January 1, 2017 Westmorland Park Management Plan 2016 - 2026
Westmorland Park Management Plan
2016-2026 (Reviewed 2019)
1 Parks & CountrysideParks& Coun1ryside Service Service 0134401344 354441 354441 rangers@bracknell-fores1.gov.uk www.bracknell-fores1.g0v.uk/[email protected] www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/parks January 1, 2017 Westmorland Park Management Plan 2016 - 2026
This Management Plan sets out the key aims, actions and outcomes for Westmorland Park until 2026. It is a Plan for - the local communities, site visitors, organisations that support the site and the important wildlife and landscape value. The plan will highlight the various local sporting facilities used on site for football, tennis and baseball. In addition the grounds are used by various clubs and community groups such as the Bracknell Herons fishing club, Brownies, Forest Schools and local dog walking groups. It will ensure that BFC purposes are being delivered whilst contributing to the aims and Hayley Green Wood objectives of other strategies for the area.
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Contents
Section Page no.
1 Context….…………………….. 6
1.1 Key function 6
1.2 Vision 6
1.3 Purpose of plan 7
1.4 Management aims 8
2 Site Overview….……………. 9
2.1 Location, shape and size 9
2.2 Topography, geology and hydrology 9
2.3 Boundaries, adjacent land and access 9
2.4 Legal and planning framework 12
2.5 Site history 13
2.6 Landscape heritage 13
2.7 Habitats, flora and fauna 14
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3 Resource evaluation….……………. 18
3.1 Community resource 18
3.2 Recreation facilities 20
3.3 Landscape heritage 21
3.4 Biodiversity value 21
3.5 Green Infrastructure 22
3.6 Interpretation, signage and marketing 23
4 Management…………………………. 26
4.1 Quality standards 26
4.2 Quality criteria 26
4.3 Quality audit 26
4.4 Consultation & monitoring park use 28
4.5 Environmental sustainability 29
4.6 Capital projects 31
4.7 Revenue spend 32
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4.8 Work Plan 35
36 4.9 Action Plan 57 5 Appendices………………………….……....….
A Site maps 57
B Strategic background 65
C Green Flag Award criteria 71
D Bracknell Forest Council core quality criteria 73
E Site species and habitats 74
F Dog Walkers Code of Conduct leaflet 75
G Veteran Tree guidance 75
H Health and safety advice 76
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1 Context
1.1 Key function Site Description Westmorland Park is located on the north eastern perimeter of Bracknell New Town and serves as the main local open space for the residents of Whitegrove. The site was established as part of the public open space provision within the Whitegrove Housing Development in 1989 and adopted by BFC in 1999. Westmorland Park benefits from a sloping aspect, irregular shape and a matrix of different habitats including a lake, meadow, amenity grassland,woodland, park trees and shrubs. Together these allow for a higher usage of the site without making it feel over-crowded. These characteristics also add visual character and a high level of biodiversity to the site. Formal recreational facilities include football pitches, baseball diamond, children’s play area and basketball hoop, all-weather tennis courts, open grassland, sports pavilion, car park and a footpath/cycleway network. The tennis courts are targeted for local need and the tennis club is currently managed and led from a community level to encourage ownership. By encouraging the use of these resources, it fulfils a community development function as well as providing a health / sports facility. In 2002 the site was extended by 2.07 hectares with the incorporation of an adjacent area of woodland known as Hayley Green Wood. In 2003 this was designated as a Local Nature Reserve under a Wildspace Grant received from English Nature (now Natural England) / New Opportunities Fund. In 2016 the site was further extended by the addition of the northern section of Edmund’s Lane, which runs to County Lane.
The total area of the combined site is now 9.69 hectares. The vision for Westmorland Park draws on existing policy and strategy for green space provision within Bracknell 1.2 Vision for Forest Borough, as summarised in the Parks and Open Spaces Strategy. Bracknell Forest Parks See Appendix B.
To provide a sustainably managed, high quality park for the community which is accessible, safe and enjoyable whilst conserving and enhancing its natural and heritage features along with offering appropriate facilities for informal and formal recreation.
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The purpose of the plan is to guide management and maintenance of Westmorland park for the next 10 years. The 1.3 Purpose of Plan plan will: • Enhance general understanding of the site for rangers, officers, councillors, local residents, visitors, the wider community and other interested parties • Relate management of the site to wider strategies and policy • Set objectives for site management and identify management requirements to achieve these objectives • Prioritise action • Identify and define the monitoring requirements to measure the effectiveness of management • Assess, prioritise and secure resources • Enable communication with the public, organisations and other sites • Provide a base line to use as part of future monitoring and management • Ensure continuity of effective management including opportunities for volunteering…
Who is the plan for? The plan is for practical use and reference of: Parks & Countryside staff, contractors, all sporting clubs, volunteer groups such as Warfield Environment Group and Bracknell Conservation Volunteers (BCVs) and other local people who use and enjoy the park.
The plan will be reviewed annually but it is intended to cover a 10-year period.
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1.4 Management Aims: See 4.5 Action Plan for management objectives and prescriptions.
A To maintain the site as an attractive, clean and safe place. Refer to Green Flag Award® assessment criteria 1, 2 & 3 detailed in Appendix C.
B To maintain and enhance the historic landscape character of the park and the features of nature conservation value. Refer to GF criteria 5.
C To manage the park in a sustainable way Refer to GF criteria 4.
D Coordinated management and maintenance through collaborative working between project partners Refer to GF criteria 6 & 8.
E Promote public enjoyment and understanding and community involvement in the park Refer to GF criteria 6.
F To survey, monitor and report on the delivery of the management plan aims and objectives Refer to GF criteria 8.
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2 Site Overview
2.1 Location, shape and size Description: Westmorland Park is a 9.69 hectare park (including Hayley Green Wood at 2.07 hectares), that is located in the Parish of Warfield, in the borough of Bracknell Forest. Address: Westmorland Drive, Warfield, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG42 3QW OS Reference: SU 886 708 A location map can be found in Appendix A.
2.2 Topography, geology and Topography hydrology The land slopes gently westward towards the balancing pond which is owned by Thames Water and was created in the early 1990s when extensive remodelling of the land form took place to achieve the present contours. Geology and soils Westmorland Park lies on London Clay formations of clay, silt and sand.
Hydrology Land drains for the recreational pitches were installed as part of the original site implementation works. Further work has been undertaken in 2015 to improve the drainage of the lower football pitch. The balancing pond is designed to flood from time to time. The top of the bank is designed to accommodate the volume of storage required for a 25-year storm. After heavy rain the water level will rise rapidly as the pond fulfils its flood storage role. Hayley Green Wood is very wet in places and contains a number of ditches and seasonal ponds.
2.3 Boundaries, adjacent land Boundary responsibilities and access All site boundaries are either fenced or are defined by the edge of the highway along Westmorland Drive. Where fencing adjoins housing, this is the responsibility of the householder.
The ballstop fencing along the northern boundary of the pitches is maintained by the council and was
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originally constructed as part of the planning consent. A thick tree belt has been planted to the rear of this fencing to improve the visual appearance of this boundary and also to give added protection against balls from recreation pursuits.
Adjacent land Westmorland Park is surrounded by housing to the south. The northern boundary of the site adjoins Forest Road and North Lodge Farm. The eastern boundary of the site is woodland. The western boundary is defined by the Bullbrook stream. Hayley Green Woods is bordered by housing, other woodland, farmland and a track. The latter has a fence running along its length that was put in by Warfield Parish Council. However, the actual edge of BFCs land is represented by six foot concrete posts which were erected by Warfield Park.
Within the site is a balancing pond owned by Thames Water. The boundary with this land is marked on site by concrete edgings which have been laid flush to the ground. The area of the pond is 1.3 hectares.
Access There are numerous pedestrian access points into the park: • Westmorland Drive entrance • Forest Road to the north of the park • From County lane, which is a shared footpath / cycleway • Three minor pedestrian access points leading directly from residential developments
Disabled access is available from the main entrance and from Forest Road. A shared footpath / cycleway runs along the western edge of the site, and connects to Edmunds Lane.
Site vehicular access is only permitted from the main entrance off Westmorland Drive where there is a tarmac car park for approximately forty cars. Two bays located nearest to the pavilion are reserved for wheelchair users or Blue Badge holders. Maintenance vehicle access to the pitches is from the car park.
Access by bike can be gained from County Lane, which is a shared footpath / cycleway (see left). There is a bike rack just outside the pavilion.
The nearest bus stops are located on County Lane (access via Westmorland Drive) and Forest Road (access via Edmund’s Lane). See Appendix A Site Access Map.
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Left - Westmorland Drive welcome sign at main entrance and Right –cycleway along western boundary.
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2.4 Legal and planning Land ownership framework Westmorland Park was established as part of the public open space provision (s106 agreement) within the Whitegrove Housing Development in 1989. A Management Plan for most of the public open spaces in Whitegrove was produced by the North Bracknell Consortium in July 1991 and this guided the implementation and subsequent maintenance of the open spaces until transfer to the Borough Council. The twelve month pre-adoption maintenance period for the Westmorland Drive open space commenced on 1 April 1994. Subsequent adoption was delayed owing to discussions about release of the covenant that restricts use of the land to public open space. “That the Open Space Land shall not be used except as public open space…..including any built facilities ancillary to such public open space.” The land was transferred to Bracknell Forest Borough Council in 1999. The shared footpath / cycleway west of the pond is adopted by the Borough Council’s Highways Department. A small strip of land to the east of the pond is in private ownership, with the owner living in Dorset. This area was never included in the original Section 106 agreement; however, this area appears as though it is part of the recreation ground and, in practice, is managed by BFC.
If opportunities arise, BFC will consider additional land purchase to extend ownership of the Hayley Green Wood LNR - but this no longer forms part of budgeted plan.
