Hornchurch Country Park Management Plan

CONTENTS Introduction 1

1. Site Overview 1.1 Havering 2 1.2 Strategic Framework 3 1.3 Site Description 3 1.4 History 6 1.5 Location and Transport Links 11

2. A Welcoming Place 2.1 Entrance Points 15 2.2 Entrance Signs 17 2.3 Equal Access 19

3. Heathy, Safe and Secure 3.1 Health and Safety Systems 20 3.2 Parks Protection Service 22 3.3 Parks Locking 24 3.4 Infrastructure 24 3.5 Parks Monitoring 25

4. Maintenance of Equipment, Buildings and Landscape 4.1 Horticultural Maintenance 27 4.2 Arboricultural Management 30 4.3 Vehicles and Plant Maintenance 30 4.4 Parks Furniture 30 4.5 Parks Buildings 32

5. Litter, Cleanliness and Vandalism 5.1 Litter Management 33 5.2 Sweeping 33 5.3 Graffiti 33 5.4 Flytipping 34 5.5 Reporting 34 5.6 Dog Fouling 34

6. Environmental Sustainability 6.1 Environmental Impact 36 6.2 Peat Use 36 6.3 Waste Minimisation 36 6.4 Pesticide Use 40

7. Biodiversity, Landscape and Heritage 7.1 Management of natural features, wild fauna and flora 42 7.2 Conservation of Landscape features 43 7.3 Woodlands 46 7.4 Marshes 48 7.5 Biodiversity Action Plan 49 7.6 Havering Local Plan 49 7.7 Natural Ambition Booklet 50

8. Community Involvement 8.1 Council Surveys 51 8.2 User Groups 52

9. Marketing and Promotions 9.1 Parks Brochure 59 9.2 Social Media 59 9.3 Website 59 9.4 Interpretation Boards 59 9.5 Events 60

10. Management 10.1 Management structure 64 10.2 Financial Management 66 10.3 Accreditation 66 10.4 Action Plan 67 10.5 Parks Contact Details 71

Appendices 1. Policy Context 2. History 3. Pesticide Reduction Strategy 4. Risk Assessments 5. Pleasure Ground Byelaws 6. Parks Fitter’s Instruction Form 7. Parks Monitoring Form 8. Grounds Maintenance Specification Contents 9. Vehicle Check Form 10. Peat Use Policy 11. Marketing 12. Event Application Form 13. SWOT Analysis 14. Example of play area visual inspection sheet 15. Example of play area operation inspection sheet

Introduction The Hornchurch Country Park Management Plan has been prepared by the London Borough of Havering Public Realm (Parks and Open Spaces) department and represents a five year plan for the Park. The plan was completed in 2019 and will be revised annually until a full update in 2024.

It was recognised that the park given its importance locally required improvements to facilities and standards. As part of this process the plan was produced to reflect these improvements and how the park is managed.

The format of this plan follows the Green Flag Award criteria as this is recognised as the nationally accepted standard of excellence for parks and open spaces. The criteria also reflect a comprehensive and logical breakdown on the complements of how a park is managed. The plan also includes an action plan which is achievable within the remit of current budgets.

The plan has been produced to give the reader a ‘virtual’ tour of the park and a practical management guide. The key information is in the main body of the plan with more detailed information including policies and examples in the appendix. It is intended for a broad audience interested in the development of the park namely:

• Public Ream staff - Parks and Open Spaces Officers, Grounds Maintenance • Other services and departments within the London Borough of Havering • Elected members, ward councillors and portfolio holders • The community and its representative organisations

Ingrebourne Valley Marshes SSSI

1. Site Overview 1.1 Havering The London Borough of Havering is London’s third largest borough. The north and east boundaries border the rolling Essex countryside and the south covers three miles of River Thames frontage. To the west Havering is bordered by the boroughs of Redbridge and Barking and Dagenham.

The name ‘Havering’ originates from the Royal Liberty of Havering, to which Edward IV granted a charter in 1465. The area’s history stretches back to Roman times with early settlements at Rainham and Collier Row. The London Borough of Havering was created in 1965 by the merger of Romford and Hornchurch Urban District Councils. The name of Havering was finally agreed as a combination of the town names was not allowed. The idea of blending the two names was never a serious consideration.Armorial bearings were granted at the time of the formation. The motto ‘liberty’ represents the present free and democratic way of life but is inspired by the fact that Havering was mostly a part of the royal liberty of Havering – Atte – Bower from 1465 – 1892.

London Borough of Havering Location Plan Many of Havering’s open spaces and public parks have a long and rich history. Some are former private estates with historical and heritage importance including Bedford’s Park, Clockhouse Gardens, Parklands Park and Langton’s Gardens. Well known landscape architects such as Humphrey Repton designed some open spaces within Havering e.g. Langton’s Gardens and many parks were developed in the twentieth century e.g. Upminster, Rise and Lawns Parks.

There is a large amount of countryside, especially in the north of the borough, with a good Public Rights of Way network and 4 country parks. There are also a wide variety of urban spaces from ornamental gardens to large municipal parks.

1.2 The Strategic Framework

Information how this Management Plan for Hornchurch Country Park sits within the national, regional and local context for parks and open spaces can be found in Appendix 1.

1.3 Site Description

Hornchurch Country Park is located at the southern end of Hornchurch on the site of the WW1 RFC Suttons Farm and WW2 RAF Hornchurch. The former being famous for being the base from which Lieutenant Leefe-Robinson VC took off from to shoot down the first airship over land. The latter as a major Battle of Britain Airfield from which many famous pilots aces flew from.

Aerial View of Hornchurch Country Park

The park is approximately 104 hectares in size and was created from a landfill site in 1980 and is made up of several different compartments. A large amount of the park has been allowed to develop naturally as wildlife habit and is managed through hay cutting towards the end of June, beginning of July. The area nearest two areas nearest the visitor centre and managed for amenity use and are also used for events. At the southern end of the Park there is a lake that allows for casual angling

but also hosts a great deal of wildlife. The Park Ranger depot is also based at this end of the Park. The Essex Wildlife Trust in partnership with the London Borough of Havering opened a visitor centre in the northern half of the Park in 2015. The centre is used for a number of educational events, displays and has a café and toilets open to the public.

The park has a surfaced path that runs mainly along the eastern boundary north to south and links the parks two car parks. It also links with the London Borough of Havering’s adjacent Gaynes, Hacton and Suttons Parkway’s in the north and the forestry commissions Ingrebourne Hill site to the south. The path makes up part of the Sustran Connect2 route 136 which links the entire Boroughs northern and southern parts. There are also other links into adjacent forestry commission and privately owned green space. All this area is known as the Ingrebourne Valley

Section of map board showing Ingrebourne Valley and its connections

The Ingrebourne River runs down the eastern side of the Park and flows through part of the park known as the Ingrebourne Marshes. These are designated as a Site of Special Scientific interest (SSSI) and form the largest fresh water reed bed in the London Area. Access to this area is restricted to the public but good views can had into the area from various places within and without the Park.

The park aims to cater for a number of uses and apart from the educational, walking and cycling uses it also has a children’s play area and outdoor gym located near the visitor centre and trim trail equipment spread out through the northern half of the Park. There are also a number of picnic benches throughout.

The Park is home to a vast amount of flora and fauna and is a very popular with bird watchers. A number of rare species have been observed here in recent years including Spotted Crake and Bittern. It is also known for it invertebrate and reptile species including Adders, with the Ingrebourne Valley hosting the largest Adder hibernaculum in London. During its creation in the 80’s small wooded areas were planted and these go to break up the more grassy compartments and add extra interest to the park

Chicory in flower at Hornchurch Country Park For history Buffs there are several WW2 defences within the Park. The Main car park at Squadrons Approach was in fact an aircraft dispersal bay (known as an E pen) used to protect Spitfires and their ground crews during the war. Also present in the park area number of well-preserved pill boxes and some very rare Tett Turrets.

Tett Turrets Air raid shelter at rear of E Pen

A large portion of the main Park and marshes have fallen under Natural England’s Higher Level Stewardship scheme. As part of this an arrangement has been made with a local farmer who grazes cattle on compartments in the marshes and cuts the hay meadows in the Park from late June. The grants from the scheme have been put to good use in repairing and extending the fencing in the grazing areas which have allowed the grazing to extend into areas that have been untouched for a number of years.

Cows grazing the marshes

1.4 History

The northern part of Hornchurch Country Park is on the former land of Suttons Farm, which was once part of the Manor of Suttons. Henry II gave the land to Hornchurch Priory in the C12th and it later became the property of William of Wykeham who founded New College Oxford in the C14th. The southern part of the country park was within Dover's Manor and later became Albyns Farm, whose old farm buildings remain today.

1872 map showing area of Hornchurch country Park

The advent or air power had added another dimension to warfare and the War Ministry had already started to consider that the Thames was a landmark that led straight into the heart of London. As such they had starting to scout the country side for likely airfields for the fledgling Royal Flying Corp and in 1915 Suttons Farm was chosen.

Sutton farm was a site chosen due to its proximity to London and the Thames and RFC Suttons Farm opened 3rd October 1915. The night of the 13th October 1915 saw the first action against attacking airships but without success. It wasn’t until the night of the 2nd-3rd September 1916 before successful finally came. Lieutenant William Leefe Robinson took off from Sutton Farm to look for the attacking Airship SL11. He spotted the Airship and attacked it with explosive ammunition and it crashed in flames near Cuffley in Hertfordshire. It was the first aircraft to be downed over British Soil and for his efforts Leefe-Robinson was awarded the VC.

Lieutenant William Leefe Robinson

With peace now declared the need for Suttons Farm came into question and by the 31st December 1919 RFC Suttons Farm closed, with the land being returned for agricultural use

In the 1920’s the Royal Air Force started an expansion program and once again Suttons Farm was looked at and in 1923 the site bought from New College Oxford and RAF Suttons Farm opened on 1st 1928. A few months later the site changed its name to RAF Hornchurch to make it easier to find on public transport.

RAF Hornchurch played a major part in WW2, it was the sector 11 main airfield. Also the airfield was designated as a fighter station and equipped mainly with Spitfires. It was due to this that is played a major role as a front line station during the Battle of Britain and many famous Pilots of the time flew from here.

Spitfires taking off from RAF Hornchurch

The Airfield remained open at the end of the war but reverted to more of a training role. Numerous training and selection centres were set up at Hornchurch, including the Air crew selection centre. The Airfield was also used a mobilisation centre for service personnel during the Dockers strike in 1949 who took over the striking Dockers duties. It served a similar purpose again in 1953 for service personnel assisting in the aftermath of the east coast flooding disaster.

During the 50’s and 60’s the Royal Air Force was slowly cut back and RAF Hornchurch was deemed surplus to requirements and closed in April 1962 and the site was sold to Fords a year later and used for the storage of vehicles.

Its use changed again in the 70’s when the airfield site was sold for gravel extraction and the technical area (hangers, workshops etc) was developed into the now Airfield Estate. The estate shows the areas proud heritage through the use of Hornchurch Pilots names in its street names.

In 1980 the site changed again with quarrying finishing and the site landfilled and turned into a country park by the Greater London Council. (GLC). It was landscaped through the 80’s with the building of paths and the planting of woodland etc. The site was transferred into the ownership of Havering Council a few years later with the disbanding of the GLC. Havering has continued to run the area as a country park and over the years have even extending it into land that had been earmarked for development. The latest extension was in 2006 when land owned by the NHS at the northern most boundary was given to the Council in return for land in Romford used to build the new Queens Hospital.

In 2010 using funding from the Play Builder project a new play area was installed to replace one that had to be removed a few years before. In keeping with the sites history one of the items installed was bespoke climbing rock in the shape of a fighter lane soaring through the clouds

Climbing rock at Hornchurch Country Park

A trim trail and outdoor gym was also installed in the park in 2011 using money from the Marathon Trust.

The next major changed within the park was the opening of a visitor centre in the Park in October 2015. This was through a partnership between Havering Council and the Essex Wildlife Trust, who run the centre.

Essex Wildlife Trust Visitor Centre Cafe

Hornchurch Country Park has been successful in the London in Bloom awards, achieving Gold on many occasions and also winning best in category for conservation area and Country Park more than once.

In 2019 the decision was made by members to put Hornchurch Country Park in for Green flag in 2020.

Further historical information is available in the appendix

1.5 Location and Transport Links

Location Map

Aerial photo of Hornchurch Country Park

Site Plan 1.5.1 Address Hornchurch Country Park, Squadrons Approach Hornchurch RM12 6DF (Sat Nav RM12 6TS)

1.5.2 Bus 252 from Collier Row alighting Hornchurch Country Park 252 from Hornchurch Town Centre alighting at Hornchurch Country Park 256 From Harold Hill alighting outside the St Georges park estate. 256 from opposite St Georges park estate

1.5.3 Car Squadrons Approach car park (Location of Visitor Centre) Squadrons Approach Hornchurch Sat Nav RM12 6TS

Albyns Farm Car Park South End Road Rainham RM13 7YH

1.5.4 Train 1.1 miles from Hornchurch District Line Station 3.4 miles from Romford Station. TFL Rail and Greater Anglia services 2.5 miles from Rainham Station. C2C Service

Original E Pen Revetments at Squadrons Approach Car Park (Currently being restored by Friends of Ingrebourne Valley and Park Ranger)

2. A Welcoming Place

2.1 Entrance points

As the site mainly has an open perimeter there are a number of entrances into Hornchurch Country Park from both the highway and from other sites. Listed here are only the main entrances.

2.1.1 Squadrons Approach Vehicle entrance that leads into the main car park with a separate pedestrian path that leads direct to the Visitor Centre. This entrance has a separate coach bay for visiting schools. The vehicle entrance is protected by a gate at the front and a height barrier further in and is locked half an hour after dusk and opened by 8am every day.

2.1.2 Albyns Farm, South End Road entrance A vehicle entrance that leads down to the smaller Albyns Farm Car Park and the Ranger Depot. The vehicle entrance is protected by a gate and height barrier further in and is locked half an hour after dusk and opened by 8am every day.

2.1.3 Berwick Woods entrance A pedestrian entrance from the Tarmac owned open space and also on a public right of way. The entrance has a walk round gate on one side and horse step on the other.

2.1.4 Suttons Lane Pedestrian A hard surfaced pedestrian entrance that leads directly into the Park from the nearby bus stop.

2.2. Entrance Signs

2.2.1 Entrance signs There are currently three types of entrance sign in use at the main entrances.

2.2.1.1 RAF style entrance signs The entrance sign on the corner of Airfield Way and Squadrons Approach was designed in partnership with the Parks Service and Essex Wildlife Trust. It was designed to mimic the style of sign used the Royal Air Force to help show the sites historic past. Special permission was required from the Ministry of Defence for use of the RAF Hornchurch station Badge. The sign also uses pictorial representation to show the facilities available on site. There is also a similar style of sign within the park showing what is available in the Visitors Centre. The colour used is also the PRU blue used by the RAF and is being the colour scheme being introduced on site furniture across the site to represent the historic past.

Outer entrance sign Car Park entrance sign

2.2.1.2 Wooden signs These are the original signage in use at the Country Park and are still in use at the Albyns Farm vehicle entrance and Sutton Lane Pedestrian Entrance. This type will slowly be phased out for the newer RAF blue type.

Example of wood entrance sign

2.2.1.3 Metal entrance signs These were installed a few years ago by the now finished Council/ Essex Wildlife Trust Ingrebourne Valley Project. They are large metal signs. These signs were the start of an Ingrebourne Valley brand to introduce users to the idea that green space in the area interconnected. These were also introduced in the RAF Blue colour.

Squadrons approach entrance

2.2.2 Map and notice boards These are situated by both car parks. These are in PRU Blue which is the colour used by the Royal Air Force during WW2. This is a different colour scheme to most of the Boroughs Parks as it better represents the historic theme of the Park and is being introduced to all the Parks furniture as best as possible.

Map and notice board at Squadrons Approach Car Park

2.2.3 Finger posts These are situated at junctions along the main paths within the Park and also mark the Sustrans Connect2 cycle route and the London Loop long distance footpath. The Site Ranger has the facilities to carry repairs to these if necessary.

