Lily Hill Park Management Plan (Review 2019)

Place, Planning and Regeneration ~~ ~, Bracknell ,...A Forest Council Lily Hill Park

Management Plan 2010-2020 (Updated January 2019)

Contents 1. INTRODUCTION ...... 4 1.1. Setting the Scene ...... 4 1.2. Aims and Objectives ...... 7 1.3. A Green Flag Award Winning Park ...... 8 1.4. Detailed site description ...... 9 1.5. Legal and Planning Framework ...... 13 1.6. Socio-Economic Context ...... 14 1.7. Quality Standards ...... 16 1.8. Landscape Areas ...... 17 2. WOODLAND ...... 18 2.1. Deadwood ...... 18 2.2. Evergreen Understorey ...... 19 2.3. Regeneration and Re-stocking ...... 19 2.4. Historic Integrity ...... 20 2.5. Health and Safety ...... 20 2.6. Access ...... 21 2.7. Habitat management and improvement ...... 21 2.8. Landscape Area W1: Woodland - Vincent’s Hill ...... 22 2.9. Landscape Area W2: Woodland - The Yew Walk ...... 23 2.10. Landscape Area W3: Woodland - Forester’s Hill ...... 25 2.11. Landscape Area W4: Woodland - Driveway & London Road...... 26 2.12. Landscape Area W5: Woodland - Starch Copse ...... 29 2.13. Landscape Area W6: Woodland - Home Copse ...... 32 3. GRASSLAND ...... 33 3.1. Mowing regimes and sward control ...... 33 3.2. Encroachment and 'edge' areas ...... 33 3.3. Reseeding ...... 33 3.4. Historic integrity ...... 33 3.5. Access ...... 34 3.6. Habitat management and improvement ...... 34 3.7. Landscape Area G1: Grassland - Eastern Meadow ...... 35 3.8. Landscape Area G2: Wet grassland – contained within Eastern Meadow ...... 36 3.9. Landscape Area G3: Grassland - Home Park ...... 37 3.10. Landscape Area G4: Wet grassland – contained within Home Park ...... 38 3.11. Landscape Area G5: Grassland and orchard - Forester's Fields ...... 39 4. HARD LANDSCAPE ...... 41 4.1. Landscape Area HL1: Hard Landscape – Driveway ...... 41 4.2. Landscape Area HL2: Hard Landscape - Footpaths ...... 43 4.3. Landscape Area HL3: Hard Landscape – Car Park ...... 45 5. HABITAT MANAGEMENT AND IMPROVEMENT...... 46 5.1. Evaluation ...... 46 5.2. Management recommendations ...... 46 5.2.1. Woodland ...... 46 5.2.2. Parkland ...... 48 5.2.3. Grassland ...... 48 5.2.4. Water bodies and watercourses ...... 49 5.2.5. Interpretation ...... 49 6. IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING ...... 50 6.1. Management structure ...... 50 6.2. Health and safety ...... 50 6.2.1. Departmental arrangements ...... 50 6.2.2. Line Managers’ Responsibility ...... 50 6.3. Landscape Maintenance ...... 53 6.3.1. Key maintenance practices required to meet site aspirations ...... 53

6.3.2. Breakdown of maintenance by area for each month ...... 56 6.3.3. Green Waste Management and Sustainability ...... 58 6.4. Audience Development ...... 60 6.4.1. Listing of the key audience development practices required to meet site aspirations ...... 60 6.4.2. Access and Education...... 60 6.4.3. Consultation ...... 62 7. ACTION PLAN ...... 63

APPENDIX A – GREEN FLAG AWARD CRITERIA ...... 80 APPENDIX B – HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY ...... 83 APPENDIX C– ACCESS AND EDUCATION ...... 90 APPENDIX D – OPERATIONAL GUIDANCE AND PROCEDURES ...... 91 APPENDIX E – BIODIVERSITY REPORTS ...... 92 APPENDIX F – POLICY BACKGROUND ...... 129 APPENDIX G – PROMOTIONAL LEAFLETS 2017 ...... 135 APPENDIX H – WEBPAGE ...... 141 APPENDIX I – SITE HISTORY SUMMARY ...... 142 APPENDIX J – APPLE VARIETIES ...... 144 APPENDIX K – STEERING GROUP TERMS OF REFERENCE ...... 145 APPENDIX L – FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SUMMARY ...... 147 APPENDIX M – REFERENCES ...... 150

1. Introduction 1.1. Setting the Scene

Lily Hill Park is a 23 hectare public park located to the east of Bracknell New Town, Berkshire. The house and park were originally formed as a 19th century 'gentleman's residence'. William Vincent built Lily Hill House between 1849 and the early 1850s with the park developed in phases over the next 30 years. The park is a good example of how Victorians emulated the great English landscape park tradition of the 18th century. The planting scheme is exotic and reflects the huge range of plants and trees that were flooding into the country from all over the British Empire - and beyond - at that time.

Lily Hill House and the HaHa, 1889

Bracknell Development Corporation purchased the estate in 1955. The house and its immediate garden were subsequently sold, while the park was transferred to the ownership of Bracknell Forest Borough Council in 1983. The house has been restored and is currently in private commercial ownership.

Natural regeneration and the ravages of the two storms of 1987 and 1990 saw a gradual deterioration in the landscape quality and design structure. In 1996 a planning application from the owner of the house to build housing on the lawn of the house was turned down at appeal after objections from the Council and general public. Continued public interest in the park resulted in a council aspiration to restore the historic integrity of the park to the form depicted on the 1872 1st edition Ordnance Survey map. A consultant was contracted to produce a restoration plan for the eastern area of the park and subsequently a Heritage Lottery Fund application was submitted to secure funding. The Stage 1 Grant application was successful. This allowed the appointment of a Project Officer and Landscape Consultant to co-ordinate the development of a Restoration Master Plan to guide future management

and maintenance of the site. This formed part of a Stage 2 Heritage Lottery Fund grant application for funding the first phase of the implementation programme. A further successful application secured funding for the restoration of the eastern area. The north-south carriageway effectively defines the boundary of the two phases.

A view from the house

A view from the house looking towards the Hay Meadow

In 2016, Lily Hill Park Lily Hill Park was awarded SANG (Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace) status to help mitigate any adverse effect of new residential development on the Thames Basin Heath Special Protection Area (SPA). This will help to safeguard support for the future of Lily Hill Park due to streams of funding made available through this initative. Plans are currently being made to identify relevant capital enhancements for Lily Hill Park. These include upgrading the path network, site interpretation, improvements to the historic Rhododendron collection, introduction of a tree trail and car park improvements.

Restoration Proposals relevant to the maintenance plan included: • Re-creation of the historic structure and character of the park • Restoration and enhancement of the drive and historic footpaths • Re-creation of views • Continuity of the tree cover • Restoration of the woodlands • The development of ornamental plantings in woodlands to the east of the House • Removal of regenerative growth to the east of the drive and restoration of the eastern • Meadow Restoration of the ornamental character of Starch Copse • Restoration of the well and cascades. • Establishment of a pond and boardwalk. • Re-planting of an orchard to the east of the Lodge • Maximisation of the wildlife value within the historic context • Development of a strong edge to the site and a sense of seclusion through the retention and development of perimeter plantings • Provision of adequate car parking • Development of an education and access strategy

1.2. Aims and Objectives

This 10-year Management and Maintenance Plan for Lily Hill Park provides a framework within which Lily Hill Park can evolve to meet the changing needs and aspirations of the community, while retaining its unique qualities.

This plan has been written for use by managers, contractors, landscape professionals, maintenance agencies and representatives of the local community.

This plan seeks to provide continuity to the management of the park over the ten year period while allowing some scope to evolve as necessary in response to public consultation, independent assessment (through the Green flag award) and any other major issues arising to ensure the cyclic improvement of the project in the longer term.

• To ensure consensus between the users of the park, Lily Hill House, partnership organisations and the local community • To guide future managers of the park and ensure continuity and high levels of management to a Green Flag Award Standard. • To help managers react positively to change in the future • To ensure the site is accurately described and understood • To monitor and evaluate change on the site • To allow comparison with other sites, including data collection and recording • To cost, programme and schedule work • To identify opportunities to bid for further funding and grant aid • To identify a balance of provision within a catchment area • To identify future requirements • To encourage community involvement, interest and support

1.3. A Green Flag Award Winning Park

The Green Flag Award Scheme is the national benchmark for quality parks and green spaces in Scotland, England and Wales. The management plan aims to guide its users through the aims and objectives to strive to achieve a park that is consistently managed to the Green Flag Award standard.

The eight criteria that the park will be judged against by external verifiers are listed below. Full descriptions are shown in Appendix A and listed against management prescriptions in the Action Plan table under point 20.5.

1. A Welcoming Place 2. Healthy, safe and secure 3. Clean and well maintained 4. Sustainability 5. Conservation and Heritage 6. Community involvement 7. Marketing 8. Management

1.4. Detailed site description

Lily Hill Park comprises 23ha of land in Bracknell that provides a major open space in an urban setting and includes areas of landscaped parkland and gardens, semi-natural habitats including wildflower meadows and native woodland, three rugby pitches (currently leased by Bracknell Rugby Football Club), car park and associated land.

Location Park is located to the east of the Bullbrook area of Bracknell and to the north of Martins Heron. Grid reference 886693 (O.S. Explorer 160). The park is bounded to the west and north by Lily Hill Drive and Lily Hill Road, to the east by housing at Arden Close and Hawkins Close and to the south by London Road (A329).

Character Areas Four main types of land cover have been identified across the park: • Woodland • Grassland with parkland trees • Wet grassland / meadow and orchard • Hard landscaping

A map showing these areas of the park, split into character areas, is shown in section 1.10., with detailed descriptions for each of these areas featured on subsequent pages.

Access Pedestrian access is from London Road to Lily Hill Road via the axial driveway. This driveway also provides a non-designated cycle track which is part of a strategic pedestrian and cycleway system throughout the Borough providing links to other local green spaces such as Allsmoor Lane and Clinton’s Hill. There is an informal footpath system throughout the park, as well as informal access points around the perimeter (see summary below). There is no public vehicular access within the park. Lily Hill Park has two car parks; one accessed from Lily Hill Drive, by the Rugby Club clubhouse, which contains 58 car parking spaces and one to the north of the park accessed off Lily Hill Road, which has 47 car parking spaces. Maintenance and service vehicle access is from London Road, via the gate entrance near The Lodge (private residence). The site also links other greenspaces: Clinton’s Hill and Scott’s Hill. A bus stop (152) is just outside the entrance of the main car park.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council fulfils the following rights of access by pedestrians: - access from Lily Hill Drive to the front of the Running Horse public house - access from London Road to the Lodge - access from the stretch of entrance drive off Lily Hill Road in private ownership to the main entrance of Lily Hill House

There are formal pedestrian entrances on each side of the park. These entrances are situated: - to the south, off London Road by the Lodge in the south east corner of the site and midway between these points - to the south west, at the car park adjacent to the Rugby Club - to the north, at the car park off Lily Hill Road - to the east, off Arden Close

The park is also freely accessible to pedestrians to the north, south and west and pedestrians enter the park from a number of key locations. Specifically: - from the west, off Lily Hill Drive - from the west, off Lily Hill Road - from the north east, off Lily Hill Road - from the south, midway between the lower two rugby pitches and opposite the pedestrian crossing north of Allsmoor Lane

These pathways meet the needs of the local communities to the west, north and south of the park whereas the formal entrances (with the exception of the entrance from Arden Close) reflect the historic structure of the park and vehicular access.

Natural Physical Characteristics The majority of the site comprises Bagshot Beds with the higher ground to the east of the Lodge being Bracklesham Deposit. With the exception of the London Clay found in the south west corner, the soils are mainly sandy and free draining, with some periodic springs in the central meadow area.

There is no provision for surface drainage to the east of the site. A ditch runs part of the southern end of the driveway. Starch Copse is bounded by a ditch system and a stream runs from east to west, rising from a well to the south west of Lily Hill House and flowing under Lily Hill Road. Some land drains were installed for the rugby pitches.

Wildlife and Biodiversity Wildflower surveys were completed in summer 2014 (see Appendix E) which revealed that the meadow area doesn’t currently meet the criteria for a Local Wildlife Site. There is an aspiration to bring Lily Hill Park back to Local Wildlife status. The intention is to target specific parts of the site - wildflower meadows in the short term and woodland (BAP habitat) in the long term i.e. area near the house.

Starch Copse is listed as an Ancient Woodland in Natural England’s Ancient Woodland Inventory.

Bats have also previously been recorded at the site and there is the opportunity to liaise with the local bat group to carry out further bat surveys at LHP.

Archaeological Valuation The site is not on the Register of Historic Parks and Buildings and the house is not a listed building, but it still has historic significance.

An archaeological evaluation of the garden and service area by Northamptonshire Archaeology in 1999 of Lily Hill House revealed the position of a ha-ha and a possible path in the garden. Conclusions were that the park appears to have survived in a relatively unaltered state. The gardens seem to have undergone more extensive alterations perhaps due to a number of changes in ownership since the latter part of the nineteenth century, and more recently with the house being used for business purposes. The ha-ha was re-instated as part of Phase 2 of the restoration project.

SANGs Lily Hill Park was allocated as mitigation for increased recreational pressure on the Thames Basin Heaths as part of the Bracknell Town centre development in the 1960s. These types of spaces are known as Suitable Alternative Natural Green Spaces (SANGS).

The Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area (SPA) is a network of internationally important heathland sites in the south of the borough. These sites such as Wildmoor Heath support rare birds such as the Dartford warbler, woodlark and nightjar that are highly sensitive to visitors. To prevent harm to the SPA, new development must now contribute towards enhancements of SANGS and encourage their use to reduce recreational pressure on the SPA. This is part of the council’s avoidance and mitigation strategy called the Thames Basin Heaths SPA SPD.

Recreational Users An area of the park is leased to Bracknell Rugby Football Club for the purpose of a clubhouse and the Rugby Club have agreements to use certain areas of the park at certain times for rugby.

As an integral element of an interlinked open space system throughout Bracknell, Lily Hill Park is popular in terms of informal recreational use.

There is intended to be a tree-trail on site, with information posts at selected trees. The site is well connected to the footpath/cycling network around the eastern area of Bracknell and is frequently used as a recreational through route.

Interpretation There are at present three information boards at the principal access points. These contain a site map and public notices, such as upcoming events. A site leaflet is available to download on Bracknell Forest Council’s website and is distributed to key public information points such as Borough libraries and to The Look Out Discovery Centre in Bracknell.

1.5. Legal and Planning Framework

Land ownership: The site was acquired by Bracknell Forest Borough Council when the Commission for New Towns transferred the land to the Local Authority on 25th April 1983.

Wayleaves and Easements: Under the terms of a 99 year lease for land for a sub-station made in 1974, Southern electricity have a right of access over the drive off Lily Hill Road to Lily Hill House and also rights to lay access inspect and maintain an underground electricity cable running west from the sub-station to Lily Hill Road. British Gas hold a 99 year lease established in 1992 in respect of a gas governor to the south of the Rugby Club clubhouse, access to it and the right to lay and access pipes associated with it.

Boundary Responsibilities: Most of the boundaries are defined by the surrounding road system. The eastern boundary has a sequence of close-boarded fencing and chestnut paling which is in private ownership. A drainage ditch bounds the London Road.

Byelaws: The site is covered by byelaws. Planning Permissions: A planning application to develop Lily Hill House for residential development was refused at appeal in 1998. A subsequent application to extend the House as office accommodation was accepted. The extension was built and the House occupied in September 2001.

Public Right Of Way: There is a Public Footpath (Right Of Way) which runs along the main drive from London Road entrance near the Lodge to Lily Hill Road via the main car park entrance. This is referred to Bracknell Footpath 24 and was created on 13th May 1996 subsequent to a Creation Agreement by Berkshire County Council.

1.6. Socio-Economic Context

Population density: Lily Hill Park lies in Bullbrook Ward, which has a population of 6359. With the ward covering 166.7 hectares, this equates to just over 38 persons per hectare (pph). This is quite a high population density compared to the Borough as a whole (10.79 pph) and the neighbouring wards such as Winkfield and Cranbourne (1.97 pph) and Ascot (3.46 pph). Figures based on mid-2015 population estimates from the Office for National Statistics.

Interested Parties: The Lily Hill Park Preservation Association was formed in 1998 to oppose the development proposals at that time. This Association was encouraged to evolve into the Friends of Lily Hill Park. This group is no longer active, but many members of the local community are still involved with management and maintenance of the grounds. For example, the Cultivating Friends Gardening Group meet once a week with the Heritage Park Gardeners to work in the grounds, and there are volunteers who carry out regular litter picks and hand out leaflets promoting the message of responsible dog ownership.

Other interested parties with established links include Bracknell Forest Natural History Society, Bracknell Horticultural Association, The Bracknell Forest Society, as well as the Bracknell Rugby Club and Bracknell Lawn Tennis Club both of which are based on site.

The park promotes the activities and events of the interested parties using the notice boards, along with making the resources of the park available for their group events. An email drop account with the address [email protected] is available for all enquiries relating to the formal park events, volunteering or to direct the public to the other interested parties.

Links are maintained with the other parks and open spaces within and beyond the Borough to benchmark maintenance standards, to develop services and stay current with industry developments. A dedicated Heritage Parks Gardening Team are responsible for looking after Lily Hill Park and South Hill Park and have a broad range of horticultural experience, skills and professional qualifications to enable them to manage the parks to a high horticultural standard.

The park staff network with many other horticultural professionals to share knowledge and experience.

Parks User Survey A borough wide survey was started by BFC in early 2015 to help us better understand the views of users of local parks and open spaces. The survey is advertised in the park noticeboards and on BFC social media and is available to the public on the consultation portal of the BFC website (paper copies are available upon request).

It asks questions about visits to parks such as method of travel, the reason for the visit and length of time spent there. This helps to build a picture of visitor use.

People are also asked to rate the park’s design, maintenance, facilities, accessibility, wildlife features etc. and are given the opportunity to provide feedback about what improvements they’d like to see. At the end of the survey those that would like to be further consulted or involved, for example via visitor surveys, regular newsletter etc. can leave their contact details.

Feedback received d for Lily Hill Park shows that just over 98% of respondents (112 out of 114) are either ‘satisfied’ or ‘very satisfied’ with the park.

The park is an extremely popular place for dog walking and feedback tends to relate to the desire for more facilities to be provided to dog walkers, such as a tap in the car park where running water can be accessed to hose down muddy dogs. This facility has now been added to the park.

Feedback also relates to the public’s wish to see the provision of refreshments (also now in place) and toilet facilities.

Borough wide visitor survey project The Parks & Countryside Service is continuing work initiated in 2013 to develop a methodology for carrying out visitor number surveys across a number of sites over a three year cycle. The survey method has been designed to provide a statistically reliable means of projecting annual visitor numbers across the Borough’s open spaces. The sampling takes place on different types of sites, at different times of day and across the seasons, during holiday and normal periods. A draft methodology was field tested in 2012, with a training day for both external surveyors and selected council staff to benchmark methods.

Car park counters Mechanised car park counters have been installed in the north car park at Lily Hill Park to monitor use of the car park by visitors. This is part of a larger project by Bracknell Forest

Council to monitor the use of Suitable Alternative Natural Green Spaces (SANGs), of which Lily Hill Park is one. Having a better understanding of the number and frequency of visitors to the park will help the Council to better mitigate for the increased recreational pressure from housing development in the Borough.

A number of different technologies were assessed to for their suitability in providing car park counts. It was determined that Clearview Traffic offers the most appropriate solution for vehicle counters solution for permanent surveys. The M210 solar powered logging stud provides count information in a simple self-contained unit. It requires no external power source and is easily installed directly into the road. It has a low risk of accidental or intentional damage due to its low profile and inconspicuous siting. As such we chose to install Clearview Traffic logging studs into all of our SANGS sites.

Data on vehicle counts is downloaded on a regular basis to provide detailed and up-to-date information on the number of vehicles using the site. Combined with other visitor count data, this will give us an accurate picture of the number of people using SANGS and the peak times of use.

1.7. Quality Standards

Borough wide quality audit project In 2012 Bracknell Forest Council commissioned an audit of public open spaces in the borough to provide updated information on their quantity and quality.

Consultants who carried out the Borough's PPG17 report in 2006 have quality audited approximately 25% of green spaces managed by the Council’s Parks and Countryside Service, and using the method developed with the consultants, a further 50% have been audited by P&C officers, senior rangers and park managers. The remaining sites including Lily Hill Park were audited by a difference external consultant in early 2016, who also audited all town and parish council managed parks and open spaces.

Lily Hill Park was audited on the 8th January 2016 when it achieved an overall quality score of 89%, which put it into the quality category rating of excellent. This was an increase in its rating from when it was audited in 2006, when it achieved a rating of 81.33%

Sites will be quality audited over a four to five year cycle, covering a percentage of sites each year.

16 W1 Woodland - Vincent’s Hill W2 Woodland - The Yew Walk 1.8 Landscape Areas W3 Woodland - Forester’s Hill W4 Woodland - Driveway & London Road W5 Woodland - Starch Copse W6 Woodland - Home Copse G1 Semi-improved grassland - Eastern Meadow G2 Wet grassland – contained within Eastern Meadow G3 Semi-improved grassland - Home Park G4 Wet grassland – contained within Home Park G5 Semi-improved grassland – Forester’s Fields HL1 Hard Landscape – Driveway HL2 Hard Landscape – Footpaths (see separate map) HL3 Hard Landscape – Car Park

~pJ 1:2,500 0 20 40 80 120 160 200 © Crown copyright and database rights 2016 r-'I Bracknell -=:i-=i-======---=====-- Meters Ordnance Survey 100019488 _, Forest Council 2. Woodland

The majority of Lily Hill Park is occupied by woodland, which can be divided into six main landscape areas:

• Vincent’s Hill • The Yew Walk • Forester’s Hill • Driveway & London Road • Starch Copse • Home Copse/Northern Woodland

Woodland management objectives: E1.3 Maintain and develop woodland areas and understorey E1.4 Maintain and develop deadwood habitats E1.5 Monitor for any invasive species E2.1 Conserve specimen and veteran trees E2.2 Maintain and protect historic vistas throughout the park

2.1. Deadwood Visual assessments are made of the amount of deadwood within each tree on a biannual basis. Categorisation ranges from 'major deadwood' to 'very minor deadwood', with the latter used primarily to assist in future monitoring of changes in tree condition. The maintenance schedules for managing deadwood in each landscape area will involve a combination of all three of the following approaches:

1) Targeted deadwood removal - in areas most frequented by park users, such as adjacent to the main footpaths and on the woodland / meadow margins.

2) Hazardous deadwood removal - those trees with most deadwood and those species that drop deadwood most easily.

3) Conservation deadwood removal - removing only the deadwood that is an immediate hazard. This involves snapping off dead branches by hand rather than cutting with a saw. In this way only the loosest deadwood is removed. Such an approach does require more frequent visits to remove deadwood as it becomes loose. It may only be realistic to undertake this technique on those trees where deadwood is of greatest wildlife

importance such as large and veteran trees. Stag Beetle loggeries have been created around the site to provide deadwood habitat for a number of invertebrates.