Wayleaves and Easements A foul trunk sewer is located on land south of the pond. Information on file suggests that a connection to North Lodge Farm was constructed in the early 1990s and that the line of this connection is through the open space to the east of the pond. A surface water sewer flows into the southern end of the balancing pond. An outflow exists at the north- western end of the pond.
Public Rights of Way There are no Definitive public rights of way that run through the site.
Designations The land is shown as open space in the Borough’s Local Plan, which is currently being reviewed.
Hayley Green Wood is a Local Nature Reserve (LNR) and forms part of ‘Big Wood’ Local Wildlife Site (LWS).
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Hayley Green Wood is covered by area TPO 142 – “oak with silver birch; south of Forest Road”.
See TPOs designation map in Appendix A.
Byelaws There are currently no byelaws for the site. General legislation is currently considered appropriate to meet needs in addressing issues which may be anticipated at Westmorland Park. This accords with current guidance (which states “…If there is general legislation to cover the subject causing concern, byelaws are not generally considered suitable...” Should it be considered that there is a need for site specific byelaws these will be developed in-line with relevant national guidance and legislation.
Prior to the construction of the recreation ground, the land was open fields and formed part of Warfield Park, 2.5 Site history an extensive estate which was owned by Colonel John Walsh in 1766. Pride’s map of 1786 shows the land as open fields with scattered trees.
The site has seen more recent industrial uses, but during 2002 Hayley Green Wood was incorporated into Westmorland Park. The balancing pond was created in the early 1990s to store excess water during heavy rainfall. It is owned and maintained by Thames Water.
2.6 Landscape heritage The original drive to Warfield Park ran approximately 10m to the west of its current location; it was believed to have been moved during the Second World War when the American Army occupied the manor and its grounds.
The old drive appears to have been sunken, possibly surfaced with gravel, and had lime trees planted on each side forming a Lime avenue. The avenue is largely intact across the site, but its line has been destroyed elsewhere.
No archaeological investigations have been conducted on the site.
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2.7 Habitats, flora and fauna Green Wood Local Nature Reserve
This mixed deciduous woodland of oak and silver birch contains remnants of the parkland planting from its days as part of Warfield Park. Its ground flora includes bluebell, self heal and foxglove and its supports a variety of other notable species including grass snake and bullfinch. A small woodland pond has been created which now acts as a natural pool that supports frogs, dragonflies and birds. The wet areas around the edges of the pond support plant species adapted to wet conditions, such as ferns and mosses. Management objectives for the woodland mostly relate to conserving and enhancing its biodiversity value. The woodland is managed to maintain a varied age-structure in order to enhance ground flora and deadwood habitats are retained where appropriate. See 4.7 Work Plan and 4.8 Action Plan for a full overview of woodland management objectives. The woodland is also managed with public access in mind, with paths kept clear of encroaching vegetation and signage where appropriate. Consideration is being given to provide further directional signage in the woodland to better guide people around the circular paths.
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Balancing Pond The prime function of the pond is to store excess water during periods of heavy / sustained rainfall and then release it slowly back into the urban drainage system. The pond is well stocked with fish, such as carp, tench and roach and is home to water birds including ducks, moorhens and swans. The pond has little submerged vegetation and therefore is unlikely to support rarer species such as Great Crested Newts. The management of the pond is the responsibility of Thames Water, who Bracknell Forest Council work with in order to ensure the life belts are accessible and any changes in water quality are reported and actioned accordingly.
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Meadow areas Parts of Westmorland Park are managed as a meadow through an annual hay cut in order to allow wildflowers such as oxeye daisy, bird’s-foot trefoil, cowslip and ragged robin to flourish. This in turn attracts bees, butterflies, grasshoppers and other insects. The photo below taken in 2015 shows a newly established wildflower area as part of site quality improvement works carried out in 2014 (see 4.5 Capital Projects).
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The Bullbrook and Parkland Trees There are small areas of ancient wildlife habitats across the site including the banks of the Bullbrook stream and old parkland standards (oak trees).
The Bullbrook (pictured left) rises in the Crown land of Swinley Forest and heads in a Northerly direction before joining The Cut (river) at Newell Green. For much of its course the stream follows an engineered culvert or disappears through underground culverts. The course of the Bullbrook forms linkages between open space and travels through sites such as Worlds End Savernake Pond and Allsmoor. At Edmunds Green the Bullbrook emerges and follows a more natural course and bank and links the sites of Edmunds Green, Edmunds Lane and Westmorland Park.
Along this stretch Kingfishers (a BAP species) and Herons are often seen fishing in the water. The watercourse is managed by the Environment Agency.
Some of the Parkland’s trees still remain today and are managed as key heritage features and for the important habitat they provide for nesting birds, bats and rare invertebrates. The table below identifies two veteran trees that can be found on site. Veteran trees are those defined as being of interest biologically, culturally or aesthetically because of their age, size or condition. They could provide unique conditions for a range of wildlife, illustrate past land use so marking out history or they might simply be visually appealing.
Table 1: Species Quercus robur Quercus robur Common name Pedunculate Oak Pedunculate Oak Site name Westmorland Park, hill above pond (pictured) Near Westmorland Pavilion / Westmorland drive near park Grid ref SU8855570905 SU8866570765
Vice county Berks Berks
Access term Public access Public access Setting term Public or Open Space, Bank, Parkland Tree as habitat term Lichen Girth (m) 5.36 3.4
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We work to manage, protect and preserve the important trees in the borough including those at Westmorland Park. The trees are monitored as part of our 6 monthly site tree inspections and any remediation work is carried out where required using the specialist knowledge about tree management within our in-house ranger’s team and in consultation with the Council’s Tree Team. Management prescriptions include mulching around the root plates of trees helps to prevent compaction to their roots and help to prevent drought. Any work has to be done gradually so that the effects can be monitored. Too much change at once can harm the tree.
In a wider context, we support the work of volunteers to identify veteran trees in the borough. The Bracknell Forest Veteran Tree Survey involves groups such as Warfield Environment Group (pictured after undertaking work at Long Copse) to carry out surveys to identify our important Veteran Trees in the borough. This ultimate aim of this project, which is also being supported by Bracknell Town Council and the Bracknell Forest Natural History Society, is to develop a database of Veteran Trees in the borough. By identifying and recording where these trees are they can be better managed and protected.
3 Resource Evaluation
3.1 Community resource Profile
Westmorland Park lies just inside the northern boundary of the ward of Warfield Harvest Ride, which has a population of 8220. With the ward covering 178.38 hectares, this equates to just over 46 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:
- Priestwood and Garth: 35 pph (224.29 ha 7853 persons)
- Bullbrook: 37.9 pph (166.71 ha 6318 persons) - Binfield with Warfield: 4.2 pph (2097.8 ha 8964 persons)
- Winkfield and Cranbourne: 1.97 pph (2450.73 ha and 4819 persons)
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Resident Population Estimates by Ward, Office for National Statistics, mid-2014.
Of those in Harvest Ride, 29% were under 19 and 12% were over 60 (compared to 25.7% and 18.5%
respectively for the borough as a whole).
The site is well used for walking and dog walking, with popular routes including those through Hayley Green Woods and the path around the edge of the pond.
The northern section of Edmunds Lane has now been incorporated into the boundary of Westmorland Park. This new addition is a strategic north-south shared footpath/cycleway that runs from County Lane in a northwards direction, meeting the former site boundary, where it continues along the western boundary before emerging at Forest Road. This cycleway extends southwards beyond County Lane, providing a valuable link into the wider Bracknell cycleway network. The site contains several key sports facilities for the local area, including football pitches, tennis courts and a baseball diamond (see 3.2 Recreation facilities). The sports pitches at Westmorland Park and Priory Field are the only publically accessible recreational pitches in Warfield and are therefore a key recreational resource. They also add to the supply of pitches in Bracknell as a whole. The tennis courts are targeted for local need and the tennis club is managed and led from a community level to encourage ownership. Encouraging the use of these pitches fulfils a community development function as well as providing health/sports facility.
The pavilion serves these recreational pitches and includes 4 team changing areas, toilets and a small area for refreshments. A room is also available for hire for events and activities.
Fishing takes place in the balancing pond which is owned by Thames Water. The fishing rights are leased to Bracknell Herons Angling Club who manages a permit scheme for the site.
Parks & Countryside work with The Great Big Tree Climbing Company to run events at Pope’s Meadow. These popular events see participants scaling the dizzying heights of selected park trees to get fantastic views of the surroundings.
In addition to sporting clubs, a wide range of other community based user groups use the park including: • Montesorri Nursery (Busybees) • Pilates
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• Brownies • Forest School • Dog Training • And other ad-hoc hirers
3.2 Recreation facilities Football pitches are let to Whitegrove Football Club football club on a season by season basis in the winter and Bracknell Baseball Club use the area in the summer months. The tennis courts are managed as a facility for local residents, with administration co-ordinated on a community level by Westmorland Park Lawn Tennis Club.
The pavilion serves the recreational pitches and includes 4 team changing areas, toilets and a small area for refreshments. A room is also available for hire for events and activities.
Sports facilities: • Football pitches • Baseball diamond • Basketball hoop, • All-weather tennis courts,
The play area was refurbished in 2016 using £70,000 BFC capital money. See pictures left. Facilities now include:
• Rotating cradle swings • Spinning bowl • Springy duck • Springy frog • Multi unit • Mini basket swing
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• Trim trailJungle climber • Nexus Duel • Goal • Basketball hoop • Rope end swinger • Community shelter
3.3 Landscape heritage The original driveway (the Lime Avenue) is still relatively open but in places has scrub and bramble encroachment whilst the limes have developed quite a large amount of epicormic growth which needs to be managed in order to preserve the historic integrity of the Lime Avenue. See Objective B3 of the Action Plan.
