The Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park
Local Nature Reserve Management Plan 2008 – 2018 Revised in 2010
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INDEX
PAGE Introduction ...... 3 SECTION ONE –Site description...... 3 Site maps I, II, III and IV…………………………………………………………………………………………...6-9 1.1 Management plan framework...... 10 SECTION TWO – Our vision ...... 11 SECTION THREE – Aims ...... 12 3.1 Aims and links with Green Flag criteria ...... 12 SECTION FOUR – Surveys ...... 13 4.1 Introduction ...... 13 4.2 Historical links ...... 13 4.3 Community engagement ...... 17 4.4 Strategic context of the park...... 19 4.5 Management rules...... 21 4.6 Park classification...... 22 4.7 Surveys and assessments undertaken...... 22 SECTION FIVE – Analysis...... 25 5.1 Green flag criteria 1: A welcoming site ...... 25 5.2 Green flag criteria 2: Healthy, safe & secure...... 28 5.3 Green flag criteria 3: Well maintained & clean ...... 30 5.4 Green flag criteria 4: Sustainability...... 34 5.5 Green flag criteria 5: Conservation & Heritage...... 35 5.6 Green flag criteria 6: Community involvement...... 36 5.7 Green flag criteria 7: Marketing ...... 38 5.8 Green flag criteria 8: Management plan ...... 39 SECTION SIX – Action plan ...... 41 SECTION SEVEN – Marketing plan ...... 50 7.1 Marketing plan ………………………………………………………………………………………………...51 7.2 Future marketing of the park ...... 52 Appendix I – Policy Context ………………………………………………………………………...... 55
D:\Ranger\My Documents\BBVP\Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Management Plan 2008\green flag Management plan.doc 2 Appendix II –Maintenance Plan………………………………………………………………………...... 62 Appendix III – Countryside Ranger Service workplan……………………………………………...... 71 Appendix IV – Projects summary table………………………………………………………………...... 85
ACRONYMS KEY:
BBVPFG Friends of Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park BBVP Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park CCTV Closed Circuit Television CEC City of Edinburgh Council CON Contractor CPO Community Parks Officer CRS Countryside Ranger Service ELGT Edinburgh and Lothian Greenspace Trust GIS Geography Information System LEM Local Environment Manager LNR Local Nature Reserve MG Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Management Group PC Project Coordinator PGS Parks and Greenspace Section SEHLI South Edinburgh Healthy Living Initiative SFC Services For Communities SEP South Edinburgh Partnership TF Task Force TW CEC Trees and woodlands Officer SG Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Steering Group SNH Scottish Natural Heritage VOLS Volunteers
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INTRODUCTION
The Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park project began in 2002 when the South Edinburgh Partnership (SEP) responded to community concerns about the poor condition of the park. A Steering Group (SG) consisting of representatives from the local community and other stakeholders was set up and a seven year development plan commissioned. This provided the blueprint for a development programme, which to date has seen over £750,000 invested in the park from a variety of grant giving bodies.
The park achieved Local Nature Reserve Status (LNR) in February 2007.
One of the main objectives of the development plan was to obtain Local Nature Reserve designation for the park. The park was successfully declared as a Local Nature Reserve by the City of Edinburgh Council (CEC) in February 2007. A requirement of LNR status is to produce a management plan within six years of designation.
SECTION ONE: SITE DESCRIPTION
The Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park LNR is an elongated linear greenspace feature occupying the valley of the Burdiehouse Burn between the housing areas of Moredun, Gilmerton, Burdiehouse and Southhouse, located to the south of Edinburgh city centre, and can be easily accessed by most of the population of Edinburgh.
The park contains a network of paths generally following the line of the burn while passing though the woodland features and amenity grassland. The park is orientated generally northeast to southwest. The Burdiehouse Burn also flows in this direction.
The area is served by a system of paths. Most of the primary path routes have been recently upgraded and new access created in the form of ramps into the valley to cater for multi-user access. The paths cross the Burdiehouse Burn via a number of bridges proving access to both sides of the valley along the burn.
D:\Ranger\My Documents\BBVP\Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Management Plan 2008\green flag Management plan.doc 4 A number of schools are located nearby with Burdiehouse Primary School being located on the edge of the Park.
The Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park LNR lies within the designated Greenbelt for the City of Edinburgh. The LNR covers the area mainly along the Burdiehouse Burn from Burdiehouse Road to Gilmerton Road - see maps I, II III and IV overleaf. Map I shows an overall view of Edinburgh to give an idea of the park’s location in the city, map II shows the LNR boundaries, map III shows bus routes and details of interesting features for the first section of the park and map IV gives the same information for the second section of the park.
The park can be naturally divided into two main sections: • Burdiehouse/ Southhouse area: From Burdiehouse Road to Lasswade Road (including the Dip area) • Gilmerton area: From Lasswade Road (including Hyvots area and Ellen’s Glen hamlet) to Gilmerton Road
Summary information:
Park name: Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Local Nature Reserve. National Grid Reference: The centre of the LNR is located at NT 283 682. Size of site: 26 ha Main contact telephone number: 0131 447 7145 Main contact e-mail: [email protected] Ownership: The City of Edinburgh Council Area Designation: South Neighbourhood, Liberton/ Gilmerton Ward Classification: Natural Heritage site Plan reviewed by: David Doig, Environment Manager [email protected] Tel: 0131 529 5187
Mike Shields, Community Parks Officer [email protected] Tel: 0131 529 5126
Jessica Morgado, Countryside Ranger [email protected] Tel: 0131 447 7145
Previous plan: 2008
D:\Ranger\My Documents\BBVP\Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Management Plan 2008\green flag Management plan.doc 5 This map is reproduced from Ordnance Survey material with permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationary Office Crown Copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes © Crown Copyright and may lead to prosecution of civil proceedings. Licence number 100023420 City Edinburgh Council.
Map I: Location of the park in Edinburgh
D:\Ranger\My Documents\BBVP\Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Management Plan 2008\green flag Management plan.doc 6 Map II: Boundaries of the LNR
D:\Ranger\My Documents\BBVP\Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Management Plan 2008\green flag Management plan.doc 7 Straiton Road: Lothian bus 3A, 3
Lasswade Road: Lothian bus 31
Map III: Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park LNR from Straiton Road to Lasswade Road
D:\Ranger\My Documents\BBVP\Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Management Plan 2008\green flag Management plan.doc 8 Gilmerton Road: Lothian bus 33
Gilmerton Dykes Street: Lothian bus 7, 11
Map IV: Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park LNR from Lasswade Road to Gilmerton Road
D:\Ranger\My Documents\BBVP\Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Management Plan 2008\green flag Management plan.doc 9 1.1 MANAGEMENT PLAN FRAMEWORK
This plan sets out the future management, maintenance and development of the Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park LNR and has been produced as outlined below:
The Site: The Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Local Nature Reserve Plan to be reviewed: October 2009 Interim October 2011 Interim Report produced by: Alan Bell, Support Team Officer, South October 2013 Main review Edinburgh Partnership October 2015 Interim Jessica Morgado, Countryside Ranger, City of Edinburgh Council
Plan Produced: October 2007 – June 2008 Plan to be replaced by: October 2018
Plan Adopted by: The Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Steering Group on 8th July 2008 The City of Edinburgh Council on 25th August 2008
It provides not only a long term vision but also details on both developmental and operational duties required to achieve that vision.
