Yiewsley Recreation Ground
Management Plan 2015 – 2020
Green Spaces Team London Borough of Hillingdon
Yiewsley Recreation Ground Management Plan ______
Table of Contents
page
1. Introducing Yiewsley Recreation Ground 2
2. Site Summary 2
Map 1 - Key Features of Yiewsley Recreation Ground 5
Map 2 - Aerial Photograph of Yiewsley Recreation Ground 6
Map 3 – Location of Yiewsley in London 7
3. Access 8
4. History 8
5. Ecology 9
6. Recreational facilities 7
7. Present use 10
8. Management arrangements 10
9. Vision for Yiewsley Recreation Ground 10
10. Site Aims and Objectives 11
11. Management Actions and Maintenance Plan 18
12. Appendices
Appendix A – Introduction to the London Borough of Hillingdon 21
Appendix B – Site Grounds Maintenance Standards 23
Appendix C – Site Tree Survey 24
Appendix D – Site Marketing Analysis and Plan 26
Appendix E – Site Events and Marketing Materials 32
Appendix F – Site Deeds 34
Appendix G - Council Plan: Commitment to Green Flags 36
2 Yiewsley Recreation Ground Management Plan ______1. Introduction to Yiewsley Recreation Ground
The site now known as Yiewsley Recreation Ground was transferred to the then Yiewsley Urban District Council in 1926. The land was preserved for use as an ‘open space for public use and recreation’.
Today “Yiewsley Rec” is a vibrant recreation ground, and incorporates lawn, bowling green, ball court and playground, and development of a sensory garden is planned for the future. A footpath network allows access for all.
2. Site Summary
Details Site Name Yiewsley Recreation Ground Address (Main Entrance) Falling Lane Postcode UB7 7BE Grid Reference 505986, 180709 Ownership London Borough of Hillingdon Name of Lead Officer Neil O' Connor Lead Officer’s contact details Postal: Green Spaces Team Civic Centre 4W/08 High St, Uxbridge Middlesex, UB8 1UW
Phone: 01865 277 102
Fax: 01895 250 646
Email: no'[email protected] Date site acquired 21st December 1926 PPG17 designation Outdoor Recreation Facility London Parks typology designation Sports Playing Fields Access points Main Entrance: Falling Lane, Yiewsley (Vehicle access)
Other Entrances: Pedestrian access from Falling Lane and High Street
3 Yiewsley Recreation Ground Management Plan ______Key features Key habitats Will be assessed in Ecological Survey Horticultural features Shrubs Trees Sporting features Bowling Green Ball Court Goal area Other recreational / leisure facilities Children’s Playground Other designations Conservation Area No Tree preservation orders No
Description:
Yiewsley Recreation Ground is a vibrant, welcoming site immediately adjacent to Yiewsley High Street.
The Ground incorporates a variety of attractive features including:
a large lawn area informal facility for football (full sized goal area) bowling green a well-used children’s playground a well serviced footpath network which allows access for all.
The location of each of these features is shown in Map 1 (Key Features of Yiewsley Recreation Ground) and easily identifiable on an aerial photograph of the site, Map 2 (Aerial Photograph of Yiewsley Recreation Ground).
Location: Yiewsley Recreation Ground are located in the west London Borough of Hillingdon (see Appendix A for description), in the ward of Yiewsley (see Map 3, below).
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2.1 Map 1. Key Features of Yiewsley Recreation Ground
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2.2 Map 2. Aerial Photograph of Yiewsley Recreation Ground
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2.3 Map 3. Location of Yiewsley in London
N
M25
M40
Yiewsley LONDON
Heathrow Airport
10 miles
By road, Yiewsley Recreation Ground is approximately: 16 miles from the centre of London 5 miles from Heathrow airport 3.3 miles from the M40 1.2 miles from M25
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3. Access: Yiewsley Recreation Ground separates the High Street, running down its Western edge, from residential areas to the East of it. The main entrance to the gardens is off Falling Lane (at the High Street end). This entrance allows vehicle access and leads to the car park for the site. Alternatively, the site can be accessed via the entrance off the other end of Falling Lane, or the High Street entrance at the Southern tip of the site. These entrances are shown on Map 1 (Key Features of Yiewsley Recreation Ground – p6). Pay and display parking can be found on site, as described. The same car parking facilities are used by the adjacent library and bowling green users.
4. History: The site now known as Yiewsley Recreation Ground was conveyed to the then Yiewsley Urban District Council on the 21st December 1926 from the Governors of Saint Thomas’s Hospital. The 8.332 acres consisting of orchard, stackyard and buildings and pasture were auctioned earlier that same year after the St Thomas’s hospital charity received authority to sell. At the time the area of land was called Rabb’s Meadow. The County Council of the Administrative County of Middlesex agreed to contribute towards the expense of acquiring the site subject to a covenant between the two. It was promised by the Yiewsley Urban District Council that (a) “The whole of the said piece of land shall forthwith be dedicated and forever maintained as an open space for public use and recreation”. (b) “No buildings other than lodges bandstands lavatories cricket pavilions refreshment rooms shelters sheds and buildings of a like nature shall at any time be erected on any part of the said piece of land without the previous consent of the county council it being understood that such consent will only be granted in the case of buildings intended to be used for the purposes of ancillary to the enjoyment of the said piece of land as an open space for public use and recreation.”