Example of the finger way marking posts within the Park

2.3 Equal Access Given the nature of the site paved access is not available across the whole site. However the main areas of the Park are linked by a paved DDA complainant path. This runs along the east side of the park and links the Squadrons Approach car park, visitor centre, view point, many of the historic remains, lake and Albyns Farm Car Park. There is also a link from this path into the Forestry Commission Ingerbourne Hill site. There is also a spur off this path that avoids having to go over the small hill in the centre of the park. A new paved path was also installed from the coach bay at the entrance to the visitor centre. As part of the visitor centre work dedicated disabled parking bays in the Squadron Approach car park.

Path uphill showing finger post marking alternative route

3. Healthy, Safe and Secure 3.1 Health and Safety Systems Health and Safety is paramount to Havering Parks and Open Spaces Service. Health and Safety is instilled in all of the working practices and complies with Havering’s Health and Safety Policy, Havering’s Parks and Open Spaces safe working practice and relevant safety legislation.

3.1.1 Training All staff to receive training to enable them to carry out all tasks asked of them. This ranges from on-site instruction to a training course or qualification, as determined through appraisals and one to ones. Course can be provided externally for job specific training, e.g. operating hazardous tools and equipment, or corporately provided for generic subjects, e.g. first aid.

3.1.2. Communication There are many avenues for communication of Health and Safety issues, to report incidents and raise concerns. These include Health and Safety Working Groups that include representatives from each department, e.g. Public Realm, team briefings/meetings, health and safety notice boards, Departmental Health and Safety Committee (union representative) meetings, staff appraisals and verbal briefings.

3.1.2. Co-operation All staff are required to comply with health and safety measures. Managers are encouraged to promote a positive safety culture.

3.1.2. Monitoring Accident and Incident Reporting (AIR) provides a means of reactive monitoring and a good way of introducing preventative measures. Reporting is presented at CRM and the Health and Safety Working Groups.

Annual surveys are carried out by the departments corporate Health and Safety Advisor. These include a desktop assessment for the section, e.g. Parks and Open Spaces, and then site surveys (mainly in depots) if necessary.

3.1.3 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) There is a minimum standard of equipment required for park maintenance staff. All other PPE required is supplied and must be worn when completing tasks. All PPE is correctly stored. Damaged, worn or out of date PPE is replaced.

3.1.4 Vehicle, Machinery and Tools All equipment must be regularly serviced and repaired and all staff are given training on equipment that they are required to use. In some cases certificates of competence are required before equipment can be used. Only operatives with the correct certification are permitted to use the corresponding equipment.

3.1.5 Chemicals The Parks and Open Spaces Section comply with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1994. The Food and Environment Protection Act (Pesticide Regulations) 1984 and has a policy for the Pesticide Reduction. Full Pesticide Reduction Policy can be found at Appendix 3.

3.1.6 Welfare All workplaces comply with the Workplace Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations 1992.

3.1.7 First Aid Each office and depot has at least one trained in first aid and has a fully stocked first aid kit as to all vehicles. It is the responsibility of the service manager to ensure that the first aid kit is fully stocked at all times.

3.1.8. Fire All managers must ensure that they are familiar with fire prevention and understand the use of various types of extinguishers. Fire extinguishers in depots and vehicles are checked annually by a specialist contractor under the Council’s Corporate Landlord Agreement.

3.1.9 Risk Assessments Parks are not risk assessed individually but risk assessments are carried out on the features of parks, the operations that occur within them, e.g. grounds maintenance, and any events or activities that take place. Operational risk assessments, e.g. grass cutting, are filed and kept in the relevant depots and park features, e.g. waterbodies, are kept in the parks management office, and communicated to all staff.

Risk assessments are produced by management staff but are checked by the Corporate Health and Safety Advisor as part of the annual survey. They will also assist in the production of risk assessments for new issues or operations, e.g. conservation areas.

Examples can be found in the Appendix 4. In additional to the operational tasks, the following risk assessments apply to Hornchurch Country Park:

Conservation/meadow areas Shrubberies and hedgerows Parks Furniture Gates and fences and bollards Hard surfaces Sports and recreation areas Car Parks Open Water Animal Husbandry

3.2 Parks Protection Service The Parks Protection Service (PPS) was established in 2010. The early structure of the team, at the time, allowed for Parks Protection Officers (PPOs) to be engaged for the role, employed as agency workers. A ‘pool’ of staff was therefore recruited, chosen on experience, training and competency. Four of the more competent workers were frequently used to cover shifts with others, being used as ‘reserves’.

In 2012 full-time posts were established to replace the need to use agency workers as core staff. The team now have five senior permanent staff (one manager and four officers) and use a ‘pool’ of reserves renamed Parks Protection Support Officers (PPSOs) when necessary, e.g. essential staff-cover and specific operations.

In 2016 the full-time officers were attested as constables to assist with effective byelaw enforcement in parks. A copy of the byelaws can be found in Appendix 5.

The Parks Constabulary

The team works 7 days a week and covers key times throughout the day and evenings. They are based centrally in the borough, at The Lodge in Raphael Park, Romford and travel using motorbikes and an off-road vehicle. Therefore they can respond to incidents quickly and can effectively patrol Havering sites.

The primary purpose of the team is to maintain the borough's parks and open spaces as safe and pleasant places for people to visit. This involves regular targeted policing patrols, enforcing byelaws and other relevant legislation and enactments, meanwhile liaising closely with the community. A full copy of the borough’s Pleasure Ground Byelaws is in the appendix. The team also liaise and work in partnership with the police, fire service, ambulance service, borough dog warden and wildlife rescue services.

Another part of their role is to educate park users from school children to those responsible for anti-social behaviour. They have a flexible approach to dealing with offenders which doesn’t have to involve formal enforcement measures where appropriate. For example with first offenders of relatively minor incidents an informal warning is a sufficient deterrent, and assists with the positive reputation of the team. However when required the team will take the necessary enforcement action proportionate to the offence. This can be from a written warning, fixed penalty notice or prosecution through the courts.

Usually during the winter months the team visit schools within the borough to carry out presentations on safety in parks called ‘The Parks Protection Roadshow’. This helps educate young people in the borough respect their parks and also protect themselves.

‘Parks Protection Roadshow’ presentation

The establishment of this service has meant Havering Council is able to address crime and anti-social behaviour in our parks. An example of previous effective team action is the reduction of motorbikes unlawfully using green spaces, causing risk of harm towards other parks users. The team have successfully deterred some riders from regularly entering our sites, meanwhile using their enforcement powers under Byelaws and related enactments to prosecute the worst offenders, removing those vehicles from causing further risk in parks. The Parks Protection Service, as a whole, has also taken a lead role in deterrence and engagement with travellers during unlawful incursions. On these occasions, the Team have ensured that Havering’s parks continue to be safe for the public to use, reducing serious littering,

deterring organised fly tipping and other anti-social behaviour, ensuring their stay is kept to a minimum timescale, in close liaison with the Havering Council Planning Team.

One of Parks Protection Service off-road bikes used for rapid response

In recent years anti-social behaviour in Hornchurch Country Park, as with most of the borough’s parks, has been very minimal due to the regular patrols and effective intervention carried out by the team. In period April 2018 to April 2019 the team patrolled the park 112 times with 87 additional visits prompted by calls.

3.3 Parks Locking

Park gates and barriers that are closed in the evening are also managed by the Parks Protection Service. They have a Park Gates Supervisor who to manages a further small security team of Gate Operatives. Parks Constables will assist in the locking and unlocking of gates and barriers, where it is required to reduce crime or antisocial behaviour. As part of this duty they use marked council vehicles with flashing warning lights and on locking enter the park ringing a bell to announce closing time.

The Squadrons Approach and Albyns Farm vehicle entrances are secured each evening half an hour after dusk and opened each morning by 8am.

3.4 Infrastructure

Repairs needed to the pathways, fencing, gates, signs and other items are carried out either by the in-house Parks Maintenance team (Supervisor and Assistant) in the

first instance or if a more specialist repair or replacement is required a contractor is arranged through the Parks Development Team.

The majority of work is undertaken by the Parks Maintenance team who are trained and certified to weld, cut and work in play areas. Job sheets are allocated on the following priorities and an example can be found in Appendix 6.

Emergency (will be phoned through then followed up with job sheet) – same day High – within one week Medium – one month Low – as soon as possible (these are usually carried out when the team are next in that area and have the time to complete the work)

The team’s workload is then managed by having quarterly meetings with the Parks Development team to assess the outstanding job sheets and help further prioritise them. In most cases it will be ranking the medium and low priority jobs.

Parks Maintenance Supervisor removing damaged fencing

3.5 Parks Monitoring

There is a parks monitoring system that is carried out by Parks Development Officers and covers both the grounds maintenance standards and condition of infrastructure. This includes regularly checking paths, furniture, fencing and gates. Items or work are assessed on an A to D score, with the following actions:

A (Good Standard) No action B (Satisfactory standard) Low risk Monitor C (Unsatisfactory Standard - minor Medium Appropriate action within available resources concerns) Risk and individual site assessment D (Poor standard - major concerns) High Risk Immediate action to bring to a satisfactory standard and/or make the area safe

Standards are assessed using a manual which has photos and descriptions for each area. This was produced using examples from within the borough and the London Parks Benchmarking Group’s ‘Quality Manual’. It is a ‘live’ document and will be updated with new photos when necessary.

Any required actions are recorded and either dealt with by the Parks Officer or reported to the relevant officer or contractor.

The frequency of monitoring is dictated by a hierarchy of Parks. This list saw Parks and Open Spaces categorised according to use, facilities and location. The frequencies were agreed by the Council’s Insurance and Health and Safety departments and are listed below.

Top 25 Parks – Monitored monthly. Principle 20 Open Spaces monitored a minimum of six monthly. Others monitored a minimum of once a year.

Hornchurch Country Park is categorised as a top 25 park and has a full inspection monthly. A copy of a parks monitoring form can be found in the Appendix 7.

Play area at Hornchurch Country Park

4. Maintenance of equipment, buildings and landscape 4.1 Horticultural maintenance

Grounds Maintenance Operations at Hornchurch Country Park fall under two areas. The majority of tasks within the Park are carried out by the Ranger Service with a Ranger and Apprentice being based on site. There tasks involve litter picking and emptying of the bins, specialist weed treatment if required and arboriculture work. They are also responsible for the cutting of the path verges and fire breaks and around furniture. The Grounds Maintenance team cut the large amenity areas within the Park.

This differs from the majority of the Boroughs other Parks where except specialist weed treatment and arboriculture all operations in parks are carried out by the house Grounds Maintenance team within the Public Ream department. Work is carried out to a specification, found on the Parks W drive under W:\data03\PARKS\James\GM Spec and is available on request. The index page showing the items in the specification is in the Appendix 8. This was produced using best practice from the London Parks Benchmarking Group’s Specification, whilst ensuring it suited Havering’s requirements and budget. Although the items in the specification form the basis of all operations and standards of work, there is considerable flexibility in the fact that the teams are manged in house as both the Parks Development team (the Ranger Service come under this team) and the Grounds maintenance manager work closely together and report to the same group manager.

The various landscape features, e.g. Amenity grassland, play areas, meadows, are illustrated on a plan of the park using different colours, e.g. brown for woodland, dark green for conservation area, pink for play area, etc This is used predominately by operational staff as a guide. This is especially useful for the maintenance of conservation areas for the tractor drivers who carry out gang-mowing. .

The Grounds Maintenance team are split into 3 zones, North, Central and South, each with their own depot. The tractor dedicated for the south however is based at the Hornchurch Country Park to given easier access to the southern sites. Each zone has a Supervisor and Charge-hands. The Grounds Maintenance Manager is based in the Public Realm Office and works alongside the Parks Development team. Hornchurch Country Park falls under the Southern team.

An example of the grounds maintenance plan surrounding the visitor centre

4.1.1 Amenity Grass Amenity grass is those areas used for general recreation and formal and informal sports and can include wide open spaces or those areas planted with trees and shrubs. The height of this grass is cut to 25mm throughout the year. The grass clippings are allowed to fly and not collected. The grass is cut with tractor mounted

gang mowers and ride on triples. Areas where the mowers cannot access and grass around obstacles are cut using strimmers.

4.1.2 Hedges Hedges are split into formal and informal. Formal hedges are cut and faced over each winter with mixture offhand held power tools and tractor services tractor mounted finger mower. During the summer only essential cutting back work is carried out so as not to disturb nesting birds. Informal hedges are cut with the use tractor based implements during winter months when necessary to ensure an optimum height and spread is kept.

4.1.3 Herd Animal Husbandry There has been Grazing on the marshes by cattle since 1997. The cattle have therefore been a visitor attraction for a number of years and are an established part of the park. They arrive in May and are on site until the autumn.

Grazing Cattle on the Marsh

The Cattle are owned by a local farmer and he is mainly responsible for the welfare of the cattle. However the Rangers do have a responsibility to observe them and report concerns. They are also responsible for ensuring the cattle troughs are filled during dry periods and for moving the cattle between enclosures when necessary.

4.2 Arboricultural management

Although trees in parks are managed by an Arboriculture Officer based within the Public Realm Highways Tree Team. The Ranger Service takes on responsibility for trees with Hornchurch Country Park. Rangers and Parks officers carry out basic visual inspections of trees as part of general park inspections and then any issues are dealt with by the Rangers unless specialist work is needed then they work with the Arboriculture Officer. They will then carry out a more detailed inspection and if necessary raise a works order with the borough’s external contractor using schedules of rates.

The Arboriculture Officer is arranging for a 3 / 5 year survey of parks trees, depending on location. The mapping has been completed and the inspection program is being devises at the moment for starting in April 20

The Council’s current Tree Strategy was produced in 2009 by the Highways Tree Team who manages all tree stock in the borough, and at the time the management of parks was not as formal. There is no specific mention of parks in the strategy but this used as the basis for the management of Parks Trees. The strategy is being updated in at Present and the management of parks trees will be included.

4.3 Vehicles and plant maintenance

The Ranger Service has a range of vehicles and equipment such as Landover’s, Tractors, flail, Chipper, Avant multiuse machine, strimmer’s and mowers etc,

The Grounds Maintenance team have a fleet of tractors which power gang-mowers, flails, batwing topper, hedge cutters and a collector mower. They also use triple and out-front mowers for smaller areas within the park.

All fleet vehicles are checked prior to use every day and a corporate vehicle check sheet filled out, an example is at Appendix 9. All vehicles are also fitted with a tracker for security purposes.

All the Fleet vehicles and ride on machines are maintained owned by the council and repaired by our in-house transport department. Small items of plant (strimmers, hedgetrimmers etc.) are maintained by a specialist external contractor who visits depots at Gidea Park on a regular basis.

4.4 Parks Furniture

All Parks Furniture is inspected as part of the Parks monitoring system and graded A to D as appropriate. Repairs or removal and replacements are actioned as appropriate.

Generally park benches have been selected as metal frame and slats that better withstand vandalism and are easier for the Parks Fitter to repair. Parks furniture is also of the same colour, RAL 6005, therefore making it easier to repaint. However the country park also has a number of heavy and sturdy wooden benches that are more in keeping in their locations. The metal benches within the country park are

being repainted to match the new RAF blue paint scheme. This is British Standard 636 on the BS Colour Card 381 also known as PRU blue. However this is an old colour and difficult to obtain so a near match has been used in some cases.

We also operate a donation scheme where members of public can pay for the installation of a new bench with plaque. In certain locations we have taken the opportunity to replace existing benches.

Standard park bench

The Parks and Open Spaces Service are also changing its standard bin to one that is larger and more robust as previous bins suffered badly with corrosion. This is on a rolling program and some of Hornchurch Country Park’s bins have changed over to this new type. The next round of renewal will be on the PRU blue colour scheme. . The larger capacity means they can hold dog waste. In parks where the new bins are being installed the old dog bins are being removed. People are encouraged to use the new dual-use bins by signage on the bins, around the park, on social media, and when necessary through contact with the Parks Protection Service. One of the benefits is that it is no longer necessary for separate collections for waste as it all comes from the litter bins.