This plans target audience is elected members, the local community, council officers and maintenance staff and its style and content should ensure continuity of purpose and consistency in service delivery. It is intended to be a flexible, working document that will be reviewed as outlined above by the Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Management Group (MG) and approved by the Steering Group (SG).
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SECTION TWO: OUR VISION
To protect and enhance the Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Local Nature Reserve as an area of accessible, appropriately managed, high quality greenspace for the residents of South Edinburgh and the wider community of Edinburgh.
The park will:
• Be a site of excellence and a model of good practice in benefiting both nature and people.
• Be a quality location for recreation, physical activity, and relaxation.
• Increase the biodiversity of South Edinburgh and maintain connections with other greenspaces.
• Be a site with high quality habitats.
• Provide a diverse and interesting educational resource for all residents of South Edinburgh.
• Be an area of appropriately maintained landscape which will enhance the visual appearance of South Edinburgh.
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SECTION THREE: AIMS
3.1 AIMS & LINKS WITH GREEN FLAG CRITERIA (not in prioritised order)
AIMS GREEN FLAG CRITERIA
Aim 1: To improve and increase the biodiversity within the park ¾ Conservation & Heritage ¾ Sustainability ¾ Clean & Well Maintained Aim 2: To ensure the participation of the local community in the ¾ Management future development and management of the park. ¾ Community Involvement ¾ Sustainability Aim 3: To encourage more visitors to the park ¾ A welcoming place ¾ Marketing ¾ Sustainability ¾ Clean & Well Maintained Aim 4: To provide a range of accessible educational ¾ Community Involvement opportunities for the community of South Edinburgh within the ¾ A welcoming place park. ¾ Healthy Safe & Secure ¾ Clean & Well Maintained Aim 5: To protect and promote the park’s heritage ¾ Conservation & Heritage ¾ Marketing Aim 6: To provide opportunities for visitors to participate in ¾ A Welcoming Place active lifestyle activities. ¾ Healthy Safe & Secure ¾ Community Involvement ¾ Marketing Aim 7: To improve Health and Safety for the benefit of visitors ¾ Healthy Safe & Secure ¾ A Welcoming Place ¾ Clean & Well Maintained
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SECTION FOUR: SURVEYS
4.1 INTRODUCTION
This element of the plan provides information in respect of historical links, community engagement process and strategic context of the park within the city.
4.2 HISTORICAL LINKS
The park is rich in history, so much so, that the Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Steering Group commissioned a local historian/ author to capture the heritage values of the park and its association with life (in all forms) in Liberton Gilmerton over the years. A booklet was produced (“The Burdiehouse Burn Park, A history of the area.” Dr M.P. Collingwood TD) and has been widely circulated to the public through schools, libraries and local events. (Copies are today available for free at the South Neighbourhood Partnership Local Offices, the Countryside Ranger Service (CRS) Hermitage visitor centre, the South Edinburgh Partnership (SEP) offices and Gilmerton Library).
Significant features: Prior to the construction of the Council housing estates of Burdiehouse, Southhouse, and Gilmerton Dykes in the 1950s the area that forms the Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park consisted of farms, country estates, and open countryside. Numerous villages and hamlets were also to be found in and around the valley in which the burn flows. The 2.5 miles of burn has an impressive heritage with geological discoveries, alleged links to Mary Queen of Scots, several corn and flour mills, witches burnt at the stake, and one of the leading estates, gardens and landscapes of its time. Remnants of this history can still be seen in the Park to this day. Some examples include (text copied from the history booklet “The Burdiehouse Burn Park, A history of the area.” Dr M.P. Collingwood TD):
• Burdiehouse Limekilns
Limestone was found at Burdiehouse about 1740 (Pirnie 1982) and obtained by open cast mining until 1800 when underground mining began. The lime at Burdiehouse differed from that nearby as it the fossils found in the area showed it
D:\Ranger\My Documents\BBVP\Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Management Plan 2008\green flag Management plan.doc 13 to have developed in fresh water and not salt. Sir Archibald Geikie, who became president of the Geological Society in 1890, claimed his interest in geology stemmed from the time when he found a fossilised fish at Burdiehouse.
The limestone, once extracted, had to be heated in vast kilns to extract the useable lime. At first the kilns were constructed from turf, earth and other types of stone but these lasted only one burning and stone kilns were constructed sometime in the late 18th century (Pirnie 1982). The remains of three of these kilns remain today.
Remains of Burdiehouse Lime kilns 2008
• Broken Brigg
Following the burn, the next group of houses is at Broken Bridge. This hamlet is described by the ordinance surveyors in 1848 as being merely a few thatched cottages (ONB 1878) and although shown on early maps little is known about it. It stood at the side of the Burdiehouse Burn and looking at the area today it can be seen where the bridge might have been. However, no record can be found explaining how and when it came to be ‘broken’.
D:\Ranger\My Documents\BBVP\Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Management Plan 2008\green flag Management plan.doc 14 • Signs of quarry activities: coal and limestone and shape of the valley
Those living in Burdiehouse in the 18th and 19th centuries worked mainly for the Burdiehouse quarries and lime works, either directly or as carters. Coalmines and limeworks had existed in the area from time immemorial stretching around Gilmerton from Moredun Mains to Hyvot Mill and then to Muirhouse and Burdiehouse.
• Remnants of mills (and lades) along the burn (sometimes only the name remains)
First mill: Having crossed Lasswade Road, the next feature from the past is the site of Hyvots Mill. This corn and flour was powered by the burn and was recorded by the ordinance surveyors in 1848 (ONB1878).
Second mill, near Stenhouse quarry, before Ellen’s Glen Loan: Near the stone outcrop water from the burn was diverted into a sluice to the Stenhouse mill. The sluice covered a considerable distance and its brick wall remains today although no water flows in the channel.
About Ellen’s Glen Loan mill: The park path enters the hamlet at the point where until 1947 the corn mill stood. This had been powered by water from the Burdiehouse burn and, although there is no trace of the mill building, the sluice walls remain.
Forth and last mill: The park moves into this area in what is now the Moredun Woods following the burn to the site of the Moredun corn mill at the area where the water crosses under Gilmerton Road and the Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park ends. […] The mill was converted to a laundry in 1947 (Edinburgh Corporation 1947) and demolished in the 20th Century. Nothing is left today and the area has been returned to the tranquil dell of a century before.
• Lime tree avenue
This line of Lime trees was planted as a feature to landscape a major path or road leading to a building. The location of the trees suggests that they were planted along the access to Hyvots mill as the trees can be seen now upstream the stone bridge, between Gilmerton Dykes Crescent and Guardwell Glen.
