Friends of Etherow Lodge Park

Management Plan 2013.

Longdendale and Hattersley District Assembly

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CONTENTS.

Page No. List of Figures 1. Site plan 9. 2. Map of the park 10.

Section No. Page No.

1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Purpose of the Plan 4. 1.2 Welcome and context. 5.

2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PARK 2.1 History 7. 2.2 Unique Feature/s 8. 2.3 Tenure 8. 2.4 Park Facilities 8. 2.5 Site Plan 10. 2.6 Location and Directions 12. 3. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

3.1 Overview 13.

3.2 Friends of Etherow Lodge Park 13.

3.3 Involving the wider Community 22.

3.4 Reviewing and Monitoring 23.

4. Challenges and Future Work

4.1 Pernicious weeds 24.

4.2 Tree management 24.

4.3 Pond management 25.

4.4 Orienteering course management 25.

4.5 Access management 25.

4.6 Sculpture management 26. 4.7 Aspirations. 26.

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Appendix 1 Tameside Maintenance plan

Appendix 2 Appendix Friends of Etherow Lodge Park Action Plan.

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Section 1: Introduction

1.1 Purpose of the Plan

The purpose of this plan is to: Provide a working tool for those involved in the management, maintenance and development of Etherow Lodge Park Hollingworth. For this tool to be effective it must be realistic, timely, achievable and sensitive to the naturalistic nature of the park protecting and nurturing the wildlife habitats it provides, and also the safety and needs of the communities it serves.

To achieve this, the plan will:

Provide a description of the park, looking at ƒ The uniqueness and style ƒ Benefits to the public and wildlife ƒ History ƒ The topography ƒ Size and layout ƒ Tenure ƒ Facilities

We will also look at Community involvement including the origins and role of the Friends group, their vision, aims and objectives and work to date.

The plan will also explore current community partners and potential future community partners.

The plan will also look at the present shortfalls and the work needed to ensure the park continues to be a resource for people and wildlife.

The plan will explore timescales, funding options and what can be done by the Community and may need to be done by Tameside MBC and external funding sought through the Friends group or a partnership between the Friends group and Tameside MBC.

The plan will also include methods of marketing and consultation and reviewing, measuring and monitoring progress against timescales and goals.

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1.2 Welcome and Context.

Welcome to this our management plan for Etherow Lodge Park in Holingworth. The park is situated at the very end of Hollingworth village and is bordered by the River Etherow and Hollingworth brook. These two natural features also form the boundary between Tameside and High Peak Derbyshire and the High Peak villages of Hadfield and Tintwistle.

This location means that although the park is situated in Tameside many of the park users also come from the neighbouring High Peak villages.

The park is 13 acres in total and incorporates areas of woodland, copses and community orchards and grass land.

The park has 3 entrances, one on the main A628 in Hollingworth, one at the end of Printers park estate Hollingworth and the 3rd adjacent to the river on the boundary with Hadfield High Peak.

Much work has been done by the Friends of Etherow Lodge Park with support from Tameside MBC, to improve the park in recent years and much is still to be done to ensure it is safe as accessible as possible and is of interest to local people and beneficial to wildlife.

Improvements to the Printer’s park entrance: Work commissioned by the Friends of Etherow Lodge Park FOELP: December 2011 funded through Tameside You Choose funding scheme.

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The entrance to and from Printer’s park prior to the improved access.

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Section 2: Description of the Park 2.1 Park History

Etherow Lodge Park was once the private garden belonging to the now demolished Etherow House.

The now demolished Etherow House.

The above house was situated on what is now the main grassed area in the park. If you look closely you will see the sloping area on the picture. We believe the house was built in the early 1800’s by Thomas Sidebottom. Thomas was a prominent mill owner and lived there until his death in 1908. Some reports some say that Thomas’s brother William lived in Etherow House, we believe both to be bachelors; it could be that they shared the house. After the house had been empty for a while it was bought by Sir William Clare Lees, the Manager of Etherow Bleaching Company. Later the house and grounds became derelict. Bill Sowerbutts, a prominent Radio Gardener who featured on Gardener’s Question time bought them in the early 1950’s. Bill had the house demolished and the former workers cottages on the A628 were knocked into one, this is what is known as Etherow Lodge. Etherow Lodge was Bill’s home until he died in 1990. A few years before he died Bill sold all but one acre of his garden to the local Authority. The local Authority still owns the land, which is now used as a park and open space. Approximately 10 years ago Tameside MBC District Assembly office managed to procure £50,000 of National Lottery Heritage funding to do some improvements in the park. The main focus of the work was around Health and safety issues, pathways were cleared and renovated, new surfaces to pathways created. Other work included signage and benches. Since this work some of the features have needed updating and or renewing, and the pathways although still clear do need regular maintenance.

