Appendix B - Parks and Open Spaces Strategy Action Plan 2020-2025

Vision The borough’s parks and open spaces and trees will be well-maintained; support good public health, local culture, social activities and biodiversity and where possible opportunities will be taken to improve access to open spaces, facilities and activities.

Objectives 1. Manage parks and open spaces in line with best practice and take opportunities to improve their appearance, enhancing local character through landscaping improvements as funding allows. 2. Improve access to open space throughout the borough by removing barriers to access, providing enhanced facilities and where possible creating new open space. 3. Support residents to be physically active by promoting the use of parks, offering social prescribing and by providing a range of sports, leisure and social activities, in partnership with sports bodies and clubs.

4. Maintain parks policing and enforcement activities to keep parks safe and free of anti-social behaviour Page 203 5. Work with friends groups, the voluntary sector, sports bodies and the wider community to develop volunteering and fundraising opportunities.. 6. Manage park’s assets to generate revenue to support the service and the local economy, including through leasing, events and developing paid for community facilities and licensing businesses to deliver services. 7. Enhance the appearance and character of the borough by maintaining a safe, healthy, diverse and resilient tree population and encouraging tree planting. ​ 8. Care for plants, animals and ecosystems and help them to thrive, by promoting an understanding of nature, through the delivery of the Biodiversity Strategy.

Agenda Item 7

Agenda Item 7

Item Action/Task Outcome LBS Resource Timescale Responsibility/ implications other partners

1 Objective 1: Manage parks and open spaces in line with best practice and take opportunities to improve their appearance, enhancing local character through landscaping improvements as funding allows

Policy P1 Parks Management Plans will be prepared or updated for open spaces giving priority to the largest and most visited parks. The management plans will include action plans that will be updated regularly.

1.1 Prepare or update Management Plans for the To ensure parks Existing staff Plans to be Parks Team most visited open spaces: Park; and open spaces resources developed

Carshalton Park, Place and The have an agreed gradually Page 204 Spinney; Park and Rec; Collingwood management plan throughout the life Rec; Fairlands Park; ; Manor that ensures they of the strategy Park; Mellows Park; ; Overton deliver what the Park; and for Council owned land along the community Wandle known as the requires. Walkways. Management plans for larger parks to include adjacent smaller supporting open spaces to bring these under a documented management plan.

1.2 Prepare management plans for other large To ensure parks Existing staff Plans to be Parks Team parks or groups of parks: Corrigan recreation and open spaces resources developed Ground; Rosehill Park; Queen Mary’s Park; have an agreed gradually St Helier Open Space/Middleton Open management plan throughout the life Space/ Revesby Woods/and Poulter Park; that ensures they of the strategy Playing Fields/Roundshaw Park deliver what the and associated lands. Management plans for community larger parks to include adjacent smaller requires. supporting open spaces to bring these under a documented management plan.

1.3 Management plans to include information on To ensure nature Existing staff Plans to be Parks Team “Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation within parks is resources developed (SINCs) within parks and detail maintenance considered as part gradually required to deliver positive conservation of overall parks throughout the life management management. of the strategy

1.4 Participate in the national Green Flag To improve the Existing staff Plans to be Parks/Grounds scheme, London in Bloom and other quality and range resources developed Contractor/Friends benchmarking activities where this helps to of facilities, parks gradually Groups maintain and drive parks and open space maintenance and throughout the life improvements and community participation in community of the strategy

parks management and maintenance. involvement. Page 205

Policy P2 An inspection programme of facilities will be carried out at an appropriate frequency to ensure compliance with best practice and legislation.

1.5 Ensure a programme of facilities inspections Continue to ensure Existing staff Throughout the life Parks/Grounds is carried out to meet legal and best practice open spaces meet resources of the strategy Contractor standards to identify issues and programme all requirements rectifications, ensuring records are for public safety maintained as required. and that issues and identified and rectified Agenda Item 7

Policy P3 The Council will adopt an integrated weed management approach to weed control and reduce dependence on chemicals Agenda Item 7

by evaluating requirements at each location, designing out weeds, and selecting alternative control methods where appropriate.

1.6 Produce an integrated weed management To provide Existing staff Throughout the life Parks/Grounds plan, identifying where and what weeds need effective weed resources of the strategy Contractor/Friends to be controlled and the most appropriate control to an Groups method, including considering if weeds can agreed standard, be designed out, and communicate using a range of arrangements to service stakeholders. techniques to reduce the amount of chemical weed control.

1.7 Identify personnel to undertake work and To ensure work is Existing staff Throughout the life Grounds Page 206 ensure they are appropriately trained. completed safely resources of the strategy contractor/Parks and efficiently.

1.8 Implement the weed control regime, following To ensure work is Existing staff Throughout the life Grounds the good practice guidance including completed safely resources of the strategy contractor/Parks monitoring and recording chemical use and and efficiently. efficacy.

1.9 Regularly review the methods used and To ensure work is Existing staff Throughout the life Grounds efficacy of weed control on each site and completed safely resources of the strategy contractor/Parks adjust methods to improve efficacy. and efficiently.

Policy P4 The Council will maintain verges to enhance the appearance of suburban streets and where appropriate in more rural places and on wider verges and greens encourage wildlife through a more relaxed regime that encourages wild flowers and provides habitat for wildlife. 1.10 Review verges and identify more rural or Increase the Existing staff Ongoing through Parks/Idverde wide verges that could be managed for amount of verge (Contract Officers) life of strategy wildlife habitat. managed as under the guidance wildlife habitat of Biodiversity officers. Note verges would need 3-4 cuts per year and collection of arisings to reduce nutrients in soils and allow wildflowers to thrive in competition with grasses. This

would be funded Page 207 through existing mowing contract.

Policy P5 The cemeteries will be managed within the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management’s Charter for the Bereaved standards to provide the deceased and their families with respect and dignity.

1.11 Ensure the Charter of the bereaved That standards are Existing staff Throughout the life Grounds standards are adhered to through contract maintained in resources of the strategy contractor/Parks monitoring. Sutton’s cemeteries.

Agenda Item 7

Item Action/Task Outcome LBS Resource Timescale Responsibility/ implications other partners Agenda Item 7

2 Objective 2: Improve access to open space and facilities throughout the borough by removing barriers to access, providing enhanced facilities and where possible creating new open space

Policy P6 The Council will work with partners to increase access to public open space for the whole community

2.1 Work with Viridor and the Conservation and To increase Existing staff time Ongoing through Parks/CAMC/CSG/ Access Management Committee and access to open including new S106 life of strategy Viridor Conservation and Science Group to develop space and provide funded Warden for nature and some specialist habitat post. public recreation. for nature.

2.2 Support creating links from Beddington To increase Existing staff time Ongoing through Parks/CAMC/CSG/ Page 208 Farmlands into Beddington Park and from access to open including new S106 life of strategy Viridor Beddington Farmlands to Beddington Lane spaces within funded Warden and required through S106 with Viridor. Beddington post.

2.3 Identify and document unmaintained Council To ensure that Existing staff Throughout the life Parks Team/Asset land that could form part of public open where appropriate resources and of the strategy Management space or highway verges and bring into Council land is consider if growth maintenance, seeking any additional funding maintained and is required to cover through the annual growth bid process. brought in to additional community use or maintenance costs as habitat. or if these can be contained within existing budgets.

2.4 Continue to contribute to the management of To ensure that Existing officer time Ongoing through Parks/ Epsom & working with colleagues from Nonsuch Park and budgets life of strategy Ewell Borough Epsom and Ewell Borough Council to support remains a valuable Council/Nonsuch the Nonsuch Park Joint Management open space for Park Joint Committee. Borough residents Management to enjoy and that it Committee supports nature.