D:\Ranger\My Documents\BBVP\Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Management Plan 2008\green flag Management plan.doc 15 • Stone bridge at Hyvots
The stone bridge is assumed to be associated with Hyvots mill: No trace of the mill remains but the banks by the wooden bridge show significant stonework, which may relate to the mechanisms for the waterpower.
• Ellen’s Glen hamlet
The burn now flows through the ancient hamlet of Stenhouse where, although the name has changed to Ellen’s Glen Loan and Road. This hamlet has a rich history with a lot of stone engraving still visible today to the public walking through it.
• Moredun wood and old estate wall
Burdiehouse Burn Park walk now enters what was part of the garden of Moredun House. Although there had been a mansion at this site possibly from the 12 century, the one shown below [see history booklet] was built by James Stewart when it was called ‘Goodtrees’. The estate was renamed ‘Moredun’ after a hill in Perthshire when it passed to David Stewart Moncrieff who came from that area.
• Via Regis
However Ellen’s Glen Loan is actually a part of a very old road - the Via Regis or King’s Highway which was the path from Newbattle Abbey into Edinburgh, and was, according Ferenbach (1975) and Good (1893) first mentioned in 1253. It was later the path used by the carters of Gilmerton to reach Liberton Kirk (Good 1893) or parts of Edinburgh. Only a very small portion of the path between Stennis Gardens and the Malbert estate remains recognised by name today although the path continues from the hamlet to Gilmerton. Good (1893 p136) described it as coming south from Melville Grange, passing ’the old farm house’ (unnamed) before running through the west side of the village of Gilmerton. It then ‘continued along by Moredun Dykes’ and ‘through Lower Stenhouse’ before ’passing on the west side of Liberton [Free] Church’ which was in upper Stenhouse.
D:\Ranger\My Documents\BBVP\Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Management Plan 2008\green flag Management plan.doc 16 4.3 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
There was a varied and extensive programme of consultation and events carried out in the production of this management plan including:
¾ Scottish Participatory Initiative: Engaging 113 young people to identify views and aspirations in the development of facilities;
¾ Community Consultation: 152 park users interviewed to ascertain park usage, frequency and priorities for future use;
¾ Interviews: 8 City of Edinburgh Council staff with key responsibilities for the overall management of the park, its environs and maintenance;
¾ FREE Park Events: 10 events including open access ‘Do in the Burn’ to promote healthy living and responsible access attracting 500+ local residents. Other events include Bat Walks, History Walks, Herbal Walks, Bicycle Obstacle Course Workshop, School Environmental Challenge Days (Nursery, Primary and High School);
¾ Friends of Park: The Friends Of the Park group (FOP) established in 2008 with inaugural membership base of 20 members. FOP have undertaken a range of projects including burn clean up, bird habitat checking, wildflower meadow management and fundraising for future events. Prior 2008, a community group named the Better Burdiehouse Burn Community Project (BBBCP) was carrying out practical conservation activities so as to engage with the local communities around the Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park living from Straiton Road to Lasswade Road. The group was formed in 1991 with the objective of improving the park as a recreational area and doing this involving as large a part of the neighbouring community as possible. The BBBCP carried out various activities in the park, with the support of the Edinburgh Greenbelt Trust (now known as Edinburgh and Lothian Greenspace Trust) from burn clean up and bulb planting, to the organisation of Gala events and the creation and installation of large wooden sculptures in the Dip area. The group was represented at the park’s Steering
D:\Ranger\My Documents\BBVP\Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Management Plan 2008\green flag Management plan.doc 17 group and Management group meetings and dissolved in 2008 with some members joining the new Friends of Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park group which takes care of the whole length of the Local Nature Reserve but shares similar values and objectives with the BBBCP.
Friends of Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park at the annual community event “Do in the Burn”
D:\Ranger\My Documents\BBVP\Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Management Plan 2008\green flag Management plan.doc 18 4.4 STRATEGIC CONTEXT OF THE PARK
Edinburgh values its reputation as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, renowned for its setting, history and built heritage. The creation of this management plan has taken into consideration a whole range of different policies to reflect the multifaceted nature of greenspace management. The national and local policies which influence this document include health, urban regeneration, biodiversity, sustainable development, and social inclusion.
The following sections describe some of the relevant strategies and plans to the management of the Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park LNR. A full description of all the relevant policies and strategies can be found in Appendix I – Policy Context.
4.4.1 Edinburgh Public Parks and Gardens Strategy
A full review of local policy was carried out as part of the production of the Edinburgh Public Parks and Gardens Strategy that was adopted by the Council in March 2006.
Following adoption if the Edinburgh Public Parks and Gardens Strategy, the Council announced a funding package of £5.6 million to reverse a 30-year decline in spending for parks and gardens.
4.4.2 Development Plan
The Development Plan for the City comprises the Edinburgh and Lothian’s Structure Plan (2004) and a number of Local Plans. These documents provide the statutory planning framework for the Council’s policies and proposals towards the protection and use of the city’s open spaces, including the majority of those identified by this Strategy, and the creation of new areas of open space where there is considered to be a deficiency in its provision.
The Council is in the process of reviewing its local plans and aims to reduce their number to two: one to cover Rural West Edinburgh i.e. land west of the city by-pass extending from South Queensferry to the Pentland Hills; the other, a new local plan to be called the Edinburgh City Local Plan, to cover the rest of the city. The Public Parks & Gardens Strategy and Biodiversity Strategy, along with other strategies prepared for sports pitch provision, allotments and access to open space, will be important considerations for any new Local Plan.
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The City of Edinburgh Council has reviewed its Local Plans. The Local Community Plan specific to this park is Liberton/ Gilmerton Neighbourhood Partnership Local Plan 2008-2011.
Through this Local Community Plan, the Liberton/ Gilmerton Neighbourhood Partnership has identified 6 key priorities. The one specifically related to this particular greenspace is:
To protect and develop our investment in greenspaces.
Below is the summary detail within the Local Community Plan 2009-12 for this specific priority:
There is a diverse range of greenspaces throughout Liberton & Gilmerton which include our parks, play areas, walkways, allotments and gardens. The Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park has already been the subject of considerable investment in terms of resource and community engagement, and its partnership management through the Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Group has resulted in many improvements including: better access, art work installation, a skate park, teens play area and the creation of a wild flower meadow.
A cohesive and joined-up partnership approach is now progressing to ensure that these local improvements are maintained and protected during a time of change and regeneration, and other initiatives are also required which serve to improve the local environment as a whole. Recent Services For Communities (SFC) Neighbourhood Research told us that 59% of local people surveyed showed lower levels of satisfaction for parks and greenspaces than compared to the City average of 71%. Environmental issues were also identified as two of the top five priorities, as 27% of people surveyed wanted action against dog fouling, and 20% wanted cleaning in public spaces improved.
A new Housing and Environment Sub Group of the Neighbourhood Partnership will be responsible for developing and delivering action to meet this priority, which will incorporate the South Area Housing Board. The Group will seek to link closely with local regeneration developments where partners are working to build new homes and help create better, well- managed and pleasant neighbourhoods.