2.2. Evergreen Understorey When the Council took on management of Lily Hill Park, much of the park had been colonised by laurel and Rhododendron ponticum. This evergreen cover has prevented some the natural regeneration of the canopy tree species. However, the dense understorey is of some value in zoning the use of the park by the public: the densest growth being retained in those areas where public access is to be restricted, and to enhance screening where appropriate. Access may also be restricted in this way to areas where a greater proportion of deadwood is to be retained within the trees.

2.3. Regeneration and Re-stocking The tree population at Lily Hill Park includes both broadleaves and conifers. The principal broadleaved species are English oak, sweet chestnut, horse chestnut, birch, lime and beech. The principal coniferous species are Scots pine, Douglas fir, larch, Lawson's cypress, Norway spruce and western red cedar. Turkey oak, yew and occasional red oaks are also present throughout the park.

There is a range of ages present from young seedlings to veteran trees. Not all species are represented across all age classes. Sweet chestnut, oak and birch are common in the early-mature class, whilst birch, beech, Lawson's cypress and sycamore are frequent in the seedlings class. The oldest trees are sweet chestnuts.

Overall, the condition of the trees is good. There are relatively few trees in decline or showing significant defects such that they require felling.

It is proposed to make use of the existing natural regeneration; there is considerable benefit to be gained in terms of cost, success of establishment and minimizing the visual impact on the landscape of tree felling. To ensure that continued growth of the young trees is maintained, the density of the upper canopy will be carefully manipulated to ensure sufficient light reaches the young trees, without encouraging the growth of bramble and bracken which will choke out the young trees. This process will be managed 'on the ground', where measures specific to the individual groups of trees and small clearings will be specified, rather than through blanket prescriptions. In addition to the natural regeneration it will be necessary to undertake some supplementary planting. Such planting will be required to ensure that the appropriate mix, particularly of coniferous species, is retained.

Across all the woodland the numbers of regenerated trees in the younger classes are insufficient to provide the future generation of trees. Furthermore, not all species are represented among those that regenerate freely. In particular, Scots pine, among the most frequent of mature trees, is relatively poorly represented in the youngest age classes. Consideration is being given to the long-term replacement of the existing mature trees with species that are historically appropriate and in the correct locations.

As part of this restocking programme maintenance work will focus upon re-spacing the young trees as necessary and removing competing bramble and evergreen shrubs.

2.4. Historic Integrity The historic context is critical in informing and directing the management of the woodland. Reference to the historic planting schedules and the precedents formed by the creation of views and vistas as detailed in the original Management Plan (Clive Payne January 2000) will also guide the short, medium and long-term management of the site. Maintaining the historic integrity of the site pre-supposes that management of mature and veteran trees will be organised with the intention of maximising the length of time that these trees can be safely retained on site. For a brief synopsis of the history of the development of the park refer to Appendix I.

A comprehensive tree survey is available for reference within the Phase II Conservation Management Plan. This details the species, girth, spread, height, condition and proposed action to be taken with each significant tree identified within the Heritage Lottery Project.

2.5. Health and Safety There is a six monthly visual site and tree inspection and work is scheduled according to seasonal considerations and assessments of priority to avoid work carrying over unnecessarily or being neglected.

Where routine visual inspection of mature trees indicates the presence of a decay fungi or other significant defect, these trees will be subject to further detailed inspections in accordance with current arboricultural best practise. Detailed inspections will inform a veteran tree management programme, dedicated to the preservation of mature trees for as long as this can be safely achieved.

2.6. Access Continual enhancement of access about the site was a significant aim of the restoration project. Provision has been made for increasing seating at suitable locations within the woodlands and at the woodland margins.

Picture - The Woodland Glade

Maintaining a high standard of path surface is important within woodland. Surfaces and their associated drains should be kept clear of litter, natural debris and leaf mulch so as to ensure easy and safe access for all, including mobility impaired users.

2.7. Habitat management and improvement A detailed habitat evaluation and management and improvement policy statement is contained in Appendix E.

2.8. Landscape Area W1: Woodland - Vincent’s Hill

Vincent’s Hill

Vision Statement: Vincent’s Hill is one of the highest points in the park, dominated by a natural domed hill which creates both a platform and a backdrop for many broadleaf and conifer trees.

Management statement: The trees are widely-spaced, mainly mature specimens, dominated by beech. There is little scrub, except along the northeast boundary where a dense evergreen understorey encloses the park. Elsewhere the ground is mostly bare, as typical under beech, giving an airy canopy ambience. The route of the path network is dictated by natural contours. The path loops around the dome of the hill on a shallow ascent, and emerges at the Yew Walk that connects the Forester’s Hill and the views to be had from there.

The management of this area should work towards re-creating the original structure of open trees mixed within the footpath network. This may include limited tree removal to enable enough light for successional planting. Invasive species, such as Rhododendron ponticum and Prunus laurocerasus should be controlled and removed where possible. A strong edge should be developed within the site to create a sense of seclusion through the retention and development of perimeter plantings. Wildlife value should be maximised within the historic context.

2.9. Landscape Area W2: Woodland - The Yew Walk

The Yew Walk

Vision Statement: An avenue of mature Yew trees running along the eastern boundary of the park (approximately 70 metres in length), is important historically and in a functional and aesthetic sense. As part of the original footpath system, the Yew Walk links Vincent's Hill, to the north, with Forester's Hill, to the south. The Yew crowns have been lifted to allow in light and to ensure free access and young replacement Yews planted. An outer avenue of oak trees emphasises the linear nature of the Walk and provides a high canopy. The cedars of Lebanon to the south of the Walk act as a foil, and increase the visual impact of Forester's Hill when this point is reached.

Management Statement: Management and maintenance of the eastern boundary will need to be sensitive and regularly monitored; some thinning and cutting back of the evergreen understorey needs to be undertaken on a regular basis without compromising the privacy and security of the neighbouring residential properties.

The lifted crowns of the yew trees will require regular management to allow light into the site and to ensure free pedestrian passage through the Walk. Regular cutting back of selective

areas of the understorey will be necessary to allow for the successful development of the newly planted Yew trees.

The French drain running parallel to the Walk and on its westerly edge will require regular inspection and clearing via the rodding eyes. The gravel overlay must be kept free of leaf litter and encroachment of weeds and moss.

All furniture within the area must be kept clean, usable and safe at all times.

2.10. Landscape Area W3: Woodland - Forester’s Hill

The Summer House and woodland at Forester’s Hill

Vision Statement: Forester's Hill is the park's largest woodland, comprising a range of mature native and exotic trees that are likely to have been planted in association with Lily Hill House. Tree species include sweet chestnut, beech, silver birch, Douglas fir, lime, oak and wellingtonia. As the highest point in the park and with its crown of three large wellingtonia, Forester's Hill provides a focus for the park, both from within and when viewed from outside the site. One of the most critical historic views is a panorama embracing the House and the Berkshire countryside beyond.

The historic footpath system over and around Forester's Hill provides a further link in the roughly circular walkway that joins the driveway at its northern and southern most points. The amphitheatre provides a venue for activities and events.

Management Statement: Management, maintenance and monitoring of the tree cover in this area is of high priority due to the age of the cover, the exposed nature of the hill and the close proximity of residential development on the eastern boundary.

Replacement tree plantings also require maintenance and monitoring.

2.11. Landscape Area W4: Woodland - Driveway & London Road

Vision Statement: The mix of tree species on either side of the drive provides a structured linear progression through the park and is both a link and a barrier between several different landscape areas. Most are mature specimens and provide a sheltered avenue with glimpses of the parkland and house beyond.

Management Statement: Vegetation encroaching on the driveway has been cut back and cleared to create a more open aspect. This has been enhanced by selective clearance of shrubs and under storey to allow for views across the grassland and towards the House.

The more open nature of the drive is further emphasised by a close mown 2m wide grass verge on either side.

The main carriageway

The lateral east-west nature of the sight lines along the driveway should be enhanced and maintained by removing self-set growth.

The historic ditch running part of the length of the drive and within the western tree line will be kept free-flowing and unimpeded. The wetland plant mix in the ditch will act as a natural soakaway for the drive.

The overflow chambers regulate the level of the wet area and must be maintained as per the engineer’s specification.

Planting to the north of the drive has restored the historical integrity of this area. The planting should be maintained to ensure that it remains healthy and attractive; this should include dead-heading as required to stimulate continued flowering.

Bank planting alongside the carriageway

Planting to the banks of the drive includes low ornamental heathers, ferns, gorse, witch hazel, non-invasive rhododendron, etc. Pruning of these plants should only be carried out if the particular plant species would benefit, or if the plant has grown to such an extent that it causes an obstruction.

Litter bins must be emptied as required and as per specification to ensure that they do not become over-full at any time. Litter clearance should be carried out as required and as per the Department Specification, listed under the Operational Guidance and Procedures. Leaf clearance should be carried out to ensure that hard surfacing is kept clear. All furniture within the area must be kept clean, useable and safe at all times as per manufacture guidelines.

Tree line to the north of London Road The boundary tree line to the west of the Lodge was developed formerly as a spinney and is now a belt of beech with a roadside line of holly, interspersed with large mature oaks. Its primary function will continue as a screen to the London road, with glimpsed views across the open parkland to the House. A degree of screening is also provided between the London Road and the Rugby Club pitches.

Lily Hill Lodge has been sensitively restored and with the entrance gates, provides a historic entrance point to the driveway.

The Lodge and Gates to London Road

Appropriately designed estate fencing has been erected along the London Road, provides structure and definition to the site boundary.

Sight lines at access points to London Road will need to be maintained.

2.12. Landscape Area W5: Woodland - Starch Copse

Vision Statement: The Copse was in existence in 1761 and is designated as an Area of Semi-natural Ancient Woodland. The area comprises a stand of mature oak trees which appears to have been originally grown as a crop. The spacing is sufficient to allow a shrub and field layer to thrive. The shrub layer is mainly comprised of ornamentals such as Rhododendron and Azalea. 82 examples of rare Rhododendron are found in Starch Copse, which the Royal Horticultural Society has asked the Council to protect and reproduce. The breeds, which could be more than 100 years old, include Pelopidas, Sappho and Mrs Lionel de Rothschild. These hardy hybrids are of national importance and have been layered to promote regeneration. Restoration of the ornamental value of Starch Copse should be continued and promoted.

Further work to the collection should be undertaken with regard to the Lear Associates Report, such as accurate botanical labelling and the provision of interpretation for the visiting public.

Starch Copse in autumn

Management Statement: A sequence of glades and rides echoes the former nature of Starch Copse, that of an informal woodland garden with ornamental trees, ornamental shrubs and non-indigenous herbaceous plants and bulbs beneath an indigenous canopy and with a generally indigenous field layer.

The glades have been extensively planted with bulbs.

The woodland understorey needs to be carefully managed to prevent extensive encroachment of bramble (Rubus fruticosus) and holly (Ilex aquifolium). There should also be slective introduction and establishment of new planting to extend the seasons of interest outside of the Rhododendron sp. relatively short flowering period. This should be done by introducing flowing shrubs (e.g. Hydrangea sp., Fuchsia sp., Callicarpa americana, Garrya elliptica etc) and native flowering bulbs.

A series of deep ditches define the south and east edges of the Copse and serve to drain the wet flushes of Home Park via the newly established pond. This also takes drainage from the cascades. These ditches and the pond will be kept free flowing and unimpeded.

Oriental Bridge Leading to Cascades

Lily Hill House from Holme Park

The eastern boundary of the Copse completes the visual window of Home Park and draws the eye to a principal view, that of Lily Hill House when seen from London Road.

The dense and regular nature of the canopy will require a tree management regime that embraces the historical nature of the Copse. Management of the understorey will ensure that the glades and rides are useable and safe.

Natural regeneration and encroachment will be contained, both within Starch Copse and along its boundaries.

Maintenance of this and all landscape areas must be synchronised so as to provide a continuity of management at their interfaces.

2.13. Landscape Area W6: Woodland - Home Copse

Vision Statement: This small woodland patch to the north of Lily Hill House comprises a relatively open, mature, mainly broadleaf canopy with an ash and holly understorey. It is a relic of the much larger woodland area that existed to the north of Lily Hill. Access is very limited, consequently the plant community provides a good example of natural woodland progression and habitat creation and as such is a valuable educational resource. Badger activity and outlying setts are evident.

Fungal forays at Lily Hill Park are now a regular seasonal event

Management Statement: Management will be limited to maintaining the roadside verge and car park edge, restricting the invasive Rhododendron ponticum and monitoring the condition of the tree population. Wildlife value should be maximised within the historic context of the area.

3. Grassland

There are three main grassland areas within Lily Hill Park: • Home Park • Eastern Meadow • Forester's Fields

Objective: E1.1 Maintain and develop wildflower and hay meadows

3.1. Mowing regimes and sward control All the swards are grass dominated and are generally species-rich or semi-improved. Prescriptions for mowing vary from a 14 day regime to an annual hay cut. These prescriptions define the desired landscape qualities within the park. Future management will preserve the historic character and will be guided by the following principles: • Ultimate wildflower species required in different locations around the park • Species likely to require replanting if they are to be retained within the mix • Changes in land use • Frequency and nature of maintenance operations

3.2. Encroachment and 'edge' areas The grass sward will be encouraged beneath the boundary tree canopy. This will reduce or remove the need for flailing in these areas.

Scalloped edges will be maintained in selected areas of the interface between grassland and woodland to provide a varied structure and be aesthetically pleasing. These areas will continue to have a high potential as wildlife habitat sites. Boundaries between habitats will also require a combination of management approaches to satisfy the requirements of both the grassland and woodland areas.

3.3. Reseeding Reinstated grassland areas have been re-seeded with wildflower mixes and plug planting. Species mixtures will reflect the hay meadow and wet grassland land habitats. Invasive and regenerative shrub and scrub has been removed, encouraging dormant wildlife species.

3.4. Historic integrity The relationship between grassland and woodland is critical to the historic parkland appearance of Lily Hill Park, comprising swards and open meadows set within a strong

structure of flowing woodland. The principal features of the designed parkland have followed from these areas and their continued expression is essential. The grassland areas are essential to several strong views; expansive panoramas frequently give way to enticing glimpses and underpin the vertical nature of the tree cover.

(Any future relocation of the Rugby Club will allow further restoration of the historic designed landscape of Lily Hill Park, enhancing its contribution to the environmental and educational agendas.)

3.5. Access This management plan will provide for the continued enhancement of the access to and about the grassland sites. The appropriate regulations will be complied with.

3.6. Habitat management and improvement

A detailed habitat evaluation and management and improvement policy statement is contained in Appendix E. The mains objectives are:

• To preserve and enhance the quality and status of the natural habitats within the site • To enhance the wildlife conservation value of all areas within the site • To promote their use as an educational resource • To ensure that management operations cause minimal disturbance to wildlife

An ecological survey is available for reference and details the species types found in each of the areas (see Appendix E).

3.7. Landscape Area G1: Grassland - Eastern Meadow

Vision: This area to the east of the drive previously comprised a secondary silver birch colonisation with a bracken and grassland mosaic beneath. This historic wildflower meadow has been reinstated and provides a secluded rural ambience.

The wildflower meadow

Management Statement: The wildflower reseeding has been complemented with Yellow Rattle, the semiparasitic properties of which will significantly reduce the sward and promote the wildflower proliferation. In order to break up the sward and reduce competition from grasses, the park staff are experimenting with harrowing this area. Meadow cuts should take place before significant rainfall to minimise the impact of heavy machinery.

In order to limit footfall on the wildflower meadow outside the formal path network, mown paths are maintained which follow natural desire lines. These mown paths, along with obstructive ‘edge features’ along the meadow boundary, have proved very effective. The aim should be to achieve Local Wildlife Site (LWS) status for the wildflower meadow.

The grass sward here extends to the driveway and relieves the denser nature of the tree and shrub cover to the western edge of the driveway. It is important that this interface is sensitively maintained and that the meadow area is not compromised by misuse.

The furniture within the area must be kept clean, useable and safe at all times as per manufacturer’s instruction.

3.8. Landscape Area G2: Wet grassland – contained within Eastern Meadow

The wet area within the Eastern or ‘Wildflower’ Meadow.

Management Statement: There is no historic reference to wet flushes within Lily Hill Park; however, the topography and lack of adequate drainage has given rise to seasonal wet areas.

The extent of the marshy grassland in the Eastern Meadow is dependent upon rainfall variations.

A chambered drain system has been installed in this area, which releases into the central ditch, alleviating the incidence of flooding across the carriageway.

Wet meadow areas should be managed by minimising scrub encroachment and excavating the area once significant depth is lost. Other maintenance requirements will come within the remit of Eastern Meadow.

3.9. Landscape Area G3: Grassland - Home Park

Vision Statement: The northern most part of Home Park is species rich grassland with rush mire. Mature single standing trees enhance the parkland nature of this area of the site and complement the historic views that extend from London Road and the driveway towards the House.

The Hay Meadow at Home Park

Management Statement: This area will continue to be managed by a annual meadow cutting regime and the removal of arisings. The meadow provides a diverse habitat and is popular with the public.

Encroachment of willow, other shrub and scrub cover from Starch Copse has been removed; invasive species and regeneration will be monitored.

Management of this area should include successional planting of trees with local provenance whilst maintaining the important views and vistas.

Fluctuating seasonal water levels in the wet flushes will be monitored.

The furniture within the area must be kept clean, useable and safe at all times. Defects and damage to the furniture must be repaired according to the manufacturer's recommendations, or replaced as per the contract design plans and specification.

3.10. Landscape Area G4: Wet grassland – contained within Home Park

Vision Statement: A pond has been created on the site of the old domestic filter beds. A boardwalk crosses this and includes a seating area. The marshy grassland to the edges of the pond has been planted with marginal plant species.

Management Statement: The well and cascades have been restored. Capped release drainage pipes allow for the cascades to be periodically drained and cleared. The cascades feed untainted water to the pond via a drain from the lowest cascade.

The Edwardian Water Garden

The formal planting in the Edwardian Water Garden is protected in an enclosed, gated area where dogs are invited on-lead only.

Other maintenance requirements will come within the remit of Home Park.

3.11. Landscape Area G5: Grassland and orchard - Forester's Fields

Vision Statement: Historically, this area of the site was probably the most commercially active, previously containing pastures, spinneys, bull fields, paddocks, poultry pens, orchard and a farmstead. This historic land-use pattern is echoed in the present landscape. An intimate network of field systems is defined by hedge and tree boundaries and provides a sequence of charming scenes.

The management and maintenance of this landscape area following implementation will reinforce its historic appearance. This has included the replanting of an orchard to the east of the Lodge. The varieties of apple planted are listed in Appendix J. The area’s historic nature has been further enhanced with the construction of a timber and tiled summer house.

The Summer House

Management Statement: Existing hedgerows will be maintained and extended as boundary and linear features. To ensure effective maintenance and management of these hedgerows: • Gaps will be filled by coppicing, laying and planting • Only appropriate and indigenous species of trees and shrubs will be used to infill • The frequency of hedge cutting will be reviewed - where possible hedges should be trimmed biannually • Hedges will be trimmed to be wider at the base than the top, to aid thick growth throughout the height of the hedge • Hedge bases will not be mown

• Protective fencing will be sited at least one metre from the centre line of the hedge • Apple trees will be pruned on an annual basis as part of the community orchard pruning event • The circular bases of the apple trees will be kept free from weeds and regularly mulched

It is important that the tree and shrub cover continues to develop as a screen between this area and London Road. Regular cutting back of the understorey will be necessary to allow for this development.

The grass mowing regimes will be appropriate to the visual nature of this area of the site, and will ensure a dense sward of moderate length throughout the growing season. The overall size and shape of the grass area will be maintained. The grass areas and surrounding areas will be kept tidy, useable and safe. Grass edges to the footpaths will be cut regularly to a width of one metre.

There are opportunities to investigate the feasibility of using the gated orchard area for grazing on a small scale. This would maintain grasses and perennial weeds whilst adding an important educational value, with the opportunity to demonstrate historic grassland/orchard management practices.

This area also contains the site of the old Forester’s Public House. There are opportunities to further develop this site, potentially in partnership with the local history society, and with additional funding to develop a theme and interpretation.

All furniture within the area must be kept clean, useable and safe at all times as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Leaf clearance should be carried out as required to ensure that hard surfaces are kept clear.

Litter bins are be emptied as required and as per specification.

4. Hard Landscape There are three principal areas of hard landscape: • Driveway • Footpaths • Car Park

4.1. Landscape Area HL1: Hard Landscape – Driveway

Driveway from London Road

Vision Statement: A historic access link between Lily Hill House and London Road is part of a strategic pedestrian and cycleway system throughout the Borough. The driveway links regularly with the internal footpath system and is the axial divide between the western and eastern reaches of the park.

The surface material is a resin-bound gravel laid over a sub-base and wearing course. It is durable and largely maintenance free. The material has a lifespan of approximately 10-20 years, depending on the amount of traffic.

Management Statement: The hard surfaced areas are to be kept free of weeds and debris at all times. Cleaning of the surface should be appropriate to ensure that no damage is done to the surface itself or to the joints where other hard surfaces of a different composition meet the driveway.

Defects and damage to the surfacing must be repaired according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Grass must not be allowed to encroach onto the surface, and planting which grows over the edges should be sensitively removed.

Leaf clearance should be carried out as required to ensure that the surfacing is kept clear at all times.

Maintenance of this area and of those adjacent to it must be synchronised so as to provide a continuity of management at the interface.

4.2. Landscape Area HL2: Hard Landscape - Footpaths

A typical hoggin path at Lily Hill Park

Vision Statement: The footpath system has been rationalised so as to embrace the historic layout and maximise access, while maintaining the informal nature of the park. The system is a visual thread connecting the landscape areas as well as directing circulation and is to be seen as a function of the visual qualities of these areas.

Hoggin surfacing has been used to dress the footpath system. This provides a durable surface and is redolent of the original materials used.

The hoggin footpath must be watered and rolled regularly to ensure good compaction. The hoggin areas must also be kept weed and moss free at all times. Grass must not be allowed to encroach onto the footpath, and planting which grows over the edges should be sensitively removed.

Metal cross drains have been installed at strategic points to improve drainage. These must be regularly cleared.

Management Statement: Defects and damage to the surface must be repaired as per the contract design plans and specification. On no account should any attempt be made to recreate the hoggin by mixing clay, sand and gravel on site.

Leaf removal should be carried out as required to ensure that hoggin surfaces are kept clear.

Litter clearance should be carried out as required and as per the Department's specification. Litter bins must be emptied as required and as per specification.

Vehicle movement throughout the park will be restricted to essential services and legitimate traffic.

4.3. Landscape Area HL3: Hard Landscape – Car Park

Vision Statement: The present car park occupies the previous site of the estate saw-mill. It has a rustic ambience due to the proximity of several mature trees which have affected its form. Vehicles are visually screened from the site by a shrub layer; however, glimpses of the park can be seen.

Information board at site entrance from main car park

The car park is a critical access point into Lily Hill Park. This access must continue to be unobstructed, informative, litter free, safe and welcoming.

Management Statement: The extended car parking area provides access to the park for the anticipated increase in visitors who arrive by vehicle. Provision has been made for disabled parking and cycle racks.