Item Action/Task Outcome LBS Resource Timescale Responsibility/ implications other partners

3 Objective 3: Support residents to be physically active by promoting the use of parks, offering social prescribing and by providing a range of sports, leisure and social activities, in partnership with sports bodies and clubs.

Policy P7

The Council will develop a menu of activities to offer to residents through GPs for social prescription. Page 209

3.1 Ensure that opportunities for volunteering in Menu of options Existing staff time Summer 2020 Parks/Public parks and open spaces including for volunteering Health/OBCR team conservation areas are documented created and made (including the number and location of open available for social prescribing. spaces where social prescribing activities take place) to provide a menu of options that can be offered to residents for social prescribing.

3.2 Identify partner organisations who can help Continue to work Existing staff time Ongoing Parks/Idverde deliver activities in open spaces including with existing throughout life of sports clubs, external not for profit partners and seek strategy Agenda Item 7 organisations and businesses. new partners that can deliver activities Agenda Item 7

3.3 Research the barriers to activities for target Increase Existing staff time By December 2021 Parks/OBCR team groups identified in Ambitious for Sutton and participation by light user groups such as children with target groups disabilities and over 70s, and develop ways to include these groups in activities.

Policy P8 The Council will work with sports bodies, and commercial partners to provide for a range of sports and other activities in open spaces that meet community needs and generate income to offset the cost of parks maintenance and improvements.

3.4 Identify possible partners and explore funding Contact all Existing staff time Summer 2020 Parks Page 210 options and mutual objectives sporting bodies known to be active in London and seek assistance, documenting potential projects and funding available.

3.5 Work with the grounds contractor to introduce Scheme in place Existing staff time Summer 2020 Parks/Idverde a recommended and licensed personal to promote trainer scheme for Sutton’s open spaces. personal trainer services.

Policy P9 - The Council will ensure there is sufficient capacity for organised outdoor sports to meet community needs and promote facility sharing and new ways of delivering activities that benefit clubs and increase participation. 3.6 Prepare a Playing Pitch Strategy to assess Strategy in place External consultant Spring 2021 Parks the Borough’s demand for playing pitches by spring 2021 at a cost of and the capacity available to provide for that approximately £30k demand. from existing funding.

3.7 Prepare an action plan to improve sports Action plan in Existing staff time Dec 2021 Parks/Asset facilities including informal facilities such as place By end of Management playgrounds, to meet demand, establishing 2021 costs, funding sources and timescales for improvement works.

3.8 Work with the grounds contractor to promote Plan in place to Existing staff time Summer 2021 Parks/Idverde Page 211 the use of existing parks facilities for sport promote sport that and prepare a business plan for sports and identifies how to activities to inform provision of facilities to maximise use of facilities, potential meet the demand for new sports and for new sports etc. activities.

Policy P10 The Council will maintain a network of playgrounds to ensure children can access safe playspace close to their homes and provide facilities that promote active lifestyles for all residents.

3.9 Review playground provision working with Play facilities plan Existing staff time Summer 2021 Parks/Parks

Sutton Housing Partnership and other play in place identifying contractors Agenda Item 7 providers and produce a plan to ensure life expectancy of equipment, future needs and funding Agenda Item 7

provision and renewal of facilities within the sources. budget available.

3.10 Promote access to free drinking water in Make drinking Existing staff time Dec 2020 Parks/Asset open spaces, ensuring that cafe operators water freely Management/cafe provide free refills of water bottles and available in as operators. looking at options for further water points. many open spaces as possible and maintain a list of locations.

3.11 Develop information on walking and cycle Increase use of Existing staff time First routes by end Parks Page 212 routes of various lengths to encourage parks for exercise of 2020. Add to residents to exercise and enjoy the facilities through walking options throughout that are available for free. Investigate and cycling. life of strategy options for making information available in different formats.

3.12 Review toilet provision within parks and To ensure toilet Existing staff time Throughout life of Parks/Parks ensure facilities are cleaned regularly and provision supports to complete review strategy contractors maintained. active lifestyles and revenue, capital and external funding as required to maintain facilities.

Policy P11 The Council will encourage allotment gardening, by providing a network of sites and basic services such as security, grass mowing on main paths, water supply and by maintaining records of plot lettings, vacancies and invoicing rent. Allotment gardeners are encouraged to participate in managing and maintaining their site, as individuals and through allotment groups or societies.

3.13 Work with allotment representatives and the Existing staff time Ongoing through Parks maintenance contractor to let plots; life of strategy identifying vacant plots, uncultivated plots and land that can become new plots to increase the amount of land cultivated.

3.14 Review and update the Allotment Gardeners Existing staff time Ongoing through Parks Guidelines to ensure gardeners know how to life of strategy garden and what is expected of them. Page 213 3.15 Arrange annual site safety inspections to T Existing staff time Annually through Parks ensure that maintenance issues are identified life of strategy and rectified.

Policy P12 All allotment plot holders are expected to maintain their plots as set out in their allotment agreement and follow the guidelines as set out in the ‘ Allotment Gardeners Guidelines’.

3.16 Work with site representatives and Idverde to Plots are kept in Existing staff time Ongoing through Parks/Idverde/Site identify unworked plots and issue cultivation as far life of strategy representatives non-cultivations notices prioritising sites as possible to Agenda Item 7 where there is a waiting list and no vacant meet demand. plots. Agenda Item 7

3.17 Hold meetings with allotment representatives Site Existing staff time Ongoing through Parks/Idverde/Site at least annually to discuss issues and agree representatives life of strategy representatives actions are supported to help achieve good standards of cultivation on allotments

Policy P13 From 1st January 2020 waste material that cannot be disposed of by composting or other means may only be burned in an incinerator or clean oil drum during the period 1st October to 15th March. Fires should not be lit more than 2 hours before dusk and Page 214 are not permitted on Bank Holidays during this period. Material that is damp or green must not be burnt until it dries out fully. See the allotment Gardeners Guidelines for more information on how to dispose of material without burning and never burn materials such as plastics that may cause pollution. Open bonfires are not allowed on the council’s allotment sites except for Guy Fawkes night celebrations, when open bonfires are allowed for 5 nights before and five nights after 5th November each year. Note that by law you could be fined if you light a fire and allow the smoke to drift across the road and become a danger to traffic. ​ ​ If you cause a nuisance by frequently having fires or allowing smoke to drift into neighbouring properties the Council can issue an ‘abatement notice’ and you can be fined up to £5,000 if you do not comply with the notice. In addition failure to abide by this policy will result in termination of the allotment agreement.

This Policy supersedes the guidance in Version 6 - 2018 of the Allotment Gardeners Guidelines.

3.18 Allotment Gardeners Guidelines to be The number of Existing staff time October 2020 Parks/Idverde/site updated and the new policy made known by complaints about representatives posting notices on allotment site gates. bonfires on allotments to be reduced from an average of 7 a year and the amount of waste burned reduced through the use of alternative means of disposal

Policy P14 A rent free period on a newly tenanted plot may be allowed for a period of up to two years at the discretion of the Allotment Officer if the plot is particularly overgrown or if it has large amounts of rubbish or green waste deposited on it.

3.19 Overgrown plots to be identified and a Increase the Existing staff time Ongoing through Parks/Idverde/site

method to bring them back into cultivation number of plots life of strategy representatives Page 215 agreed with the site representatives. Priority available for letting to be given to sites with no vacancies and and cultivation waiting lists.