D:\Ranger\My Documents\BBVP\Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Management Plan 2008\green flag Management plan.doc 20 4.4.4 Open Space Framework
In addition to its Local Plans, the Council has produced a number of strategies that promote the better planning and management of its open spaces, principal among these is the Open Space Framework. The Framework acknowledges the ongoing work of both the Council and its stakeholders to improve the open space across the city. There is also an appreciation of the increasing pressures and changing attitudes to open space.
The Framework sets a vision for Open Space:
Deliver quality and sustainable open space for the City of Edinburgh that continues to contribute to economic prosperity and quality of life.
There are various projects and strategies underway across the Council that are addressing a range of open space issues. In order to be able to develop both strategy and policy guidance that will update existing open space agendas it was recognised that it would be important to engage those in the city responsible for, or are guardians of, open space to consider the whole picture (the Framework).
The Open Space Framework considers the different types of open space that the city has and should offer, looking at not just green but also civic spaces and considers how the overall protection, enhancement, provision, promotion of open spaces can be achieved and sets out a series of aims to do this.
4.4.5 Edinburgh Biodiversity Action Plan, Phase 3: 2010-2015
The Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park is designated as a Local Nature Reserve in the Edinburgh Urban Wildlife Strategy and contributes to many species and habitat action plans identified within the Edinburgh Biodiversity Action Plan.
4.5 MANAGEMENT RULES
A revision of park management rules is underway to remove the conflict with the new Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003.
D:\Ranger\My Documents\BBVP\Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Management Plan 2008\green flag Management plan.doc 21 4.6 PARK CLASSIFICATION
The Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park is classified within the Edinburgh Public Parks and Gardens Strategy as a Natural Heritage Park and was declared as a Local Nature Reserve in January 2007.
A Local Nature Reserve is a protected area of land designated by a local authority because of its local special natural interest and/ or educational value.
Section 15 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, describes a “nature reserve” as: Land managed for the purpose of providing under suitable conditions and control, special opportunities for the study of and research into matters relating to the fauna and flora of Great Britain and the physical conditions in which they live, and for the study of geological and physiographical features of special interest; OR, of preserving flora, fauna or geological or physiographical features of special interest in the area; OR, for both purposes.
4.7 SURVEYS & ASSESSMENTS UNDERTAKEN
4.7.1 Phase I & II Habitat Surveys
A phase I habitat survey was conducted on the whole of the City of Edinburgh Council area between May and August in 2001 and 2002. Heritage Environmental Ltd (Heritage Environmental Ltd (2002) City of Edinburgh Council Area Habitat Survey, Heritage Environment Ltd, Dunblane) describes a phase II habitat survey which was used in areas of particular nature conservation value (Urban Wildlife Sites and proposed Sites of Interest for Nature Conservation). However this survey only describes additional target notes and there are no comprehensive records and quadrats for these areas at Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park. The information on the Park is therefore very limited.
Consultants were therefore asked by the South Edinburgh Partnership in January 2005 to produce a baseline study/ review of previous environmental/ biodiversity studies carried out on the Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park. This was part of a project with the main aim for the park to achieve Local Nature Reserve (LNR) status for the area.
4.7.2 Woodland Management Plan
D:\Ranger\My Documents\BBVP\Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Management Plan 2008\green flag Management plan.doc 22 The South Edinburgh Partnership commissioned Mark Hamilton Landscape Services in 2004 to write a Woodland Management plan for the Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park. In this report the woodland communities present in the Park are described in detail and woodland management actions suggested have now been completed. A new Woodland Management plan is now due to be produced.
4.7.3 Ezytreev tree survey
Ezytreev is a tree management package that enables the user to record and monitor data relevant to single and/ or groups of trees. The basic type of data that can be captured could include, age, girth, height, condition, location and targets. The system can be used in many ways, from simply mapping trees to setting up timed management processes on a continual basis and creating works orders. Ezytreev is also reasonably customisable so the user can tailor it is specific needs. The city of Edinburgh council purchased the system in 2006, and a large scale tree survey was commissioned to capture data relating to the trees in the streets, parks and woodlands that fall under the parks and greenspace remit; some 35,000 trees have been recorded to date.
4.7.4 Structure & Path Maintenance Plan
The City of Edinburgh Council Countryside Ranger Service produced a Path and Facilities Maintenance Plan in 2008 which details the maintenance requirements and priorities for paths and structures within the Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park LNR.
4.7.5 Parks and Greenspace Asset Audit
The aim of the audit was to produce a detailed inventory record of assets contained in each of the cities parks and countryside sites, including a basic condition survey for resource analysis and control.
Each site was given a four digit numerical reference and each asset a unique reference number, a photographic record was taken and the assets its grid reference noted.
The information was imported to a Microsoft Access database which is linked to a Geographical Information System (ArcView) enabling users to locate precisely where each asset is located on the ground. Updates are done in Microsoft Access and a point is automatically added to the Geography Information System (GIS) asset field, there is a facility to run condition reports etc, this will help to identify the areas most in need of maintenance and costs to be ascertained.
D:\Ranger\My Documents\BBVP\Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Management Plan 2008\green flag Management plan.doc 23 4.7.6 Parks & Greenspace Users Survey
The Parks and Greenspace Survey was designed to capture people views on a range of issues relating to parks in Edinburgh in general and the park they visit most frequently.
The survey is available on-line at www.edinburgh.gov.uk/parksurvey.
The survey data is collated and analysed annually in June. The results are distributed to staff and stakeholders, such as Friends of Park groups. They are also posted on the Council website and in parks notice boards.
The results are used to help prioritise work in parks. Where appropriate they are used to develop Park Improvement Plans and feed into the creation of park management plans.
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SECTION FIVE: ANALYSIS
5.1 GREEN FLAG CRITERIA: 1. A WELCOMING SITE
A welcoming site is one that invites and draws people to it. This means creating a greenspace which, through its visual appearance, range of facilities, standards of maintenance, and ease of access makes people feel they are in a cared for place.
The main entrances to the park are clearly signed and are generally clean and free from litter. Due to the topography of the site physical access is not suitable for all at all entrances. However, where feasible graded paths replace or supplement steps and handrails have been installed. The Park is designed to offer a range of landscapes and recreational experiences.