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5. Ecology:
Fauna: Although no formal fauna survey has been conducted at Yiewsley Recreation Ground, the following species are seen in the local area:
Avifauna Great Spotted Woodpecker House Sparrow Green Woodpecker Hedge Sparrow Song Thrush Black Bird Mistle Thrush Robin Starlings Blue Tit Carrion Crow Great Tit Wood Pigeon Long-tailed Tit Jays Magpies Wren Gold Finch Gold Crest Green Finch Pied Wagtail
Mammals Fox Hedgehog
Insects Butterflies Other insects
Flora: A tree survey was undertaken at Yiewsley Recreation Ground during March 2006. Much of the needed work highlighted by this survey has now been completed. The survey has been appended as Appendix D.
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6. Recreational Facilities: Yiewsley Recreation Ground has a children’s playground, a large lawn, a maintained sensory garden and a bowling green. A path network provides access for walkers, people with pushchairs, or wheelchair users.
The large lawn area is regularly used for informal recreation and sport, such as social games of football.
7. Present Use:
Yiewsley Recreation Ground is used for a wide number of reasons including walking around the site, enjoying the pleasant surroundings, using the playground, family outings, taking the dog for a walk, exercising, using the park as an alternative cut through or simply as a retreat from the busy day to day life.
8. Management Arrangements:
The Ground is managed by the London Borough of Hillingdon’s Green Spaces Team (see Appendix B for Green Spaces Structure).
The Borough’s grounds maintenance team and Park Officers carry out most of the grounds maintenance, with work carried out according to the terms described in Appendix C. The outsourced works carried out within the site is inspected by the Borough’s Green Spaces Area Officer (part of the Green Spaces Team – see Appendix B). The Borough’s Green Spaces Area Officer also leads enhancement works/projects at the site with assistance from members of the public, contractors, other members of the Green Spaces Team, and other groups as appropriate.
9. Vision for Yiewsley Recreation Ground
Our vision for Yiewsley Recreation Ground is to promote the site as a facility for passive and active recreation. We seek to continue to enhance the interest of Recreation Ground in ways that are appealing to the public and ensure that the site is easily accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. Yiewsley Recreation Ground is a highly appreciated and attractive site, an asset to this part of the borough.
10 The open nature of the site is welcoming Yiewsley Recreation Ground Management Plan ______
10. Site Aims and Objectives
Main Aims
1. Create and maintain a welcoming site 2. Ensure the site is healthy, safe and secure 3. Ensure the site is clean and well maintained 4. Ensure sustainable management of resources 5. Appropriate management of conservation and heritage features 6. Encourage community involvement 7. Ensure effective marketing of the facility 8. Implement effective management strategies
10.1 Create and maintain a welcoming site
There are three entrances to the site, with the main entrance and a pedestrian entrance situated off Falling Lane and a second pedestrian entrance/exit off of the High Street. The configuration of this site allows for visitors to be able to walk the full length of the Ground and use it as a pleasant cut through rather than using the busy roads. The areas surrounding the entrances, therefore, are important in opening up and welcoming people into Yiewsley Rec. In order to be welcoming, the Ground must cater for a wide range of peoples’ needs. The more formal garden areas, with ornamental flower beds and bulbs planted, provide a beautiful setting. The larger areas of grass parkland and lawn provide an area for recreational activities, whilst the surrounding footpath improves accessibility. Yiewsley Recreation Ground Bowling Green There are also a variety of well maintained trees which provide interest and shrubs and, in the future, wilder areas provide good habitats for native wildlife. The bowling green and children's play area provide further interest for a wide range of visitors. Objectives 1. Secure and standardise all access points, where applicable. 2. Maintain all boundary walls and fences as necessary. 3. Maintain footpaths as necessary. 4. Install and maintain new interpretive signage. 5. Maintenance and provision of site furniture where appropriate.
11 Yiewsley Recreation Ground Management Plan ______10.2 Ensure the site is healthy, safe and secure
10.2.1 Healthy
Use of the site can help visitors to maintain healthier lifestyles through physical activities such as walking or playing games/bowls (see photo of the Bowling Green), as well as providing means for relaxation in the urban environment. Park Officers inspect the playground equipment weekly, reporting any defects whilst also looking out for any dangerous objects (e.g. broken glass). Any defects that may arise are reported to the area officer who can implement procedures for the necessary repairs. If the equipment is found to be in an unsafe condition it will be decommissioned with immediate affect. All accesses and path networks are DDA compliant.
Construction of the new playground at the Ground in 2007
10.2.2 Safe and Secure
Generally this site is not heavily vandalised and anti social behaviour does not affect the park, as it did in the past. The LBH park byelaws apply to the site and are enforced by the Parks Officers or Council Enforcement team when necessary. The presence of staff increases the security of the site. However, there are still incidences of anti-social behaviour, graffiti and littering, etc, as can be expected in an urban site. LBH staff are reviewed through annual PADA (performance and development appraisal) ensuring staff are developing and are happy increases the likelihood that the site will be made welcoming by them. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974), the LBH is responsible for ensuring, so far as practical, the health and safety of employees, contractors and visitors whilst conducting all involved activities. As such, it is important to LBH and all staff and contractors are aware of their respective obligations. Details can be found from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or on LBH web pages. This includes a link to the guidelines for reporting incidents and RIDDOR, the HSE incident reporting scheme. Risk assessment policy states the procedures necessary to comply with the Act. However, in the future, it would be beneficial to brief a group of user groups or their chairpersons so that all users were aware of risks/issues, affecting health and safety, which could arise.