Item Action/Task Outcome LBS Resource Timescale Responsibility/ implications other partners

4 Objective 4: Maintain parks policing and enforcement activities to keep parks safe and free of anti-social behaviour

Policy P15 When it is agreed by the Council and the Safer Sutton Partnership that locking is required, locking will be provided as follows: ● Only locking for a short trial period to establish if the problem is temporary Agenda Item 7 ● Only locking at times the issues occur e.g weekends only, summer only ● Reviewing arrangement regularly to establish if issues remain or if locking can be withdrawn Agenda Item 7

4.1 Liaise with Safer Sutton Partnership Identify and deal Existing staff time Ongoing through Parks/SSPS and colleagues and Police informally and through with locking issues life of strategy Police colleagues the Problem Solving Meetings to establish issues and needs and agree how best to resolve them.

4.2 Investigate options for enforcement activities Identify options for Existing staff time Dec 2020 Parks/SSPS and through soft market testing, trial schemes delivery of Police colleagues and establishing contracts where appropriate. enforcement activities and the costs involved.

Page 216 Policy P16 The Council will ensure that the byelaws remain fit for purpose and are promoted widely. Enforcement through Public Space Protection Orders are in use and the Council may introduce other measures as required to ensure parks and open spaces remain safe for all visitors to enjoy.

4.3 Ensure the bye-laws are displayed as widely Ensure service Existing staff time Ongoing through Parks/SSPS and as possible in parks and open spaces and users are aware of life of strategy Police colleagues display the bye-laws on the Council’s the bye-laws website.

4.4 Review and update the Council’s Parks Ensure bye-laws Existing staff time Ongoing through Parks/SSPS and bye-laws as appropriate to ensure they are fit for purpose life of strategy Police colleagues remain fit for purpose

4.5 Consider other enforcement measures as Liaise with Safer Existing staff time Ongoing through Parks/SSPS and required, in partnership with the Police and Parks Team and life of strategy Police colleagues other Council teams to deal with antis-social Safer Sutton behaviour, dog fouling, litter, flytipping, traffic Partnership and and parking issues. bring forward options as required to deal with issues identified.

Policy P17 The Council will work with partners including the Metropolitan Police and Probation Service to ensure that parks and open spaces remain free from encampments and flytipping that might otherwise detract from visitors enjoyment.

4.6 Ensure the enforcement notices are Deter unlawful Existing staff time Ongoing through Parks/SSPS and

inspected and replaced as required. encampments and life of strategy Police colleagues Page 217 flytipping on Council land

4.7 Take enforcement action as required to Deter Existing staff time Ongoing through Parks/SSPS and remove unauthorised encampments and unauthorised life of strategy Police colleagues flytipping from parks and open spaces. encampments and flytipping on Council land

Item Action/Task Outcome LBS Resource Timescale Responsibility/ implications other partners

5 Objective 5 - Work with friends groups, the voluntary sector, sports bodies and the wider community Agenda Item 7 to develop volunteering and fundraising opportunities.

Policy P18 Agenda Item 7

The Council will support the formation of new parks friends groups and facilitate a good working relationship with groups, involving them as much as is practicable in decision making about their park.

5.1 Develop and publish on the website a toolkit Increase the Existing staff time Ongoing through Parks/Friends to assist new and existing groups to form number of parks life of strategy groups/grounds and open spaces contractor with active friends groups

5.2 The Council will continue to meet with Ensure a good Existing staff time Ongoing through Parks/Friends individual friends groups and hold a Borough working life of strategy groups/grounds -wide meeting to bring all the groups relationship with contractor together. the Council and Page 218 stakeholders to benefit use and development of open spaces

Policy P19 Friends groups will not be charged for events they organise provided they are free to enter or take part in, raise funds only for the friends group and the parks and do not include commercial organisations or businesses.

5.3 Revise the fees and charges through a report Encourage friends Existing staff time Spring 2020 Parks to Environment and Neighbourhood groups to hold Committee recommending that friends events and fund groups may hold events free of charge. raise

Policy P20 The Council will develop a broad volunteering programme of opportunities to ensure that local people can contribute to the development and maintenance of open spaces, including parks, sports facilities and conservation land.

5.4 Recruit a volunteer coordinator for parks To recruit and Some work can Dependent on Parks activities support volunteers continue within funding in a range of existing resources activities but to take full advantage of opportunities a new post required at a cost of £40k approx

5.5 Run pilot sessions in selected parks to To increase the Dependent on a Ongoing through Parks determine demand in specific parks and range and number new post being life of strategy

types of roles volunteers are interested in of volunteering established Page 219 undertaking. activities offered in parks and open spaces

5.6 Develop and deliver a programme of To increase the Some work can Ongoing through Parks volunteering opportunities. range and number continue within life of strategy of volunteering existing resources activities offered in but to take full parks and open advantage of spaces opportunities a new post required at a cost of £40k approx

Agenda Item 7 Policy P21 The Council will work with partners to identify projects and fund raise for open space improvements, projects and maintenance. Agenda Item 7

5.7 Review action plans and identify works To identify works Existing staff time Ongoing through Parks and parks requiring external funding or fund raising and needing external and partners time life of strategy partners make bids to suitable funding sources funding and make appropriate joint bids

5.8 Set up methods for collecting donations for To encourage Existing staff time Ongoing through Parks and parks open space improvements and specific donations for and partners time life of strategy partners projects and promote the options available assist in delivering improvements

5.9 Work with sports funding bodies and clubs to To ensure sources Existing staff time Ongoing through Parks and parks identify improvement opportunities and seek of external funding and partners time life of strategy partners external funding are identified and Page 220 bid for to improve the range and quality of facilities available to the community

Policy P22 The Council will offer support to volunteers through staff time, inductions and training.

5.10 Develop a volunteer strategy to ensure a Dependent on a Ongoing through Parks consistent and effective approach to delivery. new post being life of strategy established

5.11 Work with grounds maintenance contractor to Some work can Ongoing through Parks ensure volunteers are working in conjunction continue within life of strategy with current maintenance. existing resources but to take full advantage of opportunities a new post required at a cost of £40k approx

5.12 Ensure written risk assessments and Some work can Ongoing through Parks insurance are provided by self-supported continue within life of strategy volunteer groups and write appropriate risk existing resources assessments to cover Council supported but to take full advantage of volunteer activity. opportunities a new

post required at a cost of £40k approx

Item Action/Task Outcome LBS Resource Timescale Responsibility/ Page 221 implications other partners

6 Objective 6 - Manage park’s assets to generate revenue to support the service and the local economy, including through leasing, events and developing paid for community facilities and licensing businesses to deliver services.

Policy P23 The Council will seek opportunities to increase the number of cafes by utilising existing buildings and locations for kiosks as planning policy allows and offering market rents to ensure the cafes are viable. In addition cafe operators will be supported by ensuring that activities in parks benefit or do not undermine their business and wherever possible facilities and landscaping will be developed and maintained to make the cafes attractive community spaces and meeting points.

6.1 Work with cafe operators to review the Improved Existing staff time Ongoing from 2022 Parks/Cafe

facilities and landscaping around the cafes appearance of through life of Operators/Idverde Agenda Item 7 and prepare an action plan to improve each cafe exteriors and strategy location, subject to funding surrounding landscaping Agenda Item 7

6.2 Consult with cafe operators about the type of Minimise the Existing staff time Ongoing through Parks/Cafe events or activities that would help their impact of events life of strategy Operators/Idverde businesses to thrive and where possible ensure events assist the viability of cafes.

Policy P24 The Council will identify opportunities to repurpose buildings within open spaces. Priority will be given to economically viable leisure or parks related activities, but if such an activity cannot be identified alternative commercial uses should be sought and planning permission sought for change of use. Page 222 6.3 Identify and record all property assets within To maximise the Existing staff time January 2020 and Asset open spaces. use of and income ongoing Management/Park from buildings s within parks and to accurately track the income from leases.