5. Habitat management and improvement

5.1. Evaluation

The plant communities recorded from the site are all relatively common within England. The shrub layer within the woods is largely dominated by rhododendron and is generally poor in native species such as hazel and hawthorn. The areas of semi-natural grassland, although relatively depauperate, are of local interest, not least because of the display of orchids which visitors to the park enjoy each summer. No nationally uncommon plant species have been recorded from the park. Ragged-Robin and cowslip, both of which are identified as being of local significance in the Local Biodiversity Action Plan, have been recorded from the park in the past.

Regardless of Lily Hill Park’s value as a botanical habitat, it is considered to be of local importance for nature conservation because it provides a large area of habitat in an otherwise urban setting. Furthermore, the mosaic of habitats within the park provides shelter and important nesting habitat for a host of animal species including birds, mammals and invertebrates. The woodland areas are likely to provide habitat for birds of high and medium conservation concern, such as song thrust and blackbird, as well as more widespread species such as wren, robin and great tit.

Some of the mature trees, especially those within the park grassland, may be used for roosting by bats. Many of the trees within Forester’s Hill woodland are over mature and there is a relatively high proportion of dead wood, which may support specialist invertebrates such as dead-wood beetles. The grassland areas provide important habitat for other invertebrates, including butterflies. The areas of interface between two habitats, particularly between woodland and grassland, have been identified as providing potential habitat for reptile species such as grass snake. These ‘edge’ areas are also often favoured by small mammal species such as bank vole and wood mouse.

5.2. Management recommendations

5.2.1. Woodland The following recommendations are made: Removal of some over-mature or crowded trees within the woodland would be acceptable. Detailed survey of individual trees to ensure that they are not used by roosting bats is recommended. This should be carried out in tandem with emergence surveys using bat detection equipment, during the peak period of roost occupation (June-August). Although

tree felling during October would not disturb roosting bats, it would still require a license from Natural England as even unoccupied roosts are protected by national and European legislation. Outside this period, there is the possibility of disturbing either breeding or hibernating bats. Any site clearance should take place outside the main bird breeding season (beginning March to end August) to avoid disturbing breeding birds, which is an offence under The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Site clearance should, as far as possible, take place in dry weather in order to minimise vegetation erosion and soil compaction.

Any areas of Japanese knotweed should be cleared and the material disposed of as ‘special waste’ or burned in situ. It can take five years to eradicate a stand of Japanese knotwood, with repeated cutting and herbicide treatment.

From a nature conservation viewpoint, any replacement planting should focus on native species and should use stock of local provenance. Pedunculate oak, ash, silver birch, rowan, hazel, hawthorn and sallow would all be appropriate. On nature conservation grounds, it is most appropriate to plant common species. In this way, one does not confuse future woodland historians by introducing species characteristic of ancient woodlands into newer plantations, nor does one devalue those rarer species, which have a ‘mysterious natural distribution’ (Rackman, 1991).

Improving the structure of the woodlands through the establishment of a shrub layer and the introduction of ground-flora species would be welcomed. The use of appropriate native species of local provenance is recommended. As with tree species, species that are uncommon either locally or nationally should not be introduced. For successful establishment, ground-flora species should only be introduced into established woodland.

Although Starch Copse is ancient woodland (listed in the Draft Inventory of Ancient Woodland for Berkshire) and does indeed have a stronger character of semi- natural woodland than the more recently established woodlands in the east of the park, it is not of sufficient value that its maintenance as or restoration to an exotic garden, with rhododendron species, is undermined. The Council’s Restoration Management Plan of January 2002 indicates local support for the woodland to remain as an exotic garden. The collection of hardy hybrid rhododendrons reinforces this.

Removing trees (mainly birch and sycamore) from the central area of Forester’s

Hill woodland, which used to be a large clearing, would provide additional grassland/woodland interface which is of particular value for reptiles, small mammals and some invertebrates.

The introduction of a wide (10m) belt of native shrubs along the woodland edges would further enhance the potential wildlife value of the woodland/grassland boundary. Whenever possible, any management works which will affect a large area should be phased. The loss of a large number of old trees will inevitably have an adverse effect on the woodland birds, mammals and invertebrates. In particular, treatment to remove dead wood is likely to affect specialist invertebrates. Care should be taken to leave some lopped branches close to standing trees and to allow some felled trunks to remain in situ. Such timber should in general not be cut into lengths but should rather be left as large trunks/branches. The use of some felled timber to create features designed to encourage invertebrates but also to provide interest to visitors, such as ‘stag beetle sculptures’ is also recommended.

Contractors should be given ‘tool-box instruction’ in reptiles and bats, so that any animals, which are encountered, are treated appropriately.

It is recommended that bat boxes and bird nesting boxes are installed throughout the woodland in order to replace in the short term the opportunities afforded by holes and cracks in old trees which are to be pruned or felled. Care should be taken, however, to ensure that the number of bird boxes does not encourage birds to breed in areas that do not provide adequate food for them, resulting in high breeding failure.

5.2.2. Parkland Retaining native trees, especially oaks, within the parkland is important. Even if the existing trees are showing signs of becoming over-mature, all efforts should be made to retain them. Pollarding some of the new trees can help to provide long-lived specimens.

5.2.3. Grassland Current management of the grassland appears to be maintaining the plant communities. Monitoring could usefully be introduced in order to ensure that more common grassland types, dominated by coarse grasses such as false oatgrass, do not spread under the biannual cutting regime.

If the grassland area in Forester’s Hill is to be used as the main access point for woodland management works, then eroded areas may require restoration.

Grassland re-establishment could use seed collected from the main grassland area to the west. The seed would need to be bulked up by the use of a simple neutral grassland seed mix preferably of UK provenance, chosen to be appropriate to the soils present in the park. Drainage conditions would dictate the creation of a wet grassland area, as at present, in the southern part of the glade. This will ensure that the current habitat mosaic is maintained.

An evaluation of the rush-pasture in the main grassland area is used to establish whether or not it is becoming drier. If this is the case, consideration will be given to further studies designed to establish the most effective method of remedying the situation (e.g. through excavation, damming, directing watercourses).

5.2.4. Water bodies and watercourses The 1st edition Ordnance Survey plan published in 1881 shows a small linear pool running roughly east-west in the southern part of the main grassland block to the south of Lily Hill House. The site of the pond is now a woodland strip, which has developed between pitch 2 and pitch 3 of the Rugby Club. Provision of a new pond, created and managed to nature conservation guidelines, has been a welcome addition to the park. The pond is not sited in its old location, but the site has been chosen carefully to avoid damage to valuable grassland and rush-pasture habitats. The ditches running through Starch Copse could not easily be enhanced.

The ditch in the northern area of Starch Copse has been extensively reconstructed and re- channelled. The outflows at several points along Lily Hill Drive and Lily Hill Road must be regularly monitored.

5.2.5. Interpretation There is scope for enhanced educational/interpretative material, drawing upon the results of these and future ecological surveys. Such information could also explain the value of natural and decorative dead wood features to the public.

6. Implementation and monitoring

6.1. Management structure

The Heritage Parks Team is responsible for the management and maintenance of Lily Hill Park and South Hill Park. The team comprise a Heritage Parks Manager and 3 Heritage Parks Gardeners.

The Heritage Parks Manger reports biannually to the Lily Hill Park Steering Group. The Park manager gives a review of the past 6 months including details of horticultural progress in the park, events, volunteer hours, visitor numbers, before stating the objectives for the next period. The steering group is then given the opportunity to feedback and discuss future plans for the management of the park. Feedback is considered and actions are set from the meeting which are then reviewed at the following meeting.

The Heritage Parks Manager reports to the Head of Parks and Countryside within the line management structure of Bracknell Forest Council.

The Heritage Parks Manager is supported from other staff within the Parks and Countryside Service, for example the Development Manager and the Projects Officer. The Tree Service also provides detailed inspection and advice regarding trees as required.

6.2. Health and safety

The management plan is implemented in accordance with the policies and procedures contained within the Health, Safety and Welfare Manual of Guidance, prepared by the Directorate of Public and Environmental Services of Bracknell Forest Council.

6.2.1. Departmental arrangements A detailed Health and Safety Policy which lays out the Departmental management of health and safety is included within Appendix B.

6.2.2. Line Managers’ Responsibility The site specific arrangements for discharging the duties imposed by the Departmental health and safety policy are given within the following table. The Heritage Parks Manager is responsible for ensuring the delivery of the site specific arrangements.

Responsibility from Policy Statement Site specific arrangements Audits, Inspections and Monitoring 6 monthly site inspections Rolling risk assessment reviews Remedial action to safety issues Management plan revisions Executing actions in 6 monthly inspections Get support as required over technical Networking with other site managers issues Sharing of safety information e.g. boardwalks Define safety standards, procedures and Monitor best practise through professional practices development and networking Provide PPE Staff training Equipment inspection and record keeping Re-ordering Maintain equipment Annual services Defect records and actions Arrangement of ad-hoc repairs Health and safety signage Equipment annual checks and servicing Pre-use equipment checks by operatives Issue instructions for all plant in use Manuals available for all equipment on site Inductions for staff completed aurally and supported with documents, in case of poor reading skills Design processes, systems and work Workshop annual inspection to consider places to minimise risk improvements and efficiency Culture of continual improvement Staff suggestion box Use hierarchy of control for purchasing All ordering through official process Pre-approved contractors used wherever possible through collaboration within Council Investigate and report all incidents and near Corporate policy for incident reporting misses implemented on site. Provide information, instruction and training Process for staff appraisal followed. Personal training plans reviewed and developed to meet operational needs Train junior managers in health and safety Achieved through staff appraisal and review of management training needs. Actions added to training plans Train all employees in health and safety Achieved through staff appraisal and review of risk assessment training needs. Actions added to training plans

Include health and safety in new employee Induction plan template used for all inductions induction plans to ensure consistent coverage of all important issues Tell all employees how to access first aid Inclusion of this as an item on the induction facilities template Tell all employees how to evacuate in the Inclusion of this as an item on the induction event of a fire template. When placing contracts ensure compliance All contracts awarded using the approved with health and safety policy as a templates and using standard council requirement. conditions, or conditions approved by Legal Services. Discipline any deliberate avoidance of Formal disciplinary process in place, with safety procedure by staff support from Human Resources as required. Put process in place for collecting accident Accident forms available in paper and online reports and notify employees of this. Pass format. on the figures to senior management Reminder to submit records has been arranged quarterly as part of DMT process.

6.3. Landscape Maintenance

6.3.1. Key maintenance practices required to meet site aspirations

Frequency/ Work Notes Responsibility* Timing Litter Supported by Monday and Continental Boundary litter picks Fridays Lanscapes (CLL), council contractor General site litter pick (also allows for a site Every day inspection on a daily basis) Entrances To be kept neat and tidy at all Monday and times Fridays Notice boards kept tidy and up Checked Posters created by to date weekly BFC Project Officer Grass High profile areas top Cutting starts priority (eg car park and Large areas and Mar/Apr as path edges). entrances cut by All grass should be cut growth Use of different mowers CLL. frequently enough to promote increases and and strimmers will depend Detail mowing and appearance and sward health. the worst on grass growth. strimming by HPG frosts are Over-use of tractor staff. over mowers on wet ground should be avoided. Continue regular mowing according to grass growth. Applies to meadow area Reduce cutting and raise Jun/July/Aug and sports pitch height in prolonged dry periods. Ease frequency and raise Applies to meadow area heights of cut as growth Sept/Oct and sports pitch decreases. To be topped Local agricultural and collected Designated wild flower areas contractor end of employed (Shorts). July/August. Sow grass seed in suitable September/ weather conditions before first October frosts. Path network Kept clear of any obstacles Year-round and debris. Year-round, although likely to require Use of Bracknell further Path surfaces to be repaired Conservation monitoring in and replenished as Volunteer Group autumn/winter necessary. for larger path months owing works. to adverse weather conditions.

Frequency/ Work Notes Responsibility* Timing

Ditches Kept clear and free running to Year-round avoid flooding of any areas. September/ French rod all drains. October Weed Control Control of Rhododendron re- Use of Bracknell growth, encroachment of January/ Conservation undesirable plants into February Volunteer Group plantings and onto paths. where appropriate. Weed control to prevent the encroachment of March/April/ Cultivating Friends Rhododendron and May Volunteer Group undesirable plants into beds and paths Cultivating Friends Ragwort pulled July Volunteer Group Final sprays as needed, September/ especially tenacious perennial October weeds. Site Furniture Kept clean (clear soil away from legs) and checked for Year-round vandalism. Leaves Finish leaf removal from Contracted street paths, plantings and ditches. sweeper up main Grass areas should be January/ drive three times in prioritised for leaf removal to February Autumn / Winter. avoid poor growth in the CLL visit with future. collecting mower. Dependent on weather. Keep September/ on top of early leaf fall. October Constant removal of leaves November/ from paths, grass areas, December plantings and ditches. Hedge Management Carry out pruning as required to enhance views and open January/ spaces when weather February conditions are suitable. Layer Rhododendrons in January/ Keep records of which Starch Copse to provide new February plants are done plants. Cutting Rhododendron June/July/ hedges after flowering. Other August hedges cut later Planting September/ Plant bulbs, wildflower plugs. October Tree and shrub planting in November/ November when weather December allows. New trees and plants will As required, Excess watering should need watering as soon as but mainly in be avoided so that a

Frequency/ Work Notes Responsibility* Timing they show signs of drought June/July/ degree of drought stress. August resistance is gained. The Water Garden The water garden pools need All During periods of to be kept clear of leaves and maintenance exceptionally wet weather Cultivating Friends debris so that the water falls work is tractor usage on paths volunteer group properly and to avoid dictated by and grass should be kept stagnation. the weather. to a minimum. Pest Control Ideally bait at times of the year when normal sources of food are scares and Brown Rat control using January/ Pest control populations more humane techniques February experts susceptible. Avoid using bagged bait that can be dragged out of nests Special consideration Mole control using humane January- Pest control given to excluding dogs techniques March experts from areas being trapped.

* Responsibility of Heritage Parks Gardeners unless stated otherwise

6.3.2. Breakdown of maintenance by area for each month Winter Spring Summer Autumn W. Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Operations for all areas Monitor tree stands and Biannual remove deadwood Litter Pick Weekly Cut back vegetation Annual from path network Maintain site Biannual furniture Cut back ground cover Annual from footpaths Empty litter Twice

bins weekly Maintain footpath Annual surfacing Cut grass areas - paths, Fortnightly edges, verges etc. Herbicide treatment to Annual basal areas of trees Leaf Annual clearance Inspect boundary Biannual fenceline Cut back vegetation from roads, Annual glades, copses etc. Dig and/or Flail scrub/ Annual bramble encroachment Area specific

operations Vincent's Hill Maintain open Annual access points Yew Walk Inspect and rod French Biannual drains

Winter Spring Summer Autumn W. Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Forester's

Hill Maintain As required amphitheatre Driveway and London Road Maintain open access Annual points Inspect and rod French Biannual Drains Weed formal bedding Annual areas and apply mulch Maintain and repaint Annual estate rail and gates Starch

Copse Clear ditches Annual Home

Copse Monitor invasive Annual vegetation Eastern

Meadow Hay Cut Annual Monitor wildflower Annual site Home Park Hay cut Annual Monitor Biannual meadow site Clear drains As required Edwardian Garden (Wet grassland Home Park) Weed and Annual apply mulch Monitor marginal Annual plantings Maintain beds at Annual water garden Remove debris from As required pond and water garden

When required Annual Maintain boardwalk Forester's Fields - Grassland and Orchard Lay hedges Every 5 years Cut hedges Biannual Prune fruit Annual trees Maintain summer As required house Footpaths - Hard landscape Clear cross Monthly drains Car Park - Hard landscape Maintain hard Annual surfacing Maintain and clean Biannual information boards Maintain post and rail Annual fencing

6.3.3. Green Waste Management and Sustainability

Aims 1. For all the green waste generated by the park maintenance operations to be re-used on site or donated for use within local projects. 2. For green waste to be processed as close to the site of production as possible to avoid unnecessary transportation. 3. For maintenance operations to be organised to limit environmental impact.

Methods for green waste processing: • Branch material up to 75mm in diameter is passed through a chipper and spread on a border or at the base of a mature tree close to the work site to form a layer of bark mulch. • Branch material exceeding 75mm in diameter is re-used in large sections where possible to create environmental and habitat features and to undertake other improvement projects.

• Branch material exceeding 75mm diameter which is unsuitable for other uses is cut into manageable lengths and dried to provide firewood for the use of local uniformed organisations during their events involving the fire circle. A small amount of firewood is also used for events such as the Wassail alongside the orchard, or for the Lodge House to use in their log burning stove.. • Large trunk sections are assessed for their suitability to be milled on site to provide timber for future projects or to be carved in-situ to add recreational features. Where possible these options are preferred to improve and refresh the facilities of the park in a sustainable fashion. • Where no alternative use is available for large trunk sections then standing deadwood monoliths are retained where possible or sections are laid to decompose in woodland areas if they cannot safely remain standing.

Weed and pest control: Mechanical methods of weeding, such as hand weeding and hoeing, are by far the most preferred method of controlling weeds and used whenever possible. Contact herbicides are used only when absolutely necessary, particularly on persistent, perennial weeds such as Japanese Knotweed, bamboo and Rhododendron ponticum.

The first priority for pest and disease control at Lily Hill Park is the use of best horticultural practice - using cultural techniques of plant hygiene, soil maintenance and purchasing good quality plants. Pesticides are only used in exceptional circumstances.

Peat: Where horticultural compost is required for planting operations this is always sourced as a certified peat free product.

Water: Rainwater is diverted from the workshop roof to a water butt and this water is used in preference to tap water for all plant care operations within the compound (plant nursery area). Watering is only completed outside of the compound on the park itself in exceptional circumstances, where it is essential to avoid the failure of new plantings. All planting is completed in the appropriate season to minimise water demand of establishment.

Soil based green waste: Maintenance operations such as turf removal, clearing over grown path edges, border maintenance and so on produce green waste predominantly comprised of soil, grass and roots. This material is used to infill the holes created by dogs and other animals. A

composting and re-cycling area is also maintained alongside the site compound to keep suitable green waste to be turned regularly and prepared for re-use.

Challenges ahead: Formalising the composting and re-cycling area alongside the site compound: perhaps with the construction of timber framed areas to confine the heaps and make turning the material more efficient.

6.4. Audience Development

6.4.1. Listing of the key audience development practices required to meet site aspirations

Practices Frequency Keep the information boards up to date Year-round Maintain all signs and notices in the park Year-round Monitor trends in use of the park On-going Maintain Green Flag Award On-going Comply with all relevant policies as fully as possible On-going Comply with Disability Discrimination Act On-going Liaise with Rugby & Tennis Clubs As necessary Provide rapid response and repair service As necessary Warden and patrol park Year-round

6.4.2. Access and Education Education at Lily Hill Park is promoted through a wide range of public events (including guided walks, gardening events, fungal foray, the great outdoors, outdoor cinema, orienteering etc.), onsite interpretation and supported by the dedicated leaflets and webpage (see Appendix G and H).

An education pack has been developed for schools to suggest activities or be used for inspiration as to how they can best utilise use the parks key features. The Park manager is working to develop better links with local schools through events (e.g. bulb planting event) as they often use the park for self-lead activities independent of the park staff.

Opportunities for further work with schools would be enhanced with the provision of toilets on site. Future projects to encourage schools to the park could also include a pond dipping platform either through bank improvements or extending the boardwalk over the pond, and developing further interpretation.

Lily Hill Park is supportive of the Forest Schools Association (http://www.forestschoolassociation.org/) and the park is frequently used as a venue for this with the local school – Holly Spring Infant & Nursery School.

The Great Outdoors, Fungal Foray, August 2018 October 2017

Outdoor Cinema, Sep 2018

6.4.3. Consultation

Public consultation is conducted year round using Parks User Surveys which is detailed in Section 1.6.