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An adjacent 3 acre plot, near to the river which was owned by a local builder in 2010 Tameside MBC bought this site to ensure continued access into the park from Printer’s park estate. This is now part of the park.

2.2 Unique Feature/s The park once a private garden initially for wealthy mill owners and managers and then for a professional gardener appearing on Gardener’s Question time, has retained much of its homely feel. The original planting featured a Beech drive, that one can imagine the mill owner and later the manager driving carriages down in the mornings to attend duties at the nearby mill. The Beech drive abuts well established woodland, a river and brook and some .grassland,.

The park has many ornamental trees mainly Acers, Azaleas and Rhododendrons as well as many British native and woodland trees.

There is a horse shoe shaped pond an original Victorian feature that once boasted a serpentine cascade. The shape is still evident and an engineers and ecology survey has been done to look at the potential of reinstating the water flow in and out of the pond. This would be a major piece of work, but one that hopefully will be pursued.

The park has a very naturalistic and unspoilt feel providing a variety of habitats for wildlife.

The location of the park between the busy A628 trunk road and the Rossington park industrial estate provides a much needed green lung from a very polluted road and industry as well as a wildlife corridor and haven and a peaceful retreat for people.

2.3 Tenure The park is now owned by Tameside MBC and managed by Longdendale and Hattersley District Assembly Community, Environment, Adults and Health Services function.

2.4 Park Facilities

The unique woodland and copsed areas provide fantastic educational opportunities and are now used by schools, scouts, Faraway Forrest schools, bird enthusiasts, ecology units, and walking groups, GP participation groups and outdoor activity specialists.

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Since 2006 a nature trail has been developed, an orienteering course, wildflower meadows, mainly planted with spring bulbs, a community orchard, willow walkways and path edgings, a hazel copse and chain saw sculptures. The pond area with seating provides a quiet reflective area. The orchard and meadow area is used by families for picnics as well as for foraging.

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2.5 Site plan of Etherow Lodge Park Hollingworth:

The site is located in Hollingworth, Tameside, SK14 8QJ, at approximate National Grid Reference (401143, 396482). The park is what remains of the land surrounding Etherow House, an 18th Century manor house demolished in the 1950s.

Figure: 1.

The area outlined in red outlines the site plan of the park. The industrial estate is over the boundary in High Peak.

The whole site slopes from west to east (towards Hollingworth Brook and the River Etherow), with topographic levels ranging from 151mAOD in the north-west corner of the site, to 125mAOD on the banks of the River Etherow.

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2.6 Map of the Park

This is the Orienteering map we used for the Nature trail and the best one we have of the park. Figure: 2

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2.7 Location/Directions:

The park is sandwiched between the A628 trunk road at the very end of Hollingworth on the border of the High Peak and Rossington park industrial estate in Hadfield High Peak. There are three entrances to the park one on the A628 trunk road, this is the Manchester road entrance, one at the bridge over the river on the Hadfield border close to Rossington park industrial estate. The other entrance is from Printer’s park estate Hollingworth.

The nearest railway station is Station road Hadfield and there is a bus stop at the Manchester road entrance. The bus is the 237 and runs between Glossop and Ashton- Under - Lyne

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Section 3: Community Involvement. 3.1 Overview.

In order for the park to be an asset to the local community and the communities it serves it must be of relevance and grow and develop with people, involving people in both decision making and in work to improve the park and its facilities.

There are three main elements to community involvement as follows:

ƒ Friends of Etherow Lodge Park ƒ Park users and the wider community and methods of involvement ƒ Consultation and methods.

During this section we will examine each of these elements. 3.2 Friends of Etherow Lodge Park

I. History

The Friends of Etherow Lodge park has evolved over the last 15 years and is now an independent constituted group. The group however started life in 1998 as an Action group as a sub group of the former Printer’s Fold Tenants and Residents association, but with it’s own Chair and Secretary, and people other than residents of Printers Fold and Park were allowed to join.