Dual-use bin in RAL6005 Bin in new blue colour scheme

4.5 Parks Buildings

Park buildings come under two headings. Leased buildings where there is minimal council involvement and most maintenance is the responsibility of the lessee under a full repairing lease, or buildings where all maintenance is carried out by the Council under its Corporate Landlord Agreement managed by the Asset Management department.

There are three buildings in Hornchurch Country Park. The first and second buildings are the Ranger Depot and the classroom in the ranger base yard. These are managed through Facilities Managements Corporate Landlord Scheme. The third building is the Essex wildlife trust visitor centre is leased and the trust is responsible for the building and outdoor seating area. .

Hornchurch Country Park Visitor Centre

Hornchurch Country Park Depot

5. Litter, Cleanliness and Vandalism 5.1 Litter Management

The Park is litter picked and bins emptied at least three times a week but this increases in the summer. This is carried out by the Ranger Service team during the week. At weekend in the summer the GM team empty the bins nearest the visitor centre over the weekend. The Wildlife Trust staff also keeps an eye on the ones near the centre and will empty these if needed. The Friends group also carry out regular clean ups within the Park.

The park now has bigger dual-use bins for both litter and dog waste so there is no longer a need for dedicated dog waste bins.

The Parks Protection Service can issue Fixed Penalty Notices for littering.

5.2 Sweeping Sweeping hard surfaces in parks is carried by the Street Cleansing team. This means that Parks have access to a greater choice of machines and time to carry out sweeping operations as this service operates seven days a week and into the evenings. The main areas, car park path by visitors centre at Hornchurch Country Park is swept on a weekly basis.

5.3 Graffiti Graffiti removal is undertaken by the Ranger Service Team. However Parks Officers and the Parks Protection Service also have small graffiti removal kits to deal with small scale material when practicable. Offensive graffiti is removed within 24 hours and if it is reported to the Parks team, officers will usually deal with this. Non- offensive is removed with 28 days.

Park Rangers and Parks Protection Officer remove graffiti using wipes

5.4 Fly tipping Fly tipping is removed by the Ranger Service, with larger items removed by the grab lorry if necessary. The exception is where there is suspected asbestos when the Council’s Asbestos unit will arrange the removal. Where possible prior to removal the Parks Protection Service will inspect fly tipping in an effort to collate evidence for prosecution. However it is very rare that any details are found. All fly tipping is logged and recorded corporately to monitor hotspots and patterns. There is no park specific data but incidents are low in comparison to highways and housing areas.

Hotspots in parks are usually in car parks and to prevent this barriers are in place to close areas at night. The car parks at Hornchurch Country Park are locked at night.

5.5 Reporting Apart from Council staff there are a number of options for public reporting of vandalism, litter, fly tipping and graffiti. The council has recently adopted an online system of reporting through the website, www.havering.gov.uk . However Park notice boards also contain a dedicated phone number for the Parks Team and an out of hour’s number. The Parks Protection Team also have their own dedicated mobile number and have advertised this frequently on social media sites and have giving out numerous contact cards. They have also recruited a number Park Watchers who are happy to feed information back to them.

5.6 Dog fouling The Parks Development team make efforts to educate dog owners to be responsible, particularly close to areas where people are liable to be eating or children playing. Signs are clearly displayed to inform dog owners that: • They should not allow their dogs to foul the area; • If their dogs do foul the surfaces, dog owners should clean up after them and deposit the faeces in one of the dog waste bins on the site. The Parks Protection Service is able to issue Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN’s) for dog fouling, where the owner fails to pick up. A dog walker has been subject to a fixed penalty notice on site. The same dog walker was later subjected to a court appearance and fine as they were caught by a member of the public and reported allowing a dog to foul.

Friends of Ingrebourne Valley clean up day

Havering bag it and bin it poster

“Dog poo Fairy poster” used in the park to promote disposal of waste.

6. Environmental Management 6.1 Environmental Impact In section B of the Climate Change Action Plan (Fleet, Transport & Machinery), the Grounds Maintenance team have been examining their use of vehicles. One result of this is planning to replace the Supervisor’s vehicles with electric vans. This is being arranged corporately through the Transport Services department. Once the leases expire on all operational supervisors’ vehicles they will be replaced with electric vans. The Ford Transit Connect Electric and the Renault Kangoo Z.E. are currently being looked at, as well as the potential charging points across the borough. As part of the Council’s Climate Change Action Plan the number times the Grounds Maintenance vehicles visit the Waste and Recycling Centre has been reduced. Central collection areas in some park depots have now been dedicated for collection of loose and bagged waste from the rounds carried out by the litter picking teams. This is then collected by the Street Cleansing mini-compactor lorries as part of their rounds. This reduces the number of vehicles and fuel used to transport waste to the WRC. This complies with sections B (Fleet, Transport & Machinery) and L (Waste and Recycling) of the Climate Change Action Plan. This is currently only being run in parks in the North and central parts of the borough as the WRC is in the South of the borough, hence the need to reduce the time vehicles spend travelling from one end of the borough to the other. This is being implemented in some of the larger parks in the South of the borough in 2018.

A full copy of the Council’s Climate Change Action Plan can be found at https://www.havering.gov.uk/ccapdownload This is currently being updated by the Council’s Environmental Protection team.

6.2 Peat use.

The Parks and Open Spaces Service have a no peat use policy; as such no peat based products are bought or used. See Appendix 10.

6.3 Waste Minimisation

6.3.1 Litter and recycling Waste in Havering is dealt with by the East London Waste Authority (ELWA) and litter collected in Parks is transported to their Frog Island site in Rainham. The ELWA was established on 1 January 1986 as a Statutory Waste Disposal Authority (WDA), responsible for the disposal of waste from the London Boroughs of Barking and Dagenham, Havering, Newham and Redbridge.

In 1996, ELWA developed the Integrated Waste Management Strategy (IWMS), aimed at dramatically increasing recycling and composting and reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill. The strategy was designed to strike the best possible balance between costs and environmental impact. In 2002, ELWA signed a 25 year contract with Shanks PLC, a leading waste management company, to deliver the IWMS. Over the course of the contract Shanks will invest over £100 million in new and improved facilities to treat and manage waste and recycling.

The plant at Frog Island handles household waste and recyclable materials from mainly Barking & Dagenham and Havering. This also applied for parks waste. Recyclables are sent to a Materials Recycling Facility for processing. Residual waste undergoes Mechanical Biological Treatment. The treatment separates materials for recycling and produces a Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) that can be used to replace fossil fuels in the generation of energy. This reduces waste to landfill by up to 80%.

Frog Island Waste Management Facility 6.3.2. Mini Recycling Centres Havering offers a doorstep collection for much recycling but also some Parks sites have mini recycling centres that allow residents to recycle glass, cans, plastic bottles and paper. These have recently been revamped, placing the containers into housing units decorated with Borough photos, to make them more user-friendly. There are currently non lodged at Hornchurch Country Park.

Example of mini recycling centre

6.3.3 Visitor Centre Recycling The visitor centre’s rubbish is collected and sorted at a processing plant in Thurrock. Approximately 26% of the waste is recycled. Approximately 98% of the non- recyclable waste is diverted from landfill and is instead incinerated at a facility in South East London. This facility generates over 50MW of power to the National Grid, powering over 9000 homes. Their glass bottles that they sell in the café are sent back to the company that supplies them and are reused for their products, take away cups are compostable and their other cups, jam pots, slushie cups are all veggie ware and they only use paper compostable straws. Left over coffee grounds are used as compost for gardens.

6.3.4 Composting In 2015 Grounds maintenance purchased a composter allowing the service to become self-sufficient for compost. This reduces the amount of waste that is taken to the WMF and also vehicle journeys and usage. This also complies with sections B and L of the Climate Change Action Plan. This is sited in a dedicated yard within the park depot. Green waste is collected at strategic points across the borough, to reduce journey times by Grounds Maintenance vehicles, and transported up to the depot for processing. The waste is processed into compost and stored in bays that allow the staff to monitor the compost and use in order as it is ready.

Material being churned over

The following materials can be recycled: • Branches (up to 100mm diameter) • Leaves (not from highways) • Hedge cuttings • Prunings • Grass clippings (untreated – i.e. not from bowling or cricket) • Weeds (untreated) • Twigs • Wood (no nails, screws or bolts) • Soil • Turf offcuts • Edging • Old top dressing etc.

Each pile will be regularly turned to assist with the aerobic composting. This raises the temperature of the material which reaches 50 – 60 degrees at which point weeds and pathogens are eliminated and the decomposition accelerated. Staff use a

specialise probe to test the compost piles and once it has levelled out at constant temperature it is ready to use.

Since this operation started 150 of tonnage has been diverted from Frog island and to our own compost operations. Material is used when improving soil in park shrub beds.

Composter in action

Compost bays in the dedicated yard at Bedfords Park

6.4 Pesticide use

Havering’s Parks team has developed a pesticide (reduction) strategy aimed at minimising the use of pesticides and the risks which pesticides can present. This can be found in Appendix 3. Where possible non-chemical alternative methods of control are used which included:

Toleration Mulching Hoeing Strimming Manual Weeding Burning Planting Densities

These are not listed in any form of order as each area will have its own peculiarities that dictate the method used. If necessary we use a chemical on site for the control of Japanese Knotweed and also to control the Giant Knotweed on site. Glyphosate is injected directly into the stems of the plants whilst the plant is in flower.

7. Biodiversity, Landscape and Heritage

Hornchurch Country Park has Local Nature Reserve Classification. A local nature reserve is a statutory designation made under Section 21 – "Establishment of nature reserves by local authorities" – of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 by principal local authorities (district, borough or unitary councils) in England, Scotland and Wales. We aim to manage the park as a much as possible for the benefit of biodiversity and conservation. In addition to LNR Statutory designation, the site is designated as a Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation. The site also lies within the area of London Metropolitan Green Belt.

Some of the site (Ingrebourne Marshes) and are also classed as a Special Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI). A Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is a formal conservation designation. Usually, it describes an area that’s of particular interest to science due to the rare species of fauna or flora it contains - or even important geological or physiological features that may lie in its boundaries. The reason for designation is that the Ingrebourne Valley supports the largest and one of the most diverse coherent areas of freshwater marshland in Greater London. The variety of habitat includes extensive areas of reed sweet-grass Glyceria maxima and common reed Phragmites australis swamp; wet neutral grassland, and tall fen. Nowhere else in London do these habitats occur on such a large scale or in such intimate juxtaposition. These habitats also support a rich assemblage of associated invertebrates and breeding birds.

Area of SSSI

7.1 Management of natural features, wild fauna, flora

7.1.1 Higher Level Stewardship Hornchurch Country Park is one of three Havering parks and open spaces that are part of the Higher Level Stewardship Scheme run by Natural England.

Higher Level Stewardship aims to deliver significant environmental benefits in priority areas. It involves more complex environmental management requiring support and advice from local advisers, to develop a comprehensive agreement that achieves a wide range of environmental benefits over a longer period of time. Higher Level Stewardship agreements last for ten years.

View over the grazing marshes

Hornchurch Country Park benefits in many ways from this funding and the biodiversity of the park will greatly improve over time. There are two parts to the funding with Capital money was used to create and install infrastructure items (fences and gates) and then Revenue money to maintain the scheme.

A major part of the scheme is having cattle in designated areas, during the summer months, to carry out conservation grazing of which dairy cattle are being used, there is an agreement with a farmer close to the Park. The Capital funding has enabled us to install renew stock fencing, field gates, and water troughs. Revenue funding helps us to maintain hedges, clear unwanted scrub and cut grass for hay.

We have also used the funding recently to repair fencing in two additional grazing compartments and thus increase the space the cattle can graze in. This has had the benefit of the cattle removing willow carr and other scrub.

Hay making in Hornchurch Country Park

Another major part of the HLS scheme is the cutting for hay a large part of the Park. This is carried out by the farmer who grazes on the marshes. This is part of the agreement and as such he gets grazing in the summer and feed for winter and we get better management of the site than we could do with our available resources. By carrying out conservation grazing, which is more environmentally acceptable than by cutting with petrol or diesel machinery we will be able to enhance the already species rich site and give visitors a different experience.

Cow in grazing area recently opened up through HLS funding

7..2.1 conservation areas Parts of the park that do not come under the HLS and not managed for amenity use are classed as conservation areas but due to undulating condition of the ground the management is limited. The ground was very roughly landscaped after landfill and as such the use of machinery on the site is limited. Fire breaks / paths are cut through these areas regularly through the growing season by the Ranger. A proposal was put forward a number of years ago use inert soil in many of the areas to raise the level and flatten the area out so at better management could take place. However this was met with considerable local opposition and the scheme was not taken forward. .

7.2 Conservation of Landscape Features

Former military airfield

The historical features that remain of the original airfield are limited but what there is are significant.

7.2.1 Fighter dispersal (E Pen) The most prominent feature is the old fighter dispersal bay, also known as an E Pen as from the air it looks like a letter E. This is the last remaining one from RAF Hornchurch and is in use now as the sites main car park. The concrete base, complete with tie down rings is the original as is the blast protection bund around the outside. Sadly the air raid shelter contained within the bund has been partly collapsed and blocked off with concrete. Work is currently being undertaken by the Site Ranger and Friends group in removing the large amount of scrub growing on the bund to put it back to the more grass look it would have had during the War.

E Pen now the main car park Tie down ring

7.2.2 Warship gun emplacement Tucked away to the rear of the car park is a little known site of a warship gun that was installed as part of the airfield defences. The site consists of a bricked round circle used to house the gun, a brick ammunition chamber and a partially buried concrete encased pipe running to the chamber. This would have been used to flood the chamber in case of attack. The site is now partially over gown but the Friends group have plans to carry out some repair and clearance work to the site.

Site of large warship gun

7.2.3 White Ring The large white ring on the floor by the play area has had many explanations as to its origins. It has previously thought that it was a compass setting ring for Aircraft or a barrage balloon tether point. It is now believed to be the base of an anti aircraft gun enclosure. The grass in this area is cut short so it can be seen and when the path was upgraded from the car park to the visitor centre from loose fill to tarmac this was rooted around the ring.

Site of white concrete ring.

7.2.4 Airfield Perimeter track (Perry Track) The old airfield Perimeter track (used to get vehicles around the dispersal points) is still obvious in a couple of places around the park. Management on these is fairly basic so as to avoid damaging the area and is kept to just vegetation management.

Section of Perry Track just past visitor centre

7.2.5 Pill boxes There are several pill boxes around the eastern side of the park, including on half buried for which much mystery remains as to why. Two of the pill boxes are open so park visitors experience what it would have been like inside them. Given their deliberately sturdy construction very little management is needed apart from some graffiti removal and repainting when necessary carried out by the Rangers.

Example of open pill box sunken pill box

7.2.6 Tett Turrets One of the Parks most famous historic items are the rare Tett Turrets. The Park has six in total, although only two are visible. These are quite rare with only a handful surviving across the UK across a total of six sites. Two of the turrets are not in its original position (suspected it was bulldozed out of the way during quarrying) one has been gifted to the emerging RAF Hornchurch Heritage centre and they are going to remove it to the centre and set it up as a working example. The Rangers ensure the visible ones are kept free of vegetation.

One of the two visible Tett Turrets

7.2.7 Trenches There are a number of WW2 trench set ups in places in the Park. These are fairly well hidden by vegetation and left that way deliberately as it stops artefact hunters and leaving them open and visible would pose a significant health and safety issue.

7.3 Woodlands

As many insects make their home in dead wood which in turn attracts birds, such as woodpeckers, which search out these insects as a tasty meal, the Parks Service only removes fallen and felled trees where it has to for safety reasons. As there is more life in a dead tree than a live one if it is safe and appropriate to do so fallen trees will be left in situ. If this is not possible then habitat piles are considered. This also has the benefit of assisting Britain’s largest Beetle, the Stag Beetle, is which is very fond

of dead wood as it lays its eggs near rotting wood. The larvae then feed on the decaying wood from anywhere between three to seven years before cocooning themselves in the soil over winter and emerging as adults in May. Apart from the food source the thicker vegetation and trees also give cover to a number of birds such as Blackbirds, Robins and Jays as they fly from cover to cover looking for food. Informal paths are maintained through woodland areas by the Rangers. The Following systems are used: Coppice with standards

1. Managing coppice rotations to achieve: • Sycamore control (rotations typically less than 10 years to avoid seeding) –normally within the under storey. Thinning & coppicing is carried out on 8-10 year rotation. • Hornbeam/Sweet Chestnut/ash coppice, typically on an 8-10 year rotation to provide woodland products and maintain ecological diversity with standards • Undertake re-spacing as appropriate.