12 Yiewsley Recreation Ground Management Plan ______10.2.3 Park Officer Team
The site rarely suffers from severe vandalism but low-level anti-social behaviour occurs from time to time. This generally includes graffiti, litter and broken glass caused by smashed bottles. The council’s Park Officers fall under the umbrella of the council’s Green Spaces Team, which manages the park. The Park Officers provide a park-keeping facility and enhance the security of the site and its visitors. The Team carries out daily checks so that any defects, such as graffiti, are dealt with quickly. In many cases the Park Officers will deal with urgent problems (such as broken glass) there and then.
The Park Officers’ role includes:
Undertaking regular visits to the site and reporting as necessary Basic maintenance of park equipment and facilities Non-specialist horticultural work and litter picking Regular inspection of playgrounds Identifying acts of vandalism and submitting reports. Investigating and gathering information on accidents etc. Responding quickly and effectively to public complaints.
More serious anti-social behaviour is rare at Yiewsley Recreation Ground but may need to be addressed by other agencies such as the police or the council’s Enforcement Team. The Enforcement Team is responsible for dealing with a range of issues including noise, dog fouling, motor bikes, horse riding and fly tipping. Although this team is not on the premises on a regular basis, they are able to respond quickly to any reports that require their attention.
Objectives
1. Undertake regular cleaning regime to remove litter and fly tipping. 2. Continue to implement Health and Safety policies. 3. Ensure residents who use the park are aware of the relevant bylaws. 4. Continue to encourage residents to value the park.
10.3 Ensure the site is clean and well maintained
Yiewsley Recreation Ground is maintained by the grounds maintenance team. All works are carried out in line with the detailed specification which provides clear definition of the standards and quantity of work required. Park Officers also contribute by reporting any maintenance needed and carrying out work that is not accounted for. The site has a number of litterbins, sited within the grounds, which assist in maintaining the area in a clean condition. The litterbins are emptied on a two times a week basis in line with the specification but this can be increased during busy periods. Litter collection is carried out prior to mowing and by the contractor at other times as specified. In this way, littering around the Ground is kept to a minimum.
13 Yiewsley Recreation Ground Management Plan ______The guidelines as to allowing dogs within parks and open spaces are covered within the byelaws.
Sadly, in the past, Yiewsley Rec had been left and had become in a state of disrepair. The old bowls pavilion was burnt down in 2001 and play equipment that had been replaced was also extensively vandalised. However, local people feel strongly for the park and joined with LBH Green Spaces staff to form a MAG to direct the improvement project to help the site regain its former place at the heart of the community.
Objectives
1. Continue with current maintenance arrangements. 2. Enhance maintenance regimes where practical. 3. Encourage the continued involvement of the ‘Friends of’. 4. Carry through a programme of improvements.
10.4 Ensure sustainable management of resources
The London Borough of Hillingdon recognises and are aware of the need to minimise adverse impact on the environment, and agree with the principles of waste minimisation as defined in Local Agenda 21. LBH, therefore, actively pursues ways of delivering sustainable development and ensuring environmental sustainability is a vital part of this. The Council has signed up to the peat charter, and discourages the use of peat-based products in its horticultural work. In specific reference to this Recreation Ground, maintenance agreements discourage the use of pesticides and herbicides on the site, a stance that has environmental and financial benefits. Therefore, other methods of pest control are utilised, and, where possible, non-herbicidal weed control is carried out. Where it is absolutely necessary, the gardener will use non-residual herbicide applications (e.g. glyphosate), to reduce environmental impact. Also, where they are used, herbicides are applied as spot treatment rather than blanket sprayed, and all operatives are trained and certified for that particular operation. All green waste created by the grounds maintenance team and Park Officers is taken to the borough’s green waste facility for recycling. The borough’s term tree maintenance contractor also recycles tree work arisings. This meets our objective involving waste minimisation. This also encourages efficient use of resources as, where possible, contractors are also encouraged to reuse green waste, for example as mulch. Resource conservation is in place in that, where possible any plants planted are more drought tolerant so that devised planting limits the need for watering. There are also sustainability targets so it's important to look at ways to reduce the use of carbon fuels. The following objectives directly affect the way the site is managed because they are written into the maintenance specification; it is the job of LBH to ensure that the contractors are following guidelines on sustainability. It is most important that we are seen to ‘practice what we preach’ and maintain high standards of sustainable management that demonstrate our awareness of environmental, conservation and resource issues. We therefore seek to actively research and promote new initiatives in the field of sustainable resource management.
Objectives
1. Continue to promote waste minimisation. 2. Plan long-term management for all features of the playing fields.
14 Yiewsley Recreation Ground Management Plan ______3. Ensure efficient use of resources. 4. Develop and promote resource conservation and sustainable development. 5. Continue to minimise the application of pesticides. 6. Where possible encourage the use of physical / cultural forms of weed control. 7. Continue to recycle and re-use organic matter as mulches, soil ameliorants, and for other uses.