Work started in 2000 to explore becoming a Friends group rather than just a pressure group. In 2003 Friends of Etherow Lodge Park became a constituted group following work to develop a Vision, Aims and Objectives.

The group has a committee with officers and also a wider friends group who assist and volunteer for different aspects of the work. This is growing from strength to strength.

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II. Vision, Aims and Objectives

Vision

Etherow Lodge Park is a beautiful retreat incorporating a Victorian water garden, restored and developed by a partnership between residents, community groups and Tameside MBC to become a safe, welcoming accessible environment enjoyed by people of all ages. It has activities that compliment the tranquil and natural beauty of the surroundings, with space for people to enjoy quiet reflection, areas for children to safely play, dog walkers to enjoy a stroll and families to enjoy a picnic. The natural surroundings have been enhanced by the cooperative creation of a butterfly and wildflower garden. The history of the park and its wildlife provide an educational focus for individuals and groups of all ages. The open areas provide space for community groups to come together for celebrations and events ensuring that the park is a `hub’ for, and belonging to the communities it serves

Aims ƒ To act as guardians of the park working with Tameside MBC, to ensure that the park is safe and accessible to the communities it serves, assisting groups who wish to stage community events in the park.

ƒ To promote and publicise the park and its benefits and to work toward the park being a hub for the communities it serves.

ƒ To work with Tameside MBC and the wider community to ensure that the park is developed in keeping with the natural surroundings, ensuring that the interests of wildlife are also upheld and the friends of the Park vision is carried forward.

Objectives. ƒ To monitor the maintenance of the park, liaising and reporting to Tameside MBC. ƒ To monitor future development interests in land on or adjacent to the park, reporting to Tameside and the wider friends group. ƒ Take reasonable and appropriate action where external development interests may be a threat to wildlife and enjoyment of the park by the wider community. ƒ To work with Tameside to seek and support funding bids, or gifts in kind for future developments in line with the vision. ƒ To actively promote the park, as a venue for community use, events and nature study

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III. Composition

Management Committee, currently 14 members

Officers Group 4 Officers

Wider Friends membership and volunteers- assisting with Green gym work, events, fundraising, planting, clearing, ecology nature logging, litter picking and maintenance.

The committee meets every 6 weeks in St Mary’s Church hall Hollingworth, the officers meet in between meetings to agree agenda and address any urgent matters.

IV. Work to Date

Since constituting the Friends group has worked to seek funding to pursue work to help it fulfil its vision, aims and objectives.

When we first developed as an Action Group and then a Friends group the park was an underutilised resource with few visitors hardly warranting local Authority spending providing maintenance, which possibly due to poor use was not extensive until the Local Authority successfully gained a Lottery grant to refurbish paths, clear the pond and provide benches.

Our work has become very varied to help us achieve our goals. As a group we are always mindful that we need to be inclusive and reach out to our communities, this includes people who use the park and people who may not have known of its existence. Raising the profile of the park has always been paramount, and in order to motivate people to use it we are mindful that there must be facilities and events that attract people and it must be safe.

To this end our work has included the following: ƒ Bat walks ƒ Events with a variety of activities and including day and evening activities, we aim to do at least 2 events per year as well as volunteer days. ƒ Foraging ƒ Training teachers and volunteers in Orienteering for groups ƒ Conservation training ƒ First aid training for committee members ƒ Volunteer training for logging wildlife and plants, this was done by Greater Manchester Ecology unit. 15