62 7. Action Plan

Aim A: To maintain Lily Hill Park as a welcoming place

Objective Management Prescriptions Location Indicator of success By Whom A1.1 Well established physical access Main park Public transport network nearby, bus stops Local Transport A1. To provide to the park entrances on London Road and Lily Hill Road team good and safe and local access area Safe pedestrian crossing on London Road Highways

A free car park is provided with space Heritage Parks reserved for disabled access and bicycle Manager parking Heritage Parks Vehicle access is restricted to the park itself Gardeners to provide a safe and secure environment

Entrance areas have clear sightlines, and feel welcoming and safe

A1.2 Well established social access to All Park is accessible to disabled visitors Heritage Parks

the park Gardeners Benches are widely available around the park for visitors to rest Heritage Parks Manager Opportunities for quiet contemplation are provided within the park

Dog-free areas are provided within the park (eg Edwardian Garden)

Wide variety of events are programmed to encourage all social groups to visit the park

Aim A: To maintain Lily Hill Park as a welcoming place A2.1 Install signs at park entrances Main park Good quality signs installed, well Heritage Parks A2. To provide entrances maintained, easy to read and with relevant Manager effective signage park management contact details to and from the Heritage Parks park Gardeners A2.2 Install directional signage to the Local road Brown road signs installed on local roads, Highways

park networks well maintained, easy to read and clearly direct people to the park Heritage Parks Manager

Aim B: To maintain Lily Hill Park as a healthy, safe and secure environment

Objective Management Prescriptions Location Indicator of success By Whom B1.1 Carry out site inspections twice a All All equipment and facilities regularly Heritage Parks B1. To ensure year checked Gardeners equipment and facilities are safe Action is taken on any issues identified Heritage Parks to use Manager Equipment and facilities are safe for all to use

Paths are accessible and safe to use

B1.2 Maintain park signage and All Signage and furniture is clean and Heritage Parks

furniture (benches, noticeboards, undamaged Gardeners litter bins etc) No grafitti present Heritage Parks Manager B2.1 Clear sightlines are in place All Footpaths are clear of any overhanging Heritage Parks B2. To ensure throughout the park vegetation and provide safe access for all Gardeners the park is a park users secure place for all members of the community to

Aim B: To maintain Lily Hill Park as a healthy, safe and secure environment use

B2.2 Address and report any anti- All CADIS reporting system up to date Heritage Parks

social behaviour (such as graffiti, Manager vandalism, fly-tipping) Good working relationship with local PCSOs Heritage Parks Any anti-social behaviour is dealt with in an Gardeners effective way and impact on visiting public/ park facilities is minimised PCSOs

CCTV is installed in the gardener’s Heritage Parks compound and maintained in good working Manager order

Any green waste dumping from Heritage Parks neighbouring properties is promptly Manager addressed with follow up letters to remind local residents of their responsibilities

B2.3 Vulnerable adult and child All All staff members trained on safeguarding Heritage Parks

protection issues addressed Manager

Heritage Parks Gardeners B3.1 Publicise dog walking code of Dogs under control within the park Heritage Parks B3. To conduct leaflet on websites and Manager encourage social media Dog owners collect and dispose of their Project Officer responsible dog dog’s waste appropriately and responsibly ownership Comms Team

Environmental Protection

Town/Parish

Aim B: To maintain Lily Hill Park as a healthy, safe and secure environment Councils B3.2 Hand out copies of dog walking Dogs under control within the park Heritage Parks

code of conduct leaflet to visitors Gardeners in the park Dog owners collect and dispose of their dog’s waste appropriately and responsibly Community volunteers B3.3 Provide dog waste disposal Provision of dual waste bins for litter and Heritage Parks

facilities dog waste Manager

Dog owners collect and dispose of their CLL dog’s waste appropriately and responsibly

B4.1 Health and safety policies are in n/a Park is safe for all users Heritage Parks B4. To ensure place and regularly reviewed Manager health and safety policies are in Heritage Parks place and Gardeners regularly reviewed B5.1 Staff are first aid trained and have Emergency contact details and first aid Heritage Parks B5. To provide access to first aid equipment on arrangements provided on park Manager public facilities at site noticeboards the park, and Heritage Parks ensure they are Gardeners safe to use and well signposted B6.1 Provide opportunities for healthy All Regular guided walks provided as part of Heritage Parks B6. To promote living to members of the local the events programme Manager healt and well- community being to all Regular gardening volunteering Heritage Parks members of the opportunities provided to promote health Gardeners local community and well-being

Cycle routes provided within the park

Aim B: To maintain Lily Hill Park as a healthy, safe and secure environment Plenty of seating available for contemplation I I I and to assist with stress reduction I

Aim C: To keep Lily Hill Park well maintained and clean

Objective Management Prescriptions Location Indicator of success By Whom C1.1 Regular litter picking in place All Park free from litter Heritage Parks C1. To ensure Gardeners litter and waste is well managed Community volunteers C1.2 Regular emptying of litter bins All Litter bins are regularly emptied and available Heritage Parks

to use Gardeners

CLL C1.3 Disposal of waste is appropriately Compound Waste is disposed of off site and in a timely Heritage Parks

managed manner Gardeners

Waste is stored out of sight from public Heritage Parks Manager

External contractor C2.1 Clear Normal Operating n/a NOPs in place and accessible to all staff Heritage Parks C2. To ensure Procedures (NOPs) in place with Gardeners policies on litter, guidelines on best practice vandalism, fly Heritage Parks posting etc are in Manager place and regularly Head of Parks reviewed & Countryside Service C3.1 High horticultural standards are All Appropriate horticultural practices are Heritage Parks C3. To ensure

Aim C: To keep Lily Hill Park well maintained and clean the park is well employed throughout the park employed Gardeners maintained Green Flag Award achieved Heritage Parks Manager Visitor surveys indicate high satisfaction ratings Community volunteers

CLL

External contractors

C4.1 Horticultural equipment is well Compound Cyclical maintenance schedule in place Heritage Parks C4. To ensure managed and maintained Manager equipment is well Risk assessments in place managed and Heritage Parks maintained Staff appropriately trained and use relevant Gardeners PPE

Fuel stored in appropriate secure location

C5.1 Buildings are well managed and Compound Buildings are well managed and maintained Council C5. To ensure maintained buildings site buildings are department well managed and maintained Heritage Parks Manager

Aim D: To manage Lily Hill Park in a sustainable way

Objective Management Prescriptions Location Indicator of success By Whom D1.1 Environmental policy in place BFC Carbon Management Plan (2009) in Policy staff D1. To ensure an I place

Aim D: To manage Lily Hill Park in a sustainable way environmental Head of Parks policy is in place, BFC Climate Change Action Plan (2013) in & Countryside in practice and place regularly reviewed Local Environmental Strategy (1998) D2.1 Proactive use of cultural All Cultural techniques used regularly and as a Heritage Parks D2. To minimise techniques to minimise use of matter of course Gardeners the use of chemicals wherever possible pesticides/herbici Chemicals used as a last resort only and in Heritage Parks des in the park that instance minimum active ingredient Manager used, spot treatment (no blanket treaments used), and careful choice of products to ensure they are not bio-accumulative

Only staff trained in PA01 & 06 to use any chemical products

D3.1 Avoid use of horticultural peat Compound Alternative horticultural products are used in Heritage Parks D3. To avoid the polytunnel the polytunnel Gardeners use of horticultural peat Plant suppliers do not use horticultural peat Heritage Parks Manager

Plant suppliers D4.1 Compost all plant material where Compound Plant material is composted and reused in Heritage Parks D4. To recycle possible area the park Gardeners waste material in the park D4.2 Create habitat piles/dead hedges All Habitat piles/dead hedges created Heritage Parks

out of logs/branches Gardeners

Waste disposal costs kept to minimum D4.3 Waste materials from tree work All Log piles created Heritage Parks

are maintained on site Gardeners

Aim D: To manage Lily Hill Park in a sustainable way Brash chipped on site Heritage Parks Manager

Tree contractors D4.4 Recycling of litter All Currently investigating opportunities for Heritage Parks

installing recycling bins within the park Manager adjacent to the current litter bins D5.1 To promote management of tree All Ensure ongoing care of newly planted trees Heritage Parks D5. To and plant stock within the park to (eg checking stakes/ties, tree bases etc) Gardeners demonstrate high high standards and in a horticultural and sustainable way Strimmers are not used around young trees Heritage Parks arboricultural Manager standards Perennial plants are used (rather than annuals) wherever possible

D6.1 Locally sourced products are All Locally sourced products are used Heritage Parks D6. To promote used wherever possible to reduce Manager energy and carbon footprint Use of FSC certfied timber where external resource sourcing is necessary Heritage Parks conservation Gardener Products are recycled and re-used wherever possible (eg pots in polytunnel)

D6.2 Minimise use of water All Turf and plants in the park are managed Heritage Parks

sustainably without the need for regular Gardeners irrigation

Tree gators to be considered for establishing young trees in the park

Aim D: To manage Lily Hill Park in a sustainable way D6.3 Promote sustainable forms of All Cycle route through the park publicised and Heritage Parks

travel well used Manager

Park users are encouraged to use Project officer sustainable forms to travel

Sustainable forms of travel promoted on BFC website

D6.4 Mitigate for effects of climate All Tree planting programme in place for carbon Heritage Parks

change sequestration Gardeners

Vehicles and machinery are regularly Heritage Parks serviced and maintained to high standards Manager

Lighting, heating and machinery are turned off when not in use

Aim E: To maintain and enhance the historic landscape character of Lily Hill Park and the natural features of conservation value

Objective Management Prescriptions Location Indicator of success By Whom E1.1 Maintain and develop wildflower Wildflower Presence of meadow indicator species Heritage Parks E1. To promote and hay meadows and hay Gardeners conservation of meadow Reduced dominance of vigorous grasses natural features, Heritage Parks wildlife and flora Meadow cuts completed on annual basis Manager in the park

Biodiversity Officer

Meadow cutting contractor

Aim E: To maintain and enhance the historic landscape character of Lily Hill Park and the natural features of conservation value E1.2 Maintain and develop orchard Orchard Healthy tree stock Heritage Parks

Correctly managed and pruned Gardeners

Heritage Parks Manager

Community volunteers E1.3 Maintain and develop woodland Woodland Varied age structure of woodland present Heritage Parks

areas and understorey Gardeners Appropriate diversity of ground flora present Heritage Parks Reduced bramble cover and holly in Manager understorey Community Increased presence of bluebells, wild garlic, volunteers red campion, forget-me-not

Local tree stock used where possible for successional planting

E1.4 Maintain and develop deadwood Woodland Log piles established Heritage Parks

habitats Gardeners Stag beetle loggery established Heritage Parks Increased presence of species thriving in Manager dead wood habtiats (stag beetles, fungi etc) Biodiversity Standing dead wood retained for wildlife Officer habitats, where safe to do so Community volunteers E1.5 Monitor for any invasive species All Invasive species effectively treated and Heritage Parks

removed where possible Gardeners

Aim E: To maintain and enhance the historic landscape character of Lily Hill Park and the natural features of conservation value

Heritage Parks Manager

Community volunteers

Biodiversity Officer E2.1 Conserve specimen and veteran All Trees regularly inspected Heritage Parks E2. To promote trees Gardeners conservation of Any tree work required is completed within landscape appropriate time scale Heritage Parks features Manager

Tree Service E2.2 Maintain and protect historic All Careful consideration given to historic vistas Heritage Parks

vistas throughout the park before tree planting Gardeners

Heritage Parks Manager

E3.1 Conserve footprint of historic pub Historic pub Conservation of historic pub footprint Heritage Parks E3. To promote with potential for public Gardeners conservation of interpretation and further buildings and development of this feature Heritage Parks structures Manager

Aim F: To promote community involvement in Lily Hill Park

Objective Management Prescriptions I Location I Indicator of success I By Whom

Aim F: To promote community involvement in Lily Hill Park F1.1 Complete regular visitor surveys All Regular visitor survey data obtained, data Heritage Parks F1. To obtain and analysed and compared with previous results Manager evaluate up to date knowledge Heritage Parks of the user Gardeners community, levels and Project officer patterns of use of the park External consultants F1.2 Promote online park user survey n/a Online park user survey promoted on park Heritage Parks

noticeboards Gardeners

Data analysed and compared with previous Heritage Parks results Manager

Project officer F2.1 Promote accessibility of park staff All Staff are easily identifiable in uniform and Heritage Parks F2. To promote to the public with name badges Gardeners community involvement in Noticeboards contain details of how the park Heritage Parks park is managed with contact details Manager management and development Contact telephone number and email address for the park are regularly checked and any messages are responded to in a timely manner

Park users feel able to approach staff with any questions or concerns F2.2 Local community groups involved n/a Local community groups well represented at Heritage Parks

in management of Lily Hill Park steering group meetings Manager

Community groups

Aim F: To promote community involvement in Lily Hill Park

F2.3 Provide opportunities for the local All Regular volunteer gardening group Heritage Parks

community to become practically established Gardeners involved in the day to day maintenance of Lily Hill Park Events programme offers practical tasks as Heritage Parks one-off events Manager

Corporate volunteering days offered

Work experience and internship opportunities offered

F3.1 Provide recreational opportunities All Events programme offers an event/guided Heritage Parks F3. To provide for all sectors of the local tour/practical task at least once every month Gardeners recreational community at Lily Hill Park facilities for all Events programme widely advertised online Heritage Parks sectors of the and on park noticeboards Manager community

Events well attended

Opportunities offered for schools groups (eg minibeasting, orienteering, education pack)

Sculpture within the park provides educational resource for visiting public

Leaflet to guide visitors through the park is available free of charge at events, in community centres and public libraries and to download from the BFC website

Fire circle is used by community group bookings (eg scouts, brownies)

Forest school groups using the park

Aim F: To promote community involvement in Lily Hill Park

Opportunities offered for dog walking throughout the park

Many new visitors using the park with the increasing popularity in gaming (eg Pokemon Go)

Local fitness groups often use the park (eg bootcamp, buggy fit)

Aim G: To develop an effective marketing strategy for Lily Hill Park

Objective Management Prescriptions Location Indicator of success By Whom G1.1 Develop effective marketing n/a Effective marketing strategy in place Heritage Parks G1. To develop strategy Manager an effective marketing Project officer strategy G2.1 Develop effective communication n/a Noticeboards are attractively designed and Heritage Parks G2. To provide with park users well positioned Manager effective communication Noticeboards kept up to date with key Heritage Parks with park users information and event publicity Gardeners about management BFC website kept up to date with key Project officer strategies, information and event publicity activites, how to get involved etc Lily Hill Park leaflet widely distributed and utilised by members of the public

Regular promotion in local press about park events and activities

Promotion on Trip Advisor

Garden staff are well informed, identifiable to the public and happy to answer any public questions

Green Flag well positioned at car park entrance

Green Flag certificates clearly displayed in noticeboards

Aim G: To develop an effective marketing strategy for Lily Hill Park

Promotion on BFC Parks & Countryside digital media (including Facebook and Twitter)

Aim H: To develop a management plan for Lily Hill Park

Objective Management Prescriptions Location Indicator of success By Whom H1.1 Develop a clear management n/a Management plan in place, clearly Heritage Parks H1. To develop a plan for Lily Hill Park written and accessible to all staff Manager management plan for Lily Hill Plan provides clear sense of direction for Park staff

H2.1 Manage Lily Hill Park in a cost n/a Efficiencies put in place wherever Heritage Parks H2. To identify effective manner possible Manager the contribution the park is Capital funding (eg. S106) used where Project officer making to the applicable wider strategic Head of Parks & aims Commercial opportunities explored and Countryside developed to provide revenue support

H3.2 Coordinated management of Lily n/a Decision making is informed from Heritage Parks

Hill Park through partnership partnership discussions (eg. steering Manager organisations group) Partner organisations

H3.3 Communicate and network with n/a Good contact network established Heritage Parks

relevant organisations to gather Gardeners information relevant to the Relevant advice/new ideas used in

Aim H: To develop a management plan for Lily Hill Park management of the park management of the park where Heritage Parks appropriate Manager

Collaborative working in place both within Head of Parks & BFC and with external organisations Countryside Service

79 Appendix A – Green Flag Award Criteria

1. A Welcoming Place When approaching or entering the park/green space, the overall impression for any member of community – regardless of the purpose of their visit – should be positive and inviting. There should be: • Good and safe access • Good signage to and in the park/ green space • Equal access for all members of the community

2. Healthy, safe and secure The park space must be a healthy, safe and secure place for all members of the community to use. Any issues that have come to light must be addressed in the management plan and implemented on the ground. New issues that arise must be addressed promptly and appropriately. • Appropriate provision of quality equipment and facilities • All equipment and facilities must be safe to use • It must be a secure place for all members of the community to use or traverse • Dog fouling must be adequately addressed • Health and safety policies should be in place, in practice and regularly reviewed • Toilets, drinking water, first aid, public telephones and emergency equipment where relevant (e.g. lifebelts by water) should be available in or near the park and be clearly signposted.

3. Well maintained and clean For aesthetic as well as health and safety reasons, issues of cleanliness and maintenance must be adequately addressed, in particular: • Litter and other waste management must be adequately dealt with • Good maintenance of grounds, buildings equipment and other features • A policy on litter, vandalism and maintenance should be in place, in practice and regularly reviewed.

4. Environmental management Methods used in maintaining the park and its facilities should be environmentally sound, relying on best practices available according to current knowledge. Management should be aware of the range of techniques available to them, and demonstrate that informed choices have been made and are regularly reviewed.

Parks spaces should: • Have an environmental policy or charter and management strategy in place, which is in practice and regularly reviewed • Minimise and justify pesticide use • Eliminate horticultural peat use • Recycle waste plant material • Demonstrate high horticultural and arboricultural standards • Have energy conservation, pollution reduction, waste recycling and resource conservation measures.

5. Biodiversity, landscape and heritage Particular attention should be paid to the conservation and appropriate management of: • Natural features, wildlife and fauna • Landscape features • Conservation of buildings and structural features • These should serve their function well without pressure on the surrounding environment

6. Community involvement The park management plan should actively pursue the involvement of the members of the community who represent as many park user groups as possible. The following should be demonstrated: • Knowledge of user community and levels and patterns of use • Evidence of community involvement in management and/ or developments and results achieved • Appropriate opportunities for active community involvement • Appropriate provision of recreational facilities for all sectors of the community

7. Marketing and communication A marketing strategy should be in place, in practice and regularly reviewed.

Park managers should have a good understanding of their main user groups and are using a fitting range of interpretation and engagement techniques to communicate with them,

There should be good provision of information to users, e.g. about management strategies, activities, features and ways to get involved.

The park should be promoted as a community resource.

8. Management A management plan or strategy should be in place which clearly and adequately addresses all of the above criteria and any other relevant aspects of the park management. The plan must be actively implemented and reviewed. A financially sound management of the park space must also be demonstrated.

Appendix B – Health & Safety Policy

~>d -c-)1 Bracknell -A Forest Council

CULTURE AND COMMUNITIES

Health and Safety Policy Statement

June 2016

Page 1. Introduction 2. Director's Responsibilities 3. Departmental Management Team's Responsibilities 4. Chief Officers' and Head of Performance and Resources' Responsibilities and Organisational Arrangements 5. Line Managers' Responsibilities 2 6. Extra Responsibilities for Managers of Remote Sites 3 7. Extra Responsibilities for Managers of Land and Highways 4 8. Extra Responsibilities for Managers of Contracted-Out Services 4 9. Employees' Responsibilities 4 10. Responsibilities for Time Square and the Commercial Centre delegated to the Corporate Facilities Team 5

Document Administration Title Environment, Culture and Communities Department Health and Safety Policy Statement Plan Author Head of Performance & Resources Date of Publication June2016 Review Date June2017

A copy of the current Health and Safety Policy Statement is available on BORIS at: http://boris.bracknell-forest.qov.uk/environment-culture-and-communitieslecc-plans-and policieslecc-health-and-safety.htm

June 2015

1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Bracknell Forest Council's Health and Safety General Statement of Policy and Organisational Arrangements requires each department to have a Departmental Policy Statement signed by the Director. This document is that policy statement. This document supplements the Corporate Health, Safety and Welfare Manual of Guidance. 1.2 This statement lays out how the Environment, Culture and Communities Department manages health and safety.

2 DIRECTOR'S RESPONSIBILITIES 2.1 Manage health and safety for the Department. The Council's General Statement of Policy and Organisation Arrangements contain full details of the Director's responsibilities.

3 DEPARTMENTAL MANAGEMENT TEAM'S (DMT) RESPONSIBILITIES 3.1 Act as the Departmental Safety Group. DMT considers any health and safety issue managers or employees bring to its attention. Where DMT cannot resolve an issue, it refers the matter to the Corporate Management Team 3.2 Receive quarterly reports from the Chief Officers and Head of Performance and Resources on health and safety in their divisions. 3.3 Prepare a six-monthly report to the Corporate Health and Safety Panel and send a representative to the meeting. The Assistant Head of Human Resources compiles the summary report and represents DMT at this meeting.

4 CHIEF OFFICERS' AND HEAD OF PEFORMANCE AND RESOURCES' RESPONSIBILITIES AND ORGANISATIONAL ARRANGEMENTS 4.1 Decide the form of management review for the health and safety of their division. As a minimum, this involves a monthly review of health and safety issues within their division. Currently these arrangements are: 4.1.1 Environment and Public Protection - standing item on divisional management team every fortnight. 4.1.2 In Leisure, an OHSAS Management Team made up of managers from the leisure sites and the two Heads of Service. This group meet three times per year, including an Annual Review, to maintain Leisure's Health and Safety Management systems (as registered with BSi). The Team cascades actions from these meetings to the Leisure sites. In addition each manager, the two Heads of Service, Business Development Manager, Principal Catering Manager and Leisure Development Manager attend the monthly Leisure Managers' meeting, at which health and safety is a standing item on the agenda, from which actions also cascade down to sites and business areas. 4.1.3 Performance and Resources - standing item on divisional management team every month. 4.1.4 Planning Transport and Countryside - standing item on divisional management team every fortnight. 4.2 Prepare a quarterly report to DMT summarising the health and safety issues in the division. The Director requires each Chief Officer/Head of Performance and Resources to make a clear statement in this report of any issue that needs DMT consideration.

June 2016

Allow employees in their divisions to report concerns about health and safety direct to them. 4.4 Decide the type and frequency of health and safety audits, inspections and monitoring in their sections or teams commensurate with the level of risk in their services and agree these with their Heads of Service. As a minimum, the frequency of heath and safety audits must be once a year.

5 LINE MANAGERS' RESPONSIBILITIES 5.1 Carry out health and safety audits, risk assessments, inspections and monitoring in their sections or teams of a type and at frequency agreed with their Chief Officer/Head of Performance and Resources. 5.2 Decide and implement suitable remedial action when health and safety issues occur and when staff or members of the public raise them. 5.3 If faced with health and safety issues beyond their experience or knowledge refer to their managers. If unable resolve the issue within the Division, prepare a report to DMT. 5.4 Define the safety standards, procedures and working practices in their services. 5.5 Provide adequate personal protective equipment to employees using plant and equipment. 5.6 Maintain all plant and equipment in a safe condition. 5.7 Display appropriate health and safety signs on all plant and equipment. 5.8 Issue instructions on how to use all plant and equipment. Managers must take into account employees' reading ability when preparing these instructions. 5.9 Design processes, systems and places of work to minimise risk. 5.10 Use the hierarchy of control as defined in the Corporate Health, Safety and Welfare Manual of Guidance when purchasing substances, especially chemicals, and equipment. 5.11 Investigate and report all major and minor incidents and implement recommendations from these investigations in accordance with Corporate Policy. 5.12 Provide information, instruction and training to all employees on how to use the plant, equipment and substances needed in their job following the guidance of the Corporate Health and Safety Manual. 5.13 Train all their managers in health and safety management to a level appropriate for the type of services they manage. Corporate Learning and Development provide these courses. 5.14 Train all employees in health and safety risk assessment. The Council has an appropriate e-learning package for all office-based employees. 5.15 Include health and safety procedures and requirements in all new employees' induction plans. 5.16 Tell all employees how to access first aid facilities. 5.17 Tell all employees what to do if they need to evacuate the building in the event of a fire or other emergency. 5.18 Include compliance with the Council's health and safety policies in contracts and monitor this requirement. 5.19 Discipline any employee who deliberately avoids following health and safety procedure.

June 2016 2

Put in place a process for collecting accident reports in line with the Corporate Health and Safety Manual and tell all employees what this is.

6 EXTRA REPONSIBILITIES FOR MANAGERS OF REMOTE SITES 6.1 Each location has a named officer responsible for health and safety at that site. These officers are: • Cemetery and Crematorium - Cemetery and Crematorium Manager • Whitegrove Library - Branch Supervisor • Bracknell Library - Buildings Manager • Binfield Library - Branch Supervisor • Harmanswater Library - Branch Supervisor • Sandhurst Library - Branch Supervisor • Ascot Heath Library - Branch Supervisor • Great Hollands Library - Branch Supervisor • Birch Hill Library - Branch Supervisor • Crowthorne Library - Branch Supervisor • Easthampstead Park Conference Centre - General Manager • Edgbarrow and Sandhurst Sport Centres - Centre Manager • The Look Out - Manager • Coral Reef - Centre Manager • Downshire Golf Complex - Golf Facility Manager • Bracknell Leisure Centre - Centre Manager • Westmorland Park Pavilion - Senior Ranger • South Hill Park and Lily Hill Park - Heritage Parks Manager 6.2 The responsibilities of these named officers are to: 6.2.1 Select and arrange training for enough first aiders to meet the statutory requirements for the building. 6.2.2 Provide sufficient supplies and equipment, such as first aid supplies in the building. 6.2.3 Post lists of the names and contact numbers of first aiders on the notice boards in their building or include this information in normal operating procedures. 6.2.4 Timetable enough first aiders onto the work rota for all opening times. 6.2.5 Ensure the most senior manager on site is competent in health and safety for the areas for which they have responsibility. 6.2.6 Maintain and keep safe the entrances and exits to the building. 6.2.7 Put up health and safety signs that comply with statutory formats for employees and the public. 6.2.8 Communicate appropriate safety information to building or site users. 6.2.9 Draw up procedures for the evacuation of the building in the event of a fire or other emergency and test these regularly.

