Eastham Country Park Management Plan 2011- 2021 (Updated January 2019) Parks and Countryside Service Wirral Council Management Plan Written/updated by: Date: Luke Bithell and James Locke 29/01/2019 Management Plan authorised by: Date: Mary Worrall/Martin Grayshon 29/01/2019 Contents 1. Introduction ................................................................................................. 1 2. Wider Policy Context .................................................................................. 2 2.1. Corporate Objectives ........................................................................... 2 2.2. Parks and Countryside Service Objectives ....................................... 2 3. Eastham Country Park ............................................................................... 3 3.1. Description and Location .................................................................... 3 3.2. Facilities and features ......................................................................... 6 3.3. Tenure .................................................................................................. 8 3.4. Users of the Park ................................................................................. 8 3.4.1. Visitor Numbers ............................................................................ 9 3.5. Designations ...................................................................................... 11 3.6. Easements and services ................................................................... 12 3.7. Access ................................................................................................ 12 3.7.1. Vehicle ......................................................................................... 12 3.7.2. Pedestrian ................................................................................... 13 3.7.3. Equestrian ................................................................................... 13 3.7.4. Cycle ............................................................................................ 13 3.7.5. Public Transport: ........................................................................ 14 3.8. Historical Significance ...................................................................... 14 3.9. Landscape and Biodiversity ............................................................. 16 4. Green Flag Analysis and Assessment .................................................... 19 4.1. Assessment Criteria .......................................................................... 19 4.2. Assessment ....................................................................................... 19 4.2.1. A Welcoming Place ..................................................................... 19 4.2.2. Healthy, Safe and Secure ........................................................... 23 4.2.3. Well Maintained and Clean ......................................................... 26 4.2.4. Environmental Management ...................................................... 30 4.2.5. Biodiversity, Landscape and Heritage ...................................... 33 4.2.6. Community Involvement ............................................................ 37 4.2.7. Marketing and Communication .................................................. 39 4.2.8. Management ................................................................................ 41 5. Appendices ............................................................................................... 43 1. Introduction This management plan is intended to provide a framework for the development and improvement of Eastham Country Park. If you wish to find out further information about this document or submit any suggestions please contact: Wirral Council Park and Countryside Service Hamilton Building 32 Conway St Birkenhead CH41 4FD Telephone Number: 0151 606 2004 Email: [email protected] For further information about the park or to help volunteer at Eastham Country Park contact: Eastham Country Park Visitors Centre Ferry Road Eastham Wirral CH62 0BH. Telephone: 0151 327 1007 Email: [email protected] or [email protected] Or visit the parks website: www.easthamcountrypark.blogspot.com P a g e | 1 2. Wider Policy Context Wirral Council’s Parks and Countryside Service are based within the Regeneration and Environment Directorate of Wirral Council. The content and structure of the Management Plan has been informed by the following guidelines: A Guide to Producing Park and Green Space Management Plans (CABE Space, 2004) Wirral Parks and Open Spaces Strategy, 2014 – 2024 Wirral Plan 2020 Raising the Standard: The Green Flag Awards Guidance Manual (Keep Britain Tidy, 2016) 2.1. Corporate Objectives The Council’s Vision is that Wirral will be a place where the vulnerable are safe and protected, where employers want to invest and local businesses thrive, and where good health and an excellent quality of life is within the reach of everyone who lives here. The Wirral Plan sets out a series of 20 pledges which the council and partners will work to achieve by 2020, focusing on three key themes: protecting the most vulnerable driving economic growth improving the local environment To find out more information about the 20/20 vision visit: http://www.wirral.gov.uk/about-council/wirral-plan-2020-vision 2.2. Parks and Countryside Service Objectives The Parks and Countryside Service have produced a 10 year Parks and Open Spaces Strategy that will inform and direct the next 10 years for the service from 2014-2024. It is available online at: https://www.wirral.gov.uk/leisure-parks-and-events/parks-and-open- spaces/parks-development-and-maintenance The Strategy sets out how Wirral Parks and Countryside Service will aim to attract and retain investment in the borough through provision of attractive and well managed parks and open spaces, whilst being accessible; and providing positive and healthy activities for all local people, communities and visitors to enjoy. The service also intends to contribute to the environmental sustainability and biodiversity of Wirral to achieve a good balance by protecting habitats while supporting economic growth. P a g e | 2 The management plan reflects the existing structures that are present in the interim. 3. Eastham Country Park 3.1. Description and Location Name: Eastham Country Park Grid Reference: SJ 363818 (Visitor centre/main car park) Location: Eastham Country Park is situated on the south east of the Wirral Peninsular, on the banks of the River Mersey. It lies 1 mile north of Eastham Village and 1.5 miles from the M53 motorway and is reached via the A41 Chester to Birkenhead Road. Eastham Country Park Eastham Country Park location Address: Ferry Road, Eastham, Wirral, Merseyside, CH62 0BH P a g e | 3 Primary classification: Major Park Ward: Eastham Size: 42.11 Hectares Eastham Country Park (marked as red star) in the Wirral Peninsula. Eastham Country Park holds immense value as a long-standing, major leisure and nature conservation resource with an appeal which stretches beyond its local area into Cheshire and potentially into the rest of the region. Eastham Country Park covers almost 43 Hectares. It is the last remaining substantial area of undeveloped land with public access on the Wirral bank of the River Mersey between Birkenhead and Ellesmere Port. Its location gives it particular importance as a local amenity, health, wildlife and educational resource. The site includes mature mixed deciduous woodland, amenity grassland, new plantation woodland and natural grassland and scrub. The park also gives access to riverside cliff top and commands superb views across the River Mersey. P a g e | 4 Remnants of the 19th century Eastham Ferry Jetty, Pleasure Gardens and associated buildings add considerable historic interest to the site. The entrance to the Manchester Ship Canal and the Queen Elizabeth 2 oil dock, lie at the southern end of the park and passing shipping is a popular attraction for visitors. Map of Eastham Country Park P a g e | 5 3.2. Facilities and features The visitor centre (open 7 days a week, from 10:00am to 16:45pm) has the following facilities: Educational and informative displays Toilets Rangers Office Volunteer Room Wildlife Garden Bird garden with viewing areas Car parking for approximately 350 cars in 3 car parks Neighbouring tea room and garden Eastham Country Park has: Large ‘dog free’ children’s play area Historic buildings and features (including the site of the former Victorian Pleasure Gardens and zoo) Picnic and barbecue areas Cliff top access with panoramic views of the Mersey Estuary SSSI Views of the Manchester Ship Canal entrance and associated shipping traffic Mature deciduous woodland Extensive network of footpaths Facility for orienteering Off-road cycleway linking the park to Bromborough and Port Sunlight, as part of the Wirral Circular Trail. Bridleway through the centre of the site The sites facilities and features are shown visually below. P a g e | 6 Features and facilities at Eastham Country Park and neighbouring sports fields. Symbol Description Symbol Description Football Bluebell wood Car Parking Golf Course Café Tennis Public Inn Cricket Visitor Centre Mature trees Hotel Public WC Cycleway Picnic area Children’s play area Viewpoint Historical feature Key of facilities and features P a g e | 7 3.3. Tenure Eastham Country Park is owned and managed by Wirral Council, Community Services Department, Parks and Countryside. Including