Park Management Plans and Park Development
Hogganfield Park and Local Nature Reserve
Public Consultation
November – December 2010
Produced by Stephen Frew Corporate Policy Officer Chief Executive’s Office
Tel: 0141 287 0242 Email: stephen.frew@glasgow.gov.uk Contents
Page
1. Background 3
2. Park Usage 3
3. Park Safety 6
4. Park Information and Features 8
5. Park Events 9
6. Park Activities 10
7. Park Management and Priorities 11
8. Parks Management Plans 12
9. Park Development 14
10. About You 16
2 1. Background The Council's Land and Environmental Services carried out this consultation on draft Park Management Plans for seven city parks. A Park Management Plan is required to make an application for the Green Flag Award® scheme.
The Green Flag Award® scheme is the benchmark national standard for parks and green spaces in Scotland, England and Wales. It was first launched in 1996 to recognise and reward the best green spaces in the country.
The Management Plans were available online through the Council’s website (www.glasgow.gov.uk) and within the local area of each of the parks involved. Responses were welcomed from both the general public and other interested stakeholders both locally and nationally.
Response Rate: Online (www.glasgow.gov.uk) - 20 Lethamhill Golf Course - 4 Riddrie Library - 7
Total Response - 31
2. Park Usage
Question 1a: In general, what do you normally use the Park for? (select all that apply)
Activity Number Percentage (%) Recreation – Cycling 4 13% Recreation – Walking 24 77% Recreation – Other 12 39% Recreation – Dog Walking 3 10% Route to Work/Education 2 6% Route to Shops 2 6% Route to other activities - - Do not use the park - - Other 7 23% Base: 31 *Question 1b: If other, please specify (20)
Respondents identified a number of additional activities and uses for the park, including bird watching and wildlife photography. The park has a permanent orienteering course which is used by schools and St Andrew’s Orienteering Club (Glasgow) (STAG). The play park was also mentioned by respondents.
(*all respondents are able to complete this question)
3 Question 2: Thinking about your main use of the Park, how often do you use it?
60% 56% 50%
40%
30% % 20% 18% 15% 10% 11%
0% Every day 5 - 6 times a 3 - 4 times a 1 - 2 times a Never week week week
Base: 27
Question 3a: Would you consider your use of the park to be seasonal?
80%
70% 77%
60%
50%
40% % 30%
20% 19% 10%
0% Yes No Don't Know
Base: 31
4 Question 3b: If yes, when are you most likely to use the park? (tick all that apply)
90% 80% 87% 80% 70% 73% 60% 67% 50% % 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Spring Summer Autumn Winter
Base: 15
5 3. Park Safety
Question 4a: How welcoming or otherwise would you say the park is?
70%
60% 61% 50%
40%
30% %
20% 16% 10% 13% 10% 0% Very Fairly Neither Nor Fairly Very Don't Welcoming Welcoming Welcoming Welcoming Know/No Opinion
Base: 31
Question 4b: If unwelcoming, please provide details (4)
Respondents have concerns about their personal safety within the parks and particularly mentioned the ‘park keepers’ as a possible solution. The main entrance, the vacant café site and the lack of toilet facilities were also identified as making the park unwelcome.
‘I am worried about my safety, having been approached by strange people on one occasion. I would welcome the appointment of a team of park keepers like there used to be in the old days, who could provide a security presence.’
Question 5: How safe or otherwise do you feel in the park?
Time Very Fairly Neither Fairly Very Do not Don’t Safe Safe Nor (%) Unsafe Unsafe use Know (%) (%) (%) (%) park at (%) this time (%) Morning 11 16 1 - - 2 1 (35%) (52%) (3%) (6%) (3%) Afternoon 10 19 1 - - - - (33%) (63%) (3%) Evening 2 4 3 8 3 9 1 (7%) (13%) (10%) (27%) (10%) (30%) (3%) Base: 31
6 Question 6: In your opinion, how much of an issue, or otherwise, are the following in the park?
70%
60%
50% Significant Problem 40% Moderate Problem 30% Minor Problem Not a Problem 20% Don't Know
10%
0% Litter Graffiti Dog Fouling Vandalism Anti-Social Behaviour
Base: 31
Question 7: Are there any other issues which you feel are a problem? (8)
A number of specific problems were mentioned by respondents, including dogs within the park not being on leashes and again the issue of anti-social behaviour associated with drinking; especially during the summer.