2. Control of under storey • Selective, careful under storey management of suitable compartments to enable more light to reach woodland floor, with an area of ¼ ha thinned per compartment per year (in identified compartments) • Undertake tree works to maintain a safe environment.

3. Thinning of woodland • Select and fell of weaker trees to open up the woodland canopy to enable better individual trees to increase in size to provide the larger standards of the future. • Glade and woodland ride creation and management to maintain/increase ground flora diversity

4. Control of dominant/invasive species including Japanese Knotweed, bramble, rhododendron and cherry laurel.

5. Visitor safety and enjoyment • Undertake tree works to maintain a safe environment. • Manage litter and fly tipping.

Stag Beetle

7.4 Marshes The Ingrebourne Marshes make up a large element of the natural habitats of the site and are designated as a SSSI. Grazing is carried out over much of the marsh to stop scrub from developing. This has been increased over the last few years with fencing being installed to allow grazing across a wider area.

New fencing

7.5 Biodiversity Action Plan In 2003, led by the Havering Wildlife Partnership, the Havering Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) was adopted. The purpose of the Action Plan, which prioritises 6 habitats and 16 species specific to Havering, is to contribute towards targets to conserve biodiversity set at a Regional and National Level. The Council continues to work with the Havering Wildlife Partnership who meet quarterly. The Partnership is made up of dedicated local naturalists, members of Friends of Groups, representatives from the Essex Wildlife Trust, RSPB, Environment Agency, Natural England and London Biodiversity Partnership together with the Council’s Park and Open Spaces and Regeneration Teams. The focus of the partnership is essentially on biodiversity within Havering. The group are able to provide advice on the management of Havering’s parks and open spaces. One of the projects that the group are working on is updating the BAP. This update should take account of the progress that had been made in promoting, protecting and enhancing biodiversity in the borough in recent years, as well as the new challenges we are faced in the delivery of the nature conservation agenda.

7.6 Havering Local Plan The Local Plan sets out the Council’s ambitious vision and strategy for future growth and sustainable development over the next 15 years up to 2031. There is a need for new infrastructure, homes and jobs and Havering needs a spatial plan that will enable the borough to rise to these challenges and address each of these needs. It is in draft form at the moment of writing this management plan. Chapter 12 of the plan covers Green Places and with this policy 29 and currently states “Green infrastructure” The Council will seek to maintain and expand the network of green spaces and natural features in Havering and optimise the benefits of green infrastructure to the environment, economy and community. The Council will support development which includes green infrastructure on-site which is multifunctional and integrates into the wider green infrastructure network.

Developers are expected to work with existing partnerships to support and enhance green infrastructure provision including: The All London Green Grid Thames Chase Community Forest Rainham Wildspace Land of the Fanns Landscape Partnership Roding, Beam & Ingrebourne Catchment Partnership”

The draft plan can be read in more detailed at https://www.havering.gov.uk/lpconsultationdownload

7.7 Natural Ambition Booklet

In 2006 Havering council created and published Natural Ambition, a guide to Havering’s natural environment.

The purpose of the booklet was to raise awareness of the natural environment and biodiversity within the borough. It gives an overview of biodiversity in the Borough and the work being done to maintain and enhance it by all organisations. The booklet was widely distributed around Library’s, Schools and other public buildings. It can also be found on line at https://www3.havering.gov.uk/Documents/Leisure-parks-and-libraries/Open- spaces/Natural%20Ambition%20A%20Guide%20to%20Havering%27s%20Environm ent.pdf

Natural Ambitions front cover

Extract from Natural Ambitions Booklet

8. Community involvement The Parks Development team encourages community involvement as much as possible. It also works to foster good relations with the stake holders of its Parks.

8.1 Community surveys In 2018 the Communications team commissioned Ipsos MORI to carry out a resident’s survey which covered all services. The results were very favourable for Parks. The service received the highest satisfaction rating out of all Council services at 91% (see table below).

Parks were also rated as the Council’s 3rd most important service

8.2 User Groups

Some of the Boroughs parks have Friends Groups formed and they take the form of two types.

A standard Friends group will have varying involvement in the management of their park and hold meetings as they require. Parks Officers will attend as necessary and when possible.

Groups can apply to achieve ‘Official Friends Group’ status. These groups then have an agreement with the Parks Service to meet certain criteria, e.g. carry out public consultation, carry out projects/activities in the park, have a youth representative on the committee, hold at least one event during the year, have regular minuted meetings and adopt a constitution. In return these groups are guaranteed officer attendance at their meetings, admin support, e.g. printing, laminating, and the payment of their Public Liability Insurance. These groups can also apply for a £1000 grant towards a capital project within their Park.

8.2.1 The Friends of Ingrebourne Valley (FOIV) The FOIV were formed in 2012 and meets on a monthly basis. The Parks Development Officer attends the regular and looks to encourage more people to get involved in the park and help the group grow in an inclusive way to become fully representative of the local community. The group are an official group.

The Friends undertake a number of tasks to maintain help maintain the Park and Ingrebourne Valley and work very closely with the Ranger. The Friends group usually have at least one working party a month at a weekend and also ad hoc ones during the week to assist the Ranger. Activities they have undertaken is including scrub clearance, litter picking, species surveys, river clearance and invasive species control. The friends work days and passion for the park is extremely important in the protection of one of the last wild spaces in the borough.

Friend’s group work party

The friends group and also worked alongside the Essex Wildlife Trust in some major events within the Park and also held their own events and an ever popular dog show and welly wanging event is becoming an annual event.

Friends leaflet

The group are covered by the Council’s Public Liability insurance for activities they undertake in the park, on the condition that it is risk assessed (Parks Officers assist with this) and individuals have the relevant competency training, e.g. manual handling. Usually training is delivered by Grounds Maintenance Supervisors or Parks Officers and will be limited to using hand tools.

The group meets monthly for formally minuted meetings (one being their AGM) and they have a committee and a constitution. The Parks Development Officer or Manager attends their meetings and works in partnership with the group to help deliver their objectives. Where possible the group’s objectives are prioritised to link with those set in the Council’s service plan, e.g. increase events and participation in parks.

The Friends group also obtained funding through Tesco to install a history trail throughout the Park. As part of this they designed a trail map showing some of the history of the site and purchased post and plaques to install around the Park. Their plan for this was to encourage visitors to venture past the play area and visitor centre and explore more of the Park. To fund the map going forward they entered into a deal with the Essex Wildlife Trust to sell the map / guide for 50p of which they receive part of the money and then use this to fund additional leaflets when needed.

Example of leaflet

Example of post and plaque used

8.2.2 Essex Wildlife Trust The Essex Wildlife Trust (EWT) have a visitors centre at Hornchurch Country Park. The building is staffed by EWT staff and volunteers and maintained under a full repairing lease. The visitors centre provides a focal point to the park and provides a number of amenities for park users, there are public toilets, cafe, shop, shelter from the rain and educational exhibitions. There is a small historic display within the centre and a very informative history panel on the bi fold door separating the café seating area and education room.

Bi-fold doors history display

EWT Ingrebourne Visitor Centre Café, exhibition and shop space

EWT run a large number of educational programmes aimed at schools and community groups. The centre has helped bring the community into Hornchurch Country Park and has facilitated meetings on the improvement of the site. Apart from regular school groups they also run public activities, walks and talks and host birthday parties at the centre. The Trust also runs a weekly Nature Tots program aimed at toddlers and pre school children with their parents and carers. It aims to promote indoor and outdoor fun through play, stories and environmental activities. The community room is also hired out to local community groups.

Examples of activities run at the Visitor Centre

8.2.3 Councillors Hornchurch Country Park mainly falls within Elm Park ward but the far northern section falls within Hacton Ward and the far southern section within South Hornchurch Ward. Each Ward consists of three councillors elected to that ward. These are;

Elm Park Ward

Hacton Ward

South Hornchurch Ward

There is also a lead member for Environment who sits on the Council Cabinet

The Councillors are a good link between the public and the Council officers and the Parks Service tries to foster a good relationship between staff and the local ward Councillors and keeps them informed of information in regard to its Parks as needed.

Example of EWT events in the Park

9. Marketing and Promotions There are a range of methods of promoting the park to the public. Some of these are in conjunction with Havering Council’s corporate communications team and other are Parks Service dedicated. 9.1 Parks Brochure The Parks Section has produced a booklet “A Guide to Havering’s Parks and Open Spaces”, covering all council run parks in the borough. This booklet includes a description of each site, a list of facilities available at each park as well as a section on park services.

These are distributed through libraries, council receptions, appropriate events and activities. The brochure can also be found on line at https://www3.havering.gov.uk/Documents/Culture-and- Leisure/Parks%20Brochure%20June%202013.pdf

The guide was first published in 2005 and was updated and republished in 2013. An example can be found in Appendix 11.

9.2 Social Media The Park service has a dedicated Facebook page and uses this to advertise events, activities and items of interest within the Parks. See appendix 15 for an example of a page This can be found at the link https://www.facebook.com/LBH.Parks/?notif_t=page_fan¬if_id=14785072265902 76

The Council also had a general Facebook and Twitter account and the public can communicate regarding parks issues using this form of media.

9.3 Website The Parks Service has a page on the Havering Council website. From this page you bring up a list and descriptions of Parks in Havering and details on the facilities and services provided, e.g. play areas, outdoor gyms, Parks Protection Service, memorial bench and tree donations, and event applications. See appendix 11 for an example of a page. This can be found at the link https://www3.havering.gov.uk/Pages/Category/Parks.aspx

9.4 Interpretation boards Interpretation boards were installed at four key locations within the Park in 2014. Two cover the history of the site and are located at Squadrons Approach Car Park and the pill box / Tett Turret area. The other two cover the nature aspect of the park and can be found at the Marshes view point and Albyns Lake.

There are plans to increase the boards to take in other historic features such as the gun emplacements and Perry track etc.

Season’s interpretation board at Marshes View Point

Interpretation board at Squadrons Approach Car Park.

9.5 Parks Events The Parks Service receives a number of enquiries about holding events in Parks and has developed a process for this. There is an application form (both on line or paper copy) and guide available. There is also an event plan document that can be used for those that are new to the process. Non council events are subject to a charge depending on the organisation and type of activity. Events of a hazardous or unusual nature or those expecting a turnout of over 200 people are also subject to authorisation from the Safety Advisory Group which is made up of representatives from the Council and emergency services. See Appendix 12 for an example of the event application form.

The friends group carry out monthly work parties in the park; they also support the Essex Wildlife trust at their events as well as running their own. .

Hornchurch Country Park runs a wide number of events for the public below are a selection from the Visitors Centre’s annual programme of events these are managed by the Essex Wildlife Trust.

Examples of events held by the EWT Visitor Centre

Soft archery event

Great escape display event in the Visitor Centre 9.5.1 Spitfire Scramble The spitfire scramble is a now annual 24 hour running event that starts at 12pm on a Saturday and finishes at 12 pm on the Sunday. The event follows a 5.75 mile course that takes in Hornchurch Country Park and neighbouring Ingrebourne Hill and farm

land. It is run by lone runners or relay fashion by pairs and teams and sees how many laps they can achieve in the 24 hour period. The event started in August 2014 and has gone from strength to strength with the 2019 event having around 900 Competitors.

Start of 2019 scramble An event village is set up in the park with competitors and supporters arriving from the Friday afternoon.

Event village setting up

10. Management 10.1 Management structure Parks and Open Spaces are within the Public Realm department within the Environment service area and Neighbourhoods directorate.

Council management structure The Public Realm department is made up of Parks and Open Spaces, Grounds Maintenance, Street Cleansing, Waste and Recycling and Housing Estates. The

Parks and Open Spaces section is headed up by the Parks Development Manager. This role line manages two Parks Development Officers (North and South of the borough), Parks Maintenance Supervisor and the Raphael Park Manager (Heritage Lottery Funded Park). The parks officers then line manage the Park Rangers and Apprentices. The Parks Service has three Rangers and one Apprentice based at Hornchurch County Park, Harrow Lodge Park and Havering Country Park. Although primary based at these Parks they are also tasked to work on other sites where necessary and offers the Parks Service a useful tool for dealing with unexpected issues. As they have a range of equipment, including chainsaws, chippers, advent multi-purpose machine, this allows a large element of flexibility.

Paul Ellis

Group Manager Public Ream

Mark Jones James Rose Housing Estates Waste and External Street Cleansing Grounds Maintenance Parks Development Manager Contracts Manager Manager Manager Manager

Tim Goldrick Tree Officer

Tom Fradd Richard Cottam Reg Bland Taylor Smyth-

Parks Development Parks Development Parks Maintenance Richards

Officer - North Officer - South Supervisor Raphael Park

Manager

Jerry Kemp Mick Greenslade James Keeble Park Ranger Park Ranger Parks Maintenance Assistant

Park Ranger Daniel Weston

Apprentice x1 Park Ranger

Grounds Maintenance DSO

Public Realm management structure (relating to Parks)

The Parks Development Officer for the south of the borough manages Hornchurch Country Park with input from the Parks Development Manager. Following a restructure in 2017 the Parks Protection Service are now managed by Enforcement Services within the Environment service area. They still operate in exactly the same way but are within the same department as the other Council enforcement teams.

10.2 Financial management The Parks and Open Spaces revenue budget was £2,105,030 in 2017/18. There is not a specific budget assigned to individual parks but there is a budget of £1,700,000 set for grounds maintenance which is transferred to the DSO. The remainder is used for fixed costs, e.g. vehicle management, utility bills, staff salaries, and reactive works, e.g. repairs and additional grounds maintenance. There are separate budgets for arboriculture and the building management (Corporate Landlord) which are held by the responsible departments.

Any income generated within parks, e.g. events, sports pitches and buildings fees; go towards the budget stated above.

Any project work that is planned in the park, whether this is the replacement of existing items or additional improvements are included in a capital programme, which senior officers agree the budget for each year.

The Parks team has also been successful in obtaining external grants over the years and have carried out a large amount of work within parks thanks to this. Hornchurch Country Park has recently benefited from new inclusive play equipment, replacement bins in the new colour scheme and a hard surfaced path to allow better access to the marshes viewing area.

10.3 Accreditation

10.3.1 Green Flag The Council recognises the importance of achieving this award and since 2007 has been applying for key parks throughout the borough. In 2019 14 parks now have Green Flag Award. Both officers and Councillors value the prestige of being able to fly the flag in the parks and utilise the status and associated high standards for marketing and promotions. It is also a useful management tool for all parks when looking to make improvements. The criteria for achieving the award set good benchmarks for standards that should be aspired to. In 2020 two additional parks, Hornchurch Country Park and Spring Farm Park are also being entered.

10.3.2 London in Bloom As with Green Flag, the Council values the recognition of good standards when achieving these awards. The primary focus is the borough award and in 2017 this achieved Gold in Large City category.

Due to the importance of the parks and open spaces with Havering, Councillors, friends groups and general park users many sites enter the award and in 2019 this

included 16 gold awards, six silver guilt and one silver award and included two category winners

In 2019 Hornchurch Country Park received a Gold award in both Country Park of the Year and Large Conservation area. It also declared category winner in both these categories as well with the following comments from the judge for Country Park category.