10. 5 Appropriate management of conservation and heritage features
In 2006, Yiewsley Recreation Ground MAG were awarded funding of £1,000 for a wild flower walk and scented garden to improve and encourage nature and conservation of the local environment. The funding came from BAA Heathrow Environment Awards grant scheme who support projects addressing the "Local Agenda 21" themes of green transport, health, environmental improvements, energy efficiency, recycling, nature conservation and green business. The importance of green spaces for conservation of wildlife is understood, and they naturally provide habitats which are not available in the more urban immediate surroundings (i.e. where concrete predominates). Therefore, the Park, through its very nature of being a green space, is home to flora and fauna as detailed earlier. However, the site does not lend itself to wildlife easily. There are corridors down edges which consist of scrub species such as bramble. These areas are probably more important than the grassy lawns. Consisting largely of trees, hedgerows and scrub they should be a haven for invertebrates and avifauna. An initial baseline ecological assessment will be undertaken to find out exactly what flora and fauna is present and to guide management operations.
Objectives
1. Conserve landscape features and improve as necessary. 2. Conserve existing boundaries. 3. Initiate programme of phased tree maintenance in line with survey findings. 4. Undertake a base-line ecological survey.
10.6 Encourage community involvement
Community events have taken place at the site in the past. The ‘Parks R Cool’ project provides free activities, such as music and dance, arts, crafts and sports, for young people during the school holidays. In November 2008 a planting day with the local remedial school was arranged by the Green Spaces Area Officer and Conservation Officer. This event was well received and proved to be very successful.
15 Hillingdon Youth Offending Team take part in a Streets Ahead day at Yiewsley Recreation ground Yiewsley Recreation Ground Management Plan ______By its very nature (the site is a well used ground for recreation) the community is involved in the site. And in the future, it The site is popular among local residents as shown by utilisation by different user groups at different times and for different purposes. This means that they are capable of feeding back their comments, complaints or suggestions about Yiewsley Rec. The LBH has an online feedback page for people to submit their feelings or ideas to the Council. Objectives
1. Improve joint working with local voluntary groups. 2. Further promotion of the site to schools, youth and community groups.
10.7 Ensure effective marketing of the facility
Yiewsley Recreation Ground is featured in the borough-wide, general leaflet on green spaces in the section detailing which sites have sports facilities, and exactly what they offer. The site can then be looked up on the map of green spaces provided by LBH so that people can find their way there. Both documents are available as hard copies from LBH Green Spaces. The booklet is available for download at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/media/pdf/7/b/gs_booklet.pdf and the map is available online at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/index.jsp?articleid=7725.
The site’s management plan will also be made available online through the council’s web pages, making it more accessible to all, and therefore a more useful document. Individual events at the site market it further. For example, the Parks R Cool events were advertised in order to get maximum attendance. This particular event also marketed the site indirectly; if young people enjoyed their days out, they will come back for more. The event was advertised on the “best of Hillingdon” web site (http://www.thebestof.co.uk/hillingdon/events). In order to ensure that the local community and the general users are aware of what is going on at the Ground, it is essential that a supply of information is available throughout the year. This information will be presented in a variety of different ways through leaflets, notice boards and also on the council’s web site. Information will seek to encourage understanding and awareness of the Ground itself and the wider remit of the Council. The sign boards at entrances to the ground further enhance marketing, and staff are provided with a uniform to identify them, making them available for the public to approach and query about any aspect of Yiewsley Rec.
Objectives
1. Preparation of interpretative materials for the park.
10.8 Implement effective management strategies
The site has been owned and therefore managed by what is now The London Borough of Hillingdon since 1929. However, it went into disrepair in the 80s and 90s as did many of London’s open spaces when, due to restrictions in funding, upkeep and management was not well organised. In 1997, a petition from local residents was received to prevent the sale of the site. This eventually led to the beginning of the improvements to the site which have greatly increased more recently. Now, the LBH Green Spaces team is responsible for this and is committed to continue improving the site and making it a special one over the next five years. It 16 Yiewsley Recreation Ground Management Plan ______is managed according to Green Spaces standards as summarised in the Site Summary. The staff structure (in Appendix B) outlines how this works and how management is kept effective. The park Officers are responsible for the day to day management, and the grounds maintenance team carries out most maintenance works. All are under charge of the Green Spaces Area Officer and Area Manager. The site will be further well managed through effective staff engagement and involvement. Site staff will be involved in the planning process as they are an integral component of the site and important for its smooth running. The Green Flag assessment process itself will also ensure further enhancement as it is a means for review of the management and will be used to encourage new thinking and to guide dynamic and adaptable management. The following management operations outline the effective management plan in place for Yiewsley Recreation Ground and, through them, we will carry through the effective management of the site.
Objectives
1. Use sustainable management strategies and methods as described in section 6.2.4 2. Carry out regular reviews of all management operations and projects. 3. Identify potential sources of appropriate funding.
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11. Management Actions and Maintenance Plan
Project Plans
The following pages contain a brief project plan for each of the projects listed in 7a. These provide not only a description of the project, but the also the rationale behind it, when the works are likely to be carried out, by whom, and how much it is likely to cost.