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Access – Physical ASSESSMENT AND ANALYSIS ACTION • Public transport links to the park are good. • No action required
• The park is listed as a Core Path in City of Edinburgh Council Core • Promote the park as part of the Core Path Network – Path Network (2008) which promotes sustainable travel through the see Marketing plan page 47 park and to other parts of the city • Car park at Ellen’s Glen entrance • Resurface and improve drainage
• Street parking available at other main and secondary entrances. • No action required Parking available at Burdiehouse village and pedestrian crossing available across dual carriageway (Burdiehouse Road). • Sightlines into and throughout the park are clear. • Ensure maintenance of existing sightlines is included in maintenance regime • Some of the secondary entrances lead on to steep paths. In some • Ensure maintenance of steps and paths is included in cases the problem has been reduced with the aid of handrails and maintenance regime. reduced gradient paths. • Crossing needed for Lasswade road where path leaves the park • Lobby CEC for installation of crossing. • Steps into the park from Gilmerton Dykes Street and Gilmerton • Include regular strimming of steps in maintenance Dykes Avenue are overgrown regime
D:\Ranger\My Documents\BBVP\Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Management Plan 2008\green flag Management plan.doc 26 Access – Social ASSESSMENT AND ANALYSIS ACTION • There is good provision for all ages in the park for different ages of • Monitor and evaluate use. visitors • There is a mixture of recreation, quiet, wild places. • Monitor and evaluate use. • An annual events programme, consisting of monthly events has • Monitor and evaluate use. been run for the last few years. • The entrance from Ellen’s Glen into Moredun Wood fails to comply • Ensure compliance with the Disability Discrimination with the Disability Discrimination Act. Act. • There is very little staff presence, which create a sense of insecurity • Assess, and if necessary, coordinate patrols to provide and prevent some visitors. There are patrols by CEC Community greater sense of staff presence. Safety Officers, Countryside Rangers and Park Rangers. • Implement Volunteer Countryside Ranger programme
Aspects of Design ASSESSMENT AND ANALYSIS ACTION • Good variety of tree plantations and tree species • Ensure tree and woodland management included in maintenance regime. • Paths are functional and in keeping with surroundings • Include up keep of paths in maintenance regime.
• The design and layout of the park fits well with the topography of the • Retain as is site. • Art pieces are attractive and functional • Retain as is
• Good provision for organised and natural play. • Monitor use • Large areas of amenity grassland. Many areas unused for • Investigate improving specified grassland areas. recreational use.
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5.2 GREEN FLAG CRITERIA: 2. HEALTHY, SAFE & SECURE
A well-managed green space can contribute to the overall health improvement programme of an area. However, research has shown that one of the greatest factors putting people off using a park or greenspace is the fear for their own safety and security. Community consultation carried out to aid the preparation of this plan showed that walking was one of the most popular activities in the park. The South City Strollers, a health walk group, use the park on a regular basis, as do other local groups for cycle training and led cycle runs. An annual programme of led walks is currently organised and supported by the Steering Group.
There is currently a maintenance programme for equipment and facilities in the park. Safety checks are undertaken every 4-6 weeks. See Maintenance plan, Appendix II.
Community consultation has indicated that the majority of visitors to the park during daylight hours feel safe. However, concerns have been raised about certain “hotspots”, for example, the skate park, especially after dusk. There is Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) coverage of the park at three points but this is ineffective after daylight hours.
Health and Well-Being ASSESSMENT AND ANALYSIS ACTION • The park is used on a regular basis by health walk groups • Continue support for such initiatives and monitor use. and for led cycle runs and cycle proficiency classes • Research potential for other initiatives • Regular led themed walks supported by the BBVP Steering • Continue support for such initiatives and monitor use. Group and the Countryside Ranger Service encourages people to participate in more active lifestyles. • Conservation and clean up days encourage participation in • Continue support for such initiatives and monitor use. active lifestyles • Dog walking is possibly the most popular activity in the park • Research and implement initiatives which encourage which encourages active lifestyles. responsible dog walkers.
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Equipment and Facilities ASSESSMENT AND ANALYSIS ACTION • The majority of boundary fences and gates have been • Ensure regular maintenance and repair included in replaced within previous two years. maintenance regime (Appendix II). • 75 metre section of fence opposite Burdiehouse community • Secure funding and replace with galvanized fence in same centre in poor and dangerous condition. style as rest of park. • The park contains 13 metal benches and 2 stone benches, all • Ensure painting and repair of metal benches is included in of which are currently in a good state of repair. maintenance regime (Appendix II). • Ensure graffiti is cleaned quickly from benches • Include regular strimming in maintenance regime (Appendix II) • Skate board equipment and play area surfacing currently in • Ensure regular maintenance and repair included in good condition. maintenance regime. • There are no toilet or shelter facilities in the park for visitors • Nearest toilet facilities: Gracemount Leisure centre, Captain’s and/or volunteers. Road/ Morrison’s superstore, Gilmerton Road • Plans are currently being developed for the conversion of • Evaluate plans for visitor/ volunteer centre. machine store to visitor/ volunteer centre • Secure funding, if deemed appropriate, for conversion of machine store. Security ASSESSMENT AND ANALYSIS ACTION • Consultation with the local community indicated that visitors • Monitor to the park generally felt safe and secure, with the exceptions of one or two “hotspots”. • CCTV overlooks the park at three points • Investigate pruning of trees to provide better sight lines for the cameras. • The presence of staff can help to create a sense of security • Assess, and if necessary, coordinate patrols to provide among park visitors. There are patrols by CEC Community greater sense of staff presence. Safety Officers, Countryside Rangers, Park Rangers but local • Implement Volunteer Countryside Ranger programme perception is that this is insufficient.
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5.3 GREEN FLAG CRITERIA: 3. WELL MAINTAINED & CLEAN
A prerequisite of a well used, healthy and safe greenspace is a high standard of maintenance and cleanliness. Poor maintenance produces hazards for the public and staff, and leads to an overall feeling that the site is uncared for. This can lead to a downward spiral of neglect and misuse that devalues the site and deters genuine users.
The general standard of maintenance and cleanliness of the park is good. Areas of amenity grassland are free from litter, grass is cut on a regular basis, and there are few occurrences of graffiti. However, some of the tree plantations are prone to collecting litter and are not cleaned regularly as part of the fortnightly litter pick.
The boundary fences, with the exception of one 50 metres section, are well maintained. Path surfaces are currently in a reasonable condition, as are benches. Protective fencing is for the majority of the park functioning well and is in good condition. The protective fencing surrounding plantations in the Dip are in poor condition and require replacement.
Broken glass is a major problem in the park. There are specific points, the skate park for example, where broken glass is a recurring problem, but this is also a problem in other locations through the park. This is a particular hazard for dogs, young children and cyclists.
Litter and Waste Management ASSESSMENT AND ANALYSIS ACTION • General cleanliness – Fortnightly litter “sweep” of open • Continue fortnightly regime and include woodland areas, spaces which is effective. possibly in a monthly regime. • Does not include woodland plantations or Moredun Wood. • Litter hotspots – Specific spots were noted to suffer from • Aim to clear hotspots once per week more frequent litter. These include areas of the park adjacent to Lasswade Road, Burdiehouse road, and Gilmerton Dykes Street; the skate park; Guardwell Glen. • Broken glass – constant problem at Skate Park and path • Fortnightly sweep of skate park and school path with behind Burdiehouse Primary School but also sporadic motorised Green Machine. problem throughout park. Serious safety issue for dogs and • Implement education programme to highlight dangers of children. broken glass.