The maintenance of the driveway is included under objective B3 of the action plan. See Table 1.
3.4 Biodiversity Value Hayley Green Wood was designated a Local Nature Reserve in 2003. It also forms part of ‘Big Wood’ Local Wildlife (Heritage) Site (WHS 211), which is comprised of mixed deciduous woodland: ash, willow, silver birch and sycamore with specimens of horse and sweet chestnut, oak and yew. Its entry on the LWS Register shows that BAP species Ragged Robin and Bullfinch were recorded in Big Wood in 1997 and that the area includes wet area with streams and springs, some willow carr and sphagnum mosses.
As a Local Wildlife Site, the woodland is part of an ongoing monitoring programme for the Bracknell Forest Biodiversity Action Plan, which is due for review in 2017.
The records held by Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre (TVERC) show the presence of the following species for Westmorland Park / Hayley Green Woods: - Mallard, Anas platyrhynchos - Common Toad, Bufo bufo - Common Cuckoo, Cuculus canorus
In addition, Red Kites are regularly spotted hunting over the park.
Recent improvements to the landscaping have also created new habitats that are maturing to create
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features of wildlife interest (See 4.5 Capital Projects).
See Appendix A: Wildlife designation map
3.5 Green Infrastructure Westmorland Park is part of a network of strategically planned high quality green spaces and other environmental features. It is designed and managed as a multifunctional resource capable of delivering a wide range of environmental and quality of life benefits for local communities. It is a key part of green infrastructure, acting as a buffer between housing developments and helping retain the identity of settlements.
Green infrastructure can be identified according to the primary functions being served: Function Characteristics Play Spaces providing opportunities targeted towards children and young people. This is becoming increasingly significant in relation to encouraging healthy, active lifestyles and enabling social development. Provision can range from specific, equipped play areas; to less formal places allowing for and encouraging unstructured, imaginative play and / or socialising Sport Sites supporting sport and leisure activities such as outdoor ball games and keep fit Formal Designed, landscaped areas specifically laid out as publicly accessible green space. This includes parks and gardens. In addition (especially within urban settings), formal green space encompasses civic spaces such as squares, public art, planted borders and flower beds Informal This can encompass semi-natural land with low key or ‘defacto’ public access Natural Biodiversity rich spaces including heathland, meadows, river corridors, ponds and woodlands Linear Public Rights of Way, Cycle Tracks and trails Buffer Highway verges, embankments and boundaries
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Climate This recognises the vital role that green infrastructure plays in climate change mitigation Change and adaption, including by helping to address the environmental impacts arising from increasing development pressure and associated pollution. Examples include creating balancing ponds to alleviate flood risk; carbon sequestration by trees plants and soil; and reducing the urban heat island effect caused by the extent of contiguous urban area (exceeding 30 square kilometres)
The 'strategic' intention is to increase the amount of Open Space of Public Value in the Borough and to improve how this is physically connected (e.g. Westmorland Park to Cabbage Hill). See Warfield Supplementary Planning Document for further information. www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/planning-and- building-control/planning/planning-policy/supplementary-planning-documents-spds/warfield-supplementary- planning-document This is a long-term aspiration, as it is dependent on planning applications coming forward that will deliver the new infrastructure (such as new pedestrian and cycleway links) required.
In 2016 Bracknell Forest Council commissioned a Green Infrastructure audit to identify how open spaces and other green areas in the borough function to support the wellbeing of communities and the environment. This study forms part of the evidence base for the new Comprehensive Local Plan that’s currently in development. https://www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/draft-bracknell-forest-local-plan/evidence-base
3.6 Interpretation, signage & Interpretation and signage marketing
Westmorland Park is signed at the junction of the roads Westmorland Drive and Harvest Ride, an important local route that’s just under 1km from the site.
Signs are located at the main entrance off Westmorland Drive (see photo below left), at Forest Road and County Lane. These three signs contain basic information about who owns and manages the park and a ‘Parks and Countryside Helpline number’.
An interpretation board with site map, history and wildlife information was installed in 2014 and was funded using capital money (via developer contributions). The adjoining noticeboard is updated on a regular basis
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with information on events, activities, relevant management and local groups. There are also information points at the tennis courts entrance and within the pavilion.
Two wooden, carved feature archways help link Hayley Green Wood with the rest of Westmorland Park. Fingerposts at various locations across the site help signpost and connect the various areas of the park. Further directional signs to and around Hayley Green Woods are now available to help guide people around the circular paths.
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Marketing A new site leaflet has been produced for the park, which includes information about the site’s recreational facilities; its heritage and wildlife value and is available free of charge across the borough’s libraries, information centres, council offices and community centres. The leaflet can be ordered or downloaded from the council’s website.
Directions Veteran On fool I by bicycle Westmorland Park ~---~Trees Three tennis courts are available to use ~~ There are entrances off Wes ~ Bracknell 7 tmorland Drive , Bracknell Forest through a membership with Westmorland Park __.t Forest Forest Road, County Lane, which is a shared Counci manage Lawn Tennis Club. To find out more about the Council club or to apply for membership visit our footpath / cycleway and three that lead the veteran trees, website. directly from housing estates which are remnants from the www.brackneH-forest.gov.uk/ Warfield Pan< outdoorsportspitchesandcourts By bus / train estate, as key The nearest bus stops are located on County - cr1r..un:• ooru heritage features Lane (via Westmorland Drive) and Forest andfOfthe Road (via Edmund's l ane) important habitat The nearest station is in Bracknell, which is they provide for 1.8 miles away according to Google Maps nesti11g birds. bats and invertebrates By car Ther e is free car parking for 40 vehicles, with 2 disabled parking bays. For further directions by car, please use Google Maps https ://maps.google.co. uk/ Contact Bracknell Forest Council, Par ks & Countryside Service, Other key features and facilities The Look Out Discovery Centre, Nine Mile Balancing Pond Ride. Bracknell , RG 12 7QW • A pavilion that is available to hire for T: 01344 352000 This was created in activities such as aerobics and Tai Chi E: [email protected] the early 1990s to • Play areas with equipment suitable for Have your say about Bracknell Forest parks stOfe excess water children aged 2 to 14 years http:1/consult.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/portaLI during heavy rainfall. These areas are leisurelparkviS1t The pond is owned managed through an • A community shelter and maintained by annual hay cut so The woodland is home to • Sports facilities which include tennis courts, Thames Water and that wildflowers such a wildlife including grass football pitches a basketball hoop and Copies of this leaflet may be obtained in is an attractive as oxeye daisy snake, bullfinch (pictured baseball diamond large print, Braille, on audio tape or in other Recreation ground and feature that is home to fish including carp, tench (pictured), bird's-foot right) and wildflow8fS such languages. To obtain a copy in an and roach and water birds such as ducks, trefol, cowslip and ragged robin can flourish. This as bluebell, self-heal and • Cyclepath that runs from Forest Road alternative format, please telephone Local Nature Reserve in Warfield moorhens and swans attracts insects such as bees, butterflies and foxglove to Harvest Ride via Edmund's Lane 01344 352000 grasshoppers
Westmorland Park is also featured in the BFC leaflet ‘Discover the Parks & Countryside of Bracknell Forest’ and on the council’s website, where it has its own dedicated webpage. www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/parks-and-countryside/parks-visit/westmorland-park
BFC have their own Twitter, Facebook and Instagram pages meaning that the public can access latest news and events from the following addresses: http://facebook.com/bracknellforestcouncil http://twitter.com/bracknellforest http://instagram.com/bracknellforest
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4 Management 4.1 Quality standards A key priority is to sustain and raise quality standards of Westmorland Park together with the provision of facilities that are of a sufficient size to meet the recreational demands of a growing residential population.
See Appendix B Strategic background, for an overview of quality standards, as set out in the Parks and Open Spaces Strategy.
4.2 Quality criteria Bracknell Forest quality assessment is based on criteria similar to Green Flag Award®, a scheme that is the benchmark national standard for parks and green spaces in the UK. It encompasses all the critical elements advocated within Planning Policy Guidance 17.
Linked to this, there are basic criteria which should be considered as standard.
See Appendix D for a list of Bracknell Forest Council’s core quality criteria. 4.3 Quality audit 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 were employed again to quality audit 25% of green spaces managed by the Council’s Parks and Countryside Service and using the method developed with the consultants, a further 50% were audited by P&C officers, senior rangers and park managers. The audit for Westmorland Park was carried out in 2014 by BFC officers. The site achieved a quality score of 70% which puts it into the category rating of Very Good. This is an increase in its rating of approximately 8% from when the park and then Hayley Green Wood which was counted as a separate site was audited as part of the PPG17 study in 2006.
The remaining sites were audited by a difference external consultant in early 2016, who also audited all town and parish council managed parks and open spaces. The data produced was used to inform the Local Plan Review and to prioritise improvement work. Parks and Countryside officers will continue to quality audit their sites over a four to five year cycle, with a review due for Westmorland Park in 2019.
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A sports facility quantity and quality audit is also underway, leading to a Playing Pitch Strategy for the Borough.
See Appendix B for further information about the Play, Open Spaces and Sports (POSS) Study.
