9.0m 36cm Good None recorded.. 4 None recorded.. February 2013 103 Fraxinus excelsior 17/02/2009 10.0m 30cm Good None recorded.. 4 None recorded.. February 2013 101 Tilia europaea 17/02/2009 7.0m 26cm Good None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 102 Acer campestre 17/02/2009 7.0m 19cm Good None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 100 Fraxinus excelsior 17/02/2009 8.0m 26cm Good None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 154 Unidentified species 01/09/2009 10.0m 30cm Poor None recorded.. 8 FELL August 2009 99 Tilia europaea 17/02/2009 8.0m 31cm Good None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 98 Fraxinus excelsior 17/02/2009 8.0m 22cm Good None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 97 Fraxinus excelsior 17/02/2009 6.0m 20cm Fair None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 96 Quercus robur 17/02/2009 9.0m 50cm Good None recorded.. 4 None recorded.. February 2013 95 Fraxinus excelsior 17/02/2009 7.0m 15cm Good None recorded.. 4 None recorded.. February 2013 92 Acer platanoides 17/02/2009 9.0m 25cm Good None recorded.. 4 None recorded.. February 2013 93 Ulmus x hollandica 17/02/2009 5.0m 12cm Poor FELL 8 None recorded.. August 2009 94 Quercus robur 17/02/2009 17.0m 100cm Good None recorded.. 6 None recorded.. February 2013 63

169 Quercus robur 01/09/2009 15.0m 74cm Good None recorded.. 9 CR30 August 2009 181 Quercus robur 01/09/2009 15.0m 68cm Poor None recorded.. 9 CR30,SITE3 August 2009 182 Unidentified species 01/09/2009 21.0m 130cm Fair None recorded.. 9 CR30,SITE1 August 2009 183 Quercus robur 01/09/2009 15.0m 60cm Poor None recorded.. 9 SITE3 August 2009 184 Quercus rubra 17/02/2009 9.0m 32cm Good None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 201 Querus petraea 17/02/2009 3.0m 7cm Good REMST 2 None recorded.. February 2013 200 Querus petraea 17/02/2009 3.0m 7cm Good REMST 2 None recorded.. February 2013 185 Crataegus unidentified species 17/02/2009 4.0m 12cm Fair None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 186 Querus petraea 17/02/2009 3.0m 7cm Good REMST 2 None recorded.. February 2013 187 Quercus robur 01/09/2009 17.0m 95cm Fair None recorded.. 6 CLEAN February 2013 188 Querus petraea 17/02/2009 5.0m 14cm Good None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 189 Querus petraea 17/02/2009 3.5m 7cm Good REMST 2 None recorded.. February 2013 190 Querus petraea 17/02/2009 3.0m 7cm Good REMST 2 None recorded.. February 2013 191 Quercus robur 17/02/2009 13.0m 100cm Poor None recorded.. 6 None recorded.. February 2013 199 Querus petraea 17/02/2009 3.0m 8cm Good REMST 2 None recorded.. February 2013 192 Querus petraea 17/02/2009 3.0m 8cm Good REMST 2 None recorded.. February 2013 198 Querus petraea 17/02/2009 3.0m 7cm Good REMST 2 None recorded.. February 2013 197 Querus petraea 17/02/2009 4.0m 8cm Good REMST 2 None recorded.. February 2013 193 Querus petraea 17/02/2009 3.0m 8cm Good REMST 2 None recorded.. February 2013 194 Unidentified species 01/09/2009 16.0m 68cm Good None recorded.. 6 CLEAN February 2013 196 Quercus robur 17/02/2009 17.0m 100cm Good None recorded.. 6 None recorded.. February 2013 195 Quercus robur 17/02/2009 17.0m 95cm Good None recorded.. 6 None recorded.. February 2013 90 Querus petraea 17/02/2009 3.5m 8cm Good REMST 2 None recorded.. February 2013 91 Querus petraea 17/02/2009 3.5m 8cm Good REMST 2 None recorded.. February 2013 89 Querus petraea 17/02/2009 3.5m 8cm Good REMST 2 None recorded.. February 2013 88 Querus petraea 17/02/2009 3.5m 8cm Good REMST 2 None recorded.. February 2013 87 Fraxinus excelsior 17/02/2009 4.0m 9cm Good None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 86 Unidentified species 17/02/2009 3.0m 8cm Good REMST 2 None recorded.. February 2013 85 Acer platanoides 17/02/2009 3.0m 8cm Good None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 83 Pyrus calleryana 'Chanticclere' 01/11/2010 5.0m 9cm Good REMST 2 None recorded.. November 20 84 Quercus robur 17/02/2009 9.0m 25cm Fair None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 80 Quercus robur 17/02/2009 9.0m 30cm Fair IVY 4 None recorded.. February 2013 79 Unidentified species 17/02/2009 7.0m 19cm Good IVY 2 None recorded.. February 2013 64