6.4 Prepare properties for leasing e.g. by Within limits of Ongoing through Asset ensuring the property has a current Energy existing service life of strategy Management/Park Performance Certificate (EPC) at level E or budgets s better;

6.5 Lease properties at market rents for To ensure that Existing staff time Ongoing through Asset commercial purposes when appropriate. property not life of strategy Management required for service delivery is utilised and provides an income to support the service.

Policy P25 Income generated from events in parks and open spaces will be used in the first instance to cover the costs of managing events and meet the budget requirements. Any surplus income will be used to maintain parks including making improvements to assist with managing regular events.

Policy P26 The Council’s fees and charges will be benchmarked against prices charged by other similar London Boroughs to ensure both Page 223 market competitiveness and maximisation of potential income to Council. Fees for charitable organisations will be kept at a reasonable level so that local charities can access parks and open spaces as venues for events. The applicable fees and charges will be advertised on the Council’s website.

Flexibility will be retained to permit Council officers to negotiate fees if an event is considered to be particularly advantageous for the borough. In addition, the Council reserves the right to vary the charge for major events where the proposed entrance fees are considered to be high. Fees and changes for activities, sports and events will be maintained at a level that enables the service to cover the costs of provision.

6.6 The Council will undertake an annual review Ensure fees and Existing staff time Ongoing through Parks of fees and publish them on its website. charges are fair life of strategy and reasonable, comparable with neighbouring

boroughs and Agenda Item 7 ensure the service covers costs where required. Agenda Item 7

6.7 The Council will rigorously enforce against To ensure that all Existing staff time Ongoing through Safer Parks events that have not been granted activities have life of strategy Team/Idverde permission. booked, paid fees and charges and have correct licences where required in place.

6.8 The Council will publish a calendar of events To ensure that the Existing staff time Ongoing through Parks/ Safer in parks and open spaces to provide the community is life of strategy Sutton Partnership/ community with information about the events aware of the Safer Parks and activities on offer. events and Team/Idverde activities on offer and to assist with Page 224 planning.

6.9 The Council will work with local charities to Mutually beneficial Existing staff time Ongoing through Parks/ Safer develop a programme of mutually beneficial events programme (and Volunteer life of strategy Sutton Partnership/ charitable activities and events that enable is developed with Coordinator if Safer Parks charities to fundraise and promote their work local charities. funded) Team/Idverde/ and that also bring benefits to parks and local charities open spaces and parks visitors.

Policy P27 Bookings will be taken for the sites listed below provided the event organisers can demonstrate that they can meet the pre-agreed criteria. The list of sites should be reviewed and amended at least every three years. Events must meet the following criteria:

1. There must be appropriate arrangements for visitor access including car parking, public transport, gates and paths. 2. Public protection arrangements to meet legal duties with regard to health, safety and welfare must be detailed. 3. Community safety and security must not be compromised by the event and suitable risk assessments and insurance must be provided. 4. Welfare arrangements must be appropriate for the type of event planned, including adequate toilet provision, food safety, noise control and waste disposal. 5. Licencing permissions must be addressed. 6. Any site specific requirement or limits need to be met, for example the size of event must be able to be accommodated on the site and it must be an appropriate type of event for the park. This arrangement applies to the following sites: Beddington Park, , Cheam Park, Grove Park, Manor Park, Mellows Park, Oaks Park, Poulter Park, Rosehill Park West, Roundshaw Open Space, St Helier Open Space. (table in strategy provides full details ot type of events suitable for each venue.)

When events requested meet the agreed criteria, ward councillors will be informed of the request but will not be asked to approve the booking. Page 225

For other local or small sites the Ward Councillors will be consulted on proposed new events in their ward and only where the majority are in favour will the booking be accepted.

Item Action/Task Outcome LBS Resource Timescale Responsibility implications other partners

7 Objective 7: Enhance the appearance and character of the Borough by maintaining a safe, healthy, diverse and resilient tree population and encouraging tree planting.

Policy T1

To ensure that trees on Council land are inspected and managed in line with good practice and records kept for the work Agenda Item 7 completed, so that they do not pose an unreasonable threat to people and/or property, and to promote good tree health. Agenda Item 7

7.1 The Council will carry out a visual To ensure the Existing Staff Time Minimum of every Tree Team assessment of all council owned trees at a Council’s four years minimum of every four-years inspection regime record and evaluate data from inspections on and information on a dedicated database and plot locations on a its trees is up to linked mapping system. And instruct its date, amd works contractors to carry out works based on are issued these inspections (routine) accordingly

7.2 The Council will respond to issues relating to To ensure that the Existing Staff Time As and when Tree Team trees outside of the four yearly inspection Council meets its required programme and issue works to its contractors duty of care to the accordingly (urgent and emergency works) public Page 226 7.3 The Council will review the cyclical Officers will Existing staff time Early 2020 Tree Team programme to ensure that it complies with monitor best current best practice and legal requirements practise and case law

7.4 Officers will work with schools to provide both The school’s duty Existing staff time Annual inspection Tree Team and the an inspection service and access to the of care is regime for school schools Contractor at tendered rates. maintained where they opt in.

7.5 The Council will carry out an annual To ensure clear Within existing At least once per Tree Team programme of basal growth removal on Lime passage along budgets year (and other) trees beginning in May; footways during depending on weather conditions some may the growing require a second treatment during the year season.

7.6 Officers will iInform Ward Councillors of work Ward Councillors Existing staff time Following cyclical Tree Team identified during cyclical inspections prior to are aware of the inspection and work starting. work that is prior to work NB. Removal of trees due to safety concerns required prior to commencing is not a consultative issue. commencement of work..

7.7 Officers will annually review the Council’s Information on a Existing staff time Ongoing through Tree Team web pages giving information on trees wide range of tree the life of this throughout the Borough, cyclical pruning related issues will strategy schedules, type of work carried out and other be available arboricultural information, and provide copies without the need to of tree trail leaflets. contact officers direct

7.8 The Council will provide a 24hr 365 days per Officers will work Out of hours officer 24hr 365 days per Tree Team year call out service to deal with tree on a rota system time year through the

emergencies. with a dedicated life of this strategy Page 227 email and telephone contact and will attend incidents and arrange a contractor response

Policy T2 The Council will ensure the tree officers carrying out inspections are qualified to minimum level 2 NVQ and be experienced.

7.9 The Council will ensure continual Officers will be Within existing Ongoing through Tree Team

professional development of the qualified in line budgets the life of this Agenda Item 7 arboricultural team, by engaging in up to date with best practise strategy industry courses, membership of professional and case law to bodies etc. ensure that the Agenda Item 7

Council fulfills its duty of care

Policy T3 The Council will manage all Council trees to maximise their lifespan.

7.10 When carrying out inspections officers will be Officers will Existing staff time Ongoing through Tree Team mindful to recommend work that promotes consider the long and budget the life of this good tree health & condition and maintains term benefits of strategy their structural integrity to keep them safe. the tree as part of its individual risk

assessment when Page 228 considering potential work. Location will be a key factor in this assessment.

Policy T4 The Council will adhere to the guidance and procedures on tree removal as set out under section 7.9 (tree removal guidelines) of the Parks and Open Spaces Strategy.