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4.4 Consultation & monitoring park Consultation use Understanding the quality of our parks/open spaces and how the public feels they are being managed and maintained, helps the Council to take action to inform management objectives, prioritise investment and raise site quality standards (e.g. Green Flag Award). How would you rate the accessibility of the Park / Open Bracknell Forest Residents’ Survey 2017: Space? i.e. does it have surfaced The most frequently mentioned best aspects that respondents said they liked about the borough continue to paths, wheelchair ramps where relate to access to green spaces (parks, open spaces, and the countryside (54%), with a disparate array of required? Is the interpretation / other aspects also mentioned. signage easy to read? Parks User Survey: This borough wide survey was started by BFC in early 2015 to help them better understand the views of users of local parks and open spaces. The survey which is available to the public on BFCs website (paper copies are available upon request), asks questions about visits to parks/open spaces, 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 option 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 for Westmorland Park relating to accessibility is shown to the left. This is based on feedback from 68 people, where 56 rated the accessibility as good or Very good very good. This survey also helped to identify that people were unhappy with a recent upgrade of the play facilities, as they would like to see equipment for a greater age range. P&C are acting on this feedback by Good providing a new junior swing. _J Fair Further feedback is encouraged via advertising the Park User Survey on BFCs social media pages and
Poor including information in site noticeboards. Very poor Feedback received overall for P&C managed parks / open spaces, has generally been very pos itive, with 639 respondents out of the 729 who completed the survey (just over 87%) either satisfied or very satisfied No opinion with the parks and open spaces they visited. Don't know
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4.5 Environmental Sustainability The need for management and maintenance efficiencies resulting from reductions in annual park maintenance budgets has results in the use of low input management regimes which reduce costs and are more sustainable. For example native planting and creation of wildflower meadow areas helps to replace high intensity measures such as floral displays, summer bedding and frequently mown amenity grass. In addition to reducing maintenance requirements and associated revenue costs, these measures are more sustainable in the long term and directly contribute to the delivery of Biodiversity Action Plan targets.
Other examples of environmentally sustainable management practices are listed below. Recycling Recycling is a borough wide priority, managed by professional waste officers and is not subject to site by site variation. All BFC Parks and Countryside sites are made available to support the borough wide re- cycling initiative. There is a borough target of providing a glass recycling station for every 1000 properties, with additional re-cycling opportunities being sited alongside the glass depending on the size and capacity of the site. The Warfield and the Westmorland catchments are already well covered, with the local Tesco site and the BFC Larks Hill site. A new recycling bin is now available on site in the car park area, with other bins signposting people to it.
A bin is included in the pavilion kitchen for recycling plastic bottles, tins and cardboard.
There is a facility on site, where grass cuttings, leaves and other green waste is composted.
The Parks and Countryside service don’t use peat based products on their sites.
Peat / pesticide use Suppliers of peat free products are as follows :-
Cave Folly Nursery – Worcs Peat Free Plants – Sussex
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Paddock Plants – Southampton Where possible the Parks and Countryside service minimise use of herbicide by favouring non-chemical management techniques. Herbicides are only used when it’s absolutely necessary and when it is felt that the environmental benefits outweigh the environmental costs. Best practice techniques used include: • Using the minimum active ingredient to achieve effective control. • Using products that will not persist in the environment or be bio-accumulative • Only using spot treatment on weeds on hard surfaces – no blanket spraying
• Using non-hazard rated formulations of active ingredients.
The heating system within the pavilion has been reviewed and a new system of heating management introduced which is more cost effective and relevant to users and environmental sustainable. Building energy conservation
measures All 57 lamps have been replaced with LED lighting, which will have environmental benefits and save on long term replacement costs.
A park quality improvement project was carried out during 2013/14, funded by S106 contributions from 4.6 Capital projects residential developments in the Warfield area. The capital expenditure for these works totaled £100,000.
The principle works carried out included:
• Construction of new self-binding gravel paths to improve all-season access and to link different areas of the park
• Constructing a new tarmac path from the car park to the play area • Increasing the area of grass managed as wildflower meadow • Providing a new map and interpretation board to improve orientation and awareness of the scope of the whole site • Carrying out new mixed planting near the main site entrance (pictured left) and pavilion using perennials, ornamental grasses and shrubs
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• Installation of new carved wooden gateway features on the two main routes between Hayley Green Wood and the sport pitch area of the park, to better link these 2 areas and to encourage further exploration of the park.
In 2018 a developer funded path was constructed from The Limes development site (14/00711/FUL) through the edge of the woodland belt to the east of the main sport pitch area. The development of 14 houses was approved following a planning appeal, and the path connection will improve the sustainability of the development by providing pedestrian links to community facilities, including local shops and a school. The path is mainly a no-dig construction using permeable material.
This forms part of a new network of paths provided around the site to increase access for all and provide better connectivity between its key elements e.g. woodland, pond, meadows, grass amenity areas etc.
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4.7 Revenue spend Financial management summary
Introduction The Bracknell Forest Council Parks and Countryside Service directly manage approximately 312 hectares of publicly accessible land, providing a wide range of outdoor recreation opportunities across approximately 80 sites. The work is completed collaboratively in a diverse range of partnerships and collaborations 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 collaborative part 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
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in the team, with higher value orders authorised by increasingly senior officers.
Parks and Countryside Staff Structure Chart 2018
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 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.
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Budget
The Parks and Countryside expenditure in the financial year 2017/18 for revenue and capital programmes
was:
2017 application 2018 application 2019 application Staff costs £781,803 £776,780 £792,315
£358,397 Maintenance £321,802 Revenue Vehicles £38,339 £41,350
Other costs £21,793 £84,460 budget £584,035 Contractors £315,075 £162,200 Income £202,547 £130,250 £135,000 (estimated)
£245,600 £324,000 Capital £321,600 Total (Rev+cap) £2,002959 £1,799,037 1,835,350 Total (Rev) £1,681,359 £1,553,437 £1,376,350
Exceptions There are many centralised functions of the 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 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.
This table is to be used by the site ranger in conjunction with the compartment map (at end of table) as a tool to monitor the management requirements of the site. Further details about specific Objectives and Management prescriptions can be found in the Action Plan. See 4.8.
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4.8 Work Plan
Table 2. Compartment Action Notes Yr Month Monitor/evaluate No Habitat J F M A M J J A S O N D A1 All Hand out copies of the dog walking All x x Fewer reports of dog code of conduct leaflet on site waste incidents A1 Advertise Paws in the Park Notice Boards All x A2 All General litter pick All x x x x x x x x x x x x A2 Various Maintain site signage and furniture All x x x x x x x x x x x x (benches, noticeboard, litter bins etc) A2 Adjacent to Reduce risk from climbing plants on All x x Reduced number of public footpaths trees close to footpaths / properties queries /properties A2 All Inspection of trees, paths, furniture, All x x Reduced number of public structures to manage risks to site queries users. A2 Compartment Make life belts safe and accessible. Thames Water are All x x x x x x x x x x x x 6 responsible – to be reported to them A2 Bullbrook Remove water blockages and As required – All x x (Compartment prevent overflow issues. minimum 6 monthly s 5 and6) A3 All Remove encroaching vegetation Footpaths to have at x x x x x Highways responsible for compartments next to footpath by flailing/strimming least 1 metre cycle path and branch/shrub clearance clearance from vegetation on each side A3 Compartments Improve sight lines across the site. x x x x x x x Reduced vegetation and 1,2,3,4,5 and 6 open views A3 Compartments Improve path network across site. New path links Paths installed 2,4 and 8 created where appropriate e.g. Lime Avenue. See
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Compartment Action Notes Yr Month Monitor/evaluate No Habitat J F M A M J J A S O N D no. 4.4 Capital Projects A4 Site Removal of tree branches that are Where practical a 1 x x Reduced number of public boundaries touching or potentially damaging metre gap should be queries neighbouring properties. retained A4 Compartment Clear scrub and vegetation on fence Where practical a 3 x x Kept clear for easy 7 line metre gap should be access for maintenance retained and looking for lost balls etc A5 All Regular site patrols – on-site x x x x x x x x x x x x Reduced fly tipping, presence might help to deter anti- graffiti, garden waste etc. social behaviour A6 Compartment Erect and Dismantle goal posts Supervise x x Completed on time 8 contractor
A6 Compartment Scarify, seed, fertilise, harrow and Supervise x Completed on time 8 verti drain pitches contractor A6 Compartment Mow pitches Supervise x x x x x x x Completed on time 8 contractor A6 Compartment Line marking – baseball pitch Supervise x x x x x x Completed on time 8 contractor A6 Compartment Line marking - football pitches Supervise x x x x x x x x Completed on time 8 contractor B1 Compartments Cut grass, leave arisings to dry out Now carried out in- x x - Reduced dominance 3 and 4 over 1-2 days, then remove to either house from vigorous grasses sell as hay or for biomass fuel - Increased species richness and diversity
B1 Compartments Introduce additional wildflower Every 3 years x x Increased species 3 and 4 diversity by sowing or planting plug richness and diversity plants
B1 Compartments Selectively remove trees (focus on Remove on a 3 x x x x x x x x Increased variety in tree
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Compartment Action Notes Yr Month Monitor/evaluate No Habitat J F M A M J J A S O N D 1,2,3,5 and 6 non-native and those in poor health). yearly cycle height , maintain mix of native tree species B1 Compartments Logs from felled trees to be stacked See above x x x x x x x x Presence of species that 1,2,3,5 and 6 in part-shade or buried up-right for a favour deadwood habitats beetle loggery. Log piles to be no including stag beetle and larger than 1m by 2-3m long. fungi B1 Compartments A small amount of standing dead See above x x x x x x x x - No more than 5% 1,2,3,5 and 6 wood (dead or dying branches on standing deadwood. trees) should be retained where - No deadwood poses risk practicable to do so to members of the public B1 Compartments Active bulb planting. Every 3 years x x At least 20% ground 1,2 and 6 cover of bluebells , wild garlic, red campion etc. B1 Compartment Remove part of the bramble and x x x x - Bramble, holly and nettle 5 and 6 nettle from the bank. covers no more than 50% of the stream banks B2 Compartments Control extent of rhododendron and - Less than 10% x x x x x x x Remove all laurel and 1and 3 laurel and by cutting, pulling, and cover from Rhododendron chemical treatment. rhododendron and laurel. B2 Compartments Removal of dogwood in certain (See link to plan) x x x x x x x 4 and 6 areas B2 All Maintenance of dogwood and Cut back on 3 yearly x x x x x x x snowberry formal planting cycle (See link to plan ) B3 Compartment Preserve ‘Lime Avenue’ Plant young lime x x x Avenue line created 2 trees to re establish ‘avenue’ line B3 Compartments Conserve specimen trees and (1) Regular tree x x (1) Tree inspections 1,2, 3, 4, 5 and veteran trees inspections. recorded 6 (2) Remediation (2) Remediation work work for completed in appropriate damaged/diseased
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Compartment Action Notes Yr Month Monitor/evaluate No Habitat J F M A M J J A S O N D trees. time-scale (3) Top up the mulched bark area (3) Mulched based around the base of x maintained around the the veteran tree veteran tree roots roots
Work Plan Map
I I I I I I I ·------·I ...