7 EXTRA RESPONSIBILITIES FOR MANAGERS OF LAND AND HIGHWAYS 7.1 The department is responsible for ensuring the health and safety of staff and the public who make use of substantial infrastructure assets, including parks, countryside, highways and amenity open space .

June 2016 3

Officers responsible for the health and safety in such areas are:- Parks and Countryside (including play areas) - Head of Parks and Countryside Highways Assets Head of Highways Asset Management Amenity Landscape Assets Landscape Services Manager 7.3 In addition to the requirements detailed elsewhere in this policy statement, the above managers should take appropriate steps to ensure that, as far as is reasonably practical, the assets, for which they are responsible for, are safe for the public to use and for staff to perform their duties.

8 EXTRA RESPONSIBILITIES FOR MANAGERS OF CONTRACTED-OUT SERVICES 8.1 In addition to the requirements detailed elsewhere in this policy statement, managers of the contracts in relation to outsourced services are responsible for ensuring that those contractors meet their responsibilities for health and safety outlined in the terms and conditions of the contract.

9 EMPLOYEES' RESPONSIBILITIES 9.1 Take reasonable care of the health and safety of themselves and anyone their activities could affect. 9.2 Make themselves familiar with the Corporate Health and Safety Manual and comply with the parts of the manual applicable to their work. 9.3 Not misuse, neglect or interfere with items provided for their own safety and the safety of others. 9.4 Make themselves aware of all safety rules, procedures and safe working practices relevant to their position and follow these rules, procedures and practices. 9.5 Not indulge in horseplay or practical jokes. 9.6 Not report for work under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 9.7 Know and apply emergency procedures concerning fire and first aid and know how to summon assistance if needed. 9.8 Maintain tools and equipment and report defects to their supervisor or line manager. 9.9 Use safe systems of work, safety equipment and devices, and personal protective equipment and clothing supplied and keep them in good condition. 9.10 Report accidents, incidents, near misses and violent incidences following the suitable procedures as outlined in the Bracknell Forest Council Health, Safety and Welfare Manual of Guidance and, in the leisure facilities, the normal operating procedures. 9.11 Report to their line manager or supervisor any unsafe systems of work, unsafe working conditions, damage to plant, machinery or equipment. 9.12 Raise any incidents reported where they feel the line manager or supervisor did not take action or sufficient action their Head of Service or Chief Officer. 9.13 Identify risks in own workload and take measures to improve safety performance, discussing the issue with their supervisor or line manager if suitable. 9.14 Cooperate with initiatives to enhance safety whoever identified the risk. 9.15 Stay alert to possible hazards especially when in unfamiliar working environments.

June 2016 4

10 RESPONSIBILITIES FOR TIME SQUARE AND THE COMMERCIAL CENTRE DELEGATED TO THE CORPORATE FACILITIES TEAM 10.1 Seek nominations from ECC managers, through the Head of Human Resources, for enough first aiders and fire wardens to meet the statutory requirements for the buildings. 10.2 Provide sufficient supplies and equipment, such as first aid supplies in the buildings. 10.3 Post lists of the names and contact numbers of first aiders and fire wardens on the notice boards in the buildings. 10.4 Maintain and keep safe the entrances and exits to the buildings, including the Time Square lifts. 10.5 Put up health and safety signs that comply with statutory formats for employees and the public. 10.6 Draw up procedures for the evacuation of the building in the event of a fire or other unforeseeable emergency.

11 POLICY REVIEW 11.1 DMT will review this policy every year and following every major organisational change in the department.

DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENT, CULTURE AND COMMUNITIES

8th June 2016

June 2016 5

Appendix C– Access and Education

Mission Statement The Lily Hill Park initiative is committed to increasing awareness of the importance of the environment, local distinctiveness and sustainable development. Through educating for life we aim to allow people to learn about the environment, in the environment, change behaviour, and take action for the sustainability of the environment.

Aims To promote and encourage an understanding of Lily Hill Park as an educational resource and to broaden the appeal of the park through a programme of active, investigative learning to suit all ages and abilities.

Objectives This will be achieved through: • Preparation and implementation of the individual education plans in consultation with the Senior Education Officer and the Lily Hill Park Steering Group. • Offering a comprehensive curriculum-linked programme of activities to visiting schools. • Embracing and extending key curriculum areas. • Developing information learning programmes for families and adults. • Developing working partnerships with local schools, Local Education Authorities, community groups, colleges and universities. • Promoting Lily Hill Park as a resource through a programme of annual open days for teachers. • Encouraging local schools to contribute to education and interpretive planning at Lily Hill Park. • Consolidating community links through project based events. • Promoting Lily Hill Park as a resource through a programme of events and activities for the public. • Annually reviewing and evaluating the access and education programme, in consultation with the appropriate agencies. • Maximising access for the disabled.

Benefits • Improve services, including those for the disabled • Attract new visitors • Save time (by establishing priorities) • Provide a more sharply focussed education programme • Attract outside support • Raise profiles

Method This could be achieved through word of mouth, direct mail, local press, national press, professional journals, publications, events and competitions, displays, exhibitions, personal contact and advisors.

Appendix D – Operational guidance and procedures

Health & Safety Manual – Bracknell Forest Council

Normal Operating Plan – Bracknell Forest Council

Personnel Hand Book - Bracknell Forest Council

Bracknell Forest Biodiversity Action Plan 2006-11

Bracknell Forest Borough Council Financial Management Handbook

Environmental Purchasing Policy – Bracknell Forest Council

Pesticides Policy – Bracknell Forest Council (being compiled by LA21 groups for introduction to Council Policy)

Contaminated Land/Chemicals Strategy – Bracknell Forest Council (being compiled by LA21 groups for introduction to Council Policy)

Lily Hill Park Restoration Management Plan – Clive Payne Consultancy (October 1999)

Lily Hill Park Policy Statement – Bracknell Forest Borough Council Countryside Service October 1997.

The obligations and effects of the above policies, strategies and plans will be fully considered in the formulation of the Management Plan and are available for reference.

Appendix E – Biodiversity Reports

dows at Li ly Hill Park Bracknell Berkshire

Survey of Potential Local Wildlife Site Ref : R1043/a

March 2015

J® HN WENMAN ecological consultancy 1 Die se l House . Honey Hi1J, Woking ham, Berkshire Te le phone : 0 118 3V 18 10 Mob ile : 07979 403099 E-ma il: info@wenma n-ecology.co.uk WV/W.we nma n-eco logy .co.uk

JOM Wonmc,, EoologO:ol CONul!ar'lcy t.LP ll O l'ntod !latlltfy pain~ rogt :o:Od h En~o nd end Wo~Wtt\ togb)tocf f'U'nt)Of0C3l90S1. ~~tocf cd'c,o: 100 tlOWWdt:Jrl(/:lo m klod, CfOWlflOn'IO, ~ t o iC-.S 6.!P ~ vouma,1oo&:o:01t:ot mornt)OIS' no ~

...... 3

2 INTRODUCTION ...... ••..... •••...... ••...... •...... •••...... ••...... •...... ••...... ••..... •••...... ••..... •••...... ••... 4 2.1 Background ...... 4 2.2 Site Location and Context ...... 4 2.3 Report Format...... 4

3 POLICY BACKGROUND .•••...... ••...... •...... •••...... ••...... •...... •••...... ••..... •••...... ••...... •...... •••.. 5 3.1 l ocal Wildlife Si;e Selection ...... 5 4 SURVEY METHOD... ..•...... •...... •...... •...... •...... 6

4 .1 W alkover Survey ...... 6 4 .2 Biological Records Search ...... 6 4 .3 Survey Constraints...... 6 5 PHASE 1 ECOLOGICAL SURVEY FINDINGS •••..... •••...... ••...... ••..... •••...... ••...... •...... •••.. 7 5.1 Background Data Search ...... 7 5.2 Site Ove rview...... 7 5.3 Ha bitats ...... 7 5.4 Semi-Improved GrassJand ...... 7

6 ASSESSMENT OF ECOLOGICAL VALUE •...... ••...... •...... •••...... ••..... •••...... ••...... •...... ••. 10 6.1 Introduction ...... 10 6.2 Naturalness ...... 10 6.3 Rare or Exceptional Features ...... 10 6.4 Size or Extent...... 10 6.5 Diversity ...... 10 6.6 Connectivity within the l and scape and Geographical Position .... 11 6.7 Fragility ...... 11 6.8 Recorded Histoiy and Cultural A ssociations .... 11 6.9 Value for Appreciation of Nature ...... 11 6.1O Va.rue for Leaming ...... 11

7 CONCULSIOll S AllD RECOMENDATIONS .... .••...... •...... •••...... ••..... •••...... ••...... •...... ••. 12

7.1 l ocal Wildfrfe Site Selection Matrix ..... 12 8 REFERENCES ...... •...... •...... •...... •...... 13 APPEllDIX 1 • SITE PHOTOGRAPHS ...... •...... •••...... ••...... •...... ••...... ••..... •••...... ••...... •...... ••• 14 APPEllDIX 2 - PHASE 1 SURVEY PLAN ••...... •••...... ••...... •...... ••...... ••..... •••...... ••..... •••...... ••. 15

APPEllDIX 3 - PHASE 1 TARGET NOTES ...... •...... •...... •...... 15

APPEllDIX 4 - PLANT SPECIES OBSERVED DURING THE SURVEY ...... •...... • 17 APPEllDIX 5 - CRITERIA FOR LWS SELECTION .. .••...... •...... •••...... ••..... •••...... ••...... •...... ••• 18

John Wenman Ecological ConS\.llancy

Land a! Uy Hill Park • Ecological Survey of Potential L\VS {R 1043.J) · 2

1.1. 1 John Wenman Ecological Consultancy LLP was commissioned by Bracknell

Forest Council to undertake an ecological survey of the meadows at Lily Hill

Park to assess their ecological value and consider if they Qualify for designation as a Local Wildlife S ite (LWS) - a site of nature conservation importance within Berkshire.

1.1 .2 A walkover survey of the site - which covered an area of approximately 2.7

hectares - was carried out on June 13"' 20 14 by a full member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM). The survey showed that the site ,comprised of semi-improved neutral grassland with some lower lying a reas in both the western and eastern

meadows with damp soils and species more typical of wetter condrtions. Scattered broadleaved trees were present in both meadows also.

1.1.3 The site supported a range of native species associated with lowland meadow habitats - a habitat of plincipal importance for conservation as defined under the NERC Act 2006. The meadows support a number of species indicative of lowland meadow, including a large population of common spotted orchid, but no species of national or regional importance were recorded during the survey_

1.1 .4 An assessment of the site wrth reference to the Local Wildlife Site selection criteria shows that the srte - based on the findings of the walkover survey and desktop study - meets criteria 1, 7, 8 and 9 and therefore QUaltties for designation as a Local Wildlife s ite.

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2 INTROD UCTION

2.1 Background

2.1. 1 John Wenman Ecological Consultancy LLP was commissioned by Bracknell Forest Council to undertake an ecological survey of the east and west meadows at Lily Hill Park, Bracknell, Berkshire.

2.1.2 The survey was commissioned to assess the site's ecological value and determine if it is worthy of designation as a Local Wildlife Srte - a non statutorily designated srte of nature conservation importance within Berkshire.

2.2 Site Location and Context

2.2.1 The meadows are situated centrally with lily Hill Park - an area of parkland situated on the eastern edge of Bracknell in Berkshire (OS grid reference SU887 46922).

2.2.2 The meadows are situated adj acent to neighbouring areas of broadleaved woodland and amenity grassland within the Park. In the wider area, the Park is surrounded by residen1ial streets, but extensive open countryside is situated to the east beyond Long Hill Road and New Forest Ride with woodland and heathland of Wllitmoor Bog to the south east and the former London Road landfill site to the east. The land to the north of the Park is principally residential but open woodland and grassland of Big Wood Local Wildlife Srte is located about 1.5km to the north east.

2.3 Report Format

2.3.1 There follows: policy background in Section 3; details of the survey methods in Section 4; survey findings irn Section 5; an assessment of the srte's ecological value wrth reference to the Local Wildlife Site (LWS) selection criteria in Section 6; and conclusions and recommendations in Section 7. The appendices present: the site photographs (Appendix 1 ); a Phase 1 habitat survey plan wrth associated target notes (Appendices 2 & 3); a plant species list recorded during the survey (Appendix 4 ); and details of the application of the LWS selection criteria (Appendix 5).

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3 POLICY BACKGROUND 3.1 Local Wildlife Site Selection

3.1. 1 Local Wildlife Sites are non-statutorily designated sites of signtticant value for the conservation of wildlife a t a local level that play an important role in

meeting local and national targets for conservation.

3.1.2 Within Berkshire, the sites are selected by a panel made up of representatives from local autrnorities, wildlife conservation bodies and the local records centre. The sites are selected with reference to nine criteria

that are based on the Ratcliffe Criteria for assessing the conservation value

of sites (BMERC & TVERC 2009). The criteria are as follows: 1. Naturalness;

2. Rare or exceptional features (including important populations and

assemblages of species and local rarity/; 3. Size or extent; 4. Diversity;

5. Connectivity within the landscape and geographical position; 6. Fragility; 7. Recorded history and cultural association;

8. Value for the appreciation of nature;

9. Value for learning.

3.1.3 The criteria are applied to detennine tt sites qualify for designation as Local Wildltte Sites as set out in the tables in Appendix 5.

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4 SURVEY METHOD

4.1 Walkover Survey

4.1. 1 A walkover survey was undertaken on the 13" June 2014 by a full membcer of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM). During the survey the habitats present were noted and plotted on a site plan (Appendix 2) using definitions based on the standard Phase 1 Habrtat survey definitions (JNCC 20 10). Key features of the site were photographed (Appendix 1) and plotted on the site plan using target notes.

4.1.2 Any features of ecological importance were recorded, and plant species observed during the survey noted (Appendix 4). Particular attention was given to any evidence of the presence of protected species and the site's, potential to support such species and species and habitats of conservation importance (as defined wrthin the list of species and habitats of principal importance in Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006).

4.2 Biological Records Search

4.2.1 Bracknell Forest Council provided the findings of a search of the data held on protected and notable species and designated sites within one kilometre of the survey srte. Data was provided from Thames Valley Records Centre (TVERC).

4.2.2 The Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside (MAG IC) websrte was searched for information on the distribution of statutorily designated wildlife sites and the distribution of habitats of principal importance for conservation (as defined under Section 41 of the NERC Act 2006).

4.3 Survey Constraints

4.3.1 The ecological survey was subject to seasonal and access constraints; not all plant and animal species are visible throughout the year and therefore• the report represents a snapshot of the site at the time of the survey only. The plant species list presented should not be considered a comprehensive list of species present; however the survey was conducted at a time of year appropriate for assessing grassland srtes and therefore is considered to be a reasonably accurate representation of the site's species composition.

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5 PHASE 1 ECOLOG ICAL SURVEY FINDINGS

5.1 Background Data Search

5.1. 1 A search of pre-existing survey data held by the Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre shows no pre-existing data held for Lilly Hill Parle

5.1.2 Data held for land within the surrounding area i.e. within a 1km radius, includes a wide range of protected and notable species. Species within the records that are likely to be found at Lily Hill Park also include a range of notable birds of conservation importance associated with woodland, parkland and garden habitats such as dunnock, song thrush, green woodpecker and bullfinch. The stag beetle - a notable invertebrate - has been recorded widely in the surrounding area.

5.1.3 Bats - species receiving full legal protection under UK and European leg islation - including common pipistrelle, noctule, brown long eared bat and Daubenton's bat have been recorded in the surrounding area; survey work carried out by the Berkshire and South Buckinghamshire Bat Group has shown the presence of all of these species within the Park. Notable and protected herpetofauna nearby includes grass snake, slow worm, smooth newt, common frog and palmate newt. Records of notable and/or protected plants include bluebell, cowslip, devil brt scabious.

5.2 Site Overview

5.2.1 The survey site comprised primarily of semi-improved grassland with occasional scattered mature trees. The site covers an area of approximately 2.7 hectares.

5.3 Habitats

5.3.1 The habitat types are described below in detail; their distribution is shown on the site plan in Appendix 2 along with associated target notes in Appendix 3. Photographs of the sije are shown in Appendix 1 and plant species observed during the survey noted in Appendix 4.

5.4 Semi-Improved Grassland

5.4.1 The site's western meadow had a tall, established grassland sward that contained a range of grass species typical of neutral soils including crested

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's tail (Cynosurus cristatus), sweet vernal grass (Anthoxanthum odaratum), red fescue (Festuca rubra ), meadow foxtail (A/opecurus pratensis), common bent (Agrostis tenuis), Yorkshire fog (Ho/cus tanatus), rough meadow grass (Poa trivia/is), false oat grass (Arrhenatherum etatius), perennial rye grass (Lolium perenne) and cocksfoot (Dacty/is gtomerata). O ccasionally occurring sedges, woodrushes and rushes included compact rush (Juncus cong/omeratus/, hairy sedge (Carex hirta) and field woodrush (Luzuta campestris). Herbaceous plants were a prominent part of the sward and the sward included several plants typical of semi-improved and unimproved grassland including several flowering spikes of common spotted orchid (Dactytorhiza fuchsil), black knapweed (Centaurea nigra), yellow rattle (Rhinanthus minor), common bird's foot trefoil (Lotus cornicutatus), wM e clover (Trifolium repens), dandelion ( Taraxacum officinate agg.), sorrel (Rumex acetosa), red clover ( Trifo/ium pratense), ribwort plantain (Plan/ago /anceotata), creeping buttercup (Ranuncutus repens), meadow vetchling (Lathyrus pratensis), lesser stitchwort (Stellaria graminea), catsear (Hypochaearis radicata) and meadow buttercup (Ranuncutus acris). In places where the water table was species including great willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum), marsh thistle (Cirsium patustre), greater bird's foot trefoil (Lotus peduncu/atus) and meadowsweet (Filipenduta utmaria) were all prominent.

5.4.2 The eastern meadow had a more open and patchy sward but this included several species typical of semi-improved grassland also including crested dog's tail, sheep's fescue (Festuca ovina), red fescue, common bent, sweet vernal grass, rough meadow grass, timothy (Ph/eum pratense), creeping bent (Agrostis sto/onifera), meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis) and Yorkshire fog . Occasional sedges and rushes were a component of the sward and these included oval sedge (Carex ova/is), glaucus sedge (Carex nacca), soft rush (Juncus effusus), compact rush and jointed rush (Juncus articutatus) and toad rush (Juncus bufonis). Herbaceous plants included several species typical of semi-improved grasslands including bird's foot trefoil, oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vutgare), ribwort plantain (Plantago /anceotata), yarrow (Achi/lea mi/lefotium), rough hawkbrt (Leontodon hispidus), hop trefoil ( Trifo/ium campestre), black knapweed, catsear, yellow rattle, lesser stitchwort, white clover, meadow buttercup, lady's bedstraw (Ga/ium verum), bugle (Aj uga reptans), common spotted orchid, creeping

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ttercup, wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca) bladder campion (Si/ene vulgaris), bird'sfoot (Omithopus perpusil/us) and heather (Calluna vulgaris).

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6 ASSESSMENT OF ECOLOGICAL VALUE

6.1 Introduction 6.1. 1 The site's value has been assessed with reference to the nine criteria for the

selection of Local Wildlife Sites (TVERC 2009) as follows:

6.2 Naturalness 6.2.1 The site supports grassland communities typical of semi-improved neutral

meadow supporting nine species indicative of the Lowland Meadow habitat of principal importance for conservation. The western meadow is long established and records indicate that it has been managed as a hay

meadow during the Park's history. The eastern meadow was recreated

following and seeded with a wildflower seed mix during landscape enhancement works carried out within the Park between 2002 and 2005 and therefore although it is likely to have a long history as low-intensity grassland

there has been recent human intervention.

6.3 Rare or Exceptional Features 6.3.1 The site supports no known populations of nationally or regionally sea rce

species; however the western meadow supports a large population of common spotted orchid a species indicative of lowland meadow habrtats and of some importance in a local context.

6.4 Size or Extent

6.4.1 The site covers an area of approximately 2.7 hectares and this is therefore lower than the 6.9 hectare threshold set for the designation of lowland! meadow habitat within Berkshire under criterion 3 in the Local Wildlrte• Srte

selection criteria.

6.5 Diversity 6.5.1 The meadows are diverse and support at least 58 species of which 1D are

typical of semi-improved grassland habrtats. Additionally, there is sonne wrthin habitat diversity with natural variation in the sward composrtion as a result of variation in ground water levels, creating areas with an abundance

of species more typical of damp soils; however due to the relatively small

size of the site, such diversity is limited.

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101

6. 6 Connectivity w ithin the Landscape and Geographical Position

6.6.1 The meadows form part of the wider lily Hill Park and therefore are linked wrth the neighbouring woodland habitats of the Park and nearby Clinton Hill and as such contribute to the overall diversity of the Park and are likely to

act as a resource for notable woodland fauna such as invertebrates, birds and bats for example. In a wider context, the meadows are isolated from other areas of species rich grassland.

6.7 Fragility

6.7 , 1 The species diversrty of the grassland is subject to regular management as hay meadow and the value of the grassland would decline wrthout

management; however the srte is in secure management by Bracknell

Forest Council and therefore not under imminent threat of degradation.

6.8 Recorded History and Cultural Associations 6.8.1 lily Hill Park has a long recorded history and was established in the mid-19"'

Century as the garden of lily Hill House. The park has been a publicalty accessible since its transfer into the ownership of Bracknell Forest Council in 1983. Heritage Lottery Grant funding was secured by the Council in the

early part of the 21" Century to restore elements of the park's historic layout

and to the Park's accessibility and interpretation material.

6.9 Value for Appreciation of Nature

6.9.1 The Park is freely available and promoted to members of the public, through

leaflets, events and interpretation boards and therefore has a high value as a resource for the appreciation of nature.

6.10 Value for Leam ing

6.10.1 The Park is a valuable resource for learning wrth regular use by school and communrty groups for guided wildlrte related activities.

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7 CONCULSIONS AND RECOMENDATIONS

7.1 Local Wildlife Site Selection M atrix

7.1.1 Table 8.1 below presents the assessment of the srte against the Local Wildlife Srte selection criteria:

Crit erion Notes Sianificance foe LWS selection t. Naturalness l owland Meadow habita"5 with nine Yes. Satisfies Lowland Meadow indicators of lowland meadow definition in 4.3. 2. Rare or No oounty or national r'arities known. No exceptional l arge population of common spotted orchid features 3. Size or extent Total area is 2. 7ha - does no,t cross No threshoJd for desig nation as IONland meadow habitat of orinciM I irn....,rtance. 4. Diversjty T en indicator species of semii-im proved No g rassJand but not particularty high diversity of species and lim ited within s ite div ersity d ue to small size. 5. Connectivity linked with woodland habitats of No with land.scape surrounding park and nearby Clintons Hill but isolated from other species ric h o rassland. 6. Fra gility Without management as hay meadow the No ecological value o f the grassla nd wouJd decline r'apid ly but sjte is in secure manaaem ent bv Bracknell Fo rest Council. 7. Recorded l ong recorded history and sit-e in public Yes his;o,y Md ownership since 1983 with pu blic access cultural available and therefore site of high cultural sk •nificance. sio nificance. 8. Value for Parit open to the public and n ature value Yes appreciation of promoced through literature, p ublic events nature and interpretation bo.l.td.s and the refore of high v alue to the public for the appreciation of naw:re. 9. Value for Regular u:se for wiJdfrfe relate

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8 REFERENCES

Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Environmental Records Centre (BMKERC) and Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre (TVERC) (2009). Criteria for the Selection of Local Wildlife Sites in Berkshire,

Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.

Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) (2010). Handbook for Phase 1 habitat survey - A technique for environmental audit. JNCC, Peterborough.

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ENDIX 1 - SITE PHOTOGRAPHS

A low-lying damp area in the eastern meadow.

3. A clust er of trees on the margin o f the 4. The west ern meadow v iewed from its ea.stem meadow. north eastern corner.

5. A low - lying damp area at the southern 6. The damp lower-lying areas of the edge of the western meadow. western meadow looking towards th e western edge.

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PENDIX 2 - PHASE 1 SURVEY PLAN

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Land at Uy Hill Park • Ecological Survey of Potential l\VS {R 1043.J.) · 15

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ENDIX 3 - PHASE 1 TARGET NO TES

1 Semi-improved grassland • Established grassland sward that contained a range of g rass species typical of neutl'al soils including crested dog's trul (Cynosurus crk'tatus). sweet vemal grass (Anthoxanthum odaratum). red f escue {Festuca rubra), meadow foxtail (AlopecUl'U$ prate-nsic). common bent (Agrodic tenui.s), Yor1tshite fog {Ho/coo Janatus), rough meadow g rass (Poa trivialk). false oat grass (An+t.ena.therum elatius ). perennial rye grass (Lolium perenne) and oocks foot (Dactylis glomerata). Occasionally occurring sedges. woodrushes and rushes incJuded compact rush (Juncuc conglomeratus) , hairy sedge (Care-x hirta) and fieJd woodrush (Luzula campestrk:). Herbaceous plants were a prom inent part of the sward and the sward incJuded sever-al plants typical of semi-improved and unimproved grassland including several flowering spikes of common spo~ed orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii). black kn.lpweed (Centaureai nigra), yellow rattle (Rhinan thuc minor). common bi:rd"s foot trefoil (Lotus comi.culatus). white cJover (Trifolium re-pens). dandelion (T araxacum offlcinale .lgg. ). sorrel (Rumex aceto.sa}, red cJover (Trifolium praten:::.e}, ribwort plantain (Plantago Janceolata), creeping buttercup (Ranunculuc repen:::.). me.ldow vetchli:ng (Lathyrus pratensis). lesser s titchwort (Sfellaria gram.in.ea). C.ltsear (Hypcchaearis radic.a ta) .lfld me.ldow buttercup (Ranunculus acds). In places where the water table W.lS species including great wiJlowherb (Epjfobium hiroutum), marsh thistle (Cirsiu m palustre). grea;,er bird's foot trefoiJ (Lotus pedunculatus) and meadowsweet (Fil'jpendula ulmada) w,ere all prominent. SC.lttered m.lture and semi-mature oa k (Quercus roburl trees. 2 Semi-improved grassland • open and p.ltchy sward but this included several species typic.il of semi-improved g.r.lssl.lfld also ind uding crested dog' s tail, sheep' s fescue {Festuca ovina), red fescue. common bent. sweet vernal grass. rough meadow grass. timothy (Phleum prate,v:;e). creeping bent (Agrostis sto/onifera). m eadow fescue (Festuca pratensic) .lfld Yorkshire fog. Occasional sedges and rushes were a. component of the sward and these included oval sedge (Carex ovalk). g.laucus sedge (Carex flacca), soft ru.sh {JunCU$ effusus), compact rush and jointed rush (Juncuc arficulatus) .lfld toad rush (Juncuc bufonius). Herb.lceous plants incJude

John Wenman Ecological ConS\llallcy

Land a:! Uy Hill Part· Ecological Survey of Potential L\YS {R1043.:t) · 16

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APPENDIX 4 - PLANT SPECIES OBSERVED DURING THE SURVEY

Plant common name Scientific name Priority Hab itat Indicator

Sird' sfoot Omitho s oe sillu:; Acid ara:;sland Slack knaoweed Centaurea niora Lowland meadow Bladder camoion Silene vu/oaris Suale Ai•- a reotans Catsear Hvnochaeris radicata Cock"s foot DacM is alomerata Com mon bent Aoro::;tk: tenuis Common bird' s foot Lotus oomiculatus Lowland meadow trefoil C'.<'lmm " n m n.11<~,:,.;r, r {';,:,,r~fium fnnt;,r mm APPENDIX 5 - CRITERIA FOR LWS SELECTION 2.3 How to use the criteria a nd site info rmation

tn order to evatuate a site, the following crlteriZI matrix should be used In conjunction with the surveyor's interpretation of habitat cla:ssiflc.ation, quallty and structure, and any other expert knowledge of the site. The use of these habitat and species aiteria should ensure a consistent approach to the determination of site stab.ls and minimise subjectivity.

For a site to ~ selected as a L WS it m ust: , Qual ify under one of core criteria 1 and 2, AND , EITHER Qualify under one Of both of criteria 3 and 4 :,.. OR Qualify under 2 or more of contextual aiteria 5·9 The site selection form must deteil the sul'Vey eVidence to Justify each of the core and contextuel crtterla which a site has met.

Exceptions that the selection panel may wish to consider are where the site, due to its geographical position, doe:$ not qualify under llny of the con~ afteria e.g . an urban site of high local importance, which may atso be part of a larger suite of sites tt\.at together forms a green corridor through an urban area. Some i ites may fail to meet adequate criteria to be designated a LWS. Ho\Vever, the site may reveal a more amenity• or education-based foe.us. It may be appropriate for it to be considered for Local Nature ReseNe designation.

Criterion Evide:nce from surveys Does the sit e qualify under this crit erion? Core Criteria I. Naturttlness thbbitr:1ts1 Presence of UKBAP nrlotitv Mt:itc1ts 2. Ra1e 01 eJCC.eptiOllal Presence of substantial popul.atiOn 01 assemb0ge Qualrf'ies under features (1>1ineipatly for of s,:iecleS as defined by the specieS criteria. ~ either core spe

Nil If the resourc.e is less than the smallest viable unit fo1 the BAP habitat it has bee,, selected fa., the Site Will not meet this crlteflOn 4. Oive1-sitv (numbe1s of Follow species guidelines and c.ol\Sidet ill cont€!Xl Q"letles or htibitc1ts l of the number of htiblti!ts the sit e su...... ~

108 John Wenman Ecological ConS\llancy

Land a:! Uy Hill Part· Ecological Survey of Potential LWS (R 104·3.:t) · 18

Meadows Survey (SU86Z01) on 20/06/2014

CENTRAL GRID SITE NAME SITE CODE REFERENCE LILY HILL (MEADOWS) SU86Z01 SU885692 SURVEY TITLE DATE SITE SURVEYED DATABASE CODE LWS re-assessment 20/06/2014 DISTRICT / PARISH / WARD SURVEYOR(S) Bracknell Bracknell Helen S Miller ASSESSMENT OF SURVEY (inc time taken, weather conditions and any limitations) Time 0730 hrs weather conditions Overcast. 15 Deg C Constraints No constraints LANDOWNER NAME AND ADDRESS: BFBC Parks & Countryside Service Bracknell Forest Council

Access Permission from: Dan Carpenter SITE STATUS (At time of survey): BBOWT NNR SSSI pSSSI LWS LGS LNR Other Res Res Common Private AONB ESA SPA SAC Other POS land land MANAGEMENT BODY Bracknell Borough Council OTHER DETAILS

SITE AREA (ha) MAJOR ASPECT MAJOR SLOPE ALTITUDE (m) 2.2 South/west Slight, 20 degree max 75 (W) - 90 (E) GEOLOGY (solid / drift from Geology maps) Bedrock: Bagshot Formation (sand) Superficial: No drift Soils Neut Cal Acid Clay Loam Sand Peat alluv Rock Scree Water Poorly Freely Spoil Other logged drained drained SPECIAL INTEREST OF SITE

Lily Park as a whole- 2 species: stag beetle (1995), song S41 PRIORITY SPECIES: thrush (2000, 2009)

Lily Park as a whole- 5 species: smooth newt, common frog, LEGALLY PROTECTED SPECIES: (2012), bluebell (1984, 86, 2012), Common crossbill (2009), stag beetle (1995) RED DATA BOOK SPECIES: Lily Park as a whole-1 species: Heath Dog-Violet (1984)

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NATIONALLY SCARCE or NOTABLE Lily Park as a whole- 1 species: stag beetle (1995) SPECIES: BIRDS OF CONSERVATION CONCERN: Red list: Lily Park as a whole-1 species: song thrush (2000, 2009)

Lily Park as a whole-4 species: Stock Pigeon, Black-headed Amber list: Gull, Green Woodpecker, Mistle Thrush (2009) PRESENT USE AND MANAGEMENT OF SITE managed for public open space and conservation.

ADJACENT LAND BOUNDARIES TO HABITATS ON SITE (Phase 1 and/or S41 priority USE/ HABITAT SITE (river, ditch, Habitat classification) (Phase 1 classification) fence, hedgerow etc.)

Built environment. Semi-improved neutral grassland. Marshy grassland. Amenity grassland. Scattered trees. Broadleaf woodland.

Mixed woodland Paths (plantation & semi- No Priority habitats natural). Introduced shrub. Amenity grassland SITE DESCRIPTION Brief overview: The meadows occur within Lily Hill Park, located on the north east edge of Bracknell town centre. The park, an urban site surrounded by residential properties and an amenity playing field to the south, includes woodland parkland and grassland with a network of all-purpose paths. The meadows comprise semi-improved neutral grassland and marshy grassland, although are generally fairly species impoverished.

The park as a whole is a popular location for educational (e.g. schools) and recreational activities (e.g. dog walkers, special events).

Detailed description:

East meadow

A structurally varied grassland, in part as a result of the yellow rattle (locally frequent at the grassland periphery) and micro-topography, e.g. the central area is lower with at least some surface water. However, overall the grassland is generally species-poor with grasses dominating and most herbs occurring at a localised frequency and occurrence. There are several mature trees and localised seedlings, e.g. sweet chestnut, birch and oak. The seedlings occur at an occasional abundance and are concentrated below and in the immediate vicinity of the mature trees in the north and north-west. Bracken (locally frequent), grasses and exposed ground are the most conspicuous components of the ground flora below the trees. Bramble is locally frequent, especially along the north edge where it is beginning to encroach into the grassland. The diversity and abundance of herbs is greater in the south-west, species include rough hawksbit (abundant), common spotted orchids (frequent) and yellow rattle (frequent). Rushes and willow regeneration whips are locally frequent in the central area (depicted as marshy grassland). Around and within the standing/surface water species include willows (also spreading into the drier grassland) rushes, meadow foxtail, sweet reed grass, meadowsweet species, purple loosestrife. The western end of this wetter area comprised shallow, muddy pond.

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West meadow

Compared to the eastern meadow, this meadow has a greater grass component with a less varied structure. The central area (depicted as marshy grassland) comprises a shallow hollow with surface/shallow standing water in the centre. Here, rushes dominated with Yorkshire fog, meadow foxtail; herbs are generally of rare occurrence and scattered distribution, although greater birds foot trefoil is conspicuous and silverweed is locally abundant. Oak seedlings are locally frequent in the vicinity of the mature oak trees.

ECOLOGICAL SITE EVALUATION Typical species:

4 species - 2014: heather, Bird's-foot, Sheep's sorrel, gorse (Lily Park as a

whole - 12 species Velvet Bent, Pignut, broom, gorse (2012), foxglove (2012, Grassland - acidic: 1984, 86), wood sage (2012, 1986, 88). wood sorrel (1984, 86) Pill Sedge (1988), Wavy Hair-Grass (1986, 88), heath bedstraw, tormentil, common dog violet (1986))

9 species - 2014: Common Bird's-foot-trefoil, Common Spotted-orchid, Yellow- rattle, Common Knapweed, Meadowsweet, Oxeye Daisy, Meadow Vetchling, Greater Bird's-foot-trefoil, Rough hawksbit (Lily Park as a whole: 15 species: Grassland - lowland Pignut, Yellow-rattle, Meadow Vetchling, Oxeye Daisy, Common Bird's-foot- meadow trefoil, Common Knapweed, Meadowsweet (2012), Cuckooflower (2012, 1984, 88), Common Spotted-Orchid, Ragged Robin (2012, 1988), Common Marsh-Bedstraw (2012, 1986), Greater Bird's-foot-trefoil (2012, 1984). Cowslip, tormentil (1986) Common Sedge (1984).

Notable species: None

Recommendations: Boundary change: NA LWS status: Insufficient quality of grassland to be considered a LWS Surveys: None

ECOLOGICAL CONDITION ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT SUGGESTIONS No significant change in habitat since last survey in May 2012 Current management Tick Current condition Tick Management enhances overall Good ecological condition Management maintains overall yes Satisfactory ecological condition yes Potential for management to improve Potential for improvement of yes yes ecological interest ecological condition

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Bracknell 2014: Lily Hill Park SU86Z01 - Meadows PIOOuced by TVERC ~~~ Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey mapping with the permission of the Conb'Oller or Her Majesty's stationery Office © Crown Copyright. Oxfordshire County Council Licence Number 100023343. 2014 0,~ RGB Ae<'31 Pootog,aphy • © ~ FOR REFERENCE PURPOSES ONLY, NO AJRTHER COPIES MAY BE MADE. TVERC c:J Meadows - Habitats 2014 September 2014

Phase 1 habitats (survey 20/06/2014) Marshy grassland N Semi-improved neutral grassland (SI) 0 Scattered trees S

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Species list

East- West- Common name Scientific name Taxon Group meado meado Annual Meadow-grass Poa annua flowering LA Baldder campion Silene vulgaris flowering R Beech Fagus sylvatica flowering R Bird's-foot Ornithopus perpusillus flowering R Bracken Pteridium aquilinum fern LF Bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. flowering R Broad-leaved Dock Rumex obtusifolius flowering R Bugle Ajuga reptans flowering R R Cock's-foot Dactylis glomerata flowering R R Common Bird's-foot-trefoil Lotus corniculatus flowering LA O Common Knapweed Centaurea nigra flowering O O Common Mouse-ear Cerastium fontanum flowering O R Common Spotted-orchid Dactylorhiza fuchsii flowering LF LF Common vetch Vicia sativa flowering R Common Yellow-sedge Carex viridula subsp. flowering R Compact rush Juncus conglomeratus flowering R R Corsican Pine Pinus nigra subsp. laricio conifer R Creeping bent Agrostis stolonifera flowering O Creeping Buttercup Ranunculus repens flowering LA O Creeping Cinquefoil Potentilla reptans flowering R Creeping soft grass Holcus mollis flowering R Creeping Thistle Cirsium arvense flowering R Crested dogs tail Cynosurus cristatus flowering LF O Cultivated meadowsweet Filipendula sp. flowering R Daisy Bellis perennis flowering R Dandelion Taraxacum officinale agg. flowering R False oat grass Arrhenatherum elatius flowering R Floating Sweet-grass Glyceria fluitans flowering R Germander Speedwell Veronica chamaedrys flowering R Gorse Ulex europaeus flowering R Greater Bird's-foot-trefoil Lotus pedunculatus flowering R Greater Plantain Plantago major flowering R Groundsel Senecio vulgaris flowering R Hairy Sedge Carex hirta flowering R heather Calluna vulgaris flowering R Hogweed Heracleum sphondylium flowering R Holly Ilex aquifolium flowering R Joint/shrp flowered rush Juncus spp. flowering R LA Lawson's Cypress Chamaecyparis lawsoniana conifer R Lesser stitchwort Stellaria graminea flowering O R lesser trefoil Trifolium dubium flowering LA O Meadow Buttercup Ranunculus acris flowering R R Meadow Foxtail Alopecurus pratensis flowering LF LO Meadow Vetchling Lathyrus pratensis flowering F Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria flowering R Oval sedge Carex ovalis flowering R Oxeye Daisy Leucanthemum vulgare flowering R Perennial Rye-grass Lolium perenne flowering R LF Purple loosestrife Lythrum salicaria flowering LF Red clover Trifolium pratense flowering LF LF Red fescue Festuca rubra flowering LF LA Redshank Persicaria maculosa flowering R Ribwort Plantain Plantago lanceolata flowering F O

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Common name Scientific name Taxon Group East- West- Rough hawksbit Leontodon hispidus flowering LA LO Sheeps sorrel Rumex acetosella flowering LO Silver Birch Betula pendula flowering R Silverweed Potentilla anserina flowering LA Slender rush Juncus tenuis flowering R Soft-rush Juncus effusus flowering LA Sweet Chestnut Castanea sativa flowering R Sweet Vernal-grass Anthoxanthum odoratum flowering F O Sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus flowering R Timothy Phleum pratense flowering O R Tufted Hair-Grass Deschampsia cespitosa flowering O Turkey Oak Quercus cerris flowering R White Clover Trifolium repens flowering LA LF Wood Dock Rumex sanguineus flowering R Yarrow Achillea millefolium flowering O Yellow Iris Iris pseudacorus flowering R Yellow-rattle Rhinanthus minor flowering LF LO Yorkshire-fog Holcus lanatus flowering O LA

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Wildflower diversification

Charles Flower, June 2011 Proposals for wild flower diversification

1. Introduction The objectives were:

“to diversify the grassland of the Eastern Meadow (approx 1.ha – 2.5 acres ) through establishing additional species of the MG5 community either by seed, 9cm pots or any other appropriate method.”

“to diversify the damp gulley in the Eastern Meadow through the addition of appropriate species by seed or 9cm pots.”

An initial visit was made on 3rd March 2010 but it was clear that it was too early in the season to assess the existing plant diversity. A further visit was made on May 12th 2011.

2. Species distribution (see attached diagram Appendix I) The meadow divides into five areas:

A. The main meadow area The species recorded here are listed in Appendix II. It was a reasonably full list, but although there was considerable diversity of plants which were visible, it was clear that they did not flower effectively or make any sort of show. There were significant areas of bare soil / low plant density. Grasses were significantly few in areas well used by visitors. Much of the area had the appearance of a well used footpath. In discussion, it was clear that although the acid sandy soil was not ideal for many of the species which had been sown, an additional key factor was the trampling pressure of the visitors particularly in the centre of the meadow.

B. The northern slope This was a relatively small area, part shielded by a couple of bramble clumps which reduced the effect of trampling. Additional species recorded here included red clover, black medick, salad burnet, bladder campion, white campion and lesser stitchwort. The existence of these additional species all suggested that the soil here may have been imported and was less acidic. Red clover and black medick occur in the seedbank on less acidic soils.

C. Small area south of the gulley

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This was a delightful area with good plant diversity as well as a good population of yellow rattle, with birdsfoot trefoil in flower. Rather fittingly we saw common blues on the wing, birdsfoot trefoil being their food plant. Yellow rattle had been a very specific part of the seed mix in order to suppress grass competition. The yellow rattle and the other plants were all in good shape because they were in an area protected by the gulley, so visitors tended to walk less across this area. This confirmed the view that visitor trampling was a major issue but there may well have been better soil conditions here due to silt being carried down the gulley and affecting the adjoining area. Once again, trampling or lack of it may not have been the only factor at work here.

D. Small shaded area on south side This was a small area on the south side of the meadow protected by a few birch trees where there were woodland plants such as bugle, dog violet and bluebell. Other factors apart from reduced trampling may have been at work here in the form of increased leaf litter from the trees which would have raised the pH of the soil.

E. The damp gulley Because of the nature of the gulley, it acted as a barrier to walkers, so here again trampling was less of a factor, however the silt carried down the gulley would have been a significant factor in countering the generally acid conditions. Wetland plants such as ragged robin, meadow sweet, purple loosestrife, greater birdsfoot trefoil, soft rush and yellow flag iris were in evidence. A single wild carrot was observed at the western end of the gulley where no doubt a higher nutrient status had made life possible.

3. Managing the five areas Area A - It was clear that mown pathways used elsewhere in the park to encourage visitors to keep to a certain route could be used in the main meadow area, backed up if necessary by simple rope barriers. Interpretive boards explaining the management aims would be a key feature here.

Area B - The bramble clumps in this area could be extended to create an informal barrier and again help to divert visitors to mown paths.

Area C - Although soil conditions might be easier on the plants here, if the trampling hypothesis is correct, this would also explain why the yellow rattle is flourishing here. This area could perhaps be extended by mown paths or any other device available.

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Area D – This is potentially a small shaded area with woodland type plants. A barrier could be developed on the higher side of this area with shrubs such as hazel, holly, guelder rose etc again to encourage people to walk round the area rather than across it.

Area E - The gulley is a natural barrier in itself, so planting could help to emphasize this. Yellow flag iris is a substantial plant and up to 6 or 7 good clumps could be developed along each side of the gulley, the clumps being planted wherever the gulley sides change direction, so that the irises would help to delineate this attractive feature.

4. Diversifying the areas Areas A, B C - Appendix II lists the species which were observed on May 12th, half of which would have been in the sown seed mix. Species shown in italics are more likely to have come from dormant seed as seed from these species is not usually commercially available and is known to lie dormant for years in the soil. Additional species such as meadow vetchling, betony, cowslip, devilsbit scabious, ladys bedstraw, selfheal and common agrimony could all be added round the edges of A or in B and C where soil conditions may be more favourable. Sources of plants. Meadow vetchling should be collected from the western meadow where it is plentiful. Betony is growing along the eastern edge of the western meadow under trees and seed could be collected from the plants here. The rest of the seed should be purchased and then plants grown on. Alternatively, Flower Farms would be happy to grow on 9cm pots. Cowslip was identified as being of local significance in the Local Biodiversity Action Plan and although it dislikes acidic conditions, it should be possible to establish it in the less acidic areas.

Area D - increase dog violets and bluebells and introduce primroses and lesser celandine to make a show in spring. This area could then be mown once the primroses have set seed so that it can be a shady spot for visitors later in the year. Sources of plants. Bluebells are best established from bulbs, but please note that the bulbs need to be planted at least 4 inches deep otherwise they will be dug up by mice. Dog violets, primroses and lesser celandine should be established from 9cm pots.

Area E - the hybrid meadow sweet was beginning to dominate so I suggest that this is reduced by up to 50% with an increase in ragged robin, yellow flag iris with some key wetland plants being added such as devilsbit scabious, fleabane, hemp agrimony, marsh marigold, sneezewort, square stemmed St Johns wort and valerian. Sources of plants. Ragged robin is a short lived perennial and is best established from seed, so there could be a project here for children to collect seed from the damp area in the

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western meadow and scatter it along the edges of the gulley. This plant was also identified as being of local significance in the Biodiversity Action Plan. Yellow flag iris could be divided up from the existing plants. The remaining plants should be established using 9cm pots.

4. Estimates for 9cm pots and costs 9cm pots should be planted in groups of three pots per species, with the pots 0.5m apart.