78 Sorbus 17/02/2009 8.0m 18cm Good None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 74 Sorbus 17/02/2009 9.0m 18cm Good IVY 2 None recorded.. February 2013 73 Tilia europaea 17/02/2009 10.0m 27cm Good None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 71 Tilia europaea 17/02/2009 6.0m 17cm Good None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 70 Fraxinus excelsior 17/02/2009 12.0m 39cm Good None recorded.. 4 None recorded.. February 2013 67 Tilia europaea 17/02/2009 8.0m 28cm Good None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 68 Prunus cerasifera 'Pissardii' 17/02/2009 6.0m 20cm Fair None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 69 Prunus unidentified species 17/02/2009 8.0m 29cm Fair None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 66 Fraxinus excelsior 17/02/2009 7.0m 23cm Fair None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 64 Crataegus monogyna 17/02/2009 6.0m 30cm Fair None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 65 Sambucus nigra 17/02/2009 6.0m 30cm Fair None recorded.. 5 None recorded.. February 2013 63 Tilia europaea 01/09/2009 12.0m 53cm Fair None recorded.. 7 CR30 August 2009 62 Platanus x hispanica 17/02/2009 16.0m 70cm Good None recorded.. 4 None recorded.. February 2013 60 Tilia cordata 17/02/2009 15.0m 63cm Good None recorded.. 4 None recorded.. February 2013 61 Platanus x hispanica 17/02/2009 16.0m 71cm Good None recorded.. 6 None recorded.. February 2013 58 Fraxinus excelsior 17/02/2009 9.0m 18cm Good None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 57 Fraxinus excelsior 17/02/2009 8.0m 15cm Good None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 59 Platanus x hispanica 17/02/2009 19.0m 83cm Good None recorded.. 6 None recorded.. February 2013 56 Tilia europaea 01/09/2009 19.0m 62cm Fair None recorded.. 6 CLEAN February 2013 55 Platanus x hispanica 17/02/2009 19.0m 86cm Good CLEAN 6 None recorded.. February 2013 53 Tilia europaea 17/02/2009 16.0m 50cm Good None recorded.. 4 None recorded.. February 2013 54 Prunus avium 17/02/2009 6.0m 14cm Fair None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 49 Tilia europaea 17/02/2009 15.0m 46cm Fair CR30,SITE3 7 None recorded.. August 2009 48 Platanus x hispanica 17/02/2009 17.0m 70cm Good None recorded.. 6 None recorded.. February 2013 46 Malus tschonoskii 17/02/2009 6.0m 16cm Good None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 45 Malus domestica cultivar 17/02/2009 4.0m 10cm Poor None recorded.. 5 None recorded.. February 2013 44 Malus domestica cultivar 17/02/2009 4.0m 15cm Good None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 42 Acer negundo 26/02/2009 12.0m 42cm Good None recorded.. 4 None recorded.. February 2013 40 Laburnum anagyroides 26/02/2009 5.0m 12cm Fair None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 41 Acer platanoides 26/02/2009 6.0m 30cm Good None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 37 Cedrus deodara 26/02/2009 14.0m 39cm Fair None recorded.. 4 None recorded.. February 2013 38 Acer platanoides 26/02/2009 10.0m 27cm Good None recorded.. 4 None recorded.. February 2013 39 Fagus sylvatica 26/02/2009 9.0m 22cm Good None recorded.. 2 None recorded.. February 2013 65