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4.9 Action Plan
Aim A: To maintain the site as an attractive, safe and accessible place for informal recreation
Objective Management Prescriptions Location Indicator(s) of By Whom Time Scales / success Frequency Publicise dog walking code of conduct Public paths Decreased dog BFC Officers Leaflet A1. Encourage responsible leaflet on websites and on social media. fouling (P&C in liaison continuously dog ownership with available on P&C Environmental pages. Protection) Ad hoc publicity on BFC social T/P Council media Hand out copies of the dog walking All Decreased dog Site Rangers / Targeted dates
code of conduct leaflet on site. fouling Managers / throughout the Community year (minimum of Volunteers twice yearly) Advertise Paws in the Park; a free Notice boards Decreased dog Project Officer / Advertise 2
event which promotes responsible dog fouling Site Manager months before ownership, pre and post publicity. where event is to the event be held (Jul/Aug) and publicise after. Provide dog waste disposal facilities. Various Presence of Site Ranger 8 bins provided
combined use Contractor - on site which are dog/waste bins Continental emptied Landscape approximately 3 Limited (CLL) times a week General litter pick. All Site free from litter Site Ranger / Co-ordinate with A2. Ensure site is clean, Volunteers work programme safe and well-maintained
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Aim A: To maintain the site as an attractive, safe and accessible place for informal recreation
Objective Management Prescriptions Location Indicator(s) of By Whom Time Scales / success Frequency Routine emptying of litter bins. Refer to site Litter bins not CLL 3 times a week
furniture overflowing location map in Appendix A Routine litter pick within play area and Play area Play area free from CLL 3 times per week
car park litter Maintain site signage and furniture Various - Signs and furniture Site Rangers / Monthly, or as
(benches, noticeboard, litter bins etc.) are clean with no Volunteers required signs of damage - No graffiti present - Information up-to- date Keep play areas clean/safe and ensure Play area - No glass/rubbish Play area Weekly, plus a 6
equipment is safe to use. (compartment - Fully functioning inspector / Site month external 4) equipment Ranger inspection - Play area borders are kept clear of vegetation. Reduce risk from climbing plants on Adjacent to Potentially Site Ranger Minimum 6
trees close to footpaths / properties. footpaths/ hazardous climbers monthly properties removed Inspection of trees, paths, furniture, All Inspections carried Site Ranger in Minimum 6
structures to manage risks to site users. out and recorded and consultation with monthly actions taken on the BFC Tree issues identified Team Make life belts safe and accessible. Pond boundary Life belts present Thames Water Monthly or as
(compartment and in good working are responsible - required
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Aim A: To maintain the site as an attractive, safe and accessible place for informal recreation
Objective Management Prescriptions Location Indicator(s) of By Whom Time Scales / success Frequency 6) order defects/problems are seen they are to be reported to Thames Water by Site Ranger Remove water blockages and prevent Bullbrook No debris in stream Site Ranger As required
overflow issues. (compartments /Environment 5 and 6) Agency Ensure health and safety procedures N/A Site is safe to use by Site Ranger Continuous
are followed and reviewed regularly. all users See Appendix H Remove encroaching vegetation next to All Footpaths have at Highways are (Mainly Apr - A3. Ensure all access points footpath by flailing/strimming and compartments least 1 metre responsible for Sept) and paths are safe and branch/shrub clearance. See map in clearance from the sweeping of usable. Appendix A vegetation on each the cycle path side and the Site Ranger is responsible for the remaining paths Improve sight lines across the site. Compartments Reduced vegetation Site Ranger Sept - Mar
1, 2, 3, 4,5 and and more open views 6. Improve path network across site. Paths in - New path links Contractor/Site As funding
compartments created where Ranger/Project comes available. 2, 4 and 8 appropriate e.g. Lime Officer.
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Aim A: To maintain the site as an attractive, safe and accessible place for informal recreation
Objective Management Prescriptions Location Indicator(s) of By Whom Time Scales / success Frequency Avenue. See no. 4.5 Capital Projects.
Removal of tree branches that are Site boundaries Where practical a Contractor/ Site Dependent on A4. Maintain site boundaries touching or potentially damaging one-metre gap Ranger 6-monthly site neighbouring properties. should be retained inspection between findings trees/branches and buildings/fences
A5. Address and report anti- social behaviour Monitor and record anti-social All Reports recorded on Site Ranger As required
behaviour. Report significant/serious CADIS for fly tipping, occurrences to police. graffiti, garden waste Regular site patrols – on-site presence All Reduced fly tipping, Site Ranger Once a week
might help to deter anti-social graffiti, garden waste behaviour etc. Communicate issues on anti-social Site and its Reduced fly tipping, Site Ranger As required
behaviour with site users and local surrounding graffiti, garden waste residents. neighbourhood. etc. Liaise with other public services who N/A Key locations Site Ranger, As required
are employed as part of the patrolled through Police, Fire neighbourhood teams. collaborative working Brigade and PCSOs
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Aim A: To maintain the site as an attractive, safe and accessible place for informal recreation
Objective Management Prescriptions Location Indicator(s) of By Whom Time Scales / success Frequency A6. Maintain sports pitches Erect and Dismantle goal posts Compartment 8 Completed on time Contractor September and May
Scarify, seed, fertilise, harrow and verti Compartment 8 Completed on time Contractor Spring (after
drain pitches season ends) Mow pitches Compartment 8 Completed on time Contractor April to October
Fortnightly Line marking – baseball pitch Compartment 8 Completed on time Contractor April to
September – Weekly Line marking - football pitches Compartment 8 Completed on time Contractor September to
May - Weekly
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Aim B: To maintain and enhance the historic landscape character of the park and the features of nature conservation value.
Objective Management Prescriptions Location Indicator of By Whom Time Scales / success Frequency
B1. To maintain and improve the nature conservation value and interest of the habitats and associated species Grassland Improve Cut grass and make hay, which Compartments - Reduced Site Ranger/Contactor Annual cut in structure we sell or burn as biomass 3 and 4 dominance from August/September and vigorous grasses
biodiversity - Increased species value of richness and existing diversity meadows. Introduce additional wildflower Compartments Increased species Site Early Spring, Once diversity by sowing or planting 3 and 4 richness and Ranger/Contactor/Volunteers every 3 years (to plug plants diversity be reviewed) Woodland Maintain a Selectively remove trees (focus on Compartments - Increased variety Site Ranger /Volunteers / Annual rotation varied age- non-native and those in poor 1, 2 and 6 in tree height Contractor structure to health). - Maintained mix of enhance native tree species Where natural regeneration of ground flora - Increased tree/shrubs is not possible, try to richness and use locally sourced stock for tree biodiversity of planting. ground flora Keep ivy where safety permits. Hazel Coppice Compartments - Increased variety Site Ranger /Volunteers / On third every 4 1,2,4,5,6 in tree height Contractor years
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Aim B: To maintain and enhance the historic landscape character of the park and the features of nature conservation value.
Objective Management Prescriptions Location Indicator of By Whom Time Scales / success Frequency - Maintained mix of native tree species - Increased richness and biodiversity of ground flora Improve (1) Active bulb planting. Compartments - At least 20% Ranger/ Volunteers (1) composition 1, 2 and 6 ground cover of October/November (2) Refer to B2. control of invasive of woodland bluebells, wild (2) Sept – Feb for species. ground flora garlic, red campion, main removal, etc. then small patches as required Improve Refer to B2. control of invasive Compartments Remove all laurel Ranger/ Volunteers 5 years to average biodiversity species. 1, 2 and 6. and Rhododendron 20% removal each value of year wooded area Increase the Logs from felled trees to be Compartments Presence of Site Ranger When trees are amount of stacked in part-shade or buried 1, 2, 3, 5 and species that favour felled deadwood up-right for a beetle loggery. Log 6. deadwood habitats habitat. piles to be no larger than 1m by 2- including stag 3m long. beetle and fungi A small amount of standing dead Compartments - No more than 5% Site Ranger When trees are wood (dead or dying branches on 1, 2, 3, 5 and standing felled trees) should be retained where 6. deadwood. - No deadwood
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Aim B: To maintain and enhance the historic landscape character of the park and the features of nature conservation value.
Objective Management Prescriptions Location Indicator of By Whom Time Scales / success Frequency practicable to do so. poses risk to members of the public Fallen, rotting deadwood should Compartments No more than 5% Site Ranger As required be left where it is. If this is not 1, 2, 3, 5 and fallen deadwood possible it should be moved 6. carefully the smallest distance, and left under similar conditions of light and shade and the same way up. Water To maintain Keep pond and inlets and outlets Pond and - Increased Site Ranger/ Environment As required bodies and improve free from logs debris etc. Felled stream presence of Agency/ Thames Water the trunks can be left whole if not (compartments kingfishers (BAP) conservation causing an obstruction. 5 and 6) - Increased value in and waterfowl around the individuals pond and - Presence of stream suitable aquatic inlets/outlets invertebrate indicator species for non-polluted water Remove part of the bramble and Compartment - Bramble, holly Site Ranger Jan - Apr nettle from the bank. 5 and 6 and nettle covers no more than 50% of the stream banks
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Aim B: To maintain and enhance the historic landscape character of the park and the features of nature conservation value.