Project: Grounds Maintenance Review
Summary: To comprehensively review the grounds maintenance on site
Rationale: To ensure the best possible grounds maintenance regime is implemented
Constraints: Limited officer time
Who will do Green Spaces Officer and Grounds Maintenance Manager it?
Budget Within existing resources Estimate:
Status Ongoing
Project: Update Tree Survey
Summary: To update the survey of all the trees on the site, identifying which species are present and in what life stages the numbers of trees are at Rationale: To identify any trees needing work and plan ahead with tree works.
Constraints: Very limited officer time Tree Management Officer Who will do it?
Budget Within existing resources Estimate:
Status Awaiting action by the Tree Officer
Project: Improve the park's furniture
Summary: Replace the dog bin, refurbish other litter bins and benches
Rationale: The furniture in the park is showing its age and needs to be smartened up or replaced. 18 Yiewsley Recreation Ground Management Plan ______Constraints: Nil Who will do Council contractors it? Budget £4000 Estimate: Status Awaiting funding
11.1 Regular Maintenance Plan
In addition to the regular maintenance of the site, as outlined in the Site Grounds Maintenance standards (see Appendix B), the following actions shall be undertaken on an ongoing basis:
Undertake regular cleaning regime to remove litter
Continue to implement Health and Safety Policies
Ensure that park users are aware of relevant bylaws
Continue to encourage park users to value the park
Enhance maintenance regimes where practical
Encourage the involvement of the Friends of and Resident’s Association.
Continue to promote waste minimisation on sites
Continue to minimise the application of pesticides
Where possible encourage the use of cultural forms of weed control
Continue to recycle and re-use organic matter generated on site for soil-ameliorants, mulches, etc
Develop and promote resource conservation and sustainable development
Produce a phased and costed schedule for tree works
Conserve existing walls and boundaries
Carry out regular reviews of all management operations and projects
Identify new sources of funding and secure.
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12.Appendices
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Appendix A
Introduction to the London Borough of Hillingdon
Description Hillingdon, situated on the western edge of Greater London, is the second largest London borough, covering a total area of about 42 square miles. It is just 14 miles from central London and bounded by the counties of Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Surrey and the London Boroughs of Hounslow, Ealing and Harrow.
Hillingdon is home to Heathrow, the world's busiest airport that caters for more than 60 million passengers a year.
The borough has eight leisure centres and 2 pools, 17 libraries, two theatres and over 170 green spaces including Ruislip Woods Natural Nature Reserve and Lido.
History The London Borough of Hillingdon was one of the 32 London Boroughs created by the London Government Act 1963. It was formed by the amalgamation of the Borough of Uxbridge and the Urban Districts of Hayes and Harlington, Ruislip/Northwood and Yiewsley and West Drayton.
The new borough came into existence on April 1, 1965 when the new council started work.
As well as taking on the work of the four previous district authorities the council became responsible for local services such as education, libraries and the children's services. These had previously been run by the Middlesex County Council, which ceased to exist on April 1 1965.
Hillingdon's purpose-built Civic Centre opened its doors to the public in 1977. The council specified the use of traditional materials such as bricks and tiles while the sloping roofs were designed by the architects to reflect the style found in many of the borough's homes.
Workforce The council employs approximately 3,359 people, including schools' staff.
People Hillingdon has a population of 273,936 according to the 2011 Census. There is a growing proportion of young people, particularly of school age children.
Around 39.4% of the borough's residents are from ethnic minority groups (mainly Indian, Pakistani, other Asian and Black Caribbean).
There is an active voluntary sector, and a wide variety of community groups, tenants' and residents' associations.
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Leisure Hillingdon is rich in wildlife and wildlife habitat including waterways, lakes, meadows and nature reserves. Ruislip Woods have been designated London's first National Nature Reserve, while nearby Ruislip Lido boasts 40 acres of water. The borough also offers a host of sporting activities, including six sports centers, many with newly refurbished gyms and four exceptional 18-hole golf courses, including a championship standard course at Stockley Park. The arts and entertainment thrive, with The Beck professional theatre in Hayes, the Compass Theatre, Ickenham, and various other venues. There is major new shopping centre, The Chimes in Uxbridge.
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Appendix B
The Environmental and Consumer Protection Group The Environmental and Consumer Protection Group of the London Borough of Hillingdon has the responsibility for the Environmental Development and sustainability of Hillingdon’s Green Spaces. Amongst the other responsibilities it provides events and promotes outdoor activities in the Borough’s Parks and Other Green Spaces. The Green Spaces Team (see Fig 1.) oversees the management and development of all public green spaces within the London Borough of Hillingdon, which also includes parks, allotments, playing fields, woodlands and other green spaces.
Figure 1. Green Spaces Team Structure
Figure 1. Green Spaces Team Structure
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Appendix C
Site Grounds Maintenance Standards
Summary of Annual Frequencies
Maintenance of Grassed Areas
Monthly Frequency* Operation Annual Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Freq. Grass Cutting 16 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 Litter picking prior to grass 16 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 cutting Leaf Clearance 3 1 1 1 Trim grass edging to hard 16 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 standing and around obstacles Trim grass edging to walls, 16 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 fence lines Reform grass edging to all beds 1 1 Trim grass edging to all beds As reqd.