205 Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 26/02/2009 9.0m 28cm Good None recorded.. 4 None recorded.. February 2013 206 Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 26/02/2009 9.0m 30cm Good None recorded.. 4 None recorded.. February 2013 47 Prunus avium 01/11/2010 0.0m 0cm Proposed new trees None recorded.. November 20 50 Prunus padus 01/11/2010 0.0m 0cm Proposed new trees None recorded.. November 20 51 Prunus avium 01/11/2010 0.0m 0cm Proposed new trees None recorded.. November 20 52 Prunus padus 01/11/2010 0.0m 0cm Proposed new trees None recorded.. November 20 72 Liquidamber Worplesdon 01/11/2010 0.0m 0cm Proposed new trees None recorded.. November 20 75 Liriodendron tulipifera 01/11/2010 0.0m 0cm Proposed new trees None recorded.. November 20 76 Liquidamber Worplesdon 01/11/2010 0.0m 0cm Proposed new trees None recorded.. November 20 77 Liriodendron tulipifera 01/11/2010 0.0m 0cm Proposed new trees None recorded.. November 20 81 Liquidamber Worplesdon 01/11/2010 0.0m 0cm Proposed new trees None recorded.. November 20 82 Liriodendron tulipifera 01/11/2010 0.0m 0cm Proposed new trees None recorded.. November 20 180 Catalpa bignonioides 01/11/2010 0.0m 0cm Proposed new trees None recorded.. November 20 142 Carpinus betulus 01/11/2010 0.0m 0cm Proposed new trees None recorded.. November 20 144 Carpinus betulus 01/11/2010 0.0m 0cm Proposed new trees None recorded.. November 20 146 Carpinus betulus 01/11/2010 0.0m 0cm Proposed new trees None recorded.. November 20 148 Carpinus betulus 01/11/2010 0.0m 0cm Proposed new trees None recorded.. November 20

Appendix 7 - Habitat survey of conservation areas

Site Code HwBI02R Site name/address Roxeth Recreation Ground Wildlife Area Grid ref Recorder DJV Date 09-10-2012 Duration of visit 2.5 hours

Acer Carex hirta Fragaria vesca Mahonia aquifolium EY // Acer campestre Carex otrubae Fraxinus angustifolia Malus Acer platanoides // Carex pendula TY // Fraxinus excelsior Malus pumila Acer pseudoplatanus Carex remota /// Galega officinalis Malus sylvestris Acer saccharinum Carex riparia Galeopsis tetrahit Malva moschata Achillea millefolium Carex spicata Galinsoga quadriradiata Malva neglecta Aegopodium podagraria Carex sylvatica Galium aparine Malva sylvestris Aesculus carnea Carpinus betulus Galium mollugo Matricaria discoidea Aesculus hippocastanum Castanea sativa Galium verum Matricaria recutita Aethusa cynapium Catalpa bignonioides Geranium dissectum Medicago arabica Agrimonia eupatoria Cedrus atlantica Geranium molle Medicago lupulina Agrostemma githago Centaurea nigra Geranium pusillum Medicago sativa Agrostis Cerastium fontanum Geranium pyrenaicum Melica uniflora Agrostis canina Cerastium glomeratum Geranium robertianum Melilotus albus Agrostis capillaris Chamaecyparis Geranium rotundifolium Melilotus officinalis Agrostis gigantea Chamaecyp's lawsoniana Geum urbanum Mentha aquatica //// Agrostis stolonifera Chamerion angustifolium Ginkgo biloba Mentha spicata Ailanthus altissima Chelidonium majus Glechoma hederacea Mercurialis annua Aira praecox Chenopodium Glyceria fluitans Mercurialis perennis Ajuga reptans Chenopodium album Glyceria maxima Milium effusum Alisma plantago-aquatica Chenopodium ficifolium Gnaphalium uliginosum Moehringia trinervia Alliaria petiolata Chenopodium polysperm. Hebe Myosotis arvensis Allium vineale Chenopodium rubrum E // Hedera helix Myosotis scorpioides Alnus Choisya ternata Heracleum mantegazzia. Narcissus Alnus cordata Circaea lutetiana /// Heracleum sphondylium Narc. pseudonarcissus Alnus glutinosa /// Cirsium arvense Hesperis matronalis Nuphar lutea Alnus incana Cirsium palustre Hieracium Nymphaea alba W // Alopecurus geniculatus Cirsium vulgare Hirschfeldia incana Odontites vernus Alopecurus pratensis Clematis vitalba /// Holcus lanatus Oenanthe crocata Anacamptis pyramidalis Conium maculatum Holcus mollis Oenothera biennis Anagallis arvensis Conopodium majus Hordeum murinum Oenothera cambrica Anemone nemorosa Convolvulus arvensis Hordeum secalinum Oenothera glazioviana Angelica sylvestris Conyza canadensis Humulus lupulus Ophioglossum vulgatum Anisantha sterilis Conyza sumatrensis Hyacinthoides hispanica Origanum vulgare Anthoxanthum odoratum Cornus Hyacinthoides non-scripta Ornithogalum angustif'm //// Anthriscus sylvestris Cornus sanguinea Hypericum Oxalis corniculata 68