Objective Management Prescriptions Location Indicator of By Whom Time Scales / success Frequency Reactive Respond to calls about water Pond and Significant drops in Site Ranger/ Environment 6 monthly/ as approach to problems and inspect as part of stream water quality Agency/ Thames Water required monitor and regular site patrols. (compartment reported to the report 5and 6) Environment changes in Agency water quality Control extent of rhododendron Compartment - Less than 10% Use volunteer groups for Sept – Mar B2. Control of invasive and laurel and by cutting, pulling, 1 and 3 cover from vegetation management. species. and chemical treatment. rhododendron and Some specialist work to be Compartments laurel. done by contractors Cut back on a 3 Removal of dogwood in certain 4 and 6 yearly cycle areas See below for individual historic B3. Identify and features. conserve key historical features (i.e. ancient barrows, Veteran trees, etc) Preserve ‘Lime Avenue’ Plant young lime trees to re Compartment Avenue line Ranger/ Volunteers Mar - May establish ‘avenue’ line 2 created
Conserve specimen (1) Regular tree inspections. Compartments (1)Tree inspections Site Ranger (1) Six monthly trees and veteran trees 1,2, 3, 4, 5 and recorded (2) As identified on (2) Remediation work for 6 (2) Remediation inspection damaged/diseased trees. work completed in (3) Once a year (3) Maintain a mulched bark area appropriate time- around the base of the veteran scale tree root base – top up once a
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Aim B: To maintain and enhance the historic landscape character of the park and the features of nature conservation value.
Objective Management Prescriptions Location Indicator of By Whom Time Scales / success Frequency year. (3) Root compaction and drought is limited thus preserving the health of veteran trees Refer to specific feature and site Compartment B4. Manage features in designation requirements e.g. 1 accordance with LBAP species. designations/legal requirements where Hayley Green Woods has a Compartment Ranger/Contractor As and when relevant i.e. TPOs, blanket tree preservation order on 1 required SAMs, BAPs, SANGs, all the trees. Any work carried out
SSSIs, etc. will be in conjunction with the BFC
Tree Services team
Warfield Environment Group At least 3 times attend working groups on site and All Increased number Ranger/Volunteers per year assist with vegetation control, tree of sessions and bulb planting and other attended general maintenance tasks Manage site effectively as part of All Continuously high Site Ranger B5. To maintain and a biodiversity value improve the site’s role Wildlife corridor linking Warfield through stream, as a wildlife corridor. Chase and Edmunds lane ponds, woodlands and meadow Improve connections of habitats All Reduced habitat Site Ranger within the site. fragmentation
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Aim C: To manage the park in a sustainable way
Objective Management Prescriptions Location Indicator of success By Whom Time Scales / Frequency All N/A Site Ranger C1. Use herbicides Minimise use of herbicide by favouring appropriately non-chemical management techniques All N/A All Use herbicides only when it is felt that the environmental benefits outweigh the environmental costs and use best practice techniques e.g.
• Use the minimum active ingredient to achieve effective control. • Use products that will not persist in the environment or be bio- accumulative • Only use spot treatment on weeds on hard surfaces – no blanket spraying • Use non-hazard rated formulations of active ingredients. Compartments Waste disposal costs All C2. Recycle waste plant Eco-piles are created out of logs or 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 are kept to a minimum material where practicable branches and 6. Branches are chipped and used as All Presence of mulch from All
shrub bed mulch. site works Leave vegetative waste materials on- All N/A All
site if possible.
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Aim C: To manage the park in a sustainable way
Objective Management Prescriptions Location Indicator of success By Whom Time Scales / Frequency Don't use horticultural peat All No presence of All N/A C3. Demonstrate high horticultural peat horticultural and Maintenance of dogwood and Regular regime for Cut back on 3 arboricultural standards snowberry formal planting pruning of dogwood yearly cycle and snowberry. Where practicable preference will be All 50% products sourced All No plants bought C4. Have energy conservation, given to locally sourced products (from locally in 2018, but this pollution reduction, waste within the southeast region). action will be recycling and resource Pavilion Reduced energy All delivered as conservation measures been Refer to the council's Procurement consumption required. implemented. Manual 3.2 Sustainable Procurement;
3.4 Small & Medium Sized Enterprises;
and 3.5 Voluntary Sector. Immediate A Trend Building management system was installed in 2017 (?) which is remotely monitored. Access has been given to the ranger service in the near future. In addition as part of these works the ventilation system was fixed -previously the dampers were left open continuously.
Manage the cycle route through the Compartments Increased use of cycle Highway As required C5. Encourage sustainable site, ensuring it’s kept clear with 5 and 6. path within site Asset forms of travel and improve suitable surface and adequate signage Management links within the Borough
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Aim C: To manage the park in a sustainable way
Objective Management Prescriptions Location Indicator of success By Whom Time Scales / Frequency Provide opportunities for cyclists to Compartment Maintain cycle racks Ranger As required stop and use the site. 8 Encourage exploration of local cycle On site and on - Map present on site Site ranger
routes, using on site map and BFC BFC website showing main cycle website links P&C Project - Cycling promoted on Officer BFC website - Increased use of local Transport cycle network Development Manage bank erosion, unblock ditches All Reduced effects of Site Ranger As required C6. Mitigate for effects of and increase drainage flooding on site climate change Plant native trees as part of carbon Compartments More younger trees Site Ranger Tree planting
sequestration. 1,2, 3 and 4 planted in woodland carried out by and Lime Avenue Warfield Environment Group in 2018 (area newly cleared of invasive Rhododendron Ponticum) Identify funding opportunities with user N/A Increased revenue Site Ranger / As required C7. Manage site in a cost- groups tree planting schemes, etc.) Manager / effective manner SRA Utilise capital funding (e.g. S106 from All S106 funds secured. Site Ranger / The time of the
the Quality Improvements Programme) Improved quality next quality audit
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Aim C: To manage the park in a sustainable way
Objective Management Prescriptions Location Indicator of success By Whom Time Scales / Frequency to improve site quality standards. standards score from in 2019 very good to excellent
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Aim D: Coordinated management and maintenance through joined up working between project partners
Objective Management Prescriptions Location Indicator of success By Whom Time Scales / Frequency Liaise with adjacent landowners and On and off Decision-making is Ranger Yearly or as D1. Develop a consensus groups about site management. site informed from required between adjacent landowners partnership discussions and local groups Communicate with Natural England, On and off Advice from bodies Ranger Yearly or as D2. Liaise with relevant Environment Agency, Thames Valley site used in management of required agencies, groups and Police, etc. in connection with site. site organisations to gather information for site management
D3. Explore and develop Investigate pavilion and pitch charges Increased income Ranger Annual review or commercial opportunities to to increase revenue from hirers as required provide revenue to support management and maintenance. Work collaboratively with other Site N/A Collaborated data BFC Parks N/A D4. Improve communication Managers to share information. collection and reports and and information sharing on Countryside green spaces across the staff Borough.
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Aim E: To promote community involvement in the park
Objective Management Prescriptions Location Indicator of success By Whom Time Scales / Frequency Work closely with WEG by having WEG’s Attendance at meetings Site Ranger Quarterly E1. Involve local community in regular contact with chairman. address and and number of working management of site where onsite parties appropriate and provide a good provision of information Liaison with all sports users Attendance of rangers to users. when required at WPLTC meetings
Engage with site users to provide All Completion of online Site Ranger As required
opportunities for feedback on site survey by parks users Park user improvements. Volunteers http://consult.bracknell- forest.gov.uk/portal/leisure/parkvisit Collect regular feedback from the Park All Data collected and Project Once per month E2. Gain knowledge of user User Survey and examine visitor use analysed from survey Officer and communities and levels of use Site Ranger Park Identify opportunities for practical All Delivery of 2 or more Site Ranger Minimum of twice E3. Provide opportunities for involvement. task days and events Volunteers a year practical community per year on site involvement Publicise events effectively N/A Increased attendance Parks and E4. Positively market the site, at events Countryside e.g. events, conservation Service.
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Aim E: To promote community involvement in the park
Objective Management Prescriptions Location Indicator of success By Whom Time Scales / Frequency tasks, websites, etc. Provide an events program covering all N/A Events programme Parks and 6 monthly E6. Promote the site as an sites. produced, distributed Countryside educational resource and displayed in site Service
notice boards Provide permanent and non-permanent Compartments Maintenance of Site Ranger 3 monthly
onsite interpretation facilities, the 5,6 and 8 interpretation boards former should provide a site map and describe the landscape heritage of the site. Encourage local involvement of N/A Public attendance at Site Ranger Yearly
schools, colleges and community events groups. Take into account said groups during N/A Improved access to site Ranger and Yearly E7. Improve opportunities for planning for access and interpretation. and interpretation site users/ potentially under-represented facilities for said groups SRA or excluded groups Identify target user groups and open N/A Attendance at user Ranger 5 years lines of communication. group meetings or site meetings
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Aim F: To survey, monitor and report on the delivery of the management plan aims and objectives
Objective Management Prescriptions Location Indicator of success By Whom Time Scales / Frequency
F1. Monitor habitats and key species and evaluate data Meadow Survey species richness. Compartments Species list recorded Biodiversity By end of 3,4 and 8 Officer/Site Summer 2019 Ranger Further biodiversity surveys depending Compartment Further survey Biodiversity 2015 onwards on initial survey results. 3, 4 and 8 information recorded Officer/Site and evaluated Ranger Woodland ground flora Map distribution of ground flora Compartments - Distribution map Site Ranger / Annual species. 1, 2,3,5 and 6 created Volunteers Survey species cover abundance. - Percentage cover recorded Kingfisher Ask local residents to report sightings Compartments Kingfisher sightings Local Annual of kingfisher via BFC website, Site 5 and 6 reported Residents Ranger or Biodiversity Officer. Stag beetle population. Ask local residents to report sightings All Stag beetle sightings Local Annual of stag beetles via BFC website, Site reported Residents Ranger or Biodiversity Officer.