Richard Cottam Parks Officer collecting country park category awards at London in Bloom Awards

10.4 Action Plan 10.4.1 SWOT Analysis A SWOT analysis was carried out in 2019 by Parks officers to list the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for Hornchurch Country Park. The analysis determined which areas of the park should be improved and the priority for improvement. It was carried out by first listing all of the issues and then attaching a score to each item. Many of the issues listed were highlighted during the regular park inspections carried out by officers. There were two scores. The first being

importance of the item, the second being how much the Parks and Open Spaces Service can change things. The SWOT analysis table can be found in Appendix 13. 10.4.2 Action Plan The final Action Plan was drafted to improve/correct all of the prioritised weakness and threats as listed in the SWOT The Action Plan sets out agreed targets, budgets and responsibilities for the improvement of the site. Where there is no cost the task requires no additional funding and is completed using Council staff. This is separated into routine (green) and non-routine tasks (blue), e.g. standard operations and capital improvement works and then prioritised in date order.

Target Completio Measurement/ Officer Cost Task start Budget n Date monitoring Responsibility £ date

Review methods Improved use March March of social media James Rose None N/A of social media Annually Annually used to ensure relevant

Skills gaps identified and Training for Feb – relevant training DSO 18 Ongoing completed Mark Jones 1k Revenue Up to date, relevant Update website January January Richard Cottam information None N/A information Annually Annually / Comms available on LBH website

Regular good On news stories Press releases On going Richard Cottam None N/A going and information sent to comms ROUTINE Internal and Events January On going external events Parks Team None N/A programme Annually managed

Parks Check done Monitoring Jan 18 Monthly Richard Cottam None NA Monthly inspections

Revise Annual revision October Management January 19 until 2022 then Richard Cottam None NA 18 Plan full update Management Apply for Green 31st Plans and Jan 18 James Rose 319 Revenue Flag January application form completed

All furniture inspected, Parks furniture Monthly defects repaired Richard Cottam Ongoing 300 Revenue check and if required / Rangers replacements programmed Fire breaks Ensure fire maintained at a breaks are cut April October satisfactory around Rangers none NA Annually Annually standard conservation throughout the area year Ensure Hay June July Liaise with Richard Cottam none NA meadow cut Annually Annually Farmer / Rangers Arrange Cows for meadow April October Liaise with Richard Cottam None NA and re located Annually Annually Farmer / Rangers as necessary Annually review Suitable areas Sep new tree Feb and species Richard Cottam Annually 500 Capital planting Annually identified for / Rangers

opportunities planting

Annual safety Arrange Annual June July check on play James Rose Revenue RoSPA report Annually Annually area

Install new Spring Richard Cottam Jan 20 Bins installed 3k Capital colour bins 2020 / Rangers

Arrange new Spring Richard Cottam interpretation Jan 20 Interp installed 3k Capital 2020 / Rangers

ROUTINE - Install new Spring Richard Cottam DDA path to Jan 20 Path installed 5k Capital NON 2020 / Rangers view point

Carry out works to EPen Removal of Banks to Nov 19 Spring 20 Rangers / FOIV NA scrub remove scrub and trees

Removal of Refurbishment encroaching FOIV / Ranger / External of warship gun Jan 19 Summer 20 Vegetation and NK Richard Cottam Funding emp repair of brick work

Capital / Update parks Regular review Apr 20 Oct 20 James Rose £5k External brochure of progress funding

Re paint existing Spring Summer 20 Items painted Richard Cottam NK Capital furniture in 20 new colour

Update Tree Draft to be Strategy to Jun-19 Apr-20 produced by Tim Goldrick NA NA

include parks January 2019

Terms of lease reviewed and James Review visitor Aug 21 Dec 21 updated in Rose/Richard NA NA centre lease consultation with Cottam EWT

10.6 Parks Contact Details Parks and Open Spaces Harrow Lodge Park Depot Hornchurch Road Hornchurch, Essex RM11 1JU

Parks general enquires – 01708434743 / [email protected] Parks Development Manager – 01708 433868 / [email protected] Parks Development Officer – 01708433853 / [email protected] Parks Protection Service – 07904805872 / [email protected]

www.facebook.com/LBH.Parks

Floral display at main Council Offices

APPENDIX 1 - Policy Context

National Planning Policy Framework

The NPPF was published at the end of March 2012 and sets out the Government’s planning policies for England. It replaces 44 Planning Policy Statements (PPS), Planning Policy Guidance (PPG), Circulars and Letters with a concise framework of around 50 pages.

The protection for open space and playing fields is reinforced in the new NPPF, stating that such land should not be built on unless an assessment shows that: i) the land is surplus to requirements, ii) the loss would be replaced by equivalent or better provision in a suitable location, or iii) the development is for alternative sports and recreational provision, the needs for which clearly outweigh the loss.

The NPPF includes provisions for the designation of Local Green Spaces by communities. Where open spaces which are “important to local communities” (which may include playing fields) are designated as Local Green Space in the development plan, they will be protected as strongly as Green Belt.

The Government continues to attach great importance to the Green Belt concept saying that boundaries should only be altered in exceptional circumstances. The NPPF also recognises the 'the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside' as a core planning principle which applies whether that countryside is specifically designated or not.

Biodiversity 2020: A strategy for England’s wildlife and ecosystem services

This ambitious biodiversity strategy for England builds on the Natural Environment White Paper and provides a comprehensive picture of how we are implementing our international and EU commitments. It sets out the strategic direction for biodiversity policy for the next decade, building on the successful work that has gone before, but also seeking to deliver a real step change. The Strategy aims to deliver outcomes in four areas: • a more integrated large-scale approach to conservation on land and at sea • putting people at the heart of biodiversity policy • reducing environmental pressures • improving our knowledge

1.4.2 Regional Policy Context

The London Plan, 2011

The Mayor has published the replacement of the spatial development strategy for London – known as the London Plan. The London Plan is the overall

strategic plan for London, and it sets out a fully integrated economic, environmental, transport and social framework for the development of the capital to 2031. It forms part of the development plan for Greater London. London boroughs’ local plans need to be in general conformity with the London Plan, and its policies guide decisions on planning applications by councils and the Mayor.

London’s public spaces should be secure, accessible, inclusive, connected, easy to understand and maintain, relate to local context, and incorporate the highest quality design, landscaping, planting, street furniture and surfaces.

London’s heritage assets and historic environment, including registered historic parks and gardens and other natural and historic landscapes, should be identified, so that the desirability of sustaining and enhancing their significance and of utilising their positive role in place shaping can be taken into account. London’s landscape heritage provides a depth of character that has immeasurable benefit to the city’s economy, culture and quality of life. Natural landscapes can help to provide a unique sense of place.

Policy 7.16 : Green Belt The Mayor strongly supports the current extent of London’s Green Belt, its extension in appropriate circumstances and its protection from inappropriate development. The strongest protection should be given to London’s Green Belt, in accordance with national guidance. Inappropriate development should be refused, except in very special circumstances. Development will be supported if it is appropriate and helps secure the objectives of improving the Green Belt as set out in national guidance.

Policy 7.18 : Protecting local open space and addressing local deficiency The Mayor supports the creation of new open space in London to ensure satisfactory levels of local provision to address areas of deficiency. The loss of local protected open spaces must be resisted unless equivalent or better quality provision is made within the local catchment area. Replacement of one type of open space with another is unacceptable unless an up to date needs assessment shows that this would be appropriate.

When assessing local open space needs, LDFs should: a) include appropriate designations and policies for the protection of local open space b) identify areas of public open space deficiency, using the open space categorisation set out in Table 7.2 as a benchmark for all the different types of open space identified therein c) ensure that future open space needs are planned for in areas with the potential for substantial change such as opportunity areas, regeneration areas, intensification areas and other local areas d) ensure that open space needs are planned in accordance with green infrastructure strategies to deliver multiple benefits.

All London Green Grid SPG (2012)

The All London Green Grid takes the principles of the East London Green Grid and applies them across London. The concept of a “green grid” – an integrated network of green and open spaces together with the Blue Ribbon Network of rivers and waterways – is at the centre of the London Plan’s approach to the provision, enhancement and management of green infrastructure (Policy 2.18). This network of spaces functions best when designed and managed as an interdependent ‘grid’.

The ALGG SPG aims to promote the concept of green infrastructure, and increase its delivery by boroughs, developers, and communities, by describing and advocating an approach to the design and management of green and open spaces to deliver hitherto unrealised benefits. These benefits include sustainable travel, flood management, healthy living, and creating distinctive destinations; and the economic and social uplift these support.

1.4.3 Local Policy Context

The following diagram represents how the Management Plan fits within the overall strategic framework for Parks and Open Spaces within Havering:

Sustainable Community Strategy Local Corporate Plan Development Area Regeneration Strategies Framework And other relevant corporate and Culture service strategies, for e.g. play Strategy strategy

Parks and

Open Space

Strategy

Biodiversity Service Action Plans Plan

Tree Bedfords Park Strategy Management Plan

Local policy framework diagram

Havering Local Development Framework

Havering’s existing Local Development Framework has a number of conditions and policies aimed at improving and enhancing the green environment. Key to these is the following:

DC18 – Protection of Public Open Space, sports and leisure facilities • The Council will seek the retention and enhancement of all public open space and recreation, sports and leisure facilities that are in private and public ownership. Where it is shown that public open space or other land /building is surplus to requirements because other facilities exist in the locality to meet the standards set out in Policy DC20 alternative uses will be allowed.

• Priority will be given to other recreation/leisure uses such as allotments or sports pitches where there is an identified need for such a use. Where no such needs exists then other uses may be approved provided that there is no conflict with other Core and Development Control policies and there is no unacceptable impact on the local environment or amenities of local residents.

• Any loss of open space to a non-recreation/leisure use must be accompanied by an improvement to the quality of open space in the vicinity or to remedying qualitative and quantitative deficiencies in open space elsewhere in the Borough.

DC20 – Access to recreation and leisure including open space The Council will seek to ensure that there is adequate provision of a varied range of accessible leisure and recreation facilities throughout the borough.

• The Council will have regard to the following walking distances in order to improve the distribution of public open space: • Regional Park (400 ha) 3.2 to 8 km • Metropolitan Park (60 ha) 3.2km • District Park (20ha) 1.2km • Local Park (2ha) 800m

• The Council will also seek to achieve the following standard of provision: • Children's Play Space - 0.8 hectares per 1,000 population with access to formal/informal play provision within 400 m of home • Allotments - 0.18 hectares per 1,000 population with access within 800 m of home • Sports pitches - 0.75 hectares per 1,000 population with access within 1200m of home

• To make the best use of facilities, the Council will promote the dual use of education sports and recreation facilities by the public.

Culture Strategy and Parks & Open Spaces Strategy

The London Borough of Havering recognises the value of its parks and open spaces, and all cultural assets. In both the Culture Strategy and the Parks and Open Spaces Strategy it outlines how parks and open space have both an intrinsic and instrumental value.

The Parks & Open Spaces Strategy states: “green open spaces are a beautiful and precious resource that should be protected, enjoyed and celebrated, simply for what they are”. It also lists 15 instrumental benefits of parks, including “promoting positive physical, mental and emotional wellbeing” and “acting as a focal point for communities”.

The Action Plan within the Parks & Open Spaces Strategy is focussed on three overarching objectives which reflect the role and value of these spaces: 1) Health & Wellbeing; 2) Learning & Personal Development; 3) Towns & Communities.

Sustainable Communities Strategy / ‘Living Ambition’

The Sustainable Community Strategy was formed by the Havering Strategic Partnership and acts as an over-arching plan, setting the direction and priorities for other key plans and strategies in Havering, and ensuring effective coordination and targeting of services. The Strategy sets out five priorities: 1) Environment, 2) Learning, 3) Towns & Communities, 4) Individuals, 5) Value. The table below describes, in broad terms, how Parks and Open Spaces contribute to these priorities.

Providing beautiful and safe green spaces that local people will take pride in, that will help provide cleaner air for all, will provide pleasure, relaxation and recreation for Environment adults, will secure places for children to play, and will contribute to the greening, attractiveness and biodiversity of the borough. Providing opportunities for learning, through discovery of nature and heritage, through allotments food growing Learning and horticulture, and through the sports and physical activity undertaken in our parks. Contributing to the physical, social and economic regeneration of the borough through the provision and Towns and maintenance of high quality open spaces and by Communities ensuring culture is at the heart of our towns and communities. Contributing to the quality of life of local people, improving health and wellbeing and reducing health inequalities, by providing opportunities for participation in culture within our open spaces; parks, allotments and Individuals countryside. Providing activities for everyone, including children, young people and families, older people and disabled people, in a way that is fully inclusive and where people feel welcome and safe. Continuing to deliver an efficient, innovative and high- quality service, whilst working in partnership with internal Value and external agencies and through engagement with residents and groups such as Friends of Parks. Appendix 2 History

The River Ingrebourne was the boundary between the royal manor of Havering, on the west bank, and the parishes of South Weald, Upminster and Rainham to the east. The River Ingrebourne has much history, the Domesday Book of 1086 records that Havering had a water mill that was powered by the Ingrebourne. However it wasn’t actually on the river. Our Saxon ancestors dug a channel about a mile long parallel to the Ingrebourne to build up a head of water for a mill pond at Dovers, just north of Rainham. The channel has been mostly scooped out by gravel digging, but the remains can be seen on Google Earth just east of La Salette Catholic church and north of A1306 New Road.

Usually, bridges over a boundary river would be the joint responsibility of the communities on either side but peasants on the royal manor of Havering were exempt from any contribution. Medieval kings had the right to levy special taxes on their own tenants - so kings needed Havering people to have cash in their pockets!

As late as 1825, Upminster people threatened to go to law to make Hornchurch pay its share - but they got legal advice telling them they had no chance. That’s why the District Line has a station called Upminster Bridge and not Hornchurch Bridge linking the two places was literally Upminster’s problem. Downstream, Hacton Bridge had to be maintained by the owner of Gaynes, a property near Corbets Tey. Hacton Bridge, which existed by 1299, was just a footbridge, big enough to lead a horse over the Ingrebourne.

The Ingrebourne had become a problem because it was carrying a lot more liquid, and the story isn’t pleasant. In 1868, a Brentwood solicitor called William Preston turned property developer and built the first houses at Harold Wood. With grandiose delusions, he bought a farm at Shepherd’s Hill which for 460 years had been called Good house. This he replaced with a huge mansion which he named Harold Court - now flats. Preston got into financial trouble, and in 1871 he sold land so Brentwood could build a much-needed sewage works, discharging into the humble Ingrebourne. The sewage farm is still there in Nag’s Head Lane - but it was inefficient. The Ingrebourne became severely polluted. In a long case in the 1890's, a Hornchurch farmer sued Brentwood because his cattle refused to drink from the Ingrebourne. Around 1830, an otter was captured on the Ingrebourne. Sadly, it soon died in captivity, and no more were seen. By 1900, Rainham people were expert at catching eels - fish that like polluted streams.

Two Literary attempts were made to serenade the Ingrebourne. In 1880, Upminster local historian Thomas Wilson Wrote of the Ingrebourne “hurrying along and sweetly gurgling” although admitted that most people “think very little of a walk beside our river”. In 1884, a Brentwood doctor called Cornelius Butler published a poem called “Ingrebourne”. It never caught on.

The Ingrebourne was notorious for flooding. There was a famous flood caused by a cloudburst in 1888. The Ingrebourne cut two new channels, five feet deep, on the west side of Upminster Bridge, which had to be rebuilt - this time by the new Essex County Council, which also widened the bottle neck. Its occasional waywardness has been a blessing. Most housing developments have kept away from the Ingrebourne, creating a kind of internal “green belt” through the borough.

Map1870-1881

As Hornchurch is 15 miles from London in a straight line and given its close location to the River Thames the area was looked at by the War Ministry as the advent or air power had added another dimension to warfare as the War Ministry had already started to consider that the Thames was a landmark that led straight into the heart of London.

Suttons Farm owned by New College Oxford who leased the land to a farmer called Mr. Tom Crawford but in 1915 around 90 acres was officially requisitioned for military use as it was considered as a suitable site for a landing ground for the fledgling Royal Flying Corp (RFC).

On Sunday the 3rd October 1915 a detachment from 23 squadron consisted of one Officer, Captain A.G. Moore and 12 men, along with bell tents canvas hangers, aviation fuel, ammunition and other supply’s all arriving by trucks. Later during the day two BE2c biplanes of 13 Squadron flew in from Gosport, the pilots were billeted in the local White Hart public house while the site was made ready. The other ranks were billeted in local farms or in bell tents on the landing ground.