Antirrhinum majus Coronopus didymus Hypericum maculatum Papaver rhoeas Apium nodiflorum Coronopus squamatus Hypericum perforatum Papaver somniferum Arabidopsis thaliana Corylus avellana Hypericum tetrapterum Parietaria judaica Arctium minus Cotoneaster Hypochaeris radicata Parthenocissus quinque. /// Armoracia rusticana Crataegus Ilex aquifolium Pentaglottis sempervirens //// Arrhenatherum elatius Crataegus laevigata Impatiens capensis Persicaria amphibia Artemisia vulgaris TY // Crataegus monogyna Impatiens glandulifera Persicaria hydropiper Arum maculatum Crataegus persimilis W /// Iris pseudacorus Persicaria lapathifolia Asparagus officinalis Crataegus x macrocarpa Juglans regia Persicaria maculosa /// Aster Crepis biennis Juncus articulatus Phalaris arundinacea Atriplex patula Crepis capillaris Juncus bufonius Phalaris canariensis Atriplex prostrata Crepis vesicaria Juncus conglomeratus Philadelphus Aucuba japonica Cupressus W // Juncus effusus Phleum bertolonii Avena fatua Cynosurus cristatus W //// Juncus inflexus E // Phleum pratense Ballota nigra Cytisus scoparius Knautia arvensis Phragmites australis Barbarea verna //// Dactylis glomerata Laburnum anagyroides Phyllitis scolopendrium Barbarea vulgaris Daucus carota Lactuca serriola / Picris echioides Bellis perennis W // Deschampsia cespitosa Lactuca virosa Picris hieracioides Berberis Deschampsia flexuosa Lamiastrum galeobdolon Pilosella officinarum Betula Digitalis purpurea Lamium album Pinus Betula pendula Diplotaxis tenuifolia Lamium purpureum Pinus nigra Betula pubescens Dipsacus fullonum Lapsana communis Pinus sylvestris Bidens tripartita Dryopteris dilatata Lathyrus latifolius Plantago coronopus Bolboschoenus maritimus Dryopteris filix-mas Lathyrus nissolia E / Plantago lanceolata Brachypodium sylvaticum /// Elytrigia repens /// Lathyrus pratensis Plantago major Brassica nigra Epilobium Lemna minor Plantago media Brassica rapa Epilobium ciliatum Leontodon autumnalis Platanus x hispanica Bromopsis ramosa W /// Epilobium hirsutum Leontodon hispidus Poa annua Bromus commutatus Epilobium montanum Lepidium draba Poa nemoralis Bromus hordeaceus Epilobium parviflorum Leucanthemum vulgare Poa pratensis Bromus racemosus Epilobium tetragonum Leucanthemum x superb. Poa trivialis Bromus secalinus Equisetum arvense Ligustrum ovalifolium Polygonum Bryonia dioica Euonymus europaeus Ligustrum vulgare Polygonum aviculare Buddleja Euonymus japonicus Linaria purpurea Populus Buddleja davidii Euphorbia helioscopia Linaria vulgaris Populus alba Buxus sempervirens Euphorbia peplus Linum usitatissimum Populus nigra 'Italica' Calamagrostis epigejos Fagus sylvatica Liriodendron tulipifera Populus tremula Calendula officinalis Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea' Lobelia erinus Populus x canadensis Callitriche stagnalis Fallopia baldschuanica Lobularia maritima Populus x canescens Caltha palustris Fallopia convolvulus Lolium multiflorum Potamogeton pectinatus ? /// Calystegia sepium Fallopia japonica // Lolium perenne Potentilla anserina Calystegia silvatica Festuca arundinacea Lonicera periclymenum Potentilla erecta Capsella bursa-pastoris Festuca gigantea Lotus corniculatus //// Potentilla reptans Cardamine flexuosa Festuca ovina Lotus pedunculatus Primula veris Cardamine hirsuta Festuca pratensis Lunaria annua Primula vulgaris Cardamine impatiens /// Festuca rubra Luzula campestris Prunella vulgaris

