Plan for Harnham Slope Salisbury

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT EXISTING ASSETS Harnham Slope, including The Cliff and Old As one of only a few areas of woodland within the city Blandford Road, extends to 9.09ha (22.46 acres). It limits, Harnham Slope is an important community PLAN FOR is owned and managed by Salisbury City Council asset. It is a valuable semi-natural open space for and Wiltshire Council with community assistance amenity, for recreation, for access and for wildlife. HARNHAM SLOPE from FOHS, TCV, Alabare and Salisbury Wildlife Group. The western section is in private ownership. The slope is an important east/west, north/south access corridor, connecting urban communities and SALISBURY The woodland lies within the residential area of these communities with the countryside. It is criss- Harnham, on the southern outskirts of Salisbury. It crossed by footpaths including public rights of way. covers the steep chalk escarpment which forms the northern slope of Harnham Hill and overlooks the The whole of Harnham Hill is a dominant landscape city and cathedral. The woodland has been feature immediately south of the city centre and The Plan for Harnham Slope is being prepared by local designated a County Wildlife Site and the quarry at Cathedral Close and forms a distinctive backdrop to community group FOHS (Friends of Harnham Slope) in conjunction with Salisbury City Council, Wiltshire Council the western end is a Site of Special Scientific many views from within Salisbury. The trees also and other community partners including TCV Interest (SSSI) for geological reasons. provide a useful screening effect and many are in community ownership or protected by Tree (The Conservation Volunteers), Alabare and Salisbury Wildlife Group (Wiltshire Wildlife Trust) Following consultations FOHS discovered that local Preservation Orders (TPOs). residents value Harnham Slope for a variety of reasons: The Slope provides important wildlife habitat for plants, birds, mammals, bats, butterflies, reptiles etc. It is one of the few woodland sites in Salisbury There is important archaeology (Iron Age Village and It is good for walks and exercise Anglo Saxon Burial Ground) and historical evidence of droving and pastoral use; chalk extraction and Cold It is peaceful and feels safe War use.

It provides a wildlife corridor Harnham Hill has important cultural associations with John Constable and local artist Edwin Young as well It provides access for people – between urban areas and the countryside, and between as Bishop Wordsworth and Henry Fawcett. housing and local services/amenities including FOHS has been an active community group for ten the Infant and Junior Schools VISION AND OBJECTIVES years. To find out more or help with the project please contact FOHS via the website: It has historical and cultural associations and To maintain and improve the woodland and has been used by successive generations of associated habitats as an important www.southwilts.com/site/harnhamslope/ local people semi-natural open space and resource for residents and visitors to Salisbury, for It provides part of the landscape setting and wildlife, and as a setting for the city backdrop for Salisbury

PRIVATE OWNERSHIP WILTSHIRE COUNCIL OWNERSHIP SALISBURY CITY COUNCIL OWNERSHIP

Harnham Road

Essex Square Kent Road Wiltshire Road

Community Centre

Harnham CE Hollows Close

Chalk Pit Infant & Junior Schools

Old Blandford Road

The Cliff

Path Bishops Drive NORTH Harnwood Road

KEY

Existing Glade Existing Viewpoint Existing Path Possible Location for Information Boards Potential Glade Potential Viewpoint Improved Footpath Links Site Boundary

PROPOSED ACTION PLAN ONGOING WORK The plan identifies the potential to retain and Routine maintenance and management operations Litter removal and rubbish clearance enhance the woodland character and habitat will continue to be carried out by the owners and and increase opportunities for people to use, partners including volunteers, and will include: Maintenance and renewal of nest boxes enjoy and understand the area through the development of: Thinning and clearance to facilitate new planting Maintenance of furniture to improve species diversity and interest New glades or clearings New planting MANAGEMENT PLAN New viewpoints Mowing edges to footpaths Improved footpath connections and links FOHS is working with partners to develop the with the surrounding area Rotational coppicing detailed management plan. This will ensure that work undertaken by owners, partners and Rotational cutting/clearance of glades Improved information and educational aids volunteer groups is co-ordinated and focused on eg. interpretation boards and leaflets Repairs to footpaths and steps to maintain achieving the same objectives. New seats and bins access March 2013 Version 2