Pilots of RFC Sutton Farm

Facilities by April 1916 were improved with the construction of prefabricated timber hangers, brick accommodation blocks and a station office made from aircraft packing crates. The flare path, used for the landing strip, were oil cans stuffed with petrol soaked cotton waste.

On the night of the 13th October 1915, saw the first enemy action to be seen from Suttons Farm, the Germans had launched their largest raid of the war so far sending over five airships and making for Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex. A young 18-year-old

pilot by the name of John Slessor was ordered up at around 9.05pm, he began his 40-minute climb to reach an altitude of 10,000 feet, in order to intercept the raiders. Lieutenant Slessor came across the airship, which had been caught in the searchlight beams from below, but he lost it in heavy cloud.

Lieutenant john Slessor

This was the first recorded interception of an enemy airship over Britain.

It was not until the night of 2 / 3 September 1916 that success was recorded when Lt. William Leefe Robinson. Robinson shot down a Schütte-Lanz SL11, one of a 16- strong raiding force over London, using the recently developed Brock and Pomeroy mixed incendiary ammunition, which had been adapted specifically for this task. The airship crashed near Cuffley in Hertfordshire. This was another first for Hornchurch as it was the first enemy aircraft shot down over Britain. The action had been witnessed by many people across many miles and many people flocked to the crash site to look at the downed airship. The crew of 16 all perished in the attack and were buried at Potters Bar with full military honours by the RFC but re-interned at the German Military Cemetery at Cannock Chase in 1962.

Wreckage of SL11 Airship

Leefe Robinson became a national hero over night and two days later it was announced the King was awarding him the Victoria Cross and he also received a prize of £3,500, quite a sum in 1915.

Lieutenant William Leefe Robinson

Leefe Robinson celebrating his VC at RFC Hornchurch

Unfortunately Leefe-Robinson was shot down over France in 1917 and although survived he was made a prisoner of War. During this time it is believe his heath was affected and he died of Spanish Flu in December 1918 after being repatriated.

Suttons Farm continued in use until the end of WW1 and was closed on 31st December 1919. Most of the buildings were demolished and the land returned to farming by the original tenant, Tom Crawford.

However in the 1924 the decision to expand the now Royal Air Force meant that 1st World War airfields were re-inspected as to their suitability. Suttons Farm was decided that it was ideally located to defend the north east approach to London and negotiations were entered into to buy the land original land and some additional land to the south as well.

Map of RAF Hornchurch 1950-61

RAF Suttons Farm official opened on the1st April 1928 having taken four years to build, but changed its name two months later to RAF Hornchurch (to make it easier

to find on public transport). The first Station commander was Keith Park who went on to lead No 11 group responsible for the defence of London and the South East during the Battle of Britain.

During the inter war years the Station held a number of well attended Empire Air Days, with the last pre war on in 1939 receiving 450000 visitors. The base also saw many distinguished visitors to the base, including the Maharaja of Nepal, Sultan of Oman and even senior German Officers (who were given a detailed look at the RAF’s new gun site!)

In 1939 the Squadrons at RAF Hornchurch were reequipped with Spitfires, although during the course of the war Defiant’s, Blenheim’s and Beaufighter’s also flew from Hornchurch. Given its location, Hornchurch was very much a fighter Station and it served with distinction during WW2 and especially during the Battle of Britain as it was right in the front line. Many famous Pilots of the day flew from RAF Hornchurch such as Stanford-Tuck, Paddy Finucane and Al Deere.

Paddy Finucace

Between 1941 and 1944 pilots from RAF Hornchurch claimed 268 German aircraft shot down and 96 others probable. Many more enemy aircraft were damaged or destroyed while still on the ground as well as numerous military installations, trains and convoys. Sadly 126 RAF Hornchurch pilots were killed in the defence of our country and many more were injured or captured.

313 (Czechoslovakian) Sqn in E Pen at RAF Hornchurch

RAF Hornchurch Hangers

65 Sqn’s less than salubrious accommodation at RAF Hornchurch

Pilot Officer Johnny Allen of 54 Squadron receives the DFC from King George VI at Hornchurch

The airfield remained in service after the war but in a somewhat reduced role. The airfield was home to maintenance units and a bomb disposal unit until it became a training establishment in 1947. It was also used as a mobilisation centre for service personnel used during the Dockers strike in 1949 and to assist during the east coast floods in 1953.

RAF Hornchurch Station Badge.

The station was chosen to host the combined selection centre (later called the Aircrew Selection centre) that ran aptitude and medical tests for budding aircrew. 1949 also saw the start of the demolition of redundant airfield buildings. Gradually the RAF Station was run down and units moved elsewhere until it was finally closed on the 1st April 1962. It was sold within a year to Fords who used it to store cars

Car storage by Fords

The site eventfully passed in gravel extraction by Hoveringham’s Gravel Limit until the 1970’s when landfill began. The technical side, hangers workshops ect, was levelled in the 60’s and the Airfield Estate was built with the names of the roads taken from either pilots that flew from Hornchurch or the names of other Airfields.

In 1980 the site changed again with quarrying finishing and the site landfilled and turned into a country park by the Greater London Council.(GLC) It was landscaped through the 80’s with the building of paths and the planting of woodland etc, The site was transferred into the ownership of Havering Council a few years later with the disbanding of the GLC.

Havering has continued to run the area as a country park and over the years have even extending it into land that had been earmarked for development. The latest extension was in 2006 when land owned by the NHS at the northern most boundary was given to the Council in return for land in Romford used to build the new Queens Hospital.

Also in 2003 Hornchurch Country Park became a celebrity when the Two men in a trench was filmed here. One of the Tett Turrets was excavated, the backfill of which contained a pair of 1940 RAF pilot's goggles along with material from the hospital. The fire trench, a partially buried pillbox and an E pen were also excavated, while the gun emplacement on the northern end of the site was cleared of vegetation.

Two men in a trench excavating one of the sites Tett Turrets

In March 2015 and an amazing picture and story came to light. Martin Le-May was out walking with his wife in Hornchurch Country Park hoping to spot a green woodpecker. He saw one stumbling around in the undergrowth and quickly switched from his binoculars to his camera to catch the action. He states that “the bird flew across us and slightly in our direction; suddenly it was obvious it had a small mammal on its back and this was a struggle for life. He continued: "The woodpecker landed in front of us and I feared the worst. “I guess though our presence, maybe 25 metres away, momentarily distracted the weasel.

A week later mystery signs appears around the park made to look like the brown tourist signs. These were left up for a few weeks until one went missing and the decision was made to take them down. One can be seen now in the Visitor Centre.

2014/15 saw the next major change on site with the building of the Essex Wildlife Visitor Centre. This was a much welcome addition to site and has changed the dynamics of the park considerably. During the excavations a number of war time artefacts were unearthed and are now lodged with the Ranger Service on site.

Visitor centre under construction.

Due to the increase in visitor numbers since the opening of the visitor centre parking became an issue. As such funding was obtained by the Parks Service from Veolia Landfill Trust in 2018 to build an additional car park at Squadrons Approach. This has gone someway to alleviate parking issues at busy times.

New car park

Time line

• 1158 – Henry 2nd endowed Hornchurch Priory with land later known as Suttons

• 13 century first record of the Albyns Family and Albyns Farm and of Dovers Manor built by Richard of Dover yeoman in the service of Robert Passelewe, deputy treasurer of England.

• 1397 -On the dissolution of the priory all its Hornchurch estates were bought by William of Wykeham, bishop of Winchester, as part of his endowment of New College, Oxford.

• Suttons Manor was extended between 1397 and 1400, when New College built a new kitchen and carried out repairs.

• 1915 – 90 acres of the farm land requisitioned as and Airfield for Royal Flying Corp

• Sept 1916 lieutenant Leefe Robinson flying from RF Sutton Farm shoots down Airship SL11, the first enemy aircraft shot down over Britain. He is awarded a VC for the action.

• 1919 land returned to New college and farming resumes by Tom Crawford.

• 1924 Air Ministry buys 129 acres of Suttons Farm from New College and reopens airfield.

• 1ST April 1928 RAF Suttons Farm official opens

• June 1928 name is officially changed to RAF Hornchurch

• 1931 Air Ministry buys additional land of Suttons from New College.

• 1933 Tom Crawford the last tenant of Suttons Farm leaves Sutton Manor. House. House is later demolished.

• 2nd June 1962 RAF Hornchurch closes. Used initially for vehicle storage by Fords. Then quarried and landfilled.

• 1970’s Airfield estate is started on the technical areas of the old airfield,

• 1980 work starts to turn landfilled areas into a country Park

• March 1989 Ingrebourne Marshes declared SSSI

• July 2006 Ingrebourne Valley Local Nature Reserve declared

• 2006 land to the north of the original country park (behind Squadron Approach car park) is given to the council for inclusion into the park by the NHS.

• 2006 Park features as an episode of the BBC;s Two Men in a Trench https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XJB8dneFC4

• March 2015 Weasel pecker story.

• 3rd October 2015 Visitors centre opened by Essex Wildlife Trust.

APPENDIX 3 Pesticide Reduction Policy

Introduction It has been widely recognised that indiscriminate use of pesticides in the past has led to significant environmental damage and damage to human health. In addition, the use of pesticides without full knowledge of the environmental and health implications is now no longer acceptable, and due caution in their use is enshrined in legislation and regulation both at European and National level. Havering’s Parks Service has developed a pesticide (reduction) strategy aimed at minimising the use of pesticides and the risks which pesticides can present. The pesticide (reduction) strategy is considered to be a useful contribution to the development of Local Agenda 21 in Havering. The strategy recognises that the use of pesticides is not always necessary and that more environmentally friendly alternatives are available. The strategy recognises that when it is absolutely essential to use pesticides, their use is strictly controlled and limited to specific tasks. In the context of Local Agenda 21 development in Havering, the pesticides (reduction) strategy is considered a step towards a more sustainable use of resources in grounds maintenance operations. The pesticide (reduction) strategy covers all aspects of pesticide use in the Borough of Havering. The Parks Service’s grounds maintenance specification has been written with the minimum requirement for the programmed use of pesticides. No Pesticides are used at Central Park. What are Pesticides? A pesticide is any organic or inorganic preparation, substance or organism approved under the Control of Pesticide Regulations (COPR) 1986 (1993). The term pesticide includes: (a) Herbicides (b) Insecticides (c) Fungicides (d) Ovicides (e) Growth regulators (f) Soil Sterilants (g) Animal repellents (h) Wood preservatives

Pesticides have different types of modes of actions these being: (a) Contact (b) Translocated (c) Residual (d) Residual – absorbed by roots (e) Systemic

Protection of Wildlife and Wild Plants In making plans for pesticide use, consideration should be given to the importance of habitats for wildlife and wild plants, especially where there are hedges, ditches, grassland, scrub, shrubs and areas of water. Contamination of habitats by insecticides, herbicides or fungicides, either by direct application or from drift, should be prevented to avoid harmful effects on beneficial invertebrates and other wildlife. Unnecessary pesticide use in amenity areas, i.e. areas not used for agriculture, commercial horticulture, forestry or domestic gardens, may involve risks to the health of human beings, creatures, plants and the environment, the development of resistance, and the destruction of beneficial invertebrates. The Food and Environmental Protection Act1985 states the need to safeguard the environment as well as human health when choosing and applying pesticides. Consideration must be given to the proximity of water features, free Draining areas and drains and to particular sites which may be sensitive to pesticides. Identifying the “Pest” Problem For the Parks Service, a “pest” is defined as: (a) Undesirable weeds: (i) Which disrupt and raise tarmac, concrete and paved areas, creating a hazard (ii) Which harbour vermin (iii) Disrupt the playing surfaces for fine turf sports (b) Fungal diseases: (i) Which can damage the health of fine turf grasses (ii) Control of fungal diseases on fine turf (c) Harmful insects: (i) Control of Brown Tail Moth in spring/summer

Before selecting a pesticide the following questions should be considered by the Parks Officer. (a) Is there really a “pest” problem? (b) Why is there a problem? (c) Can the problem be solved by changing the environmental conditions, and if so what alternatives are available? (d) Can the “pest” problem be controlled/ prevented without the use of pesticides? (e) Is it absolutely necessary to be free from the “pests”? (f) Can the problem be allowed to resolve itself?

The decisions whether to apply a pesticide or not should be made only after: (a) Correctly identifying the pest, and the probably degree of infestation or infection and whether it is a problem. (b) Considering alternative pest control measures, e.g. any biological or mechanical methods which will control or prevent the reoccurrence of the problem.

(c) Considering any previous experience of the problem and control methods. (d) Determining whether it is the correct time to apply a pesticide. (e) Considering the suitability of weather conditions.

Applying Pesticides All pesticides will be applied in accordance with methods as set out in the Pesticide Regulations All operatives using pesticides will hold the relevant NPTC training certificate. All precautions must be followed to ensure the safety of the public and the environment whilst spraying is in operation. Avoid spraying near people and animals. Warning signs should be positioned around the spray area.

Training The Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986 impose a general obligation on all those who use pesticides in the course of their work to ensure that they have received adequate instruction and guidance in the safe, efficient and humane use of pesticides and are competent for the duties which they are called upon to perform. Contract Inspectors shall receive training on pesticides to the basic standard of the National Proficiency Tests Council’s Pesticide Application (PA) modules – PA1 and PA6. Request to Spray Pesticides Pro-Forma

Non-Chemical Alternative Methods of Control Toleration The main reason for the control of weeds on hard standing and shrub beds is aesthetic (it looks neat and tidy). In certain circumstances weeds will damage hard surfaces and complete with plants for light moisture and nutrients, but these are not usual unless the weeds have been permitted to grow to a size when damage/competition can occur. The usual process is to remove them long before this can occur. In managing the hard standing and shrub beds the question of toleration needs to be looked at in each site. Do we need this path/shrub bed to be 100% weed free? If yes a further question should them be asked - What method of weed control should be used? (See alternative methods of weed control). If it is agreed that certain paths/shrub beds do not need to be 100% weed free then tolerance levels need to be agreed and set. Following this the method of control needs to be specified. Mulching

The amount of residual herbicides used can be greatly reduced by using mulch across the top of the shrub/rose beds. There is a range of products that can be used for mulching

• Bark • Spent mushroom compost • Well-rotted FYM • Organic compost • Leaf litter • Mypex • Plastic sheeting • Black woven plastic • Micro perforated polyethylene fabric • Non-woven wool • Non-woven fleece • Carpet • Cardboard • Compressed peat paper • Newspaper • Compost • Well-rotted manure • Leaf mould • Forest bark • Sawdust • Shredded pruning’s/wood chips • Gravel/shingle

Each one of these products has different qualities and need to be applied at sufficient depth to work correctly. Organic mulches require regular topping up but have the advantage of improving the soil and adding nutrients. All mulches should be applied to a weed free surface. A well applied mulch will not only look attractive it will also ensure a virtually weed free surface. Mulches should be applied in October while the heat is still in the ground. The mulch then acts as an insulating layer, trapping the heat in and protecting the plants. If the mulch is applied in March the reverse happens and the soil takes a longer period of time to warm up. Hoeing The garden hoe is one of the main weapons used to control weeds. There are two basic types of hoe. • The Dutch Hoe • The Swan Neck Hoe

It is important when using the hoe to ensure that it is sharp as it makes working easier.