Shrub Bed Maintenance
Monthly Frequency* Operation Annual Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Freq. Weed and litter removal 8 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Hoeing of beds not previously 8 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 mulched Pruning of shrubs 1 1 Removal of reversion growth to As shrubs reqd.
Tree Maintenance
Monthly Frequency* Operation Annual Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Freq. Stake maintenance and removal 1 to newly planted trees Weaning of 5-10 year old trees 1 away from stakes Removal of suckers and 1 epicormic shoots to all trees, but excluding Lime trees Removal of suckers and 2 1 24 Yiewsley Recreation Ground Management Plan ______epicormic shoots to Lime trees
Rose and Rose Bed Maintenance
Monthly Frequency* Operation Annual Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Freq. Weed and litter removal 16 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 Top dressing 1 1 Hoeing of beds not previously 15 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 mulched Topping up and levelling to 16 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 previously mulched beds Reduction pruning of roses 1 1 (Autumn pruning) Formative pruning of roses 1 1 (Winter pruning) Replacement staking and tying 1 1 of all full or half standard roses Replacement of rose plants 1/10
Hedge and Hedgerow Maintenance
Monthly Frequency* Operation Annual Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Freq. Pruning of hedge 1 1 Removal of weeds, litter, 1 1 rubbish and debris from base of hedge
Miscellaneous Works
Monthly Frequency* Operation Annual Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Freq. Clearance of all fence lines 1 1 Visual inspection of site and 104 features by Grounds Twice weekly for whole year Maintenance Officer Dog bin emptying 52 Once weekly for whole year Rubbish bin emptying 104 Twice weekly for whole year Litter picking and collection As reqd. Maintain flower bed by As playground reqd.
* Note – exact timing may vary according to local conditions
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Appendix D
Tree Survey
Introduction
A tree survey was undertaken at Yiewsley Recreation Ground during March 2006. The survey was undertaken by Trevor Heaps and Colin Chambers (Tree Officers LBH)
Methodology
The survey was conducted with reference to BS 7370: Part 1: 1991 with additional information and works scheduling. The position of each tree is marked and numbered on a map of Yiewsley Recreation Ground The following data has been collected:
Species (English) Diameter at 1.5m (DBH, 1-6, banded in 20cm units) Height (metres) Crown spread (metres) Life (see notes) Work Required Urgency (U – urgent, 1/2/3 - undertake within 1/2/3 years) Cost Notes
Life
The purpose of ‘Life’ is with the application of a single number, to be able to indicate how far a tree is through its life in any given location. The assessment will cut across species, size, location, and condition; will ultimately give a projection of tree cover for a given site for the present, looking ahead to the medium term and help with management priorities. For example – 15 year old tree established tree, with good form and health, in the middle of a park would attract a ‘2’ – ‘vigorous, not effecting its surroundings, liable to make a mature tree’. However take exactly the same tree that has seeded itself in next to an old wall in a conservation area, would attract a ‘5’ – ‘having an adverse effect on its surroundings, retain only in the short term’. It is a reasonable expectation that ‘Life 3’ will make up the main body of tree cover in any given area. Young and semi mature trees at ‘Life 1 & 2’ are the future ‘3s’ while ‘Life 4 & 5’ are at the other end of their lives with moderate to severe problems identified.
Using the 1- 6 scoring method the entire tree cover of an area can be assessed.
1 – Young tree
Under ten years old, not established, still vulnerable
2 – Semi- mature tree
26 Yiewsley Recreation Ground Management Plan ______Should go on to make a mature tree, has no visible defects or conditions
Not being affected by environmental conditions either natural or human caused Not affecting or ever likely to, any structures, surfaces or services Is a good choice for the site, long term retention
3 – Semi mature or mature tree
Has minor structural defects, non serious condition, has reached maturity or, Being slightly affected by environmental conditions either natural or human caused or, Beginning to slightly affect either structures, surfaces or services Is good choice for the site, medium to long term retention
4 - Semi mature or mature tree
Has moderate structural defect or notable condition or Being moderately affected by environmental conditions either natural or human caused or Beginning to moderately affect either structures, surfaces or services Is only a fair choice for the site, short to medium term retention
5 - Semi mature or mature tree
Has serious structural defect or condition or Being seriously affected by environmental conditions either natural or human caused or Beginning to seriously affecting either structures, surfaces or services Is poor choice for the site, short term retention
6 – Semi mature or mature tree
Dead or Collapse foreseeable, remove without delay
Results
Yiewsley Recreation Ground appears well treed with close to the expected number of Life 3 trees. There are however twice the number expected of Life 4 trees many of which will move on to become Life 5 within the short term (10Years)
Yiewsley has no Life 1 trees and 6% short of the ideal number of Life 2 trees. It is clear that the medium to long term future for tree cover at Yiewsley is not assured unless steps are taken to introduce new stock.
P1 on the map and schedule is the boundary along Falling Lane where a mixture of ultimately medium size trees are proposed along the bank and groups of large growing trees within the first 20 metres of parkland.
P2 is an unused corner of the park with the rear wall of Tesco as a backdrop. Following the removal of some poor trees, a Spring garden is proposed with mass bulb plantings, medium size flowering trees to soften the Tesco wall and group of small/medium flowering trees within the main area.