Collect data using the BFC core quality All TBC Site TBC F2. Monitor and maintain criteria document (see Appendix D). Rangers/other quality standards (i.e. Green Use this data to inform management of BFC Flag Award® criteria as a the park. employees benchmark)
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Aim F: To survey, monitor and report on the delivery of the management plan aims and objectives
Objective Management Prescriptions Location Indicator of success By Whom Time Scales / Frequency Ensure that routine work as contracted All Litter bins are empty, Site Ranger / Fortnightly or as
out to CLL is carried out to spec. See cycle ways are clear CLL required maintenance map in Appendix A. from debris, grass has been mowed. Continuously review budget spends for N/A Within budget spends Senior Site Yearly F3. Demonstrate financially site and evaluate cost-effectiveness. each year and work Ranger sound management of the programme achieved park/open space Deliver capital projects. N/A Capital projects Site Ranger As required
delivered to set aims and within allocated timescales The plan will be reviewed annually but N/A New/amended Site Ranger Comprehensive F4.The Plan must be actively it is intended to cover a 10-year period. management plan /Senior review in 2026 implemented and reviewed Ranger
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Appendices
Appendix A
Park - location view December 2015
0 100 200 Legend ------======iMeters N ~>J i.:lsite boundary .)I Bracknell Fi:I Cruwn copyright and database rights 2015 .....--1 Forest Orctlance Survey 100019488 A Council
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Westmorland Park - aerial view December 2015
o 100 200 Legend ------======Meters N ~~ i,: l Site boundary cJj Bracknell © Crown copyright and database rights 2015 -----1 Forest OrdnarK:e Survey 100019488 A Council
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Westmorland Park - geology bedrock RCS D December 2015
Legend o 100 200 t:: Site boundary Geology Bedrock ~ CLAY MUDSTONE 1111 SANDSTONE ------c::::=====Meters N ~,,) RCS_D - CLAY, SILT AND SAND SAND 1111 SANDSTONE AND MUDSTONE cJI Bracknell C Crown co pyright and database rights 2015 --" Forest - CHALK GRAVEL SAND, Sil T ANO CLAY 1111 SILTSTONE ANO SANDSTONE Ordnance Survey 100019488 A Council
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December 2015
I I I •I
Legend • Low to medium risk with an annual o 100 200 probability of flooding cl O_1 -1_0% from N ~::• Site boundary - Ponds and Inland Water Floodzone3*• rt;,eFS and 0.1--0,5% fr om lhe sea, ------======Meters ~,,) "" Hfgh risk with an annua l proba.blllty cJI Bracknell of fl ooding of 1- 0% or grl!aler from ri11ers, Q Ba lancing Ponds (T hames Water) ~ Floodzone2~ and 0.5% or greater from U,e sea. C Crown copyright and database rights 2015 --" Forest Flood and drainage dala provided b~ Ordnance Survey 100019488 Council the Environment Agency, July 2014 A
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Park TPOs January 2016
Legend 100 200 N t::stteboundary e TPO point ~ TPO Poly gon Meters ~>d •------======,JI Bracknell © Crown copyright and database rights 2016 ...--A Forest Ordnance Survey 100019488 A Council
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100 200 N s rte boundary e:::::::J Nature Reserves LDca l WildifeSile Meters ~>J i::: ------======,JI Bracknell © Cmwn copyright and database rights 2016 .....--1 Forest Ordnance Survey 100019488 A Council
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December 2015
Legend 0 100 200 N ;: : j Site boundary IJ ParkslitterBins Public Rights or Way Footpath ------======iMeters ~,; .J[ Bracknell - Bridleway - Restricted Byway :',-.i. PlayAreas O Crown copy1ight and database rights 2015 ..-A Forest - Byway open to all traffic Ordnance Survey 100019488 A Council
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Park landscape inventory for contracted works
Legend N 50 100 Landscape Inventory Lines Landscape Inventory Polygons - Ban ks - 14 Day c ut - Hedge Twi ce Ye arly Cut • • Shrub Mainte nance ~,;) ----c::::=== Meters ,:JI Bracknell ~ Sttim - 14 Day Fly Cut - flower Beds i. • Mea dow One Year c ut D Strim ----1 Forest © Crown copyright and database rights 2015 A Council c:J Site boundary 28 Day Fly Cut - Hedge One Year Cut - Open Space Strimm ing Ordnance Survey 100019488
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Appendix B: Strategic 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
Parks and Open Spaces Strategy (2012) This Bracknell Forest Council strategy is about the management and development of recreational green space, particularly in the context of contributing to quality of life. The strategy sets out the key objectives to be delivered (featured below), many of which are reflected in the P&C management plans.
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
C. Use and Enjoyment: Make sure public open space supports well-being; encourages participation; and facilitates social inclusion
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Priorities: 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 specifically relate to quality standards and 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.”
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.
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.
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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.
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Biodiversity Action Plan 2018-2023
The BAP has the following aims and objectives:
Aim To conserve and enhance biodiversity within Bracknell Forest Borough
Plan Objectives This aim will be achieved through the following objectives: • Targeted Monitoring – of priority species and habitats. • Proactive Policies – to ensure important sites are protected and get the best result for biodiversity in the planning process. • 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 partnerships 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.
Parks & Countryside Service 01344 354441 69 Parks & Countryside Service 01344 354441 rangers@bracknel I-forest .gov .u k www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/[email protected] www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/parks January 1, 2017 Westmorland Park Management Plan 2016 - 2026
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
Bracknell Forest Equality Scheme 2017-2020 The Council Plan includes a commitment to review all council services over the next 4 years and a new narrative which underlines the council’s commitment to reducing inequalities. The equality scheme has been linked to the service planning process for 2017 to 2018 to ensure that the implementation of the equality objectives will be integrated, wherever possible, into the mainstream delivery and monitoring of services across the council.
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.
I n partnership witn Your website for MARKS& disability information SPE CER
Parks & Countryside Service 01344 354441 70 Parks & Countryside Service 01344 354441 rangers@bracknel I-forest .gov .u k www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/[email protected] www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/parks January 1, 2017 Westmorland Park Management Plan 2016 - 2026
Appendix C: Green Flag Award® assessment criteria Section 4: Enviro nmental Section 1: A welcoming Pl ace Management
1. Welcome This seo1on seer'.:; to ensure then tr-e wciv the ):te 1s 14. Managing Environmental Impact managed ho·~ c1 pci~_1t1ve 1inpact on rhe env11onrnent 15. Waste Minimisation 2. Good and Safe Access lcx:·ullv ond globol!y. bo1h riow u nd for ·1he lurure 16 . Chemical Use 0 3. Slgnage Where :.:_ho1ce ~ cun be n1\Jde tor lu1ure procurernenr 17. Peat Use londstap1ng or build rigs they should oirn r'r.:-.1 4 . Equcll Access for All m 1n1rn1se energy and resource c.onsumpn0n and 18. Climate Change Adoption Strategies wast e. and design 1n benefits t o tl1e loc::il and global environrnenr Po l1 cie:- :;hould seet:to el1rn1nore the use or' peot and chemical·~- tc ,-:-c ntro! pesrs and o-;:; fen111-~er~~ Hort1culrurol ond o r·b o nc u l1,_ 1r ol dec1::iion·~. -~hould 1etlf'i_ t 1J11 Linder··;toncJ1 ng o1 th~ wnpoch o! Section 2: Healthy, Safe 1 lwnale rJ1onge and Secure ...... Section 5: Biodive rsity LoncJscope This section looks at how well managers 5. Appropriate Provision of Quality ond Heritoge understand their users' needs, encouraging them Facilities and Activities ······· ······ ························· .. -··········· ······· ······· ····· ············· ········································ ··· ··· to enjoy healthy actIvIt Ies using appropriate. safe- 6. Safe Equipment and Facilities to-use facilities and actIvItIes, and to feel personally 19. Management of Nc1tuml Fec1tu re s, 7. Personal Security safe and secu re Wild FcIuncI cmd Flora 8. Control of Dogs/ Dog Fouling 20. Co n se rva tio n of Lcmdscope Feotures 21. Co nservc1tion of Buildings and Str uct ures Section 3: Well Maintained and Clean Section 6: Community Involvement For aesthetic as well as health and safety reasons, 9. Litter and Waste Management issues of cleanliness and maintenance must be 10. Horticultural Maintenance Thi·: ·.~,. f1:·;r1 ": ,.-.:irr11(1~ .~ ,~ 1e e·· TI'!! 1t f(1 ...,h,, t~, f ht 22 . Community Involvement In addressed, 111 particular m(1n,1g1r,9. ,-r,1on,;,-:1r1.::n Management and Development 11. Arboricultural Maintenance + unc,~r )!nnj~ tr1e •:i:,n,mun1fl., 1r ·~ed ~ t(, _,tr.-~ + litter and other waste management issues rnus1 23 . Approprlale Provision !or Communlly 12 . Building and Infrastructure + •.1-::!1'.-:"'I•, ur1.:J ,1r.,pr,·:,p11._1!elr 1r,·.,·_,l,.1e·; r11~rnt~r, ~.:1 be adequately dealt with, Maintenance tnt: ( (Jrr1n11_1r11T·l 1fl r11.::,1;-1n,~1 ·..1ci_ ,;t~•n., ;Jt.'(11.JT tt·1t: + groL1nds, buildings, equipment and other 13 . Equipment Maintenance _;11e·~. de ..