ƒ Tree identification in Autumn with Greater Manchester ecology unit ƒ Research into the feasibility of reinstating the Victorian water feature and getting the water flowing again. This was a free consultancy that we bid for and was conducted by Rambolls international engineering company who engaged an engineer and ecologist for our services. ƒ Coffee mornings in the local church hall/s ƒ An annual stall and presence at Hollingworth carnival ƒ Fundraising activities and promotional work in local supermarket and other public places ƒ Work with students from the university of Manchester and through them work with nurses from Singapore, clearing Balsam, planting trees and general maintenance in the park. ƒ On site training in pruning fruit trees. ƒ Planting work with local groups including Scouts, Brownies and Primary schools. ƒ Volunteer days for general maintenance and strimming in the meadows. ƒ The development of a Community Orchard ƒ The development of wild flower and native bulb areas ƒ Pathways creation and development through the Orchard to allow access to the fruit trees and create interest, these pathways are maintained by the Maintenance team at Tameside MBC. ƒ Planting of a willow tunnel and putting a bark surface down. ƒ End of path features ƒ Planting a Hazel copse ƒ Logging plants in the park ƒ Community Hoedowns ƒ Nature quizzes ƒ Blue badge tours finishing in the park ƒ Involving groups in adopting a tree ƒ Planting of a Jubilee wood ƒ Hedgerow planting around unsightly fence ƒ Newsletters ƒ Action Earth and Community conservation days. ƒ Installing an Orienteering course in association with Greater Manchester , Orienteering unit, this is now widely used by Scout groups. Maps are available in a local shop for a small charge and also on the GMOA website, and by asking group members. ƒ Developing and installing a nature trail and creating quiz sheets so that groups and individuals can work round the course, these are available in the local post office and One Call a local shop, free of charge. ƒ Working with a local school to do design work for a chain saw sculptor to sculpt into a bench. ƒ Chain saw demonstration for the local Primary school to see their designs being worked into the bench. ƒ Chain saw demonstrations for the local communities. ƒ Creation of an Owl sculpture as well as the bench. ƒ Installation of handrails in areas where people walk which were unsafe. ƒ Development of Green gym sessions we now hold a licence to practice Green gym work and are actively working with the Trust for Conservation volunteers

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who piloted Green gym work under their own name British Trust for Conservation Volunteers. ƒ We are training 5 people in March in Green gym work with TCV. ƒ A Green gym pilot was undertaken before Christmas 2012 with Hollingworth Primary school, usually Green gym sessions are for adults but with the levels of Childhood obesity increasing and children socialising less in the outdoors as the popularity of computer games increases we felt it would be good to pilot this work with children. We are also aware of more stress with children through SATS, Standard assessment tests, and other attainment measurements and wanted to see if the children responded to this work. We included Faraway Forest school sessions. This has been a huge success and we are doing another session in March with the school before starting sessions for adults. We are looking by request to plan sessions for and with the school in the Summer term. ƒ We have also commissioned our next stage of Chain saw work and again the schools will be involved in design work. ƒ We have also commissioned a welcome sign for the park, and ae currently planning it with the contractor.

In order to achieve the above as a group we have had to fundraise on many levels from applying to local shops and firms for gifts in kind or sponsorship for programmes, to bag packing at a supermarket to applying for grants from NHS, National Lottery and other sources.

We are also a member of the Federation of City farms and Community gardens and our Community First grant allows us free membership of TCV.

`They say a picture says a thousand words’

V. A flavour of our work in photographs

The sculpted owl sitting in the orchard and meadow areas. July 2011. Orchard planted 2008/9

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Laying bark underneath willow arch Tying the willows into shape

The Mayors admiring one of dogs entering dog show

Fun and games at an event Making whistles from hazel

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Planting with Hollingworth Brownies Mr McGregor and Peter rabbit Hollingworth Carnival 2011

Foraging for fun: Chris with his Grandmothers Foraging book. Behind the scenes food preparation a foraging event

Friends giving the thumbs up after a successful event.

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The bench in progress.

Andy creating the wooden Owl

Admiration for a real Barn Owl October 2012 Sample of one of the routered blocks forming a part of the nature trail.

Waiting to make bird boxes with Chris September2012

Andy and Dave installing Nature trail information board September 2012

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VI. Funders The above work is a sample of what has been funded by a variety of funders as follows:

Funding Body Awarded for: Amount £. Date

National Lottery: Breathing Wildflowers, fruit trees, tools, 5,559.12 Dec. 2006 spaces publicity, Orienteering course application development and production.

National Lottery: Breathing Training in Orienteering skills for 4,948.65 2009 spaces 4. potential leaders, conservation application training, hosting a country crafts and wildlife event, plants and promotional activities and materials.

National Lottery: Awards for Development and installation of a 9,858.55 2009/10 All nature trail, bird box making, chain application saw sculpture work and hosting an event.

Tameside Community Chest Pond cleaning, bulbs, a countryside 2,475.00 2010 event, chain saw sculpture work to application develop bench.