Policy T5 The Council will replace tree losses wherever practicable, and affordable and choose trees to enhance the character and appearance of the borough with reference to biodiversity, location, the potential environmental factors, and using the right tree right place checklist. Newly planted trees will be maintained so that they have the best chance of establishment. 7.11 The Council will maintain a tree planting list This will enable Existing staff time Ongoing through Tree Team for planting from November to February officers to plan for and budget the life of this each year and establish priority locations for tree planting so if strategy tree planting, taking into account the funding becomes following factors: available projects ● Transport corridors will be in place to ● Biodiversity objectives take advantage of ● Areas of regeneration and community forests/woodlands ● Corporate plans

Policy T6

The Council will seek to involve the community and stakeholders in raising funds for, planting and maintaining trees in the borough, Page 229 including encouraging residents to use waste water to help new trees establish, and to continue to provide a sponsored tree scheme

7.12 Tree Officers will work actively with residents This may lead to Existing staff time Ongoing through TreeTeam, and stakeholder groups to identify areas and groups bidding for the life of strategy Stakeholders spaces for new tree planting sites additional funding. Survival rates for trees will increase and residents will be involved with the trees

Policy T7 Agenda Item 7 Plaques on trees are not allowed as they detract from the look of the park. They are also vulnerable to damage, which can be upsetting for the family. Commemorative trees with plaques can only be planted within cemeteries. Planting of bulbs or bedding ​ ​ Agenda Item 7

around sponsored trees is only allowed when agreed by the parks management. Floral tributes or other items attached to trees will be removed, again these items detract from the overall look of the park.

Policy T8 The Council will not allow human remains to be placed under, around, or near trees or anywhere on Council land other than by agreement in a cemetery or churchyard.

Policy T9 To work within the legal and technical framework in relation to insurance issues and reduce the costs of existing, and new claims for

damages against the Council. Page 230

7.13 The Council will establish areas of higher risk The Council will be Existing staff time Ongoing through Tree Team in terms of shrinkable clay soils and managing its trees the life of strategy subsidence potential to properties due to the properly and this actions of roots from Council owned trees will protect and take appropriate action to minimise the residents, property potential for damage. and the Council’s reputation

Policy T10 rd The Council will follow the London Tree Officers Association’s Risk Limitation Strategy for Tree Root Claims (3 ​ edition May 2007) ​ and the Joint Mitigation Protocol with regard to claim investigation procedure

Both of these documents can be found at http://www.ltoa.org.uk/ or copies can be obtained from the Tree Team at 24 Denmark ​ ​ road, Carshalton, SM5 2JG)

Policy T11 The Council will work towards mitigating the effects of identified pests and diseases on its trees and continue to liaise with the Forestry Commission on issues affecting trees such as Oak Processionary Moth.

7.14 The Council will plant appropriate trees to Where budgets Whenever planting Tree Team mitigate the effects of climate change and allow is being planned pests & diseases

7.15 The Council will, where practical, plant trees Where budgets Whenever planting Tree Team that are sourced from a local genetic stock allow is being planned The Council will 7.16 The Council will continue to monitor its trees continue to Existing staff time Ongoing through Tree Team and make adaptations to management when manage existing the life of strategy necessary and future issues in a positive way Page 231 7.17 The Council will continue to introduce a wider as well as planning Where budgets Whenever planting Tree Team variety of species into planting schemes for the future tree allow is being planned stock 7.18 The Council will continue to liaise with the Existing staff time Ongoing through Tree Team, Forestry Commission on issues affecting the life of strategy London Tree trees such as Oak Processionary Moth and Officers Hymenoscyphus fraxineus (ash dieback) Association, ​ Forestry Commission

Policy T12 The Council will ensure that, privately owned tree(s) likely to cause an immediate danger to persons or property using the highway, will be dealt with in a reasonable manner as set out in Section 23 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976. Agenda Item 7 The Council’s powers under the Act are discretionary and the Council will only will only use these powers as a last resort.

Agenda Item 7

Policy T13 The Council may seek to prosecute any person(s) (under Section 1 of the Criminal Damage Act 1971 and Section 132 of the Highways Act 1980) carrying out unauthorized work or causing damage to a Council owned tree(s). The Council will also seek to reclaim any such costs as the courts may award.

Policy T14 The Council will remove any sign or poster attached to a Council owned tree that has been attached without the permission of the Council.

Item Action/Task Outcome LBS Resource Timescale Responsibility Page 232 implications other partners

8 Objective 8: Care for plants, animals and ecosystems and help them to thrive, by promoting an understanding of nature, through careful management of open spaces and by delivery of the Biodiversity Strategy.

Policy Bd1 The Council, through this Biodiversity Strategy, will fulfil all agri-environmental scheme targets

8.1 CG 2.1 - Manage and enhance those sites 101 sites with Existing staff time 2023 Parks/ within the HLS scheme under designation up-to-date and resources Biodiversity Team HK7 to achieve HLS targets. management plans reflecting HLS targets and prescriptions and 4no. indicator species frequent

1 Avenue Primary School; Carshalton Road Pastures; ; Oaks Park meadow; ; The Warren; Wellfield East, West, ​ South & North across each site by 2023.

8.2 CG 2.3 - Undertake Chalk Grassland Rapid 10 sites per Existing staff time 2023 Parks/ Assessment and G04 indicator species annum until 2023 and resources Biodiversity Team assessment surveys on chalk grassland (as per CG 2.1) sites under HLS. Record all data on Recorder database and share with GIGL.

8.3 CG 2.4 - Undertake NVC botanical Roundshaw Existing staff time 2023 Parks/ assessment surveys on all sites under HLS grazing paddocks and resources Biodiversity Team HK7 designation under the specification to be surveyed within each site’s management plan. biennially from 2016 to 2023. All other sites to be Page 233 surveyed at least 3 times before 2023, as per their management plans (sites as CG 2.1).

8.4 CG 2.5 - Create conditions suitable for small Kidney vetch Existing staff time 2023 Parks/ blue butterfly in accord with HLS targets for frequent at and resources Biodiversity Team Cuddington Meadows, Roundshaw Downs Cuddington and Wellfield East, South and West. Increase Meadows, the number of, or, create new scrapes Roundshaw specifically for kidney vetch at Cuddington Downs and Agenda Item 7 Meadows, Roundshaw Downs, Carshalton Wellfield East, Road Pastures and the Wellfield Complex. South and West by 2023. Agenda Item 7

8.5 CG 2.6 - Increase kidney vetch in Oaks Park 5 scrapes in Oaks Existing staff time 2023 Parks/ meadow through scrape creation Park meadow by Biodiversity Team Target: 2024

8.6 WS 2.1 - Manage and enhance those sites WS2 - To enhance Existing staff time 2023 Parks/ within the HLS scheme under designation the quality of and resources Biodiversity Team HC16 to achieve HLS targets. woodland and Target: 3 sites2 with up-to-date management scrub areas plans reflecting HLS targets and through the higher prescriptions and with indicators of success Level Stewardship. achieved by 2023.

8.7 WS 2.2 - Manage and enhance those sites 2 sites3 with Existing staff time 2023 Parks / within the HLS scheme under designation up-to-date and resources BiodiversityTeam Page 234 HB11 to achieve HLS targets. management plans reflecting HLS targets and prescriptions and with indicators of success achieved by 2023.