Cardamine pratensis Ficus carica Lycopus europaeus Prunus Carex acutiformis W // Filipendula ulmaria Lysimachia nummularia Prunus avium Carex flacca Foeniculum vulgare Lythrum salicaria Prunus cerasifera Prunus domestica Rumex Sonchus arvensis Trifolium repens Prunus laurocerasus Rumex acetosa Sonchus asper Tripleuros'mum inodorum E //// Prunus spinosa Rumex acetosella Sonchus oleraceus Trisetum flavescens Pseudofumaria lutea Rumex conglomeratus Sorbus Tussilago farfara Pteridium aquilinum Rumex crispus Sorbus aria Typha angustifolia Pulicaria dysenterica Rumex cristatus Sorbus aucuparia Typha latifolia Pyracantha // Rumex obtusifolius Sorbus intermedia Ulex europaeus Pyrus communis Rumex sanguineus Sorbus torminalis Ulmus Quercus Sagina procumbens Sparganium erectum Ulmus glabra Quercus cerris Salix Spartium junceum /// Ulmus procera Quercus ilex Salix alba Stachys palustris E /// Urtica dioica Quercus palustris Salix caprea E // Stachys sylvatica Verbascum thapsus Quercus petraea Salix cinerea Stellaria graminea Veronica arvensis TYS //// Quercus robur YW // Salix fragilis Stellaria holostea Veronica beccabunga Quercus rubra YW // Salix viminalis Stellaria media Veronica chamaedrys Ranunculus acris Salix x sepulcralis Succisa pratensis Veronica hederifolia Ranunculus bulbosus E // Sambucus nigra Symphoricarpos albus Veronica montana Ranunculus ficaria Sanguisorba minor Symphytum officinale Veronica persica Ranunculus repens Sanguisorba officinalis W /// Symphytum x uplandicum Veronica serpyllifolia Ranunculus sceleratus Scrophularia auriculata Syringa vulgaris Viburnum Reseda lutea Scrophularia nodosa Tamus communis Viburnum lantana Reseda luteola Scutellaria galericulata Tanacetum parthenium Viburnum opulus Rhamnus cathartica Senecio Tanacetum vulgare Viburnum tinus Rhododendron ponticum // Senecio erucifolius Taraxacum Vicia cracca Rhus typhina Senecio jacobaea Taxus baccata Vicia faba Ribes // Senecio squalidus Teucrium scorodonia Vicia hirsuta Ribes rubrum Senecio vulgaris Tilia Vicia sativa Robinia pseudoacacia Silaum silaus Tilia cordata Vicia sepium Rorippa nast.-aquaticum Silene dioica Tilia platyphyllos Vicia tetrasperma Rorippa palustris Silene latifolia EY / Tilia x europaea Vinca minor E // Rosa Silene vulgaris Torilis japonica Viola Rosa arvensis Sinapis arvensis Tragopogon porrifolius Viola odorata E // Rosa canina Sison amomum Tragopogon pratensis Viola riviniana Rosa rugosa Sisymbrium officinale Trifolium campestre Viscum album Rubus Sisymbrium orientale Trifolium dubium Vulpia bromoides Rubus caesius Solanum dulcamara Trifolium hybridum Vulpia myuros //// Rubus fruticosus agg. Solanum nigrum Trifolium medium X Cuprocyparis leylandi Rubus idaeus Solidago canadensis // Trifolium pratense