Tameside: You Choose Handrails edging some resurfacing 1,835.66 2011 application

Tameside MBC: District Part funding for a welcome board 2,000.00 Nov. Assembly at Printers park entrance and a log 2012 to be carved into a bench when application funding allows.

Community First: for Match funding for the welcome Dec. Tameside: Community board, part funding for an Autumn 2,000.00 2012 Development Foundation. event and insurance 2013. application Funding towards 3 events, training NHS: 5 ways for wellbeing volunteers to be Green gym 11,967.00 2012 leaders, Green gym licence for 2 application years, funding towards insurance 2012. Green gym support and facilitation and chain saw sculpture work to develop a picnic area.

Action Earth Bulbs and wildflower plants 50.00 2007

Action Earth Bulbs and wild flower plants 50.00 2008

Action Earth Bulbs and wild flower plants 50.00 2009

Total 40,793.98

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We have also received occasional support from Tameside MBC District Assembly to cover any shortfall in insurance.

As a group we actively fundraise by seeking local sponsorship, bag packing in local supermarkets, seeking raffle prizes and gifts in kind from local traders and restaurants. We have also received individual donations from members of the community and individuals from partner organisations who support our work. We hold coffee mornings and raffles as well as sell plants and refreshments at our events.

3.3 Involving the Wider Community

1. The Wider Friends Group

As a group we realise that to be effective we need to reach out and involve people who both use the park and who have skills they want to contribute.

To this end we advertise our work in the park and ask for support with volunteer days. Many people do not have the time to take part in committee business but are willing to give offer their skills or time for specific activities.

We have Friends who only volunteer with facilitating Green gym sessions, Friends who log wildlife for the Ecology unit, Friends who have skills like corn dolly making, foraging, willow weaving who assist with specific activities.

We like to foster this and every year we hold at least one social event all our Friends are invited as many do not meet day to day.

2. Community and other Partners

The Friends of the park have actively worked with the following groups:

ƒ The local scouts and explorers ƒ Brownies ƒ Hollingworth primary school ƒ St Charles primary school ƒ Faraway Forest school ƒ Greater Manchester Orienteering Association ƒ The conservation volunteers ƒ British Red Cross ƒ University of Manchester.

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3. Marketing and promotion

As a group we feel that outreach in the community is one of the best methods to market our work and involve people to this end we: ƒ Hold socials ƒ Host events ƒ Work with local schools and groups ƒ Hold volunteer days ƒ Facilitate Green gym sessions ƒ We are currently working on contacting all the local GP practices about the green gym sessions, and have already made contact with the Lambgates patient participation group who now use the park for health walks. ƒ Pack bags and have displays in local supermarkets. ƒ Have orienteering maps and nature trail quiz sheets available in local shops for people to access.

The above also gives us opportunity to check out with people that what we are doing is in line with what they feel is needed.

We also: ƒ Produce an annual review ƒ Have protective clothing with our name and logo ƒ Put up banners for events ƒ Advertise in the local press ƒ We have recently developed a website which is in its early stages ƒ Advertise on local radio ƒ We also have links on other agencies websites and use their networks. ƒ Attend networking meetings, it is requirement of the 5 ways funding that a member attends mental wellbeing networking meetings where members of other groups and GP practices are present. ƒ Advertise in the park and by word of mouth. ƒ Programmes for events are also distributed to each home in Hollingworth and to parts of Hadfield close to the park. ƒ Put up notices in all local shops.

3.4 Reviewing and monitoring

Like all groups we monitor and review our work against our vision, aims and objectives, keeping these in mind when applying for funding.

We monitor and review our work as follows: ƒ At committee meetings to ensure we are on track ƒ Financially by the treasurer’s report at meetings ƒ All funders require monitoring of spend and outcomes, with evidence, press cuttings are saved, and photos. ƒ We have evaluation boards at events and use `smiley face sheets’ ƒ Our current funder for the 5 ways to wellbeing requires quarterly monitoring of spend and outcomes including quotes from participants and evidence of

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Section 4. Challenges and Future Work

4.1 Pernicious weeds: Himalayan Balsam and Japanese Knotweed create an ongoing challenge for management of the park, discussions are essential with Tamesiide MBC to discuss how best to manage this problem. The Balsam is not so much of a challenge as the knotweed and the University of Manchester is keen to work with us managing the Balsam and started this process July 2012.