Hoeing is mainly used to remove individual weeds and is a very good method of control for annual weeds; it is not such a good control of perennials, as the cut stem will grow again from the rootstock. Hoeing on a regular basis also has a residual control as it creates “dust mulch” on the surface of the beds by breaking the water capillaries just under the surface. The dust mulch helps reduce the ability of weed seeds to germinate. The dust mulch will be broken during irrigation or rainfall. Strimming Nylon corded strimmers can be used to remove weeds from hard standing, they should not be used for weeding beds as they catch stones and throw them considerable distances. Strimmers are particularly effective on annual weeds or in areas where the weeds can be tolerated to a height limit. They are very effective and quick in skilled hands. However they are noisy and there use in public places needs to be carefully considered. With brush-cutting heads fitted strimmers are able to cut down dense non-woody vegetation. Manual Weeding Manual weeding is still the only effective way of removing plants from certain situations without causing any collateral damage. It is expensive because it is very labour intensive. It can be hazardous in areas where sharps are found. It is a good method of removing perennial weeds. Protective gloves must be worn at all times. Burning There are a number of devices on the market that can be used to control weeds by burning. Most of these use a combustible liquid (e.g., paraffin) under pressure and ignited at the nozzle. The jet of flame then burns the target. Flame control should only be used for control of weeds on hard surfaces. The use of flame control can cause macadam surfaces to break up. Therefore the use of flame control is very limited by opportunity. These devices have been quite dangerous and a number of industrial accidents have been caused to operatives. In addition they should not be used in periods of drought as they could easily burn off more than the intended target. Full risk assessments would need to be carried out before using any method of flame control device. Planting Densities Weeds germinate and grow best when they have opportunity to do so and there is little competition or where the weed is able to suppress the competition.

When designing and planting new shrub borders the usual method of design is to aim for a closed canopy within three years. (A closed canopy is where the plants that were planted a set distance apart have eventually grown to the point where they meet and appear as one large group). In the period before the closure of the canopy weeds have an opportunity to establish in the gaps between the newly planted shrubs. The planting distance between the shrubs determines how quickly the canopy closes. By reducing the gap the canopy can be closed within 18 months or even within the next growing season to when the shrubs were planted. This increases the competition on any weeds that have germinated and also acts as a suppressant to further weeds, reducing the possibility of them germinating. Weed Control: Hard Surface areas Sweeping Waipanua Hot water treatment system, Hoaf Weedmaster Heat treatment system

Weed Control: Fine Turf Scarifying Raking Brushing Switching Aeration Organic Substances, i.e. liquid iron, Liquid fertilisers Biological, i.e. Inhibiter (trade name) contains natural plant Solutes.

Legislation

Legislation governing the use of pesticides includes: (a) The Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 (b) The Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986 (c) The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1988 (d) The Water Act 1989 (e) The Environmental Protection Act 1990 (f) Control of Pollution Act 1974 (g) Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

There are also a number of Codes of Practice which are aimed at Users of pesticides in public areas, which give practical guidance, including methods of meeting the requirements of COSHH. Any pesticide must be used in accordance with the “General Consents” issued under the Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986. Consent C (a), paragraph 2, states that users of pesticides shall take all reasonable precautions to protect the health of human beings, animals and plants, to safeguard the environment and in particular to avoid pollution of water. Only Glyphosate is on the list of approved products for use in Havering’s Parks and Open Spaces

APPENDIX 4 – Examples of Risk Assessments

LONE WORKING

IS PROHIBITED FOR THIS WORK ACTIVITY RISK ASSESSMENT FORM

Assessors name: Tom Fradd Date of Assessment: Feb 2019 Activity/Task: RA11 Working in or adjacent to Water (including stagnant water) Directorate: Neighborhoods Service: Parks & Open Spaces 3rd Tier Manager: Paul Ellis Group: Public Realm

P.P.E TO BE WORN BY ALL HIGHWAYS OPERATIVES APPROPRIATE TO THE TASK BEING CARRIED OUT (HI-VI ABILITY CLOTHING, SAFETY BOOTS, GOGGLES, GLOVES DUST/FACE MASK, EAR DEFENDERS, HARD HATS, PROTECTIVE CLOTHING, LIFE JACKETS.

Actions Who may be Implemented Hazards Existing Controls Risk Rating Further Controls Residual Risk by whom harmed & How Y/N & when

Working adjacent Operatives One day water awareness Likelihood:2 Operatives to Consider Likelihood:2 Manager or in water General Public training completed by all staff. carrying spare clothing in Operatives Consequence:4 Consequence:3 case of possible immersion. Slips, Trips & Falls Existing system of work in Ongoing place: Risk Level:8 Emergency procedure to be Risk Level:6 Drowning/ Check in front of you by use of in place prior to stick/baton/prod to determine Hyperthermia. commencement of work. edge of riverbed.

Anchor points, safety lines & Entrapment (due to Life jackets to be worn harnesses are on an annual suction of water into (appropriate to task being testing programme. pump/sluice) carried out), must be checked prior to use Contact with under water objects Appropriate footwear to be 97

(unconsciousness) worn by all (steel midsole, good grips soles, ankle support & waterproof).

Where riverbed is not visible steel midsole MUST be worn

Anchor points to be certified

Safety line and harnesses to be tested & certificated in accordance with manufacturers’ recommendations.

Emergency throw lines to be made available whilst on site.

Visual check for debris before entering ditch or work area. Inclusion of mechanical debris clearance where possible.

Contaminated Operatives One day water awareness Likelihood:2 Refresher training of Likelihood:2 Manager Water General Public training is completed by all operatives as identified by Operatives staff. Consequence:4 Consequence:2 training matrix Contact with water Ongoing borne pathogens & Ensure working area is well Risk Level:8 Health Policy implementation Risk Level:4 pollutants (sewage) ventilated – contact Occupational

Health for advice and health Treat all algae as toxic, avoid Leptospirosis (animal surveillance. skin contact (appropriate PPE Staff health Surveillance urine) top be worn) programme in place Dysentery: (Medigold) (contamination by Follow personal hygiene protocol (wash and disinfect bacteria), infections, All operatives to be offered after contact with water), diseases inoculations relevant to cover cuts and seek medical 98

Sharps (i.e. advice if required. duties being undertaken discarded needles) stab/puncture Check for debris before wounds entering ditch or work area, removing items prior to commencement for work with grab stick and P.P.E, never use bare hands.

First aid equipment to be available on site.

Follow hand hygiene protocol – wash and disinfect after contact with water

Use of Operatives Only used by trained Likelihood:2 Refresher training in the Likelihood:1 Manager Equipment/Tools General Public operatives selection of tools and Operatives Consequence:4 Consequence:4 equipment in accordance Designation of tools and with The Provision and Use Ongoing Cuts/lacerations equipment relevant to the Risk Level:8 of Work Equipment Risk Level:4 Penetrated by sharp tasks being undertaken, Regulations 1998 (PUWER) objects (pole) defined by the task risk as identified in the training assessment matrix

Ensure all equipment/tools are Regular reviewing of task risk appropriate for the task being assessments carried out and are used in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations

Manual handling Operatives All operatives must attend Likelihood:2 Manual Handling is to be Likelihood:2 Manager General Public Manual Handling Training carried out in accordance Operatives Consequence:3 Consequence:2 with the Manual Handling Musculoskeletal Rotate working patterns Risk Level:6 Regulations 1992 Risk Level:4 Ongoing 99

injuries – Sprain/strains, Appropriate P.P.E to be worn Refresher as identified in dropping of by operatives when handling training matrix sharp edged objects materials, crushing,

cuts/lacerations Sharp edges stabbing/puncture wounds

Use of Boat Disablement, sinking Compliance with Likelihood:2 Emergency procedure in Likelihood:2 Manager or loss of manufacturers advice place Operatives maneuverability Consequence:3 Consequence:2

Check hull for damage before Inability to return to entering water Risk Level:6 Throw line/ recovery rope to Risk Level:4 Ongoing shore be kept on site Boat to Carry paddles Hypothermia, Restrict work between drowning/death 1 Operative to remain on bank November to March when caused by immersion to be able to carry out water is colder and submersion effective rescue if required

Buoyancy aids to be worn at all times and fitted correctly

Competent operators need to be able to swim

Violence/ Operatives Operatives are to avoid Likelihood:1 Councils Violence and Likelihood:1 Manager aggression General Public confrontation with members of Aggression policy and Operatives the public. Consequence:3 Consequence:2 procedures to be followed at Physical/verbal all times assault from All incident to be reported to Risk Level:3 Risk Level:2 Ongoing members of the Manager 100

public

Adverse weather Operatives Weather conditions to be Likelihood:2 Manager/ Supervisor to Likelihood:2 Manager conditions Supervisory Staff reviewed before going to site. assess weather conditions Supervisor Consequence:3 and instruct operatives Consequence:2 Operatives Slip, trip & falls Operative instructed to cease accordingly work if weather is impacting Risk Level:6 Risk Level:4 Snow, ice, sleet, rain, on work conditions. Ongoing sun. Poor visibility, Raging water Contact manager/supervisor for further instructions Strain/sprains. broken limbs, sunburn/heatstroke Fatality

Review date: Date communicated to staff:

Is a safe system of work required Yes / No

If a new activity/equipment/any changes have been identified then Risk Assessment must be reviewed otherwise it should be reviewed annually.

Risk Matrix

The matrix below is designed to help you in identifying a risk level for a given task or activity. Using your experience, the available evidence and existing precautions/ control measures in place you will have already determined the consequence of harm, and the likelihood of the harm being realised. The level of risk for the respective task or activity can now be determined using the following matrix.

101

Catastrophic

Major

Moderate

Minor

Insignificant

102

RISK ASSESSMENT FORM

Assessors name: Tom Fradd Date of Assessment: July 2019 Activity/Task: RA44 Use of Strimmer’s & Hedge Cutters Directorate: Neighborhoods Service: Public Realm 3rd Tier Manager: Paul Ellis Group: Parks and Open Spaces

P.P.E TO BE WORN BY ALL HIGHWAYS OPERATIVES APPROPRIATE TO THE TASK BEING CARRIED OUT (HI-VISABILITY CLOTHING, SAFETY BOOTS, GOGGLES, GLOVES DUST/FACE MASK,

EAR DEFENDERS, HARD HATS, SPECIFIC PRPOTECTIVE CLOTHING: FLAME RETARDANT PROTECTION FOR LEGS (I.E TROUSERS, SPATS, COVERALL)

Actions Who may be harmed Implemented Hazards Existing Controls Risk Rating Further Controls Residual Risk by whom & How Y/N & when

Use of Operatives Tools/equipment are used for Likelihood: 2 Operative inform Likelihood: 2 Manager Strimmer’s, Public their intended use ONLY, and manager/supervisor of any Supervisor Hedge used in accordance with the Consequence: 4 tools/equipment that are not Consequence: 3 Operatives Ejection of debris Cutter manufacturers guidance suitable for the type of work Risk Level: 8 being undertaken. Risk Level: 6 Ongoing Eye Injury Strimmer, Hedge Cutter to be Puncture/piercing held firmly with both hands (2 Operatives are trained in the use wounds points of contact), to maintain a of new tools and equipment Cuts/lacerations secure grip to avoid kickbacks. prior to use. All equipment will be stored away after use, no equipment Equipment selected with Anti- will be left on site over night vibration mountings and ergonomically angled handles All equipment to come to a complete stop before moving or Refresher training to be carried placing down. out as identified in the training matrix. Defected tools/equipment are 103

RED TAGGED, taken out of Tool box talks use, recorded in defect book and reported to the Work carried out on or near manager/supervisor public highways RA1 is to be used in conjunction with this activity

Contact with Operatives Tools/equipment are used for Likelihood: 2 Operative to inform Likelihood: 2 Manager wheel/ their intended use ONLY, and in manager/supervisor of any Supervisor moving Eye Injury – accordance with the Consequence: 4 tools/equipment that are not Consequence: 3 Operatives parts Flying particles from manufacturers guidance. suitable for the type of work

disc or materials being Risk Level: 8 being undertaken. Risk Level: 6 Equipment used in accordance Ongoing cut. with training and manufacturers Instruction Manual and Safe instructions. Entanglement – Working Procedures are issued

Clothing/jewellery/ with all new tools/equipment Tools used for the purpose for hair which they have been designed. Operatives are trained in the use

of new tools and equipment Contact with Guards are to be in place, prior to use and have completed equipment maintained and operational at Abrasive Wheel Training Fractures/cuts/ all times. lacerations/ Refresher training to be carried amputations/ fatality. Loose hair, ties, jewellery and out as identified in the training

other clothing are not in the matrix. vicinity of moving parts of powered tools, which can lead Regular Tool box talks carried to entanglement and serious out injury.

Manual Operatives All operatives attend Manual Likelihood: 2 Manual Handling is to be carried Likelihood: 2 Manager

Handling Handling Training out in accordance with the Supervisor Lifting tools/equipment Consequence: 3 Consequence: 3 Operatives

Operator to use good manual Manual Handling Regulations Musculoskeletal handling techniques whilst Risk Level: 6 1992 Risk Level: 6 injuries – Ongoing operating strimmer, hedge Sprain/strains trimmer Refresher Manual Handing Repetitive body Training as identified in training 104

movements – awkward matrix positions, excessive effort

Dropping of tools/equipment crushing, cuts/lacerations/ abrasions

Sharp edges stabbing/puncture wounds

Biohazards Operatives Visual inspection of working Likelihood: 2 Letters sent by Medigold to Likelihood: 2 Manager area to be carried out operatives when they require a Supervisor Contact with - Consequence: 3 vaccination Consequence: 2 Operatives Faeces, Any unidentified material found

Birds Guano (droppings) (i.e. Asbestos, discarded Risk Level: 6 Contact Occupational Health for Risk Level: 4 Weill’s Disease syringes) should be reported to Ongoing advice Sharps the Manager/Supervisor immediately. Illness Diseases Operatives to ensure all Puncture wounds vaccinations (tetanus, Hep B) are up to date

Operatives to maintain personal hygiene

Operatives No refueling whilst engine Likelihood: 2 Re-fuelling Likelihood: 2 All major spillages reported to Manager General Public running. of manager/supervisor immediately Supervisor Fuel supply container must be Consequence: 4 Consequence: 3 Equipment - Operatives Inhalation of fumes – labelled to show contents. Fuel and Oils Risk Assessment RA47 De- Respiratory irritation Risk Level: 8 Risk Level: 6 canting of Fuel Ongoing Container to be kept at least 10 Skin Irritation – metres from working area, away Dermatitis from sources of ignition and sunlight. Fire – Burns Explosion Fuel can with auto fuel shut off 105

to prevent spillage or over fill should be used.

Mop up spillages as they occur, including spills on clothing. Use only bio-chain oil.

No Smoking as per Council policy

Risk Assessment RA47 De- canting of Fuel MUST be applied in relation with this activity

For ratio’s of fuel refer to SW20

Slips, Trips Operatives Visual check of ground Likelihood: Likelihood: Manager and Falls conditions prior to Supervisor Uneven/slippery commencement of work Consequence: Consequence: Operatives ground

Environmental Stand only on ground that can Risk Level: Risk Level: Ongoing conditions and terrain be established as firm

Strains/sprains, cuts, Regular house keeping within lacerations. Abrasions, working area broken limb Fatality

Noise/ Operatives Operatives are trained in Likelihood: 2 Noise & Vibration levels Likelihood: 2 Manager Vibration General Public accordance with The Provision monitoring to determine if the Supervisor and Use of Work Equipment Consequence: 2 requirements for protection Consequence: 2 Operatives Use of tools and Regulations 1998 (PUWER) exceeds standard P.P.E in Equipment Risk Level: 4 Risk Level: 4 accordance with: Ongoing All tools/equipment used in Hearing Damage accordance with the The Control of Noise at Work Vibration White Finger manufacturers instructions and Regulations 2005. Hand Arm Vibrations recommendations. 106

(HAVS) Wearing of hearing protection if The Control of Vibration at Work breaches the safe levels as Regulations 2005 Changes in sensation stated in The Control of Noise at Nerve damaged Work Regulations 2005. Pins and needles (tingling) Select of power tools with the Numbness minimum level of vibration and minimise the time that it is to be used as per the manufacturers information

Rotation of work patterns/short duration work

Adverse Operatives If required dusk musk worn Likelihood: 2 An additional risk assessment for Likelihood: 2 Manager Weather General Public appropriate to the task being work in confined space will be Supervisor carried out. Consequence: 3 Consequence: 3 carried out prior to Operatives Inhalation of fumes commencement by the Respiratory irritation Airborne dust will be damped Risk Level: 6 Risk Level: 6 Ongoing Poor Visibility down with water manager/supervisor

Skin Irritation – Work in confined space is Dermatitis prohibited

Review date: July 2017 Date communicated to staff: 26/7/16

If a new activity/equipment/any changes have been identified then Risk Assessment must be reviewed otherwise it should be reviewed annually.