Areas A and B (perimeter of less acidic areas probably = 400m) 100 x 9 cm pots of the seven species suggested should be planted = 700 pots

Area C (estimated at 30m x 15m = 450m2) 50 x 9cm pots of Cowslip and devilsbit scabious should be planted in this area = 100 pots

Area D (estimated at 15m x 15m = 225m2) 25 x 9cm pots of dog violet and lesser celandine and 50 x 9cm pots of primrose should be planted in this area = 100 pots

Area E (gulley estimated at approx 40m long) 25 x 9cm pots should be planted of the 6 species suggested = 150 pots Total = 1050 pots. @£1.50 = £1575 excl VAT

Please note that this is very much a first attempt at adding to the species diversity using 9cm pots, but collecting local seed for several of the species should be attempted if at all possible.

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tern Meadow I of the Eas Appendix Diagram

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Appendix II

Species recorded in the eastern meadow. (Italics indicates species which have probably appeared from dormant seed)

Autumn hawkbit betony Birdsfoot trefoil Black medick Bladder campion Bulbous buttercup Bush vetch Common mouse-ear Common sorrel Creeping buttercup Field wood rush

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Germander speedwell Gorse Heather Lesser knapweed Lesser stitchwort Meadow buttercup Meadow vetchling Oxeye daisy Pepper saxifrage Pignut Red clover Ribwort plantain Salad burnet Sedges – 2 species Soft rush Tormentil Thyme-leaved speedwell White campion Yarrow yellow rattle

Additional species recorded in the gulley. Common vetch . Greater birdsfoot trefoil Meadow sweet Purple loosestrife Ragged robin Yellow flag iris Woodland species Bluebell Bugle Dog violet

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Supplementary survey – Bat activity 2011

Lily Hill Park Lily Hill Road Bracknell RG12 2RX Bat Activity Survey

Ref: R300/a

November 2011

1 INTRODUCTION ...... 3 1.1 Background ...... 3 1.2 Site location and context ...... 3 1.3 Legislative Background ...... 3

2 SURVEY METHOD ...... 5 2.1 Evening activity survey ...... 5 2.2 Survey constraints ...... 5

3 SURVEY FINDINGS ...... 6

4 DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 7

5 REFERENCES ...... 8

APPENDIX 1 – BAT SURVEY FINDINGS ...... 9

APPENDIX 2 – RAW EVENING AND DAWN BAT SURVEY DATA ...... 10

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1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background 1.1.1 John Wenman Ecological Consultancy LLP was commissioned by Bracknell Forest Council to carry out a bat activity survey for the presence of bats Lily Hill Park, Lily Hill Road, Bracknell, Berkshire; in order to inform the long term mitigation and monitoring of the park and to meet targets within the Bracknell Forest Biodiversity Action Plan. The survey was focussed on Starch Copse – an area of mature, broadleaved woodland on the western side of the park.

1.2 Site location and context 1.2.1 Lily Hill Park is a 23-hectare public open space comprising woodland, wetland and open grassland habitats situated to the north east of Bracknell, Berkshire (OS grid reference: SU886693). 1.2.2 The park is surrounded to the south and east by residential properties and their associated gardens. The park is situated close to and partially linked through tree lines to further areas of extensive woodland; including Chilton’s Hill to the north, Chavey Down, Long Hill and Swinley Park to the south west Englemere Pond Site of Special Scientific Interest is located approximately 1 kilometre to the south west of the park and provides the closest extensive water body offering excellent foraging opportunities for bats.

1.3 Legislative Background 1.3.1 All British bat species are fully protected by the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and by the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (‘Habitat Regulations’). In summary, the legislation combined makes it an offence to:

 Damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place or intentionally or recklessly obstruct access to a structure or place used for shelter by a bat;  Deliberately, intentionally or recklessly disturb bats; in particular any disturbance which is likely to impair the ability of bats to survive, breed or reproduce or nurture their young; or in the case of hibernating or migrating bats, to hibernate or migrate; or to affect significantly the local distribution or abundance of the species;  Deliberately kill, injure or take any bat.

1.3.2 The government’s statutory conservation advisory organisation, Natural England, is responsible for issuing European Protected Species licences that would permit activities that would otherwise lead to an infringement of the Habitat Regulations. A licence can be issued if the following three tests have been met:

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 Regulation 53(9)(a) - there is “no satisfactory alternative” to the derogation, and;  Regulation 53(9)(b) - the derogation “will not be detrimental to the maintenance of the population of the species concerned at a favourable conservation status in their natural range” and;  Regulation 53(2)(e) - the derogation is for the purposes of “preserving public health or public safety or other imperative reasons of overriding public interest, including those of a social or economic nature and beneficial consequences of primary importance for the environment”.

1.3.3 Local authorities have a statutory duty under Regulation 9(5) of the Habitat Regulations to have regard to requirements of the Habitats Directive in the exercise of their functions. A local authority must consider and determine whether these three tests have been satisfied by an application affecting European Protected Species before granting planning permission.

1.3.4 Natural England aims to issue a decision on licence applications within 30 working days of the submission of applications. In the event that a licence application fails to meet any of the licensing tests, set out above, a revised application would be re-considered within a further 30 working day period.

2 SURVEY METHOD 2.1 Evening activity survey 2.1.1 An evening activity survey was conducted in the area of Starch Copse on the western boundary of Lily Hill Park on the 23rd August 2011. A circular transect around the majority of the woodland was walked repeatedly by two surveyors with the aid of an Anabat SD2 detector with a Batnav GPS attachment, in conjunction with Batbox Duet to assist with in the field identification. The Anabat recordings were analysed using the AnalookW computer software package. 2.1.2 The evening survey was carried out from approximately half an hour before sunset until approximately 90 minutes after sunset. 2.2 Survey constraints 2.2.1 There were no significant constraints to the survey which was undertaken within the peak season for undertaking bat detector surveys i.e. May to August inclusive, and in conditions suitable for recording bat activity i.e. largely dry.

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3 SURVEY FINDINGS 3.1.1 No bats were directly observed emerging from roosts within the Starch Copse during the survey. 3.1.2 Five species of British bats were detected within the woodland: common pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus), soprano pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmaeus), noctule (Nyctalus noctula), a long eared species, likely to be brown long eared bat (Plecotus auritus) and an unidentified species from the genus Myotis. 3.1.3 Common pipistrelles were frequently recorded foraging throughout the woodland as well as producing social calls. A single soprano pipistrelle pass was recorded along the eastern side of the Starch Copse, near the south west corner of the rugby pitch. Pipistrelle foraging activity was observed throughout the survey at the edge of the illuminated pitch. Foraging passes were observed around the small pond on the eastern side of the Copse. Four of the five species recorded, not including soprano pipistrelle, were recorded foraging over the pond. 3.1.4 Two noctule passes were recorded during the survey: the first was over the pond at 21:23; and the second was just south of the pond along the eastern woodland edge at 21:44; both passes were not observed. 3.1.5 Four long eared bat passes were recorded along the northern end of the circular transect. These ranged from over the pond to the western side of Starch Copse.

4 DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 4.1.1 Eight bat passes by common pipistrelles and one soprano pipistrelle pass were recorded within the typical emergence time for pipistrelles, i.e. approximately 20 minutes after sunset. These were seen passing up and down the path on the western side of the Starch Copse and extensively foraging amongst the trees within the centre of the transect route, and foraging in the corner of the eastern rugby pitch at the woodland edge. This suggests that the trees within the Copse could potentially be used as roosts by pipistrelle bats. The recordings of later emerging species particularly long eared bats and Myotis species approximately 1 hour after sunset indicates that these species could also be utilising trees within the Copse as roosting sites 4.1.2 Further survey comprising emergence and re-entry survey focusing on specific trees identified as having bat potential during daylight surveys would be required to identify any roosting sites.

5 REFERENCES Bat Conservation Trust (2007). Bat Surveys – Good Practice Guidelines. Bat Conservation Trust, London.

124

Froglife (1999). Reptile survey: an introduction to planning, conducting and interpreting surveys for snake and lizard conservation. Froglife Advice Sheet 10. Froglife, Halesworth. Gent, T. & Gibson, S. (2003). Herpetofauna Workers’ Manual. JNCC, Peterborough. Mitchell-Jones, A. J. (2004) Bat mitigation guidelines. English Nature, Peterborough.

Mitchell-Jones, A. J. & McLeish, A. P. (2004) Bat Workers’ Manual (3RD Edition). JNCC,

Peterborough.

125

1 - BAT SURVEY FINDINGS

J I __ _/ ,•• .~ • >. •• • • -·I -'• """""" • ' l ••• p • . , .

Key:

• S~rel\.t>P~s!rel'.e e Nclc111lt • ,..,o.15 $p • Srotro1t Jong ea1ed • Common pJ)i,trtille A.clM;yT,.n,&el Rou• 0 .. .. 1 . ·····-·"···-··· Metie.11! -- c,,,..., , ,. .... M cl,•u. &un..-,tw.: Ji!> IJWENMAN .. *11Jt412>11 lJ1 l'tl'311(, 1!11Klllfll e.i .t.ettty s,.m,, ecological consultancy

John Wenrnan Eoo~ogica! Consuttancy 14/ 1112011

126

APPENDIX 2 – RAW EVENING AND DAWN BAT SURVEY DATA

Location: Starch Copse Western Park Boundary (Surveyors: JW and LB) Survey date: 23/08/11; Weather conditions: Damp; Overcast 100% Cloud Cover; c.16-18°c; Still-Light air (0- 1) Sunset: 20:07 Time Species Survey notes 20:15 Common pipistrelle Foraging up and down the path along the western side of the starch copse. 20:16 Common pipistrelle Foraging along the western side the starch copse. 20:17 Common pipistrelle Multiple individuals foraging along the western side the starch copse and social calling. 20:20 Common pipistrelle Two passes unseen at the south west corner of the starch copse. 20:23 Common pipistrelle Pass from east to west along the path of the southern boundary. 20:25 Common pipistrelle Three plus individuals foraging at the edge of the light of the eastern rugby pitch in the south east corner of the starch copse. 20:25 Soprano pipistrelle Foraging at the edge of the rugby pitch. 20:26 Common pipistrelle Foraging along the eastern side of the starch copse 20:27 Common pipistrelle Foraging along the eastern side of the starch copse 20:28 Common pipistrelle Four foraging passes over the pond. Passing east to west and over the east side of the pond. 20:29 Common pipistrelle Foraging along the northern edge of the transect route. 20:31 Common pipistrelle Foraging along the western edge of the transect route. 20:37 Common pipistrelle Foraging along the south east corner of the transect route. 20:38 Common pipistrelle Continuous foraging at the edge of the rugby pitch at the flood lights edge. 20:39 Common pipistrelle Pass along the eastern side of the starch copse. 20:45 Common pipistrelle Commuting pass unseen over the pond. 20:46 Common pipistrelle Pass along the western side of the transect 20:48 Common pipistrelle Foraging at the woodlands edge at border to rugby flood lighting. 20:49 Common pipistrelle Foraging under the canopy along the northern edge of the transect just past the bridge.

127

20:50 Common pipistrelle Foraging along the eastern side of the pond. 20:51 Common pipistrelle Foraging along the eastern side of the pond. 20:52 Common pipistrelle Pass unseen 20:56 Common pipistrelle Pass unseen 20:58 Common pipistrelle Pass unseen 21:00 Common pipistrelle Passes unseen 21:01 Common pipistrelle Foraging over the pond 21:05 Myotis sp. Foraging low over the pond. 21:06 Common pipistrelle Foraging in circles high over the pond. 21:09 Long eared sp. Foraging near the pond. 21:11 Common pipistrelle Foraging along the northern transect boundary 21:11 Long eared sp. Foraging along the northern transect boundary 21:12 Common pipistrelle Passes unseen 21:13 Common pipistrelle Social calling unseen 21:14 Common pipistrelle Passes unseen 21:16 Common pipistrelle Passes unseen 21:18 Common pipistrelle Passes unseen 21:19 Common pipistrelle Pass unseen 21:20 Common pipistrelle Passes unseen 21:21 Common pipistrelle Passes unseen 21:22 Common pipistrelle Passes unseen 21:23 Common pipistrelle Pass unseen 21:23 Noctule Pass unseen just before the pond along the eastern boundary 21:27 Long eared sp. Unseen along the northern edge of starch copse. 21:34 Common pipistrelle Pass unseen 21:34 Long eared sp. Unseen along the western edge of starch copse. 21:35 Common pipistrelle Social calling unseen 21:36 Common pipistrelle Pass unseen 21:37 Common pipistrelle Pass unseen 21:38 Common pipistrelle Pass unseen 21:44 Noctule Foraging over the pond.

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Appendix F – Policy background

The Council Plan 2015 – 2019 The Council Plan has defined six Strategic themes, including four that are supported by the Parks and Countryside Management Plans. • People live active and healthy lifestyles • A clean, green, growing and sustainable place • Strong, safe, supportive and self-reliant communities • A strong and resilient economy

Key measures of success are identified for each strategic theme and the proposed review of the site management plans will act directly to ensure: • Resident satisfaction levels with parks and open spaces is maintained

The plans will indirectly support the key measures of success that: • Development plans provide sufficient open space • Numbers of adults and young people participating in leisure and sport has increased • Levels of volunteering and community action in the borough are increased • High levels of community cohesion are maintained • There are low levels of crime and anti-social behaviour throughout the borough Comprehensive public health programmes are delivered

The council has adopted a Parks and Open Spaces Strategy (2012) and the P&C management plans are in accordance with delivering on the key objectives: Provision: • Protect and establish public open space for recreation, play, sport, health, biodiversity, heritage and climate change adaption that is appropriate to need; strategically located; and adaptable to future requirements Maintenance: • Provide safe and welcoming public open space; attain and improve quality standards • Use and Enjoyment: • Make sure public open space supports well-being; encourages participation; and facilitates social inclusion

Specific priorities within the strategy addressed by the P&C management plan review include: • Manage sites to a high standard; carry out improvement works to sustain and improve quality in line with the Bracknell Forest Council ‘Plus One Principle’ and relevant national guidance. • Enhance the natural qualities of parks and open spaces.

• Protect and enhance biodiversity. • Positively manage trees and woodlands, to include new planting for future generations. • Enhance outdoor sport and play provision (including ancillary facilities)

Draft Play, Open Spaces and Sports Study for Bracknell Forest (2016-2036)

1.1 Bracknell Forest Council has undertaken a study of green infrastructure, play provision, open space and indoor and outdoor sport and recreational facilities. This will provide a clear vision and priorities for the future, based on local need. The study runs from 2016 to 2036 to align with the emerging Comprehensive Local Plan period. The study has been prepared in parallel with the Playing Pitch Strategy, of which, both have a shared set of appendices.

129

1.2 The study embraces one of the main ambitions of the Borough Council to plan positively, creatively and effectively to ensure that there is adequate provision of accessible, high quality green spaces, civic spaces and sports and recreation facilities that meet the needs and aspirations of local people and visitors.

1.3 The report has been prepared with a number of objectives: 1. Quantifying strategic and locally important play, open space and sports facilities. 2. Quantifying planned new provision. 3. To assess the quality, accessibility and availability of existing provision. 4. To assess future demand patterns and gaps in terms of provision. 5. To provide a clear evidence base for future service provision and quality improvements. 6. To provide evidence for changes to existing play, open space or sports facilities. 7. To provide the evidence base for planning policy and guidance requirements, including local quantitative, qualitative and accessibility standards.

1.4 There are tangible benefits of have high quality play, open space and sports provision as summarised in the table below.

Residents and • Provides areas for play and recreation for all ages visitors • Widespread availability encourages equality and diversity • Provides local access close to where people live, visit or work • Provides community safety opportunities Environment • Provides a counterbalance to the hard landscape of urban areas. • Improves biodiversity • Provides habitat for wildlife • Important education resource • Provides sustainable drainage opportunities • Combats climate change • Provides safe and attractive routes for walkers, cyclists and horse riders • Provides local access to residents • Creates a pleasant visual amenity Social • Improves physical health • Contributes to physical and mental health and wellbeing • Fosters community spirit and activity • Fosters a sense of identity and pride of place Economic • Increases land values and house prices • Can help influence where business and its employees locate • Encourages visitors and their spending • Allows new residential development to proceed • Attracts development and local investment opportunities • Improves the image of the borough

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Scope of the Study: 1.6 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) guidance requires local authorities to undertake an assessment of provision of open space, indoor facilities and outdoor sports provision. The Council has reviewed existing strategies and has undertaken consultation with the local public as part of the audit. NPPF paragraph 73 states:

“Access to high quality open spaces and opportunities for sport and recreation can make an important contribution to the health and well-being of communities. Planning policies should be based on robust and up-to-date assessments of the needs for open space, sports and recreation facilities and opportunities for new provision. The assessments should identify specific needs and quantitative or qualitative deficits or surpluses of open space, sports and recreational facilities in the local area. Information gained from the assessments should be used to determine what open space, sports and recreational provision is required.”

1.7 This study updates the previous study in 2006 which was produced following Assessing needs and opportunities: A companion guide to PPG17. However this guidance has now been replaced by the Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) on open space, sports and recreation facilities. The PPG recommends that Sport England Guidance is used to assess sports and recreation provision entitled Assessing needs and opportunities guide for indoor and outdoor sports facilities (July 2014). Sport England (July 2014). The Sport England guidance partly replaces the companion guide and is intended for sports only. This leaves an obvious gap in guidance for other topics such as green infrastructure and other non-sport related open space and recreational provision. The Council has therefore taken a pragmatic approach and will follow the stages set out in the Sport England guidance and use it to cover facets of this study that cover play, open space and sports and green infrastructure because many of the recommended stages can be applied wider than just for indoor and outdoor sports. Accordingly, the study follows a 3-stage process:

Stage A – Prepare and tailor the approach (Chapter 2 of this report). Stage B – Gather information on supply and demand (Chapters 3 - 9). Stage C – Assessment – bringing the information together (Chapter 3- 9).

1.8 The study will form an evidence base to: • Develop up-to-date planning policies produced in Local Plans and Neighbourhood Plans. • Produce or refresh an authority wide facility strategy for green infrastructure, play, open space and indoor and outdoor sport. • Develop and review standards of provision for planning policy and guidance. • Inform the Borough’s approach to infrastructure planning. • Inform the Development Management process. • Develop a good evidence base for funding bids.

Parks and Open Spaces Strategy (2012)

This Strategy is about the management and development of recreational green space, particularly in the context of contributing to quality of life.

Key objectives are: A. Provision: Protect and establish public open space for recreation, play, sport, health, biodiversity, heritage and climate change mitigation and adaption that is appropriate to need; strategically located; and adaptable to future requirements B. Maintenance: Provide safe and welcoming public open space; attain and improve quality standards

131

C. Use and Enjoyment: Make sure public open space supports well-being; encourages participation; and facilitates social inclusion

A key priority set out within the borough’s Parks and Open Spaces Strategy is “sustaining and raising quality standards for parks and open spaces, together with the provision of facilities that are of a sufficient size to meet the recreational demands of a growing residential population. This needs to be achieved in the context of increasing pressure to reduce public expenditure, alongside encouraging greater community ownership and involvement. Core priorities over the next 5 years which are related to quality standards and Green Flag (below) include: Monitor and assess quality standards across parks and open spaces. Manage sites to a high standard; carry out improvement works to sustain and improve quality in line with the Bracknell Forest Council ‘Plus One Principle’ and relevant national guidance. Maintain Green Flag status for existing award winning parks and attain additional Green Flag Awards for suitable sites.”

Biodiversity Action Plan 2018-23

The BAP has the following aims and objectives:

1.1 Aim To conserve and enhance biodiversity within Bracknell Forest Borough 1.2 Objectives Comprehensive Monitoring: of priority species and habitats to inform decisions Proactive Policies: to ensure important sites are protected and get the best result for biodiversity in development Positive Management: to maintain, restore and create key habitats for wildlife

Effective Communication: between partners, landowners and the public to raise awareness, influence actions, encourage partnership, and inform decisions

The BAP sets out 6 Habitat Action Plans (including associated key species) encompassing grassland; woodland; wetland; heathland; farmland and urban areas.

Local Transport Plan (LTP3 2011-2026)

Local goals: 1.1 To improve the connectivity of the transport system to places of work, schools, hospitals and public amenities. 2.4 To promote, support and improve facilities for cycling and walking. 3.1 To promote accessibility to everyday facilities for all, especially those without a car. 3.3 To improve connections to, from and within areas away from Bracknell Town Centre. 3.4 To promote the use of non-motorised transport for local journeys. 3.7 To ensure that new development providing facilities and services is accessible by pedestrians (to include people with disabilities), cyclists and by public transport and to promote improvements to existing development where this is inadequate. 4.2 To promote means of travel that are conducive to better health. 4.3 Encourage more walking and cycling, as both a leisure pursuit and commuting choice.

Objectives To ensure accessibility to everyday facilities for all, especially those without a car. To promote sustainable modes of transport for local journeys.

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Of particular relevance is:

Policy TP18: Public Rights of Way

Standards for Accessible Natural Greenspace – ANGSt (Natural England) As set out on the Natural England website; “Accessible Natural Greenspace Standard (ANGSt) provides a set of benchmarks for ensuring access to places near to where people live. These standards recommend that people living in towns and cities should have: • an accessible natural greenspace of at least 2 hectares in size, no more than 300 metres (5 minutes walk) from home • at least one accessible 20 hectare site within two kilometres of home • one accessible 100 hectare site within five kilometres of home • one accessible 500 hectare site within ten kilometres of home • one hectare of statutory Local Nature Reserves per thousand population” ANGSt is based on three principles: a) Improving access b) Improving naturalness c) Improving connectivity

ROWIP 2017-27 Vision: Bracknell Forest Council, through the Bracknell Forest Rights of Way Improvement Plan, aims to provide a public rights of way network: • on which up-to-date information is readily available by a variety of means; • that is physically accessible for all where practicable; • which meets the needs of a wide variety of users for both recreation and access.

Relevant Policies: • POLICY ROWIP 1: Rights of Way Users Protect and enhance the public rights of way network. Place priority on improving accessibility of the network for the mobility or visually impaired. • POLICY ROWIP 2: Maintenance Continue to maintain the public rights of way network to a high level based on BVPI standards and aim to increase the accessibility of the network where practical. • POLICY ROWIP 3: Routes and Links Where practicable, reclassify existing paths or create new paths to provide further network linkages and create further safe circular routes, particularly for horseriders, cyclists and carriage-drivers. POLICY ROWIP 4: Information and Marketing Provide information on and promote the public rights of way network to the public through online information, leaflets, route guides, press releases and on-site information. • POLICY ROWIP 5: Non Users Consider non-users of the public rights of way network as potential future users; examine reasons for non-use and take action on those which might easily attract new users. • POLICY ROWIP 6: Responsible Use / Landowners and Managers Promote and publicise legal and responsible use of the public rights of way network and access to the countryside; landowners and land managers with areas open to public access will be supported regarding public use of their land.

Bracknell Forest Equality Scheme 2012-16

Bracknell Forest Council is committed to providing an accessible environment for all the community. In recognising the access needs of disabled people, the Council aims to improve the built environment, services and facilities for all users, creating an inclusive environment for all those who live, work or visit Bracknell Forest.

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The Equality Scheme sets out what the council intends to achieve in terms of equality and diversity over 2012-16 and includes the council’s equality objectives. The Equality Scheme Action Plan details how we will deliver on and know we have achieved these objectives.