The Knotweed however is more serious and needs careful management. There are 3 main sites of knotweed in the park as follows:

1) At the entrance to the park from the A628 2) At the side of properties that are part of the Rosewood estate, Knotweed is present by the fencing to at least one of the properties. 3) By the pond, in the island area.

The sites of knotweed have now been identified by Tameside Maintenance manager, and are on the register for treatment. The contractor has also been to have a look. Priority is being given to the site close to the A628 entrance and the site adjacent to the properties. Work on these should start early spring 2013. The pond site will be treated at a later date, and will continue to be monitored. One of the problems we have that must happen on other sites is that children often pull up and break off the knotweed and throw it about, its hollow stems and lightness seems to appeal to them. In terms of managing the problem this is an issue as the children unknowingly are spreading the knotweed around the park. We can address some of this with education and by our work with the schools, but in a relatively small way.

4.2 Tree management

` A woodland management plan is to be developed for Etherow in 2013. This will lead to a maintenance plan which focuses on work required to improve tree stock in line with the aims of the Management Plan. This will then be fed into the overall Grounds Maintenance Plan’ extract from Tamesiide maintenance plan.

The Friends group will also undertake coppicing work primarily on the Hazel as part of the Green gym work with adults.

The Friends group regularly prune fruit trees as appropriate and as training for volunteers will continue to do so as part of the Green gym work.

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4.3 Pond management

The Friends group undertook a pond cleaning session in November and will continue to clean the pond on an annual basis.

The report from Rambolls international has provided information on the ecology of the pond and how to ensure that water is fed into and flows out of the pond. This significant feasibility study was a free consultancy from Rambolls and provides the basis of long term restoration work on the pond to reinstate it to a flowing pond, without damaging the ecosystem and with least upset to the park and the public.

The report shows that water from the top fields of the park were once drained into the pond and then went via an outlet into Hollingworth Brook by hydrolysis.

The top fields now get very water logged as the old drains are either silted up or collapsed.

As a group we need to work closely with Tameside MBC on this and undertake widespread consultancy with a view of applying to the National Lottery Heritage fund for this work. Tameside have agreed to contact their engineers for an approved contractor to give a quote on the work needed as outlined in the report.

Tameside Rangers will be inspecting the pond bi- monthly to ensure there is no erosion and that the banks are safe.

4.4 Orienteering course management.

The orienteering course needs regular inspection to ensure that none of the posts are missing or that vegetatkion is covering the symbols, this is done in two ways: The local scout groups who use the course extensively keep an eye on it. Greater Manchester Orienteering Association GMOA monitor the course on our behalf. We pay a very small sum every year for this service. GMOA also manage the maps, people can contact them for a map, we will need to have maps updated this year following the installation of the picnic area.

4.5 Access Management.

This is an ongoing challenge inside the park as the environment is challenging for people with limited mobility as many of the areas are wooded with narrow paths. There is also the issue of trying to keep people safe in the park by preventing the use or access of motorised vehicles, to this end metal barriers or wooden barriers are present at all 3 entrances to deter motorbikes and motorised vehicles. As a group all we can do is keep reviewing the situation with Tameside.

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As a group we are working to keep the entrances clear of overgrowing vegetation and have just commissioned a welcome board at the printers Park entrance. We hope to seek funding to put welcome boards at each of the entrances. Access form the A628 is also an issue as the road is very busy with no crossing at the point of park entrance and poor pavements. As a group one improvement could be to start discussions about having `people crossing’ signs close to park entrance.

4.6 Wooden sculpture and Nature trail management.

The sculptures are made of oak and as such need to be oiled once or twice a year with Danish oil, one of our younger members usually does some of this work it is also programmed into the volunteer days.

The nature trail and routered blocks are also made of oak and again require a similar treatment, again this is programmed into our volunteer days.

4.7 Aspirations

It is the aspiration of our group that we look for funding to put welcome boards at the 2 other entrances to the park and to gain funding to have the newly to be installed oak log carved into a bench. To this end we are hoping to apply for further Awards for All funding this year.

We are also aware that if the report from Rambolls is to be used we need to get a quote from an approved contractor for the work. We will work with Tameside MBC on this. The work itself will need major funding and also cause upheaval in the park, which will have to be made good. To minimise risk to people and wildlife work will need to be carried out in the winter months. As a group we are hoping to make an application to Heritage Lottery Fund, we would hope to carry out the work winter 2014.