8.8 RW 2.3 - Undertake and fulfil, by 2023, Targets, as Existing staff time 2023 Parks / Higher Level Stewardship targets and outlined in HLS and resources BiodiversityTeam prescriptions at Anton Crescent Wetland. agreement for the / EA open water and reedbed, met

8.9 RW 2.12 - Undertake works at Sutton 1ha of amenity Existing staff time 2023 Parks / Common Paddock to improve this area as grassland restored and resources BiodiversityTeam

2 Carshalton Road Pastures; Cuddington Meadows ; Roundshaw Downs 3 Anton Crescent Wetland; Roundshaw Downs lowland wet grassland and fulfil Higher Level to species rich Stewardship targets by 2023. grassland by 2023

8.10 PGS 1.1 - To deliver the HLS target for Site with Existing staff time 2023 Parks / Belmont Pastures up-to-date and resources BiodiversityTeam management plan, reflecting HLS targets and prescriptions and 2no. indicator species frequent and 2no. occasional by

2023. Page 235

8.11 PGS 3.2 - Maintain the sacrificial crop at 0.5ha seed rich Existing staff time 2023 Parks / Beddington Park to fulfil HLS objectives crop area each and resources BiodiversityTeam year until 2023

Policy Bd2 The Council will deliver Planning Policy 26 on Biodiversity to maintain protection and up-to-date information for designated sites.

8.12 CG1.1, WS 4.1, RW 1.5 & PGS 1.7: To 1 - All major Major applications Ongoing through Parks/ implement Local Plan Policy 26 on planning covered through life of strategy Biodiversity Team protecting and enhancing sites, through the applications with existing staff time; delivery of the Biodiversity Strategy and comments; Medium & small

assessment of planning applications that 2 - All applications require Agenda Item 7 may impact on designated sites. developments additional 0.5 FTE within 100m of a members of staff to SINC or where assess planning Agenda Item 7

more than 500m2 applications and ​ of vegetation is Biodiversity Net proposed for Gain assessment removal (including (linked to Bd3). In single or combined the longer term, back garden land) hoped to be funded reviewed and from Section 106 to commented on deliver Biodiversity Net Gain. In short term, seed funding may be made available from Government to Page 236 start the BNG process, to build up S106 funds.

8.13 Survey all sites identified within the Up-to-date Existing staff time Ongoing through Parks/ Biodiversity Appendices and provide survey information on for LBS owned life of strategy Biodiversity Team data (through a Service Level Agreement) to SINCs held and sites; the Local Environmental Record Centre shared with GiGL private sites will (GiGL) require further staff resources (+0.5 FTE) to be paid for by Net Gain or other sources if this is to be taken forward.

8.14 WS 1.1 & RW 2.14 - Monitor and advise on Each habitat Existing staff time 2023 Parks / the restoration of Beddington Farmlands to parcel within the and resources Biodiversity Team / create all necessary target habitats RMP restored in Planning full by the end of Enforcement / 2023 CAMC

Policy Bd3 The Council will adopt Biodiversity Net Gain and seek defined compensation costs towards delivering aspirational habitat restoration, as set out in Appendices B1-B5.

8.15 GI 1.1 - To implement BNG and Policies 26 1 - All major Major applications Ongoing through Parks/ and 13 through the review of planning planning covered through life of strategy Biodiversity Team application that may impact on biodiversity applications with existing staff time; or provide opportunities for Net Gain comments; Medium & small 2 - All applications require developments additional 0.5 FTE Page 237 within 100m of a members of staff to SINC or where assess planning more than 500m2 applications and ​ of vegetation is Biodiversity Net proposed for Gain assessment removal (including (as per Bd2). single or combined In addition +0.5 back garden land) FTE additional reviewed and member of staff commented on required to and accounting; deliver projects for 3 - delivery of in offsetting (as per situ biodiversity Bd5). gains and habitat To undertake

creation or planning and Agenda Item 7 enhancement delivery work undertaken requires 1 through offsetting additional FTE, at Agenda Item 7

an estimated cost of £40k/annum funded from Section 106 to deliver Biodiversity Net Gain)

8.16 GI 1.2 - To create a recording mechanism GI1 - To Existing staff time 2020 Planning Service/ for all recommended GI within planning implement Parks/ applications Biodiversity Net Biodiversity Team/ Target: 100% of planning recommendations Gain within all captured per reporting year by 2020 developments subject to the Technical Page 238 Guidance Note

8.17 GI 1.3 - To undertake regular inspections to GI1 - To Existing staff time 2025 Planning check for compliance with planning implement Enforcement conditions Biodiversity Net supported by Target: 10 green infrastructure planning Gain within all Parks/ conditions per annum until 2025 developments Biodiversity Team subject to the Technical Guidance Note

8.18 GI 1.4 - To create a green infrastructure GI1 - To Existing staff time 2021 Parks/ ‘condition’ assessment for rapid checking of implement Biodiversity Team / green infrastructure performance and care Biodiversity Net Planning Target: Condition assessment created by Gain within all Enforcement 2021 developments subject to the Technical Guidance Note 8.19 GI 2.1 - To utilise Habitat Opportunity HOM for the Existing staff time 2021 Parks/ Mapping to determine the best locations for borough to scope work, but Biodiversity Team / new habitat (either as extensions to existing completed by 2021 may need GIGL habitat or as corridors or stepping stones). additional funding to implement fully.

8.20 GI 2.2 - To evaluate and, if acceptable, Additional Existing staff time 2023 Strategic Planning incorporate increased biodiversity measures for / Parks / measures4 within the Local Plan review enhanced Biodiversity Team landscaping, site permeability and nesting / roosting opportunities defined in the

Local Plan Page 239

8.21 CG3.1 - Identify areas within the borough, 2ha mapped by Existing staff time 2021 Parks / owned by the borough or under Council 2021 and resources BiodiversityTeam influence for chalk grassland creation

8.22 CG3.2 - Cost out habitat creation 2ha costed by Existing staff time 2022 Parks / 2022 and resources BiodiversityTeam

8.23 WS3.1 - Identify possible areas within the 1ha mapped by Existing staff time 2021 Parks / borough for woodland creation 2021 and resources BiodiversityTeam

8.24 WS3.2 - Cost out habitat creation 1ha costed by Existing staff time 2022 Parks / 2022 and resources BiodiversityTeam Agenda Item 7 4 Soft landscaping to utilise at least 60% local & native species including spring bulbs; soft landscaping to increase structure; incorporation of hedgehog holes into fences or walls; minimum numbers of nest or roost features per development type (for bats, starlings, swifts, house sparrows) and for all new build developments to provide information on wildlife gardening (either through a bespoke leaflet or provision of suitable literature)

Agenda Item 7

Policy Bd4 The Council will engage and enthuse people of all ages in valuing wildlife and nature, through education and active participation.

8.25 Delivery of environmental education at Sutton 3,500 school age Existing staff time Ongoing through Biodiversity Team Ecology Centre children engaged life of strategy annually

8.26 CG4.1 - Engage volunteers and members of 10 site surveys Existing staff time 2023/25 Parks / the public in chalk grassland flora and fauna per annum until and resources BiodiversityTeam through survey events, guided walks, training 2023 and 10 days etc. walks / training days for the Page 240 public by 2025.

8.27 WS 5.1 Engage volunteers and members of Annual Phase 1 Existing staff time 2025 Parks / the public in woodland flora and fauna survey with and resources BiodiversityTeam through survey events, guided walks, training volunteers of days, etc. Queen Mary’s Woodland and Roundshaw Woods until 2023 and 10 walks / training days / events for the public on any designated woodland SINC by 2025.

8.28 RW 3.2 - Promote the value of rivers & Run 30 events and Existing staff time 2025 Parks / wetlands for wildlife through talks, guided promote 18 citizen and resources BiodiversityTeam walks, practical volunteering opportunities, science surveys to SERT events and social media. raise awareness of river and wetland habitats by 2025.