Risk Matrix 107

Catastrophic

Major

Moderate

Minor

Insignificant

Likely unlikely Unlikely Very likely

Fairly likely Very

108

APPENDIX 5 – Country Park Byelaws

COUNTRY PARKS BYELAWS 1. in these byelaws: "the Council" means the Havering London Borough Council "the land" means the country parks known as Havering Country Park and Hornchurch Country Park 2. No person shall on the land without reasonable excuse (i) climb any wall or fence on or enclosing the land, or any tree, or any barrier, railing, post or other erection; (ii) remove or displace any barrier, railing, post or seat, or any part of any erection or ornament, or any implement provided for use in the laying out or maintenance of the land.

3. (a) No person shall light a fire on the land, or place or throw or let fall a lighted match or any other thing so as to be likely to cause a fire; (b) This byelaw shall not prevent the lighting or use of a properly constructed camping stove or cooker in any area set aside for the purpose, in such a manner as not to cause danger of or damage by fire.

4. (a) No person shall ride or drive a mechanically propelled vehicle on any part of the land where there is no right of way for vehicles. (b) This byelaw shall not extend to invalid carriages conforming to the provisions of regulations made under the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970. (c) If the Council has set apart a space on the land for use by vehicles of any class, this byelaw shall not prevent the riding or driving of those vehicles in the space so set apart, or on the direct route between it and the entrance to the land.

5. Where the Council indicate by a notice conspicuously exhibited on or alongside any gate on the land that leaving that gate open is prohibited, no person having opened that gate or caused it to be opened shall leave it open.

6. No person shall without the consent of the Council erect a tent or use any vehicle, including a caravan, or any other structure for the purpose of camping on the land except on any area which may be set apart and indicated by a notice as a place where camping is permitted.

7. A person shall not hold a public show or performance on the land provided that this byelaw shall not apply to any person holding a band, show or any other function held on the land in pursuance of an agreement with the Council.

8. (a) No person shall without lawful excuse or authority on the land kill, molest or intentionally disturb any animal, bird or fish or engage in hunting shooting or fishing or the setting of traps or nets or the laying of snares. (b) This byelaw shall not prohibit any fishing which may be authorised by the Council.

109

9. A person shall not, except in the exercise of any lawful right or privilege, have in his possession while he is on the land any firearm unless it is so covered with a security fastened gun cover so that it cannot be fired. In this byelaw firearm means any lethal barrelled weapon of any description from which any shot, bullet or other thing can be discharged. This byelaw shall apply to all parts of the land except any part thereof which is a public right of way.

10. No person shall, except in pursuance of a lawful agreement with the Council, turn out or permit any animal to graze on the land.

11. No person shall on the land sell, or offer or expose for sale, or let to hire, or offer or expose for letting to hire any commodity or article except in pursuance of an agreement with the Council.

12. No person shall obstruct the flow of any drain or water course, or open, shut or otherwise interfere with any sluicegate or similar apparatus on the land.

13. No person shall bathe in any waterway comprised in the land except in an area where a notice exhibited by the Council permits bathing.

14. No person shall operate or sail on any waterway comprised in the land any boat which is not for the time being registered with the Council: such registration shall be effected by the Council upon written application by the owner of a boat, by 1 entering in a register kept by a duly authorised officer of the Council the name and address of the owner, a general description of the boat and the serial number of the registration; and 2 (ii)issuing to the owner a certificate of registration incorporating these particulars.

15. No person shall intentionally carelessly or negligently foul or pollute any waterway comprised in the land.

16. (i) No person shall (a) on the land release any power driven mode aircraft for flight or control the flight of such an aircraft or (b) cause such an aircraft to take off or land on the land unless it is attached to a control line and kept under effective control. 3 In this byelaw the expression "model aircraft" means an aircraft which either weighs not more than 5 kilogrammes without its fuel or is for the time being exempted (as a model aircraft) from provisions of the Air Navigation Order and the expression "power driven model aircraft" means any model aircraft driven by the combustion of petrol vapour or other combustible substances.

17. No person shall on the land: (a) intentionally obstruct any officer of the Council in the proper execution of his duties; (b) intentionally obstruct any person carrying out an act which is necessary to the proper execution of any contract with the Council; or (c) intentionally obstruct any person in the proper use of the ground, or behave so as to give reasonable grounds for annoyance to other persons in the ground.

110

18. (a) An act necessary to the proper execution of his duty on the land by an officer of the Council, or any act which is necessary to the proper execution of any contract with the Council, shall not be deemed an offence under these byelaws. (b) Nothing in or done under any of the provisions of these byelaws shall in any respect prejudice or injuriously affect any public right of way through the land or the rights of any person acting legally by virtue of some estate, right, or interest in, over, or affecting the land or any part thereof.

19. Every person who shall offend against any of these byelaws shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 2 on the standard scale.

111

APPENDIX 6 – Example of a Parks Fitter’s Instruction Form

112

APPENDIX 7 - Example of a Parks Monitoring Form

113

APPENDIX 8 – Grounds Maintenance Specification Contents LONDON BOROUGH OF HAVERING

SPECIFICATION FOR GROUNDS MAINTENANCE TO

PARKS & OPEN SPACES,

Contents

SECTION 1 Preamble

1.1 Preamble 1.2 Extent of Works 1.3 List of Sites 1.4 Opening and Closing 1.5 Security Schedule 1.6 Hours of Work 1.7 Co-operation with Council Staff/other Contractors 1.8 Location of Sites 1.9 Contractor to Visit Sites 1.10 Supervision 1.11 Access 1.12 Locks 1.13 Services 1.14 Water 1.15 Protective Works 1.16 Identification 1.17 Fires 1.18 Equipment 1.19 Events 1.20 Use of Chemicals 1.21 Protection of Existing Features 1.22 Site Measurements 1.23 Alternative Methods of Operation 1.24 Communications 1.25 Accident Reporting Procedures 1.26 Parks and Open Spaces Byelaws 1.27 Public Relations 1.28 Financial Control of Contract 1.29 Completion of Works 1.30 Daily Return of Works 1.31 Health and Safety: Legal Requirements

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SECTION 2 Job Descriptions

Amenity Grass Cutting Boxed Grass Cutting Rough Grass Cutting Meadow Grass Cutting Grass Cutting – Football Pitches Grass Cutting – Rugby Pitches Grass Cutting – Hockey Pitches Grass Cutting – Cricket Pitches Outfield Shrub Bed Pruning Shrub Bed Cultivation Shrub Bed Weeding Spring Rose Pruning Autumn Rose Pruning Rose Bed Maintenance Herbaceous Bed Maintenance Supply & Plant Spring Bedding/Bulbs Supply & Plant Summer Bedding/Bulbs Annual Bedding Maintenance Formal Hedge cutting (Top & Sides) Semi-formal Hedge cutting (Top & Sides) Informal Hedge cutting (Top & Sides) Tree Maintenance Young Tree Maintenance Winter Sports Pitch Maintenance Cricket Maintenance Bowling Green Maintenance Mini Golf Green Maintenance Leaf Fall & Tree Debris other than on Hard Standing Water Features Tennis Courts Maintenance Litter Collection Litter Bin Maintenance Dog Waste Bin Maintenance Hard Surfaces Maintenance Daily Play Area Maintenance Monthly Play Area Maintenance Opening Site Reporting Defects

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SECTION 3 Quality Assurance

3.1 Quality Preamble 3.2 Quality Documentation at Tendering 3.3 Quality Procedures and Techniques during the term of the Contract 3.3.1 Responsibility 3.3.2 Quality System 3.3.3 Document Control 3.3.4 Quality Records 3.3.5 Internal Quality System Audits and Reviews 3.3.6 Competence 3.3.7 Corrective Action 3.4 Purchasing and Sub-contracting 3.5 Purchaser Supplied Product 3.6 Product and Service Identification and Traceability 3.7 Process Control 3.8 In-Process Inspection and Testing 3.9 Final Inspection and Testing 3.10 Inspection, Measuring and Test Equipment 3.11 Statistical Techniques

SECTION 4 Complaints Procedure

4.1 Complaints Preamble 4.2 Definition of a Complaint 4.3 Informal Complaints 4.4 Formal Complaints 4.5 Complaints Register 4.6 Designated Complaints Officer 4.7 Council Lead Complaint Investigations

SECTION 5 Special Events

SECTION 6 Methods and Resources

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APPENDIX 9 – Vehicle Check Sheet

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APPENDIX 10- Parks Peat Use Policy Background The London Borough of Havering manages over a hundred parks and open spaces, 2 country parks and twenty five allotment sites. Grounds maintenance of the parks and open spaces are managed by a Direct Services Organisation working to a grounds maintenance specification. As part of the method of maintaining the parks and open spaces the specification requires the most efficient, environmentally friendly and restrictive use of peat. The key priorities of this policy are to: - 1. To minimise the amount of peat used in Havering’s Parks and Open Spaces 2. Define methods of plant husbandry that permit the minimum use of peat based products. 3. Include peat minimalisation and methodology on all site management plans 4. To continue to research for viable alternatives to peat based products.

Traditional uses for horticultural peat Peat has been used for the following horticultural functions 1. Acidification of soil 2. Main additive in potting compost 3. As a mulch 4. As organic matter to improve heavy clay soils 5. To retain water in the soil 6. As a cutting mix with sand

Methods used to minimise the use of peat 1. We will not use peat to change the pH of the soil. 2. We will not use species that require soil pH to be altered. 3. We will not use peat as mulch. 4. We will not use peat as organic matter to improve soils 5. We will make every effort to ensure that the compost used for bedding plants is from a peat free source, providing it gives uniformity of growth 6. We will reduce the amount of bedding plants used. 7. Trees and shrubs will be supplied in loam based compost

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Appendix 11 - Marketing

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APPENDIX 12 - Parks Event Application Form

PARKS AND OPEN SPACES – EVENT APPLICATION

Please answer ALL questions, read the completed form and sign Name of your Organisation

Name and telephone number of the person authorised to represent organisation to take overall responsibility for the event

Company / Charity Registration Number (state which)

Registered Address

Postcode

Telephone Number Fax Number

Email Address Website

Address of the above individual, if different from the registered address

Venue / Location requested

Proposed dates of events

Opening times proposed ( to include From To

preparation)

Title of Event

Approximate area required

Please specify the type of event you proposed to hold:

Musical Fun Fair Circus

Community Event Sports Fayre

If other, please specify nature of event

Will the event include amplified music? Yes No (as this may require a licence)

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Will alcohol be provided? Yes No (as this may require a licence)

Who is the event aimed at? ie young people, families etc

Approximate number of people attending?

Plan enclosed Yes No

How will the event be advertised?

Radio TV Press Posters Flyers Other If other, please give details

Will you be providing additional toilets Yes No

Will the event be fenced Yes No

Will you be providing lighting Yes No

If yes to any of the above, please give details

Signed

Date

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INFORMATION FOR HIRING A PUBLIC PARK OR OPEN SPACE

Before staging any event the Council will require the following:

• A copy of your emergency plan: To include details of what you will do if an emergency occurs whilst you are responsible for the site (this must include, though not restricted to, details regarding first aid cover, line of management, evacuation process, process and identified access and aggress points for emergency vehicles).

• A risk assessment: Identifying current potential hazards and risks at the site and detailing what precautions you will have in place for these potential risks and hazards.

• Event Programme: Detailing the various activities and times supporting this event. The programme must also detail the method of setting the event up / breaking it down and taking off the site.

• A copy of public liability / all risks insurance cover for the entire period of occupation

• Site plan to include the general location of each individual activity

The completed application form with attachments should be returned to:

Parks and Open Spaces London Borough of Havering The Stableblock Langtons House Billet Lane Hornchurch RM11 1XJ

Email: [email protected] Telephone: 01708 434743

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APPENDIX 13 – SWOT Analysis

Changeability SWOT Importance control Score Notes 1. A Welcoming Place Strength Good access 9 9 81 Strength Good views 8 6 48 Strength Signage 10 10 100 Strength Surfaces 10 9 90 Strength Trees and shrubs 9 10 90 Weakness Graffiti 10 8 80 Strength Play area 8 9 72 Strengh Public Art 7 10 70 Weakness Car park size 8 4 36 Opportunity Additional Public Information 10 10 100 Threat Parking charges 8 2 16 Threats Development of surrounding Land 9 3 27 2. Healthy, Safe, and Secure

Strength Good sight lines 9 9 81 Strength Well used 9 8 72 Strength Walk through 8 8 64 Strength Car park gates locked at night 10 9 90 Strength A number of access points 8 8 64 Strength Visitor Centre 9 7 63 Strength Paths in good condition 9 9 81 Strength Outdoor Gym 9 9 81 Strength Good long circular walks 9 9 81 Deterrent planting has been used to Strength prevent access to SSSI 9 9 81 strength Variety of choice for all users 8 8 64 Conflict with users (Cyclists, dogs, walkers Weakness etc) 8 5 40 weakness Not Overlooked by surrounding houses 9 3 27 Opportunity Measured walks 7 7 49

Changeability SWOT Importance control Score Notes 3. Clean and Well Maintained Strength Regular grounds maintenance 10 10 100 Strength Friends are eyes and ears on the site 9 8 72 Use of site by parks Apprentices for Strength training 8 10 80 Strength Conservation maintenance 9 8 72 Strength Tree maintenance 9 8 72 Strength Picnic and quiet area for older people 8 10 80 Strength Adequate bins 9 9 81 Weakness Graffiti 10 7 70 Opportunity More picnic style benches 10 10 100 New equipment and management Opportunity techniques 8 10 80 Opportunity Improve quality of design/materials used 9 10 90 Threat Budget 10 7 70 4. Sustainability Strength Composting of green waste 10 8 80

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Strength No use of pesticides 9 10 90 Strength Large grass meadow area 10 10 100 Strength Use of dead wood 8 10 80 Opportunity Recycling bins 5 7 35 Threat HLS Withdrawal 4 10 40 Threat Withdrawal of Farmer support 4 10 40 Threat Flooding by ever increasing Silted river 2 10 20 5. Conservation and Heritage Strength Historic area 10 5 50 Strength School groups using the site 6 9 54 Strength Many bird/bat boxes 7 10 70 Strength Links to local BAP 8 10 80 Strength Interpretation 8 9 72 Strength Wildflower meadow areas 9 10 90 Strength Wild grass meadow 10 9 90 Strength Historic walks and talks 7 7 49 Strength Historic Interpretation 8 8 64 Opportunity Successional tree planting 7 10 70 Opportunity Additional Interpretation 7 10 70 Weakness Make more of some historic features 6 6 36 Weakness No regular monitoring of species 7 10 70 Lack of resources to stop secession in Threat SSSI 8 6 48 Lack of resources for full historic Threat restoration 7 6 42 6. Community Involvement Strength Walk through 8 8 64 Strength Visitor Centres on site 9 6 54 Strength Friends group 10 7 70 Strength School use 8 7 56 Strength Events 8 9 72 Strength Volunteer working groups 8 9 72 Threat Large site to police 8 4 32 Better information about Ingrebourne Opportunity Valley in general and its connections 7 6 42 7. Marketing Strength Signage 10 10 100 Strength Public information 10 10 100 Strength Annual brochures 9 10 90 Strength Events programme 8 9 72 Opportunity Improved website information 9 8 72 Opportunity Press releases 8 7 56 Opportunity Use of social media 8 6 48 Threat Adverse publicity and fake news 7 9 63

Changeability SWOT Importance control Score Notes 8. Management Strength Stable Management structure 8 5 40 Strength Capital investment levels 10 7 70 Strength Political will 10 7 70 Strength Strategic Framework 10 10 100 Strength Management Plan 10 10 100 Strength Partnership arrangements 10 7 70 Weakness Skills shortage 10 7 70 Weakness Lack of resources 10 7 70 Weakness Tree management 10 7 70 Opportunity Liaison 9 7 63 Weakness Lack of control of locking/unlocking 9 7 72

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Threat Change of Political Administration 5 1 5 Threat Budget Pressures 10 7 70

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APPENDIX 14 - Play area visual inspection sheet

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Appendix 15 Example of operational inspection sheet

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