There are other areas of the Park which need some TLC, but there is a careful balance between maintenance for visual effect, health and safety and not becoming too manicured as what people and wildlife seem to enjoy about the park is that it is unspoilt and wildlife can be viewed close up.

Any work for an area will therefore require vision and plan for that area which protects and promotes natural habitats.

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Appendix 1 Tameside Ground Maintenance: District Assemblies.

ETHEROW LODGE PARK

WEEK WEEK JOB DESCRIPTION FREQUENCY 1 2

CUT GRASS - ROTARY MACHINE WEEKLY CUT GRASS - FLYMO WEEKLY STRIM FENCE - LINES AND OBS WHEN REQUIRED WEED AND CULTIVATE SHRUBS WHEN REQUIRED WEED AND CULTIVATE ROSES WHEN REQUIRED PLANT SUMMER BEDDING ONCE PER SEASON PLANT SPRING BEDDING ONCE PER SEASON

CHECK PARK - LITTER PICK DAILY SWEEP PATHS WHEN REQUIRED CLEAR LEAVES WHEN REQUIRED CLEAN GRID TOPS WHEN REQUIRED

TREE SURVEY: HEALTH AND SAFETY ANNUAL TREE WORKS WHEN REQUIRED KNOTWEED TREATMENT WHEN REQUIRED

* A woodland management plan is to be developed for Etherow in 2013. This will lead to a maintenance plan which focuses on work required to improve tree stock in line with the aims of the Management Plan. This will then be fed into the overall Grounds Maintenance Plan.

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Appendix 2. Friends of Etherow Lodge Park Action Plan 2013

Activity Who Timescale

Green Gym training for volunteer The Conservation March facilitators Volunteers

Friends social Wider Friends group March

Quarterly monitoring 5 ways grant Friends March

Possible application National Friends End March Lottery for welcome boards

Green gym work with Hollingworth Faraway Forest school March Primary school Green gym volunteers

Volunteer maintenance day, University of March/ April cutting back vegetation Printers Manchester and local park area, putting up bird boxes, volunteers laying mulch around fruit trees, treatment of wooden sculptures.

Installation of welcome board at DAB Graphics. March/ April Printers park entrance and information sheet for notice board.

Contact schools regarding artwork/ Friends group, April designs for sculpted picnic area Hollingworth Primary, St Charles Primary

Work with sculptor to locate area Andy Burgess, Chain April/ May for sculpting saw sculptor

Contact GP surgeries for Green Friends April gym work

Green gym sessions with adults x 6 TCV, Friends, Faraway April/ May weeks, this will involve management Forest of willow and orchard, planting bulbs in the green, cutting back vegetation, uncovering cobbled area, and learning dry stone walling.

Installation of wood for bench and Andy Burgess and May picnic area contractor

Promotional stall at Hollingworth Friends May carnival

Volunteer day, Balsam bashing, University + volunteers May/June

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Sculpting demonstration for Hollingworth Primary June schools school, St Charles, Andy Burgess

Foraging and sculpting event Volunteers, Scouts, June 16 Forager, Andy Burgess

Green gym sessions with Hollingworth Primary June/ July Hollingworth Primary school x 6 school, Faraway Forest weeks activities to include TCV, Green gym woodland exploration, planting, volunteers. willow work.

Quarterly Monitoring Friends June

Bird and Bat identification in the Greater Manchester June/ July: to be confirmed. park Ecology Unit

Volunteer maintenance day, University of July: date to be confirmed. Balsam bashing, tying in willow. Manchester, Cutting back, summer pruning and Singaporean nurses oiling. and local volunteers

Green gym sessions x 6 weeks for Green gym volunteers September adults

Quarterly monitoring 5 ways grant Friends September

AGM Friends and public September

Autumn Countryside event Friends, wood turner, October 07 The willow man, wildlife hospital.

Coffee morning and promotion St Marys Church, November Friends

Volunteer maintenance days x 2 Friends, University of November/ December. tying in willow. Cutting back. Pond Manchester, volunteers clearance. Winter pruning

Green gym sessions to decide if Green gym volunteers, November adult or school x 6 weeks to TCV, Faraway forest include coppicing.

Christmas Green gym Green gym volunteer December celebration and participants

End of grant monitoring 5 ways Friends December grant

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