·~t,_:,prr 1r-::r'1! fearures must be well maInto1ned, , r:-r::,v1i::J~~, •=c•r.H:i1TunrT1".:'5 tor ,J,~T1•,·e c,-:-Jrf1i:1c:i,:Jr1on in :,1r-= c,101-::cri and + po l1 c1es on lrtte1·, vc1ndalrsm and maintenance , i:n;ur":'$ rh 71 Parks & Countryside Service 01344 354441 Parks & Countrysiderangers@bracknell-fornst Service.gov.uk 01344 354441 [email protected]. brae knell-forest. gov .u k/parksandcountryside www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/parks January 1, 2017 Westmorland Park Management Plan 2016 - 2026 Section 7: Mark,eting and Communication 1his section seeks to exarrine the ways thal 24. Marketing. and Promotion managers uooerstand the key benefits ot1he site 15. Appropriate Information Chonfl€1s and how they use this information to promote it appwpciatety. They should understand w ho 26. Appropriate Educational and l,nte-rpretational I nfonnation the main user group-5 are, could be or should be, and use a fitting range of interpretatioo and engagement techniques to communicate wilh them. This basis ensures that appropoote facilities, events and octivities ea n be offered and most effectively promoted, and forms a solidfoundatioo for development now and in the future. Section 8: Management llis. section ev:i; uates In ow well the management 27. Implementation of Management Plan p'.:Jn fs irr. pie rr.e :-:.led on si'te. http://www.greenflagaward.org.uk/media/1019/green-flag-award-guidelines.pdf Parks & Countryside Service 01344 354441 72 Parks & Countryside Service 01344 354441 [email protected] [email protected]. brae knell-forest. gov .u k/parksandcountryside www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/parks January 1, 2017 Westmorland Park Management Plan 2016 - 2026 Appendix D: Bracknell Forest Council core quality criteria (from seats, benches, bins, i.e. formal or informal the Parks and Open Spaces Strategy). notice boards) • Well maintained • Well located Entrances: • Tidy • Easy to use • Well-signed • Information up to date • Obvious Cleanliness: • Little or no litter • Unobstructed • Minimal dog fouling • Welcoming • Graffiti free – no offensive graffiti • Ease of Use (disabled access, inclusive • Vandalism not evident design) Safe and secure: • Does the site feel safe Signage: • Consistent • Good lines of sight to entrances and exits • Provision of basic information to include site name; who manages the site; relevant contact details • Erected at a consistent and appropriate height • Positioned so clearly visible Boundaries: (e.g. • Appropriate design and materials hedges, fences, • Well maintained ditches) Access: • Defined paths • Surface condition • Good drainage • Clear of vegetation Soft Landscaping / • Areas defined Planting / Grass / • Formal planting well maintained Meadows: • Natural planting managed positively for wildlife • Management of invasive scrub • Appropriate grass/hay/meadow cutting regime Trees: • Good condition (no deadwood overhanging entrances, paths, boundaries) • Under-storey management • Trees managed positively for wildlife • New planting well maintained Furniture: (e.g. • Consistent styles in keeping with site use 73 Parks & Countryside Service 01344 354441 [email protected] www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/parks January 1, 2017 Westmorland Park Management Plan 2016 - 2026 Appendix E: Species list and habitat requirements Species Habitat requirements Status Stag beetle Recorded in Hayley Green Woods. Larvae require Historic declines due to loss of woodland but currently stable (Lucanus rotting dead wood, preferably partially buried and (BARS, 2008). National and local surveys have confirmed cervus) so this species relies on broadleaved woodland. Bracknell Forest is within UK stronghold. Kingfisher Can be found along the Bullbrook. Feeds on small RSPB Amber list species of conservation concern due to (Alcedo atthis) freshwater fish using overhanging trees as hunting declines in the last 25 years. Found across the borough at perches. Nests in secluded earth banks which may lakes, rivers and streams. be more limiting. Ragged Robin Prefers damp grassland which is managed by This wildflower is widely distributed across the UK but (Lychnis flos- cutting or grazing. The meadow areas at localised within the borough and reliant on protected sites. cuculi) Westmorland Park are cut annually with the arisings removed and composted on site in order to prevent the more vigorous plants from becoming too dominant. Bullfinch Habitat requirements – Nests and feeds within Status – UKBAP species, RSPB Amber list for conservation (Pyrrhula woodland edge, hedges, orchards and gardens. concern due to a decline in numbers over the last 25 years. pyrrhula) Feeds on seeds, tree buds and berries. Known to be present across the borough in low numbers. Parks & Countryside Service 01344 354441 74 Parks & Countryside Service 01344 354441 [email protected] [email protected]. brae knell-forest. gov .u k/parksandcountryside www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/parks January 1, 2017 Westmorland Park Management Plan 2016 - 2026 Appendix F: Dog Walkers Code of Conduct leaflet Code of Conduct for ~ J Bracknell Forest is a wonderful place to go walking with Respect, protect and enjoy! plenty of unspoilt places to explore. To ensure that the Dog Walkers ....A.;1Br ackne ll landscape remains beautiful and safe for everyone to enjoy , . Forest please follow the guidance below. t . Council • I J ,. I, Please follow the Countryside Code: Health: Help protect your dog from diseases like canine parvovrus and Ourparksandoountrysiderangersliaisewith dog owners in order to promote this code of • Consider the local corrmunity and other people 0,.,,vyi1a~ ffi\'-::- r>•:, kennel cough by vaccinating them in accordance wittl veterinary best ' practice. Further guidance is available from your local vet or the RSPCA conduct and ensure it is followed . Questions you enjoying the outdoors ,1c..~ \ might be asked include • Leave gates and property as you find them and ~ Identificat ion: Dogs in a public place are legally required to 'wear a col/or _J )~ -. ·. with /he name and address of/he owner inscribed 011 lhe collar or 011 a 1 Which vet is your dog registered with and . t~~r:tl1:a:l~ss~~:~~~~ea:~~:er home \r~~J plare or badge attached to ii'.' Ideally all dogs should be chipped to alK>W has itbeenvaccaiated? • Keep dogs under effective control ·•~orl'- ... prompt return if lost (This will be a legal requirement in 2016.) To report 2. Can I see a spore poo bag please to Plan ahead and be prepared lost or found dogs during office hours contact our Customer Services on demonstrate you are ready to pick-up? Follow advice and local signs ,. tel: 01344 352000. During ·out of office' hours, use this same number and selectOption2 3 Can you please summon your dog for me (ifit islet off the lead) to say hello? Fo uling: Foeces can spreod disease - any dog having a 'poo' in the pafl( must hove a watchful owner to bog and bin the waste (our bins are Responsible dog ownership is taken seOOusty for the benefit of all users '~ ,'1 suitable for litter and dog waste). You con report dog fouling using our Olparksandcountrysidasites Produced and published by Bracknell Forest Council ': 'Report a street cleansing issue form'. It is on offence' lo allow your dog .; Parks & Countryside Seivice . to foul in a public place without clearing it up. If you witness a persoo Great places to walk your dog include Tel: 01344354441 foiling to pick up after their dog has fouled, a fixed penalty notice con be • Ambarrow Court Email: [email protected] issued to the offender if you complete our 'Dog fouling witness • Englemere Pond Website• www.l>racknell-forest.gov.uk/parksandcountryside statement form' and return it to our Environmental Protection Team Forms ovailable at: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/dogcontrol • G orth Meadows • H orseshoe Lake Behaviour: Please be considemte to others and keep your dog • Lorks Hill under contrnl. 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 Copies of this document may be obtained in large pri nt. easy approach livestock and take special core when walking where there • Shepherd Meadows read, Braille, on audio tape or in other languages. To obtain a ore likely to be ground nesting birds, such as in heathland areas. www.bracknell-forest.gov_uk/parkstov1s1t copy In an alternative format, please telephone 01344 352000. • !ii::~ Help us to keep Bracknell Forest a special place. Appendix G: Veteran Tree guidance Veteran Tree guidance and management regime is being developed to: • Maximise life span of ancient trees • Enable pro-active management • Assess risk and tree location and the impact on management • Support day to day maintenance of trees • Consider wider value of trees within the landscape • Management for the future to retain landscape features – continuation, planting schemes etc. Parks & Countryside Service 01344 354441 75 Parks & Countryside Service 01344 354441 [email protected] [email protected]. brae knell-forest. gov .u k/parksandcountryside www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/parks January 1, 2017 Westmorland Park Management Plan 2016 - 2026 Appendix H: Health and safety advice A range of procedures exist to ensure that the highest health and safety standards are met at all times: • Six monthly site inspections are carried out to ensure high quality management and safety of the site. • All rangers are first aid trained, and details of all training are retained. * BFBC Health, Safety and Welfare Manual of Guidance • Environment & Leisure “Health And Safety Policy & Procedure”, September 2004 • Departmental Health and Safety meetings take place on a four-monthly basis. • The Parks and Countryside Service Normal Operating Plan is issued to each member of staff upon induction and covers the working of the entire section from events and volunteer work to site management and equipment use • Risk Assessments are carried out for all site and site-related operations including volunteer work, public events, vehicle use and tool/machinery use. • All risk assessments are collated in electronic and paper formats which are available to all staff. • COSHH reports are completed and held for all chemical usage. • Safety inspection certificates are obtained to ensure play areas are installed and maintained to an accepted standard. Parks & Countryside Service 01344 354441 76 Parks & Countryside Service 01344 354441 rangers@bracknel I-forest .gov .u k www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/[email protected] www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/parks