QUALIFIERS (in left-hand column)

T - mature tree W - wet area or hollows G - throw out or escape F - footpath Y - young tree D - dry area or high places P - planted ? - identity uncertain 70

S - seedling or sapling C - clumped E - edge * - see note below

ABUNDANCE (in right-hand column)

//// dominant, //// abundant, /// frequent, // occasional, / rare

FIELD NOTES Additional plant species:

/ Geranium sp . W / Eupatorium cannabinum //// Epilobium sp.

Birds:

Kestrel, Magpie, Blackbird, Goldfinch, Robin, House Sparrow, Carrion Crow

Appendix 8 - Park users survey

Roxeth Recreation Ground

2006 2012

PROBLEMS USING THE PARK

Are there any times you don’t like to go to the park  Weekday daytime (before 3pm) 3%  Weekday after school (3-6pm) 5%  Weekday evening (6-9pm) 17%  Weekday night time (after 9pm) 40%

 Weekends daytime (before 6pm) 7%  Weekends evening (6-9pm) 16%  Weekends night time (after 9pm) 29%  No 0%

Are there any places in the park you don’t like to go  No 60% 90%  Yes. Please say where 40% 10%

Does anyone cause problems in the park?  No 57% 69%  Yes. Who? 43% 31%

Police Drinkers Smokers Gangs

Are you ever frightened to go to the park when certain people are there?  No 70% 86%  Yes. Please say who? (eg. other CYP/older people/police  30% 14% Dog walkers  Gangs

VIEWS ABOUT THE PARK

Do you know who looks after the park?  No 58% 0%  Yes 42% 100%  Do you know how to complain about something in the park?  No 90% 4%  Yes 10% 96% 

If you were frightened in the park who would you ask for help (tick all that apply)?  Family 24% 5%  Friends 35% 0%  Park Keeper 17% 50%  Police 24% 40%  Other: ......  0% 5%

Nearest person

How do you find out about things to do in the park/ park events? (tick all that apply)  I don’t find out about them 21% 29%  I hear from friends 44% 18%  I read about it in the paper 15% 18%  I hear at school  12% 0%  I hear about it at home 8% 0%  Other : Noticeboard, Posters, Newsletter 0% 35% Signs Park keeper MY IDEAS FOR THE PARK IN THE FUTURE

What special events would you like to do there? (tick all that apply)  Music  30%  Drama 8% 74

 Sports 42%  Dance 14%  Other: ………………………………………. 6%

When would you like the park to be open?  Only in the daytime 56% 63%  Daytime and night time 44% 37%

Would you like to see special areas in the park for children and young people?  No 33% Yes 67%

How would you like to find out about events in the park?  Posters. Where: ……………………………………………… 44%  Email 2%  Text 24%  Newspaper advert 22%  Other 8% Park Keeper Newsletter

How would you like to complain about anything in the park?  Email 35%  Text 6%  Phone  55%  Other 4%

Letter Are there any places in the park you don’t like to go (% reflects YES answer) 40% 33% Does anyone cause problems in the park (% reflects YES answer) 43% 18% Are you ever frightened to go to the park when certain people are there (% reflects YES answer) 30% 40% Do you know who looks after the park (% reflects YES answer) 42% 76% Do you know how to complain about something in the park (% reflects YES answer) 10% 88% Would you like the park to be open overnight (% reflects YES answer) 44% 58%  If you were frightened in the park who would you ask for help 2006 2011 Family 24% 5% Friends 35% 0% Park Keeper 17% 50% Police 24% 40% Other 0% 5%