Other issues identified include ‘rubbish in the water’, ‘off road biking’ and lack of seating.
7 4. Park Information and Features
Question 8: To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements regarding information provision WITHIN and SURROUNDING the park?
Strongly Agree Neither Disagree Strongly Don’t Agree (%) (%) Nor (%) (%) Disagree Know (%) (%) There are sufficient - 13 8 7 1 1 (3%) signs providing (43%) (27%) (23%) (3%) direction WITHIN the park There are sufficient - 9 7 11 2 1 (3%) signs providing (30%) (23%) (37%) (7%) direction in the area SURROUNDING the park There is sufficient - 10 10 6 2 1 (3%) information about (34%) (34%) (21%) (7%) specific features WITHIN the park Base: 30
Question 9: How would you rate the following aspect of the park in terms of their maintenance?
Very Good Neither Poor (%) Very Don’t Good (%) Nor (%) Poor (%) Know (%) (%) Grass 8 (27%) 18 (60%) 3 (10%) - - 1 (3%) Trees 8 (28%) 17 (59%) 3 (10%) - - 1 (3%) Shrubs 3 (10%) 19 (63%) 6 (20%) 1 (3%) - 1 (3%) Bedding Displays 4 (14%) 13 (45%) 6 (21%) 2 (7%) - 4 (14%) Paths 2 (7%) 15 (50%) 5 (17%) 4 (13%) 3 (10%) 1 (3%) Trails 2 (7%) 11 (39%) 7 (25%) 4 (14%) - 4 (14%) Seats/Benches 3 (10%) 9 (30%) 7 (23%) 9 (30%) 1 (3%) 1 (3%) Base: 30
Question 10: Do you agree or disagree with the introduction of more natural features within the park?
Strongly Agree Neither Disagree Strongly Don’t Agree (%) (%) Nor (%) (%) Disagree Know (%) (%) Wild Flower Meadows 21 (70%) 8 (27%) 1 (3%) - - - Wetland Creation 20 (67%) 7 (23%) 2 (7%) - 1 (3%) - Long Grass (Wildlife) 20 (67%) 4 (13%) 5 (17%) - 1 (3%) - Bird/Bat Boxes 18 (60%) 8 (27%) 3 (10%) - 1 (3%) - Hedgerows 17 (57%) 10(33%) 3 (10%) - - - Base: 30
8 5. Park Events
Question 11: How do you feel about the current number of events held in the park?
60% 60% 50%
40%
30% %
20% 20% 10% 13% 7% 0% Too Many Just Enough Too Few Don't know
Base: 30
Question 12a: Which of the following types of events, if any, do you think there should be more of in the park? (Glasgow Show, Great Scottish Run, galas and fun fairs) (tick all that apply)
80% 79% 70% 75%
60%
50% 50% 40% % 30% 33%
20% 17% 10% 8% 0% Art Music Sport Environmental Family Children/YP
Base: 24
Question 12b: Other, please specify (4)
Other than those mentioned above, respondents highlighted guided walks and bird watching as something which they would like to see in the park. Orienteering events were also mentioned, with STAG willing to help host such events.
9 6. Park Activities
Question 13: How do you feel about the current number of activities available in the park?
50% 45% 48% 40% 35% 30% 25% 28% % 20% 15% 17% 10% 5% 7% 0% Too Many Just Enough Too Few Don't know
Base: 29
Question 14a: Which of the following types of activities, if any, do you think there should be more of in the park? (Wild About Glasgow, nature walks etc.) (tick all that apply)
90% 80% 88% 70% 60% 65% 59% 50% 40% % 30%
20% 23% 10% 0% Art Sport Family Children/YP
Base: 17
Question 14b: Other, please specify (6)
Respondents highlighted organised walking and wildlife awareness activities as something they would like to see more of within the park.
10 7. Park Management and Priorities
Question 15: Please choose from the following list, what you think should be the main priorities for the park. (please select your top three) (30)
The three main priorities identified by respondents clearly reflect the park environment, including:
1. Local nature reserves 2. The presence of wildlife in parks and greenspace 3. Educational activities (such as nature walks)
Other issues which were seen as priorities were,
x Access to public toilets x Events staged in parks (such as galas or fun fairs) x Sports facilities (such as football and cricket pitches and bowling greens)
Question 16: Please tell us what you like best about the park.
Respondents clearly identified the abundance of wildlife and open spaces as the best thing about the park. Access to the loch for walking, jogging and orienteering was seen as a real benefit of the park.