The Scheme’s objectives were selected with the participation and involvement of a diverse range of community groups, partners and the council’s staff and elected members during 2011- 12.

The Scheme replaces the council's 'All of Us' Community Cohesion Strategy 2008-2012 and our separate Race, Gender and Disability equality schemes. To check the council's past performance on implementing 'All of Us' and our equality schemes please see the annual monitoring report downloads from 2008-2011.

Many of the objectives within the council’s previous Equality Schemes and Community Cohesion Strategy have now become part of the council’s day to day work, for example delivering equality and diversity training, so these are highlighted in section 5 of the Equality Scheme.

The Council also runs an Access Advisory Panel. The Panel is made up of local representatives of disability organisations within the Borough and four councillors. The Panel works to improve services and facilities in Bracknell Forest for disabled people.

Disabled Go The Council and its partners worked in conjunction with Disabled Go, a national charity, to produce an online access guide covering 500 venues across the Borough to help inform and empower people with disabilities. The venues listed on their website include several of Bracknell Borough’s Parks and Countryside sites as well as council buildings, shops, hotels, restaurants and cafes.

134 Appendix G – Promotional leaflets 2019

Lily Hill Park leaflet

Early history Useful Information Tho land on \Nhich Lily Hil I Park is located was once Directions pi:11 of Windsor F'orest, whid'l spa,ned much of Lily Hill Park is. located just east of Brad

Welcome to Horticultural value Time line for Uy Hill PaJ1< is home to both native and inl!oducod Lily Hill Park 179os, rargirg kom the"''"'"" Erglish Oal

~~136~~

Edwardian Water Garden, @ Story Telling @ Well and Cascade Throne This raiood ooat is a groat spot for a pootograpll "' two. I.Joo thG plattorm oppocite to tako pholos from the same spot oo 83Ch of your visits to the park and bui'.l a coloctiao of rmmo00$ of time spool VAth family and friends. Email us your pictures if you ¥KlUld Ike to SOO th8m on CU woopagos. The Ha-Ha ® This 'ilvisiblo foncolino' marl<,; tho bouldarywith tho private lawns of L.t,, Hill House (,1hicll are r"4 accessible _ 8-0g()o((!e,, to thG public.) 1-istoricaly the moadc,,,s provided grazirg Widflo"'e! Meadow for livestock so the Ha~Ha was invented to protect the :!I Las, Pile houS8 aoo la-tms vlhila ~esarving the views from the Pond &Gootdwilk wn dot,s. Too term Ha-Ha is said to bo do!ived from @ Edwardian Water Garden, Well & Cascacla the noioo ol surpnso pooplo made when the/ stumbled I Ha-Ha a= this invisible dilc:11. Lily HIii House Historic Driveway Rhododendron ~ I OfChard Yew Wa!k and Azalea Summer House Giant Picnic Bench Collection @ Ampi.heatre • •' •,"& Spread througooul tho Wellingtonia TA:!0$ ~·: ~ v/OOClaOO is a cdlectioo of Site of Forester's Public House , Hardy 1-t;tlermi11t1c1. NOMOtClf ~•esJ 1:1 BusStop in 2006 to rooognioo that all of tho land around Lly Hil Lodge was hisl(l(icaJly planted vAth Accessible Patns rJ lnfo,mation & Interpretation Board C$11t~bl• k}f~rw,$. lncAl(lhg ""'IWCl\il1r$ appto troos. Eac:11 appto troo is of a diffGI, • 50 100 M etn:s Footpaths Fo,go and lam Putt. fSufbOed pelttt $UM~ IOl'~SM~t leSbri'lg stiet)$ or Mee? inclines. No motor' ~dicle>s or c)drc;i.) Summer House @ Giant Picnic Bench @ Meadows ®@ This fantastic licnic boncl1 is tho largest n Tho moadot,s provide vahJabto haatat E

~~137~~

~~BFC Parks & Countryside Events leaflet Nov 18 - Apr 19~~

Booking and pre-payment Is required (BR) Yellow highlight indicates Lily Hill Park events. for all our events unless otherwise stated. JANUARY APRIL Please book via httpa://bracknell-forest.gov. uk/parks-and-cooobyside/events riJ Heathland Management at Wildmoor ~ East er Treasure Hunts (BR) ~ Heath (BR) ~ Sotve a series of fesllV8 ck.Jes to win a Sunday 8, 10am-1.30pm ctioc:Olate· pnzel Morq or anemoon Bracknell Forest Natural NOVEMBER KlCk start ycu new yetJ/ by helping the f!Nents available (10am-11.30am or 1pm- rangers conserve this precious site. We will be 2.30pm). Early boolfes by Dr Meet: At Oak tree in Westmorland Park, off www.bracknel-forest.gov.lJ<./p&ksandcolJf1tryside i\driana Coosorte-McCrea (i"") Orchard Pruning at LIiy HIii Park_(!! Westmor\and Drive, Wa1ield, RG42 30P. Ju,e 17 The Life of a Glow-Worm by JolY1 ~ Thul"May 7, 10am - 12 noon Cost : £20 per dimber. Places can be T,Swinley Forest The rnnm.m number for a party is 8. Please A qualified, Instructor led, CN8f 50s super fun & email lnf~.co.lJ< to see OU" All childn:m under 16 attending our events must Bunday, 18 December at Uy HIii Park .....,,ity, frieocty Nordic Walkilg group. be accompanied by a responsible adult. Meet: Giant Plalic Table, lJly HIii ~ off I.J!'i Contact: 07961 356207 or email: ruthaaron240 HI Road, Bracknel, RG12 2RX. goog6emal.com. Conservation volunteEri"'lg is a practical way for Meet: 9:20am at The Look OUt car park. Nine ·A non-dairy prize option Is ava'8ble you to protect the environment you care about Mile Ricle, BtadWarfield, Bracknell RG42 6EN promote wakng, cydl'IQ and horse rldhg borough is also available on our website www ~ (A) Community Utter pick a t Lily Hill Park . opportunities. bracknell-forest.gov.uk/parks-and-rountrySida,' ~ Thursday 21 , 2pm-3pm 15 January - B lnfield & Billingbear - ( MI R) Mu t : North car park, off LIiy Hill Road outdoor-activities ~Litter picks/ Talks Meet: Jack O'Newbury pub, Terrace Road Bracknell G12 2AX. No booking requi Please contact our tVlts of way team if you're recycle [I, interested in getting lnvotved RightsOMlayO North, Binfieid, Bracknell RG42 SHX Bracknell-Forest.go,J.IJ< 19 February - Swinley Park - (R) 138 Meet : at Englemere Pond Car Park, Off Swinley Road (B3017) Ascot SLS SBA

~~BFC Dog Walkers Code of Conduct leaflet~~

~~Code of Conduct for ~ >) protect and enjoy! Walkers ~, Bracknell Dog _.,i Forest Council~~

Please follow the Countryside Code: -~ 'J\. ' J ~'-, ~·--:fi., .... • Consider the local community and other people - r - r enjoying the outdoors - . ..I • ,. • Leave gates and property as you find them and • - j

follow paths unless wider access is available _,,,. •· • I • Leave no trace of your visit and take your litter home _,, I • Keep dogs under effective control -, • Plan ahead and be prepared • Follow advice and local signs

~~Produced and published by Bracknell Forest Council Parks & Countryside Service Tel: 01344 354441 Email: [email protected] Website: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/parksandcountryside~~

~~Copies of this document may be obtained in large print, easy read, Braille, on audio tape or in other languages. To obtain a L~---- copy in an alternative format, please telephone 01344 352000.~~

~~A guide to help you enjoy Bracknell Forest's @Bracknel Forest Comcil 2014 parks and countryside •~•••~~

~~139~~

Bracknell Forest is a wonderful place to go walking with plenty of unspoilt places to explore. To ensure that the landscape remains beautiful and safe for everyone to enjoy please follow the guidance below.

Health : Help protect your dog from diseases like canine parvovirus and Our parks and countryside rangers liaise with kennel cough by vaccinating them in accordance with veterinary best dog owners in order to promote this code of practice. Further guidance is available from your local vet or the RSPCA. conduct and ensure it is followed. Questions you might be asked include: Identification: Dogs in a public place are legally required to 'wear a collar wit/J tile name and address of tile owner inscribed on tile collar or on a 1. Which vet is your dog registered with and plate or badge a/tac/Jed to it'.' Ideally all dogs should be chipped to allow has it been vaccinated? prompt return if lost. (This will be a legal requirement in 2016.) To report 2. Can I see a spare poo bag please to lost or found dogs during office hours contact our Customer Services on demonstrate you are ready to pick-up? tel: 01344 352000. During ·out of office' hours, use this same number and select Option 2. 3. Can you please summon your dog for me (if it is let off the lead) to say hello? Fouling: Faeces can spread disease • any dog having a 'poo' in the park must have a watchful owner to bag and bin the waste (our bins are Responsible dog ownership is taken seriously for the benefit of all users suitable for litter and dog waste) You can report dog fouling using our Of parks and countryside sites. 'Report a street cleansing issue form'. It is an offence• to allow your dog to foul in a public place without clearing it up. If you witness a person Great places to walk your dog include: failing to pick up after their dog has fouled, a fixed penalty notice can be issued to the offender if you complete our 'Dog fouling witness • Ambarrow Court statement form' and return it to our Environmental Protection Team. • Englemere Pond Forms available at: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/dogcontrol • Garth Meadows • Horseshoe Lake Behaviour: Please be considerate to others and keep your dog • Larks Hill under control. Any dog 'off-lead' must not jump up at strangers and • Lily Hill Park must return to its owner when called. Dogs are not permitted in • Longhill Park playgrounds For your dog's safety, please don't allow them to • Pope's Meadow approach livestock and take special care when walking where there • Shepherd Meadows are likely to be ground nesting birds, such as in heathland areas. www _bracknell-forest.gov _uk /parkstovisit • Ca11rol a Dogs Oder 1992 'Toe Dogs (Fourg a l.MdJM. Help us to keep Bracknell Forest a special

~~140 Appendix H – webpage~~

~~~~ ,:)I Bracknell I Search this site .1. My account ? ---4 Forest Ai Council I .1::1.2.m.c Park5 and countryside ~ lily Hill Park - I H isten I I~~

Map Satellite Ancoris C., ..-" J~n\~r ~~~ 9 LOOi ! j r J \ ~ ~ BPQ 1 ..,.;<,p ,.,, ,l•" 0 + ,., q Accessibility G o gle ''j., ... M~001'Cl2019Google TermsofUM Most of Lily Hill Park is accessible, I except for some paths t o the east Lily Hill Park is a Green Elae awarded 23•hectare over Vincent's Hill and Forester's public open space, located to the north east of Hill. Bracknell and less than a mile from the town centre. A comprehensive history of t he house and park, which was originally formed as a 19th century Related links 'gentleman's residence', is availa ble in the Strategies and policies leaflet 'Lily Hill Park - The making of an English Landscape'. Parks events Dog walking In more recent years the park has seen locals s uccessfully fight off a bid to build residential houses on the lawns of the building in the 1990s and the restoration of some of the key Victorian features of Lily Hill Park thanks to a grant received from the Heritage Lottery Fund in 2001.

~~Facilities~~

~~Lily Hill Park has:~~

• historic parkland - an original yew walk, traditional orchard and mighty Wellingt onia at Forest er's Hill I • woodland - fine stands of beech trees and oaks to the east and a rare collection of hardy hybrid rhododendrons and azaleas in Starch Copse to the west . . • formal gardens - an Edwardian water garden, a pond and a 'ha ha' sunken fence lie t o t he west • England's longest picnic bench (carved from a single piece of wood) • key features including a Green Man sculpture welcoming you t o the pa rk and a story-telling throne where visitors can capture snapshots of t heir day-to-day l ives How to get to Lily Hill Park

~~By car~~

~~You can drive to:~~

~~• Lily Hill Road, Bracknell, RG12 2RX, north of the park • Lily Hill Drive, Bracknell, RG12 2UJ, south west of the park I~~

~~Park management~~

Bracknell Development Corporation purchased the estate in Green 1955. The house and its immediate garden were subsequently sold, w hile the park was transferred to the ownership of • Flag Bracknell Forest Borough Council in 1983. The house has been • Award restored and is currently i n private commercial ownership. Lots of events and activities take place at Lily Hill Park throughout the year, including heritage park tours, fungal forays, orienteering events, w ildlife walks and a wassail in the community orchard during January:

~~For more information about our events and activities, please take a look at the on-site noticeboards, o r see our events programme. . There is a park management plan in place. Wildlife I~~

~~Li ly Hill Park is carefu lly ma naged to provide a diverse range of habitats for b irds1 bats, insects, wild flowers, grasslands a nd trees. Interesting species observed at the park include:~~

• birds such as bullfi nch, tree creeper and goldcrest • bats from at least 6 species includ ing long-eared, noctule and pipestrelle • wildflowers such as ragged robin and common spotted orchids Park guide

~~Attachment Size~~

~~~ l ily Hill park leaflet 830.7 KB~~

~~Accessibility • Help • Terms and conditions • Privacy notices • GOV.UK @W'l1D Cc) Bracknell Forest Council~~

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~~Appendix I – Site history summary~~

~~1816: Original Lily Hill House acquired by Henry Dormer Vincent. Ornamental gardens, kitchen garden and several plantations developed.~~

~~1833-1865: House and land inherited by Henry William Vincent. House demolished and rebuilt. Large areas of park cleared. Specimen trees and shrubs planted. Pond, lodge and driveway developed.~~

~~1865-1899: Estate inherited by Susan Bagot Lane, Vincent’s eldest daughter. Further purchases of land.~~

~~1899-1955: Property changes hands several times. Gardens altered. Areas of the park farmed. Further purchases of land. Estate includes all key land critical to original designed landscape.~~

~~1955: 201 acres of Lily Hill Estate purchased by Bracknell Development Corporation.~~

~~1983: Lily Hill Park given to Bracknell Forest Council.~~

~~2002-2007: Lily Hill Park restored~~

~~2008- onwards: Lily Hill to be managed and maintained by Bracknell Forest Council under a 10 year plan, in accordance with the conditions of Heritage Lottery funding.~~

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~~Appendix J – Apple varieties~~

John Standish Adam’s Pearmain Winston Winter Queening Rival Claygate Pearmain Cox’s Orange Pippin Allington Pippin Charles Ross Ashmead’s Kernal Cox’s Pomona Autumn Pearmain Encore Baxter’s Pearmain Red Millers Seedling Beauty of Bath Arthur Turner Beauty of Kent Ribston Pippin Beeley Pippin Blenheim Orange Bess Pool Egremont Russet Bramley’s Seedling Norfolk Beefing Catshead Langley Pippin Cellini Peagood’s Nonsuch Christmas Pearmain Reverend W Wilks Cockle Pippin Scarlet Nonpareil Cornish Gilliflower Tom Putt D’Arcy Spice Rosemary Russet Dumelow’s Seedling Isaac Newton’s Tree Forge Hambledon Deux Ans Golden Spire Grenadier Hoary Morning Brownlees Russet Keswick Codlin Golden Noble Lady Henniker Devonshire Quarrenden Lane’s Prince Albert Ten Commandments Lord Burghley Mabbots Pearmain Pitmaston Pineapple Gascoigne’s Scarlet Roundway Magnum Oaken Pippin Bonum Old Pearmain Steyne Seeling Doctor Harvey Sturmer Pippin Lord Hindip Warners King Stamford Pippin Worcester Pearmain Wyken Pippin

Recommended maintenance of fruit trees should be in accordance with BS3998: Recommendations for treework 2010, and with reference to Royal Horticultural Society publication “Growing Fruit” by Harry Baker, ISBN 1840001534.

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~~Appendix K – Steering Group Terms of Reference~~

~~Lily Hill Park Steering Group -T erms of Reference~~

Remit The Lily Hill Park Steering Group was initially set up to advise on, and support, the restoration of Lily Hill Park. With capital works completed, the focus is on the management and maintenance of Lily Hill Park. This also includes adjacent green spaces at Scott’s Hill and Clinton’s Hill.

The group shall: • Consult and inform on site related matters • Contribute towards sustainable, high quality management and maintenance of the park • Encourage and facilitate effective communication between park users, local community groups, residents, funding bodies and site managers • Seek opportunities to attract income to support park management

~~In providing the above, the Steering Group will enable the respective community groups to act as the Friends for Lily Hill Park.~~

In 1997 a Friends Group was formed to campaign for the conservation and protection of the historic parkland and mansion. This has been successfully achieved, with the parkland becoming a public open space and the mansion retained and converted to provide high quality office accommodation. This steering group has since brought together all the local community groups interested in the wellbeing of the park.

~~Rather than duplicate the work of other active local community groups, the original Friends Group members wish to work alongside these groups as part of a coordinated management body.~~

Membership The Lily Hill Park Steering Group shall be comprised of representatives from the local groups, clubs, and communities that regularly use and / or directly contribute to management of this historic parkland.

~~This includes (but is not restricted to):~~

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• Funding Partners  Bracknell Forest Council  Bracknell Town Council  Warfield Parish Council  Winkfield Parish Council • Community  Bracknell Forest Society  Bracknell Conservation Volunteers  Forest School Leaders • Environment  Gardening and Horticultural Volunteers  Bracknell Forest Natural History Society  Bracknell Urban Wildlife Group • Sports Facilities  Bracknell Lawn Tennis Club  Bracknell Rugby Football Club • Neighbouring Land Owner  Lily Hill House

~~Other organisations may be invited to attend; particularly when considered of relevance to topics being discussed.~~

Meetings Meetings are to be held a minimum of twice yearly; with timings set to link to the financial year (April and October). Additional meetings may be called as considered necessary. Date and location of the next meeting will be decided at the end of each meeting. Bracknell Forest Borough Council will act as secretariat, unless agreed otherwise. The agenda will be drafted in consultation with Steering Group members.

Decisions Recommendations and / or proposals resulting from the Steering Group will be made by consensus. If these impact on the policies or resources of representative organisations, they will be reported back for ratification or further action before being progressed.

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~~Appendix L – Financial management summary~~

Introduction: The Bracknell Forest Council Parks and Countryside Service directly manage approximately 386 hectares of publicly accessible land, providing a wide range of outdoor recreation opportunities across approximately 80 sites. The work is completed collaboratively through public engagement and partnerships to provide residents with a network of green spaces that are shown to be well used and highly valued by the residents of Bracknell.

~~This financial summary presents the financial picture of the Parks and Countryside Service as a whole, in order to provide the financial background against which Green Flag sites are delivered.~~

It is not practical to separate out detailed costs for individual sites as the entire Parks and Countryside service plays a role in the retention and expansion of the number of sites formally holding a Green Flag award.

Policy: In challenging financial times the delivery of any public service has to be supported within policy. Bracknell Forest Council has adopted a Council Plan 2015 – 2019 and this has identified six strategic themes. The provision of high quality parks and countryside sites is considered to support the delivery of all six themes, but most specifically relates to ‘A clean, green, growing and sustainable place’. A performance indicator within this theme is ‘Satisfaction with parks and open spaces’. The achievement of independently assessed awards is considered to be an important part of delivering and demonstrating the quality of open spaces within the borough. Performance within the Green Flag awards is reported within the council and is widely monitored, particularly by councillors, and this underpins the financial support for the delivery of high quality open spaces.

Responsibility: A variety of staff share the responsibility for the financial management of the service. The Head of Parks and Countryside is ultimately accountable, with specific responsibility for budgets assigned to individual site managers through a scheme of delegation. Individual site managers specify works in accordance with the management plans, maintenance regimes or ad-hoc projects. Authorisation limits are in place for each role in the team, with higher value orders authorised by increasingly senior officers.

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~~Head of Parks & Countryside ELC001~~

~~Admin support~~

~~Principal Tree Development Manager Senior Ranger Senior Ranger Heritage Parks Officer ELC100 ELC015 ELC005 ELC003 Manager~~

~~Tree Officer ELC101 Biodiversity Officer Ranger ELC014 Ranger ELC010 Heritage Parks Asst. Tree ELC017 Gardener (LHP) Officer ELC103 ELC 021~~

Projects Ranger ELC014 Ranger ELC010 Officer ELC018 (P/T) Heritage Parks Gardener (SHP) ELC 025 Asst. Tree Officer Play Area Landscape Ranger ELC010 Inspector (P/T) Heritage Parks Designer (P/T) ELC011 ELC016 Gardener

~~Ranger ELC 014 Ranger ELC010~~

Within the borough council the Finance Department monitor expenditure, prepare reports and provide an internal audit function. Each service has assigned financial officers and accountants and the operational staff work closely with them on budget monitoring and expenditure.

Procurement: Bracknell Forest Council is a large organisation with strict guidelines for the expenditure of public funds. Processes are in place for raising official works orders, paying invoices, tendering for works and so on. Purchase of goods or services are supported by multiple quotations where this can reasonably be achieved. Where appropriate, goods and services are procured through framework agreements to take advantage of the scale of the collective council operation.

Budget: The Parks and Countryside expenditure in the financial year 2016/17 for revenue and capital programmes was: 2017 application Staff costs £781,803 Maintenance £321,802 Vehicles £38,339 Other costs £21,793 Contractors £315,075 Income £202,547 Capital £321,600 Total (Rev+cap) £1,681,358 Total (Rev) £1,681,358

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Exceptions: There are many centralised functions of the borough council which are available to the Parks and Countryside Service to support the delivery of open space, but which will not show within the above budget. Examples would include: website provision, marketing and social media coverage / monitoring, health and safety or human resources expertise and information technology support.

Review: The borough financial management process is cyclical and includes operations for budget setting and reporting on variations to planned expenditure and this provides the mechanism by which expenditure can be matched to the actual costs experienced in delivering the commitments within the council plan. Future budgets are then adjusted to reflect the requirement.

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~~Appendix M – References~~

~~Baker, H. (1999) – Growing fruit, RHS, Octopus Publishing Ltd.~~

~~Bracknell Forest Borough Council (2000) – Lily Hill Park, Restoration Management Plan.~~

~~Bracknell Forest Borough Council (2002) – Lily Hill Park, Management Plan~~

~~British Standards (2010) - BS 3998: 2010 Treework. Recommendations, BSI.~~

~~Francis, J. L. (1995) The enhancement of young plantations and woodlands, Land Contamination and reclamation, 3, 93-5.~~

~~Gilbert, L, Anderson, P (1998) Habitat creation and repair, Oxford University Press.~~

~~Nature Conservancy Council (1986) – Draft Inventory of Ancient Woodland (Berkshire).~~

~~Nature Conservancy Council (1990) –Handbook for Phase 1 habitat survey – a technique for environmental audit.~~

~~Rackham, O. (1991) – Landscape and the conservation of meaning. Reflection~~

~~Riding Memorial Lecture. Royal Society of Arts Journal, 139: 903-15.~~

~~Rodwell, J. S. (ed.) (1991a) – British plant communities. Volume 1 Woodlands and scrub. Cambridge University Pres.~~

~~Rodwell, J. S. (ed.) (1991b) – British plant communities. Volume 2 Mires and heaths. Cambridge University Press.~~

~~Rodwell, J. S. (ed.) (1992) – British plant communities. Volume 3 Grasslands and montane communities. Cambridge University Press.~~

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