D:\Ranger\My Documents\BBVP\Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Management Plan 2008\green flag Management plan.doc 30 • Bins – Litter bins are sited at each of the entrances to the • Continue emptying regime and monitor park and are regularly emptied. • Dog fouling – The Environmental Wardens assist the CRS by • Continue regular patrolling of park providing a high visibility presence in the park. Fixed Penalty Notice of £60, reduced to £40 if paid within 28 days. • Fly tipping – periodic problem at some of the park entrances • Immediate lifting by Task Force (TF) and reporting of any and in the burn. Anyone seen to be contravening the evidence to Environmental wardens Environmental Protection Act 1990 will be issued a Fixed Penalty Notice of £50 Ground Maintenance ASSESSMENT AND ANALYSIS ACTION • Grass cutting – through season main areas cut on fortnightly • Assess grass cutting regime frequency and select areas for regime. improving grasslands e.g. wildflower meadows. • Majority of the park cut for amenity/recreation purpose • Alter grass cutting method to avoid clippings on paths • Grass clippings left on many of the main paths creating slip hazard and unkempt appearance • Strimming – boundary fences, around benches, the base of • Bi annual strim (spring and autumn) of these areas. handrails, and steps. • Wildflower areas – there is currently one area allocated as • Strim and rake off areas selected for wild flower meadows wildflower meadows. after flowering. • Woodland sections – (see maps included in Woodland • Thinning when required – advice from CEC Trees and Management plan 2000-04). Woodland Officers (TW) • Programme removal of non native species • Monitor for safety and Dutch Elm Disease • Burn bank – habitat survey recommended reducing grass • Extend band of vegetation on burn bank to approx 2 metres, cutting to create a more diverse habitat. with selected areas cut for access to burn. Infrastructure ASSESSMENT AND ANALYSIS ACTION • Paths • Include path edging in annual maintenance regime. • The primary and secondary paths in the park are either • Include resurfacing of whin paths in annual rotational tarmac surface or whindust. programme.
D:\Ranger\My Documents\BBVP\Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Management Plan 2008\green flag Management plan.doc 31 • Edges of paths are poorly maintained • Whindust paths are currently in good condition but will require periodic topping up. • Boundary fences • Annual monitor of fence condition and repair/ replace as • Gilmerton Dykes Street, Lasswade Road, and Burdiehouse required. Street boundaries are fenced with galvanised fencing – • Source and secure funding for replacement of fence at currently in good condition. Burdiehouse Street. • One section of boundary (approx. 50 metres) at Burdiehouse Street is still chicken wire and angle iron fence. • Walls • Annual monitor of walls and repair as required. • Moredun Wood and Ellen’s Glen boundaries are rubble built walls – all in relatively good condition. • Woodland Plantation fences • Remove fencing from Dip • New and recently planted plantations (see maps included in • Remove stobs from cut sections Woodland Management plan 2000-04) are in places • Remove as trees mature and protection no longer required surrounded by a protective mesh and stob fence or chestnut paling. • Fencing at the Dip in poor condition and no longer required • Mesh and stob – mainly in good condition but sections have been cut and removed • Gates • Monitor condition of gates and repair as necessary • one ornamental gate at entrance to Moredun Wood • Include lubrication of padlocks and gate hinges in • 2 vehicle gates and 2 pedestrian gates at Gilmerton Dykes maintenance programme Street • One vehicle gate and two pedestrian gates Lasswade Road. • One pedestrian and one vehicle gate at Burdiehouse Street. • One pedestrian and one vehicle gate at Burdiehouse Drive • All vehicle gates are padlocked and all gates are in good condition
D:\Ranger\My Documents\BBVP\Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Management Plan 2008\green flag Management plan.doc 32 • Signs • Monitor condition of signs and repair/clean as required • Four entrances have 1.5 metre hand carved sandstone name posts. • Twelve entrances have 0.80 metre hand carved name posts • Five entrances have interpretation boards • Four entrances have bespoke metal trellis work as background for sign stone and interpretation board • 4 orientation sign stones installed in the park • All signs in good condition • Bins • Monitor condition of bins and repair/clean as required • 9 bins sited at entrances • Source and secure funding for 3 bins • 3 bins required for 3 entrances
Details of the Maintenance Plan are listed as Appendix II.
D:\Ranger\My Documents\BBVP\Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Management Plan 2008\green flag Management plan.doc 33 5.4 GREEN FLAG CRITERIA: 4. SUSTAINABILITY
For green spaces management, sustainability requires broad consideration of the effects of what is done, and the costs and benefits. Currently there is very limited use of herbicides. They are used for control of Giant Hogweed, Japanese Knotweed, and occasionally for control of path edges. No peat based composts are used in plant beds or when planting.
Environmental Management ASSESSMENT AND ANALYSIS ACTION • The park is managed as a Local Nature Reserve • No action required Pesticides and Materials ASSESSMENT AND ANALYSIS ACTION • No pesticides are used in the park as per “Pesticides • No action required Reduction Policy (April 2009)” • Herbicides used in some occasions to control weeds growing • Monitor the condition of Tarmac path and investigate repair through Tarmac path and path edges options to prevent weeds damaging the surface, use • Giant Hogweed and Japanese Knotweed sprayed annually volunteer to scrape path edges to reduce use of herbicides with herbicides • No action required as this is a Health and Safety measure for Giant Hogweed and official procedure to deal with Japanese Knotweed • No peat based composts are used in plant beds or when • No action required planting Horticultural and Arboricultural Management ASSESSMENT AND ANALYSIS ACTION • Daffodil and crocus bulbs supplied by CEC nursery have • Ensure areas planted with bulbs are included on maps for been used by local schools to plant around Burdiehouse grass cutting regime Primary school and the Dip area mainly • All major tree plantations have been completed. Some areas • Ensure trees for beating up woodland areas are sourced will need beating up as required locally
D:\Ranger\My Documents\BBVP\Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Management Plan 2008\green flag Management plan.doc 34 5.5 GREEN FLAG CRITERIA: 5. CONSERVATION & HERITAGE
Conservation is about recognising the unique features of a greenspace environment and if possible seeking to increase their value to people through appropriate management.
The park is rich in history, much of which is highlighted on the interpretation boards sited at the five main entrances. The boards provide information on the natural heritage of the site and its historic connections. This information is repeated in a “Walking” Map, which is available locally. Burn Management ASSESSMENT AND ANALYSIS ACTION • Signs of embankment erosion along the burn • Use natural options such as live willow hurdles instead of • Regular litter problem in the burn which looks unsightly gabions to alleviate the problem and protect the embankment from further erosion • Regular community and volunteer clean ups should be organised to control the amount of litter in the burn • Interpretation boards and “Walking” maps highlighting the • Ensure re-print and distribution of “Walking” maps. Monitor local history associated with the mills and the burn condition of signs and repair/ clean as required Woodland and Trees ASSESSMENT AND ANALYSIS ACTION • Interpretation boards and “Walking” maps highlighting the • Ensure re-print and distribution of “Walking” maps. Monitor local history associated with the mature woodland of condition of signs and repair/ clean as required Moredun and the importance of woodland for wildlife Grasslands and other Habitats ASSESSMENT AND ANALYSIS ACTION • Interpretation boards and “Walking” maps highlighting the • Ensure re-print and distribution of “Walking” maps. Monitor local history associated with the use of the Valley park condition of signs and repair/ clean as required Criteria: Cultural Landscapes ASSESSMENT AND ANALYSIS ACTION • Interpretation boards and “Walking” maps highlighting the • Ensure re-print and distribution of “Walking” maps. Monitor local history associated with the creation of the landscape condition of signs and repair/ clean as required and the use of the Valley park
D:\Ranger\My Documents\BBVP\Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Management Plan 2008\green flag Management plan.doc 35 5.6 GREEN FLAG CRITERIA: 6. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Community involvement covers three broad issues here: (1) local knowledge and understanding of park and greenspace use, (2) leadership in, and support for, community involvement and (3) opening up a greenspace to as wide a range of people as possible – making it inclusive.