‘The diversity of birds found there and being able to get close to wild birds. Being a haven for wildlife in a built up area.’
‘The peaceful environment and running/orienteering close to the open water’
Question 17: Please tell us what you like least about the park.
Respondents highlighted three main issues of concern within the park. Firstly, a lack of facilities, particularly toilets were mentioned a number of times along with the need for facilities such as a tearoom or café. Litter, in or around the loch area of the park was identified by respondents and the danger this could cause to wildlife. Finally, anti-social behaviour, particularly in the evenings, was mentioned as problematic within the park.
11 8. Parks Management Plans
Question 18: Have you read the Park Management Plan?
70%
60% 63%
50%
40% % 30% 33%
20%
10%
0% Yes No Don't Know
Base: 30
Question 19a: How informative or otherwise did you find the Plan?
60% 60% 50%
40%
30% 30% % 20%
10%
5% 5% 0% Very Informative Neither Nor Uninformative Very Don't Know Informative Uninformative
Base: 20
Question 19b: If uninformative, what additional information do you think should be included? (2)
The lack of information on park security was identified. More details on the proposed ‘review’ would be helpful to respondents.
‘Lack of consideration of security - it just said it would be reviewed. There is a perception of a security problem, and I think more should have been written about what is proposed to be done about this.’
12 Question 20: To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following aspects of the Plan?
Strongly Agree Neither Disagree Strongly Don’t Agree (%) (%) Nor (%) (%) Disagree Know (%) (%) The Plan was easy to - 17 1 - - 1 read (89%) (5%) (5%) The format made it - 17 2 - - - easy to follow (89%) (10%) The Plan reflects the 1 15 1 1 - - priorities of the park (6%) (83%) (6%) (6%) Base: 19
13 9. Park Development
Glasgow City Council is committed to future development of the parks; however, in the current economic climate there are restrictions on the type and size of projects that can be undertaken within the next five years. Nevertheless, this should not prevent any long-term aspirations and so, we would like to hear your ideas.
Question 21: Do you agree or otherwise that the Park should become Glasgow's first Nature Conservation Park (Section 2.6.4 Well Maintained and Clean)
70%
60% 62%
50%
40%
30% % 31% 20%
10%
0% Strongly Agree Neither Nor Disagree Strongly Don't Know Agree Disagree
Base: 29
Question 22: Do you have any other comments about the park or the management plan?
The main issues again highlighted were the lack of facilities (tea room/café and toilets) and the need for litter to be cleared from in and around the loch area.
There was strong support among respondents to the conservation work already undertaken and proposed in the future. Although there was specific concern about the water conservation carried out,
‘Strongly support the conservation work the Council is carrying out or proposing.’
Regarding the recent work carried out (ie new water channels, introduction of boulders) I'm concerned about the effect on wildlife. There seem to be less nesting spaces as a result. Drumpellier Loch undertook similar work and this seems to have greatly reduced the number of birds. There, due to the lack of nesting places and the denuding of reed beds, swans were forced to nest on the public pathway which is frankly ridiculous. I'm also
14 concerned about the low water level at Hogganfield. Places that were previously inaccessible to people and which provided privacy and shelter for birds are now easily accessed by the public. First and foremost Hogganfield should be for wildlife not people!’
15 10. About You
Question 23: Gender
100%
80%
60% % 52% 40% 48%
20%
0% Male Female
Base: 29
Question 24: Age
60%
50%
45% 40%
30% % 27% 20%
10% 10% 10% 0% Under 16 16 - 24 25 - 34 35 - 44 45 - 54 55 - 64 65+
Base: 29
16 Question 25: Do you have any long-term illness, health problem or disability which limits your activities or the work you can do?
100% 90% 93% 80% 70% 60% 50% % 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Yes No
Base: 28
Question 26: How would you best describe you cultural or ethical background?
Cultural/Ethnic Background Number Percentage (%) White Scottish 24 83% White English 1 3% White Welsh 2 7% White Northern Irish - - White British 1 3% White Irish - - Gypsy/Traveller - - Polish - - Pakistani, Pakistani Scottish or Pakistani British - - Indian, Indian Scottish or Indian British - - Bangladeshi, Bangladeshi Scottish or - - Bangladeshi British Chinese, Chinese Scottish or Chinese British - - African, African Scottish or African British - - Caribbean, Caribbean Scottish or Caribbean - - British Black, Black Scottish or black British - - Arab - - Other 1 3%
17