27 Yiewsley Recreation Ground Management Plan ______P3 General planting within the main park
# Species DBH Height Spread Life Work Urgency Cost Notes 1 Ornamental cherry 2 6 F & G 1 151.57 2 Kanzan cherry 2 5 6 3 3 Dawn redwood 2 6 2 2 4 Corsican pine 1 4 2 2 5 Common ash 2 6 3 3 6 Mulberry 1 3 2 2 7 Willow sp 1 3 4 3 8 Pussy willow 2 6 4 3 9 Common lime 1 8 2 2 10 Whitebeam 1 6 2 4 11 Pussy willow 1 4 2 3 12 Common ash 1 10 3 3 13 Common lime 3 15 8 4 14 Holly 2 x 2 6 F 1 163.22 15 Common lime 3 14 7 4 16 Pussy willow 1 6 3 4 F 1 17 Common lime 3 14 6 3 18 Common lime 3 14 6 3 CL & CT 2 198.21 19 Common lime 3 14 6 3 20 Common lime 3 14 6 3 21 Purple leaf plum 2 7 4 5 F & G 1 151.57 Pedestrian grinder 22 Common thorn 3 5 5 5 F & G 1 262.34 Pedestrian grinder 23 Purple leaf plum 2 6 4 5 Pollard 1 81.6 Woodpecker habitat. 24 Common thorn 2 5 4 5 F & G 1 151.57 Pedestrian grinder 25 Winter cherry 2 3 4 3 26 Common thorn 2 5 4 4 F & G 1 116.59 Pedestrian grinder 27 Viburnham tinus 1 3 3 3 28 Leyland cypress 2 14 3 3 29 Native cherry 4 15 8 4 CR 50% 1 332.28 30 Purple leaf plum 3 7 5 4 31 Purple leaf plum 3 7 5 3 32 Purple leaf plum 3 7 5 3 33 Purple leaf plum 3 7 5 3 34 Turkey oak 2 12 4 2 35 Elder 1 3 3 5 F & G 2 87.44 Adj to fence 36 Common ash 1 3 3 5 F & G 2 87.44 Adj to fence 37 Pride of India 1 5 3 2 38 Lawson cypress 1 x 4 7 3 3 39 Myrobolyn plum 1 x 5 6 6 3 40 Cotoneaster 1 x 3 x 3 4 3 41 Purple leaf plum 2 5 4 3 42 Swedish whitebeam 3 5 6 3 43 Swedish whitebeam 3 5 6 4 44 Swedish whitebeam 1 3 2 3 45 Swedish whitebeam 3 8 7 3 46 Purple leaf plum 2 6 5 3 47 Winter cherry 2 3 4 3 48 Common laburnam 2 5 3 4
28 Yiewsley Recreation Ground Management Plan ______49 Common laburnam 1 4 2 4 50 Leyland cypress 2 8 3 3 1 x 3 51 Lawson cypress 6 3 4 DW 1 69.96 2 x 1 52 Holly 1 x 4 3 2 4 53 Swedish whitebeam 2 x 3 6 5 3 54 Horse chestnut 1 3 1 2 55 Ornamental cherry 1 4 2 3 56 Lawson cypress 1 x 4 12 3 3 57 Ornamental cherry 2 5 5 3 58 Ornamental cherry 4 5 12 3 59 Ornamental cherry 2 4 2 3 60 Common lime 3 14 8 3 61 Common lime 3 17 8 3 62 Lawson cypress 2 9 2 3 63 Lawson cypress 2 5 F & G 1 116.59 64 Lawson cypress 2 5 F & G 1 151.57 65 Common lime 4 18 9 3 66 Common lime 4 19 9 3 67 Lawson cypress 2 10 3 3 68 Lawson cypress 2 10 3 4 F & G 2 186.55 69 Common lime 4 19 9 3 70 Common lime 3 18 9 3 71 Sycamore 2 4 F & P 2 83.97 72 Golden Lawsons Cypress 1 4 2 2 73 Judas tree 1 4 2 2 74 Silver birch 1 6 F & G 1 87.44 75 Silver birch 2 8 3 3 76 Lawson cypress Wissilii 2 8 3 3 77 Purple leaf plum 1 3 1 2 78 Acacia 1 x 2 10 4 4 1 34.98 Cut back fallen trunk to ivy 79 Acacia 2 6 4 4 F 2 81.61 80 Acacia 5 x 3 12 12 4 CR 30% 1 664.56 81 Yew 2 4 2 3 82 Cooper beech 4 12 12 3 83 Purple leaf plum 3 7 7 3 84 Purple leaf plum 2 6 6 3 85 Native cherry 2 5 3 3 Re-verted ornamental 86 Holly 2 5 3 3 87 Winter cherry 2 3 3 3 88 Ornamental apple 1 3 1 3 89 Winter cherry 2 3 3 3 90 Corsican pine 3 16 8 3 91 Swedish whitebeam 3 x 2 8 6 5 F & G 1 489.7 Fire damage 92 Acacia 2 8 4 4 CL 1 69.96 clear building CR 1 x 1 30%, 93 Acacia 2 x 1 10 10 4 1 314.79 lean, minor fire damage clear 3 x 1 lamp 94 Acacia 1 3 1 3 95 Acacia 1 x 3 5 3 3 96 Acacia 2 4 2 3 29 Yiewsley Recreation Ground Management Plan ______Fell to 1 x 1 97 Common ash 5 2 4 re- 2 134.22 2 x 1 hedge Fell to 98 Common ash 2 x 3 9 3 4 re- 2 244.83 hedge Fell to 99 Common ash 2 x 2 9 3 4 re- 2 163.22 hedge Fell to 100 Common ash 2 x 5 9 3 4 re- 2 408.05 hedge 101 Acacia 4 12 4 4 CR 50% 1 358.32 102 Poplar 5 20 15 4 Pollard 1 437.21 103 Poplar 5 20 15 4 Pollard 1 437.21 104 Poplar 5 20 15 4 Pollard 1 437.21 105 Poplar 5 20 15 4 Pollard 1 437.21 106 Leyland cypress 2 11 4 3 G1 Holly 1 4 2 3 Reduce G2 Holly 2 x 10 8 2 3 2 524.7 to 2 m G3 Stumps 1 314.82 Pedestrian grinder G4 Lawson cypress 2 x 6 10 2 4 G5 Acacia 1 x 4 3 2 3 Holly 1 4 2 3 Leyland cypress 1 2 2 3 Leyland cypress 1 2 2 3