The main catchment area for the park is South Edinburgh, which has a population of about 30,000. Consultation has shown that a significant number of this population is not aware of the park’s existence and/or perceive it to be an area of rundown and unkempt greenspace. An annual events programme, which helps to bring people into the park, and local publicity, which informs people of park developments, is gradually resolving this problem. There is significant involvement of the local community in the park’s management and development, for example as members of the Steering Group and participation in “clean ups” and other events. However, the involvement is sporadic, could be better organised, and does not reach its full potential.
Consultation demonstrated that the current park visitors use the Local Nature Reserve for a range of activities and are from a broad range of backgrounds.
Patterns of Use ASSESSMENT AND ANALYSIS ACTION • Dog walking • Monitor activities and frequency of visits of park users • Jogging • Monitor activities and frequency of visits of park users • Walking • Monitor activities and frequency of visits of park users • Informal play • Monitor activities and frequency of visits of park users • Cycling • Monitor activities and frequency of visits of park users Community Involvement ASSESSMENT AND ANALYSIS ACTION • Steering Group membership – total mailing list for group 30, • Monitor attendance at meetings community membership 15. Many people on list for • Invite interested community representatives and/ or groups to information purposes and do not attend meetings. join • Management Group membership – current membership 6 • Target membership which includes 3 community representatives • Remit of the group is implementation of the Management plan
D:\Ranger\My Documents\BBVP\Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Management Plan 2008\green flag Management plan.doc 36 • Participation in events – clean ups, guided walks, etc. • Continue to liaise with Friends group Numbers vary from 3 –50 • Continue to support and encourage the Friends group • Successful event has led to creation of the Friends of • Provide specialist knowledge and expertise on the different Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park (BBVPFG) in 2008 projects undertaken • Following their formation they have undertaken recruitment activities which has led to 40 members • The group is now constituted, VAT registered and has charitable status • The group continues to fundraise and sought c. £1000 funding from the Neighbourhood Partnership Community Grant Fund for the “Do in the Burn” event 2009. The group has taken the lead in attaining a grant from SNH for the feasibility study project for the creation of mountainbike track. Joint project with Friends of Corstorphine Hill and Craigmillar Woodland Action Group. Facilities – Play/educational ASSESSMENT AND ANALYSIS ACTION • Skate Park – metal ramps on tarmac surface surrounded by • Monitor equipment, surface and fence for wear and tear and galvanised bow top fence repair when required. • Problems with broken glass and litter • Ensure cleaning and emptying of bins include in monitor and • Gathering place after dusk for underage drinkers maintenance programme • Equipment in good condition • Football pitches – currently one full size pitch used by local • Include maintenance of pitches in maintenance programme amateur team (own set of goals) and one 7 a side pitch for casual play – fixed goals. • Teen play area • Monitor equipment for wear and tear and repair when required. • Ensure programme of maintenance for wood chip surface and include monitoring and cleaning of litter and broken glass Minutes of Steering group meetings and Management group meetings are on record.
D:\Ranger\My Documents\BBVP\Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Management Plan 2008\green flag Management plan.doc 37 5.7 GREEN FLAG CRITERIA: 7. MARKETING
The first step in encouraging park use is to create high-quality and safe greenspaces. The second is to find ways of reassuring people that standards have improved. Regular activities, staffing and the promotion of sites will encourage use.
Interpretation boards are in the process of being installed at the five main entrances to the park. Every entrance, main and secondary, is indicated by a hand carved sandstone sign stone. There are regular features in the local community newspaper about the park in general or promoting a community event. A small foldable map referred to as a “Walking” map, is freely distributed in the local area indicating all the major paths and information on natural and local heritage to be found in the park and provides information on the health benefits of walking.
There is an annual event programme which delivers one event per calendar month. This is currently organised and funded by the Management Group and delivered by the CRS and the ELGT.
Information Provision and Interpretation ASSESSMENT AND ANALYSIS ACTION • Interpretation boards – One board sited at each of the 5 main • Maintain as per maintenance plan entrances. Boards provide information related to the heritage of each area, a map of the path network, and information on the park’s natural heritage. • “Walking” map – foldable map in plastic cover based on • Review distribution of the maps similar information contained on interpretation boards and • Revise the need to reprint the maps advice on walks, health walks, etc. • Edinburgh Walks – series of leaflets describing walks in • Review distribution of the leaflet Edinburgh. Specific leaflet for the BBVP. • Revise the need to reprint the leaflet • Core Paths – the BBVP is part of Edinburgh’s core path • Ensure appropriate signage follows as part of the Core Path network. Plan • Media articles – periodic articles in South Edinburgh Echo • Continue writing periodic articles providing information on events, planned developments, or appeals for volunteers Events
D:\Ranger\My Documents\BBVP\Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Management Plan 2008\green flag Management plan.doc 38 ASSESSMENT AND ANALYSIS ACTION • Annual Programme – for a number of years an event • Continue organising developing event programme programme has been delivered by ELGT and CRS. Events included led walks, skate jams, workshops, etc. Promoted by posters in and around Park and community newspaper. • Clean ups – organised by CRS and aimed at involving local • Continue organising community clean up programme people in Park maintenance. Usually concentrate on clearing fly tip from burn • Conservation – planting, path clearing, willow pruning, • Continue organising conservation activity programme organised by ELGT and CRS • School education programme • Continue carrying out school education programme • Health walks • Continue organising health walk programme • Led cycle runs • Continue carrying out led cycle runs Promotion ASSESSMENT AND ANALYSIS ACTION • Media – periodic articles in local press promoting park • Continue writing periodic articles in local press • Partnership working – partners in Steering Group promote • Continue working in partnership with a view of increasing park via own agencies awareness of the park • Events – annual events programme helps to promote park • Continue organising monthly event programme
5.8 GREEN FLAG CRITERIA: 8. MANAGEMENT
There are now many different pressures and conflicting demands on parks and greenspaces from environmental demands to remove herbicide use and to increase diversity of plant and wildlife habitat, sports, leisure and general recreational uses. Similarly, it is common to find a wide range of professional expertise, from Arboriculturalists, Countryside Rangers, Park Rangers and grounds maintenance and cleansing staff, to Play Workers and Community Health workers, all wishing to adapt and use a greenspace for different purposes. This requires clear and effective management to deal with these demands and pressures and produce a park which is fit for purpose.