8.29 PGS 2.1 - Run events (such as a guided 10 events by Existing staff time 2025 Parks / walk, talk or practical event) in any Parks or 2025 and resources BiodiversityTeam Green Space

8.30 PGS 2.2 - To engage and train active 10 wardens Existing staff time 2025 Parks / volunteer Tree Wardens for Beddington Park engaged by 2025 and resources BiodiversityTeam to help survey and monitor trees as well as lead planting and young tree maintenance sessions Page 241

8.31 PGS 2.3 - To run at least 2 community tree 4 events by 2021 Existing staff time 2021 Parks / planting events a year to develop and restore and resources BiodiversityTeam woodland areas in Beddington Park.

8.32 PGS 2.4 - Volunteer events to develop and 4 events by 2021 Existing staff time 2021 Parks / improve areas of Beddington Park – e.g and resources BiodiversityTeam scrub clearance, habitat development, invasive species clearance, waterway and pond enhancements.

8.33 PGS 2.7 - Design, create and install new PGS2 - To Staff time and 2025 Parks / interpretation boards explaining wildlife and / promote the additional BiodiversityTeam or habitats at SINCs importance of resources Agenda Item 7 Target: 35 boards by 2025 parks and green

5 Cuddington Rec; Queen Mary’s Park; Bandon Hill Cemetery Agenda Item 7

spaces for biodiversity in the Borough.

Policy Bd5 The Council will protect, maintain and enhance habitat important for biodiversity by delivering the plans for high priority habitats as set out in Appendices B1, B2, B3 and B4.

8.34 CG 1.2 To survey sites not managed by the 3 sites by 20256. Existing staff time Ongoing through Parks / Biodiversity Team, to appraise their and resources life of strategy BiodiversityTeam suitability for retention within the SINC designations for the next LP review Page 242

8.35 WS2.3 - Undertake annual Phase 1 and 2 sites7 per Existing staff time 2025 Parks / woodland condition surveys on woodland annum until 2025 and resources BiodiversityTeam sites under Biodiversity Team management. Record all data on recorder and share with GIGL.

8.36 WS2.4 - Investigate and apply for, if Queen Mary’s Existing staff time Parks / applicable, Countryside Stewardship for Woodland & and resources BiodiversityTeam woodlands managed by the Biodiversity Roundshaw Team. Woods under CS woodland management grants by 2020 (if applicable).

6 Cuddington Golf Course; Oaks Park Golf Course; Woodcote Golf Course ​ 7 Queen Mary’s Woodland & Roundshaw Woods 8.37 WS2.5 - Consult on and, if applicable, 4ha improved Additional 2025 Parks / undertake appropriate enhancement works resources required BiodiversityTeam to Queen Mary’s Woodland and Roundshaw from Net Gain to Woods to maximise biodiversity, including implement selective thinning, underplanting / restocking enhancement and wildflower promotion

8.38 WS 4.2 - To survey designated woodland 4 sites8 by 2020. Existing staff time 2020 Parks / sites not managed by the Biodiversity Team and resources BiodiversityTeam to appraise their suitability for retention within the current SINC designations.

8.39 WS 4.3 - To identify veteran trees across all All veteran trees Existing staff time 2022 Parks / Council sites, recording details onto the identified and and resources BiodiversityTeam dedicated tree database, including

details recorded Page 243 description. To routinely conduct recorded onto database by inspections, frequency of inspections 2022 dependant on site usage. Work recommendations to be based on safety issues and minimal intervention work only. 8.40 RW 1.1 - Implement the Catchment Plans Undertake Existing staff time 2025 SERT/ EA / SES for the River Wandle scheduled works and resources Water / by 2025. Parks / BiodiversityTeam

8.41 RW 1.2 - Write Catchment Plan for Beverley Catchment Plan Existing staff time 2022 SERT/ EA / SES Brook and written and and resources Water / agreed by 2022 Parks / BiodiversityTeam Agenda Item 7

8 Revesby Wood; Greenshaw Wood; Oaks Park woodland; Woodmansterne Road edge woodland Agenda Item 7

8.42 RW 1.3 - Investigate restoration List of potential Existing staff time 2023 SERT/ EA / opportunities for the Beverley Brook and Pyl projects created and resources Parks / Brook within Sutton by 2023 BiodiversityTeam

8.43 RW 1.4 - Implement the Wandle INNS Agreed schedule Existing staff time 2025 Parks / Action Plan9 of work with the and resources BiodiversityTeam SERT/ EA / WLBG

8.44 RW 2.1 - Ensure that river and wetland 6 sites10 Existing staff time 2020 Parks / SINCs managed by the Biodiversity Team and resources BiodiversityTeam have up-to-date Management Plans in place by 2020.

8.45 RW 2.2 - Undertake Phase 1 and condition 6 sites (as above Existing staff time Parks / Page 244 assessment botanical surveys of river and for RW 2.1) and resources BiodiversityTeam wetland SINCs

8.46 RW 2.4 - Implement the 'No Deterioration Ensure the Existing staff time 2025 SERT/ EA / Plan' for the Carshalton Arm of the Wandle Carshalton Arm of and resources Parks / the Wandle BiodiversityTeam maintains Good Ecological Potential and does not deteriorate

8.47 RW 2.5 - Maintain and enhance the lake 1) monitor and Existing staff time 2025 Parks / and stock pond at Beddington Park restock, as and resources BiodiversityTeam necessary, aquatic plants in the stock pond;

9 To include Himalayan Balsam, Crassula helmsii, Japanese Knotweed and floating pennywort at specific locations ​ ​ 10 Anton Crescent Wetland; Caraway Place; Carew Manor Wetland; Kimpton Balancing Pond; Wandle Edge, Wandle Valley Wetland ​ 2) create valuable aquatic and riparian wildlife habitat in the lake through planting and floating ‘bio-islands’.

8.48 RW 2.6 - Investigate and, if possible, RW2 - To improve Existing staff time 2025 Parks / undertake restoration and improvement the condition of and resources BiodiversityTeam works at and Wandle Bank rivers and SERT / EA by 2025. wetlands for nature conservation.

Target: Maintain Page 245 area and enhance the quality of all rivers and wetlands.

8.49 RW 2.7 - Cooperate with all necessary RW2 - To improve Cooperation is 2025 Parks / parties to investigate and, if possible, the condition of contained within BiodiversityTeam / undertake restoration and improvement rivers and existing staff time SERT / EA / works at Shepley Mill by 2025. wetlands for and resources; SES Water / nature investigation into Landowners conservation. costs and works Target: Maintain would require area and enhance significant the quality of all additional funding rivers and from external Agenda Item 7 wetlands. sources Agenda Item 7

8.50 RW 2.8 - Monitor and advise on the RW2 - To improve Existing staff time 2021 Parks / fulfillment of improvement works at Durand the condition of and resources BiodiversityTeam Close by 2021. rivers and / Planning wetlands for enforcement nature conservation. Target: Maintain area and enhance the quality of all rivers and wetlands.

8.51 RW 2.9 - Monitor and advise on the RW2 - To improve Existing staff time 2021 Parks / fulfillment of improvement works at Corbet the condition of and resources BiodiversityTeam Page 246 Close by 2021. rivers and / Planning wetlands for enforcement nature conservation. Target: Maintain area and enhance the quality of all rivers and wetlands.

8.52 RW 2.10 - Undertake restoration and RW2 - To improve Existing staff time 2025 SERT / improvement works upstream of Goat Bridge the condition of and resources Thames Water / by 2025. rivers and EA wetlands for nature conservation. Target: Maintain area and enhance the quality of all rivers and wetlands.