Total Tree work 6248.7 18No medium species P1 (bankside), 15No large 8250 species @ £250 8No medium screen trees, 8No ornamental P2 cherries @ 250 4000 8No general planting @ P3 250 2000 Total Planting 14250
30 Yiewsley Recreation Ground Management Plan ______
Yiewsley Recreation Ground - Life Analysis
60
50
40
30 Percentage 20
10
31 0 Life 1 Ideal 1 Life 2 Ideal 2 Life 3 Ideal 3 Life 4 Ideal 4 Life 5 Expected 5 Life 6 Expected 6 Yiewsley Recreation Ground Management Plan ______
Appendix E
Site Marketing Analysis and Plan
Yiewsley Recreation Ground is situated in the ward of Yiewlsey and within easy reach of the M25, M4 and A40/M40.
Ward residents’ profile (based on results of 2011 Census)
Gender: Males 6,440 Households: 5,181 Females 6,539 Total: 12,979
Age: 0 – 4 8.2% Households with dependant children: 35.8% 5 – 15 14.2% 16 – 24 13.6% 25 – 59 50.7% 60- 74 9.1% 75 + 4.3%
Ethnic Group: White 66.2% Mixed 3.8% Asian / Asian British 19.3% Black / Black British 7.4% Arab or other Ethnic group 3.4%
Health of people: Very good/Good 82.8% People with a limiting lifetime illness 15.2%: Fairly Good 12.0% Very bad/Bad 5.2%
Analysis
The ward profile of residents indicates that 13.4% of residents are over 60 and that over 15% of households indicated they have one or more persons with a limiting lifetime illnesses. The Recreation Ground therefore has an important role as a place for quiet enjoyment and gentle exercise. Seats need to be easy to use by people with disabilities and a DDA compliant design is important.
32 Yiewsley Recreation Ground Management Plan ______
Equally, 36.0% of residents are under the age of 25. 22.4 % of the population being under 15. Additionally, 35.8% of households have dependant children, with 8.2% of households having young children (under 5 years).
66.2% of residents living in the ward describe their ethnic group as white, with the rest being made up of various ethnic minorities. It is therefore important to ensure that all ethnic groups are made to feel welcome and included in actions relating to Yiewsley Recreation Ground.
Marketing Segmentation
The key market segments for Yiewsley Recreation Ground appear to be:
a. Immediate neighbours b. People living within walking distance of the site. c. People living in the ward/further away from the site who have an existing/potential interest in local natural history and heritage. d. People who visit or work nearby
Marketing Methods to Help Enhance Appreciation and Appropriate use of the Site
Regular liaison with interested parties re issues affecting Yiewsley Recreation Ground.
Use of welcoming informative interpretation boards at key points on the site to promote the special interests of the site to regular and occasional users.
Develop contact with residents over the age of 65 to promote Yiewsley Recreation Ground and ensure feedback can be obtained from potentially less mobile users.
Promote Green Flag standards to users and neighbours to help raise the profile and understanding of Yiewsley Recreation Ground.
Encourage articles to be written and published about Yiewsley Recreation Ground – Green Spaces web page, Hillingdon People, other publications, as opportunities arise.
Ensure that the borough’s Green Spaces leaflet is kept up to date and available to the public at libraries and on the Green Spaces web page.
Encourage local schools to do projects relating to Yiewsley Recreation Ground to aid understanding and appreciation and awareness locally.
33 Yiewsley Recreation Ground Management Plan ______
Appendix F
Site Deeds: Conveyance from St Thomas Hospital to Yiewsley Urban District Council
34 Yiewsley Recreation Ground Management Plan ______
35 Yiewsley Recreation Ground Management Plan ______
Appendix G
Council Plan: Commitment to Green Flags
LBH’s commitment to achieving many Green Flag sites is reinforced in the Council Plan 2007-2010
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