8.53 RW 2.11 - Investigate the possibility of Increase marginal Additional funding 2025 Parks / increasing biodiversity around Carshalton vegetation by at from external BiodiversityTeam Ponds, should desilting works be proposed. least 200%, programmes SERT / EA provide floating required and aquatic species to the water column, install floating islands of native vegetation Page 247 8.54 RW 2.13 - Monitor and advise on the RW2 - To improve Existing staff time 2020 Parks / fulfillment of improvement works at at the condition of and resources BiodiversityTeam Wandle Trading Estate to recreate Mill Pond rivers and / Planning and provide enhancements to Mill Green wetlands for enforcement Stream and the east bank of the Wandle, in nature line with submitted Condition details by 2020 conservation. Target: Maintain area and enhance the quality of all rivers and wetlands.

8.55 RW 3.1 - Carry out monthly riverfly 50 surveys per Existing staff time 2025 Parks / monitoring at 5 sites (Poulter Park, annum. and resources BiodiversityTeam

Beddington Park and 3-Arch Bridge, SERT Agenda Item 7 Restmor Way and ). Target: Agenda Item 7

8.56 RW 4.1 - To promote habitat creation, 10 functional Existing staff time 2025 LLFA / SERT restoration and water quality enhancement SUDS by 2025. and resources through the planning process by incorporating SuDS into design.

8.57 PGS 1.2 - Existing wildflower meadows 8 sites11 annually Existing staff time Ongoing through Parks / within Parks to have annual haycut to and resources the life of strategy BiodiversityTeam maintain extent and condition

8.58 PGS 1.3 - To instigate and maintain a low 4 sites12 annually Existing staff time Ongoing through Parks / impact management regime to enhance and resources the life of strategy BiodiversityTeam damp grassland sites utilising heavy horses or light machinery for hay cutting and removal Page 248

8.59 PGS 1.4 - Existing species rich grassland in PGS1 - To Existing staff time Ongoing through Parks / other green spaces to maintain existing maintain the extent and resources the life of strategy BiodiversityTeam management and avoid areas of flowers and current when in bud management & Target: Provide biodiversity input to 213 site implement management plans by 2020 enhancement to Target: Both sites with at least 25% of the existing meadows grassland in flower at any one time between and species rich April and September annually from 2021 grassland.

8.60 PGS 1.5 - Undertake annual Phase 1 and 4 sites a​ nnually Existing staff time Ongoing through Parks / ​ condition surveys to ensure meadow quality (as per PGS 1.3) and resources the life of strategy BiodiversityTeam is maintained and share data with GiGL

11 Beddington Park - ‘tall grass area’ & wet meadow; Cheam Rec, Cuddington Rec; Perrett’s Field House Sparrow area; Queen Mary’s Park, Rosehill Park East & Paddock 12 Beddington Park - ‘tall grass area’ & wet meadow; Back Green & Sutton Common Paddock ​ 13 Bandon Hill Cemetery & Cuddington Cemetery ​ 8.61 PGS 1.6 - Undertake Phase 1 surveys every 26 sites14 by 2025 Existing staff time 2025 Parks / 5 years to ensure data relating to the SINC and resources BiodiversityTeam citation is up-to-date and share data with GiGL

8.62 PGS 3.1 - Improve the northern woodland PGS3 - To Additional 2021 Parks / area at Beddington Park through selective maintain, enhance resources BiodiversityTeam thinning, underplanting and coppicing (links and diversify the to Woodland and Scrub HAP) wildlife habitat in Target: 0.3 ha enhanced by 2021 parks and green spaces, in line with their SINC designations

8.63 PGS 3.3 - Survey blackthorn at Queen Survey by 2020. Existing staff time 2025 Parks / Page 249 Mary’s Park for brown hairstreak and (if suitable) and resources BiodiversityTeam undertake scalloping, if suitable, for manage for 50% promotion of brown hairstreak habitat. growth under 10 years old by 2025

8.64 PGS 3.4 - Increase pollen and nectar PGS3 - To Additional 2021 Parks / resource availability through native spring maintain, enhance resources BiodiversityTeam bulb and wildflower planting in appropriate and diversify the areas of Beddington Park wildlife habitat in Target: 0.3ha by 2021 parks and green spaces, in line with their SINC designations Agenda Item 7 14 All Saints Churchyard ; Bandon Hill Cemetery; Beverley Brook; Buckland Way Rec; Caraway Place; Carshalton Park; Carshalton Ponds; Cheam Park; Cheam Rec; Cuddington Cemetery; Cuddington Rec; Dale Park; Greenshaw Woods & Rosehill Park East; Lambert’s Copse; Wood; London Road Edge; Mill Green; Perret’s Field & Sutton Waterworks; Pine Walk; Poulter Park Riverside; Queen Mary’s Park; Queen Elizabeth Walk; Revesby Road Woods; Radcliffe Gardens Woodland; St. Nicholas Churchyard; The Grove Agenda Item 7

8.65 PGS 3.5 - Manage and maintain the 0.3 hectares Additional 2020 Parks / community orchard. managed by 2020 resources BiodiversityTeam

8.66 PGS 3.6 - Subject to consultation, expand PGS3 - To Additional 2025 Parks / existing wildflower meadows15 and maintain, enhance resources and BiodiversityTeam / hedgerows16 in parks and green spaces and diversify the funding required Friends of groups wildlife habitat in via Net gain parks and green spaces, in line with their SINC designations

8.67 PGS 3.7 Subject to consultation, enhance Additional 2025 Parks / Page 250 existing ‘meadows’17 in parks and green resources and BiodiversityTeam / spaces funding required Friends of groups via Net gain

8.68 PGS 3.8 Implement suitable habitat To ensure Existing staff time 2025 Parks / management, based on the site’s biodiversity inputs and resources BiodiversityTeam / management plan and SINC citation. into the Friends of groups preparation of all Parks management plans (see Policy P1)

15 Cuddington Rec, Perrett’s Field, Queen Mary’s Park, Stock Pond in Beddington Park, Rosehill Park West 16 The Grove 17 Poulter Park, Corrigan Recreation Ground 8.69 PGS 4.1 - Subject to consultation, create new PGS4 - To create Additional 2025 Parks / wildflower meadows18 and hedgerows19 in new areas of resources and BiodiversityTeam / parks and green spaces, wildlife habitat funding required Friends of groups within parks and via Net gain green spaces.

8.70 PGS 4.2 - Subject to consultation, create new PGS4 - To create Additional 2025 Parks / wet meadow in Beddington Park new areas of resources and BiodiversityTeam / Target: 0.5ha by 2025 wildlife habitat funding required Friends of groups within parks and via Net gain green spaces.

8.71 PGS 4.3 Consult on new or extended PGS4 - To create Existing staff time 2025 Parks / grazing proposals.20 new areas of and resources BiodiversityTeam /

wildlife habitat Friends of groups Page 251 within parks and green spaces.

Policy Bd6 The Council will proactively work with the GLA to fulfil regional targets and national organisations, such as Natural England and DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) in the delivery of landscape scale work, such as the Nature Recovery Network and mandated Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)

8.72 Meetings and communication with Natural BNG scheme that Within existing staff Ongoing through Biodiversity Team / England, DEFRA and the GLA works for Sutton’s time life of strategy Parks / needs and Planning priorities Agenda Item 7

18 Beddington Park, The Grove, Carshalton Park 19 Roundshaw Open Space 20 Oaks Park, Roundshaw Downs, Poulter Park, Kimpton Linear Park, Beddington Park Agenda Item 7

8.73 Meetings and communication with Natural Delivery of NRN / Meetings and Ongoing through Biodiversity Team England and DEFRA, engagement in Local LNRA / landscape discussion within life of strategy Nature Restoration Area (LNRA) / Nature scale conservation existing staff time; Recovery Network local partnership(s) to deliver regional Participation in and UK targets, as NRN etc. set out on 25YEP partnerships requires at least +0.5FTE additional staff resources , for which extra funding would need to be sought

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