In 2008, the Council introduced a new service delivery model which was devised to encourage greater community participation through the establishment of Neighbourhood Partnerships. Local Services are now planned and managed at a local neighbourhood
D:\Ranger\My Documents\BBVP\Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Management Plan 2008\green flag Management plan.doc 39 level. The Management Plan for Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park clearly indicates the management structure required to achieve a quality greenspace.
The Neighbourhood Partnership, through its Local Community Plan for the Liberton/ Gilmerton area, identified Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park as a key greenspace for the local community. By this, the Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Steering Group (which consists of community representatives, representatives from the Friends of the park group, Countryside Ranger Service, Local Neighbourhood Environment Team, Biodiversity Officers, Local Active school coordinators, Edinburgh and Lothian Greenspace Trust) will feed directly into the new Housing and Environment Sub Group of the Neighbourhood Partnership who are responsible for developing and delivering the actions of the local plan to meet this key priority. The Countryside Ranger Service facilitates the Management Group and assists the friends group in their development and activities. The service monitors weekly the site and often acts as the liaison between the community and the Council.
A Management Group has been established, which consists of community representatives, stakeholders, Countryside Ranger Service, Edinburgh and Lothian Greenspace Trust (ELGT) and the Local Neighbourhood Environment Team. This Group has responsibility for overseeing the delivery of this management plan, monitoring and evaluating the plan, and implementing scheduled reviews of the plan. The BBVP Steering Group continues to provide a forum for a broader range of stakeholders to input their views into the management process.
Within the City of Edinburgh Council the park is the responsibility of Services for Communities and there is a joint management responsibility between the Countryside Ranger Service and the Local Neighbourhood Environment Team to ensure that the park is managed in line with the site Management Plan. The Park is currently separated into areas or services which are the responsibility of different management teams. However, these managers work collectively to ensure that maintenance, interpretation and development of the park is undertaken in conjunction with the management group. There is also input from the Trees and Woodland Officer and Biodiversity Officers.
The Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Steering and Management Groups have initiated the regeneration of the park and have had a significant input into improvements and the delivery of maintenance standards and have assisted in the park’s management. As stated, they now directly link into the Housing and Environment Sub Group of the partnership, which recognises the role and the remit undertaken by the groups. In conclusion a more coordinated and joined up approach is undertaken which enhances the successful management of the park in line with the management plan.
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SECTION SIX: ACTION PLAN
Related to Aim 1: To improve and increase the biodiversity within the park.
Policy Link: • The National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 (Section 21) • Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 • Edinburgh Public Parks and Gardens Strategy – The City of Edinburgh Council, March 2006 • The Edinburgh Biodiversity Action Plan 2010 – 2015 – The City of Edinburgh Council Objectives Where and/or How Year Who Indic. Progress Cost 1.1 Improve amenity • Method: Reduced frequency of grass cutting in 2009 TF • Carry forward grass areas specified areas. • Create new wildflower meadows CRS £5,000 • Carry forward • Inform visitors of reason for changes in grass VOLS • Carry forward cutting 1.2 Control of invasive • Method: implement annual reporting, removal, 2008 CRS • Maps 2008; 2009 done. weed species and monitoring of Japanese Knotweed, Giant VOLS Japanese knotweed not Hogweed, Himalayan Balsam treated. Giant Hogweed • Support volunteer programme for control of treated 2008. Himalayan Balsam • Volunteers removed some Himalayan balsam 2008; 2009. 1.3 Improve Burn • Method: erosion management programme, burn 2008 CRS £15,000 • Friends of BBVP, school maintenance and clean ups, and pruning programme of burn side onwards VOLS groups, CRS vol., Corporate development trees to prevent blockages groups, other Vol groups. On- going. 1.4 Maintain woodland • Method: review woodland management 2004 2009 MG £1,000 • Carry forward areas in line with plan and implement onwards CRS biodiversity guidelines • Develop management regime to increase TW • Carry forward biodiversity ELGT 1.5 Create wetland area • Method: develop design with relevant 2010 MG £5,000 • Carry forward
D:\Ranger\My Documents\BBVP\Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Management Plan 2008\green flag Management plan.doc 41 specialists, secure funding, implement design CRS CON BBVPFG 1.6 Create a pond area • Method: develop design with relevant 2012 MG £5,000 • Carry forward specialists, secure funding, implement design CRS CON BBVPFG
Related to Aim 2: To ensure the participation of the local community in the future development and management of the park
Policy Link: • Edinburgh Public Parks and Gardens Strategy – The City of Edinburgh Council, March 2006 • A Community Plan for Edinburgh 2004-2010 – The City of Edinburgh Council
Objectives Where and/or How Year Who Indic. Progress Cost 2.1 Create an agreed • Review membership and roles and 2008 PC • Review done in 2008/ 09. management structure for responsibilities of current Management Group Park and Steering Group 2.2 Establish and support • Recruit “core” group 2008 MG • Friends group constituted in a Friends of BBVP group • Constitute group CRS 2008 and Charity registered 2.3 Establish a volunteer • Develop a volunteer policy 2008 CRS • CRS developed a Volunteer programme • Produce an annual activity/work programme in onwards BBVPFG Service. See point 2.4. below. partnership with Friends group • Annual activity with Friends group: e.g. wildflower meadow management, burn clean up, habitat boxes check and installation 2.4 Establish a volunteer • Link service with proposed city wide programme 2009 CRS • CRS developed a Volunteer ranger service onwards Service. Positions available: Volunteer Ranger, Biodiversity and Conservation Volunteer 2.5 Establish a publicity • Develop a newsletter in partnership with Friends 2008 MG £30,000 • Carry forward
D:\Ranger\My Documents\BBVP\Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Management Plan 2008\green flag Management plan.doc 42 and information group onwards CRS • SE Echo newspaper no longer programme • Produce regular articles in South Edinburgh BBVPFG in print. Find other media. (SE) Echo on Park activities and developments ELGT • Events promoted on posters, • Promote all events in SE Echo and posters Outdoor diary, CRS website, • Secure funding for reprint of “One burn – many Community centres. walks for all” map • Carry forward
Related to Aim 3: To encourage more visitors to the park.
Policy Link: • Edinburgh Public Parks and Gardens Strategy – The City of Edinburgh Council, March 2006 • Capitalising on Access – An Access Strategy for the City of Edinburgh – The City of Edinburgh Council- September 2003 • Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 • Edinburgh Core Path Plan 2008 Objectives Where and/or How Year Who Indic. Progress Cost 3.1 Convert Bothy into • Location: Gilmerton Dykes Street 2009 MG £115,000 • Carry forward at a much lower visitor and volunteer centre • Method: Use concept design as basis for CON cost detailed plans BBVPFG NOW • Priority make building wind £5,000 • Funded by: HLF Parks for People CRS and water tight • No HLF funding available. Look for other source of funding 3.2 Improve physical • Location: Entrances and path network 2009 CRS £25,000 • In progress access to and within the • Method: Access audit of path network, action onwards CON • See update in “Path and Park plan, phased work plan facility maintenance plan” 2008 3.3 Establish a community • Produce annual programme of educational and 2008 MG • CRS programme, FRI events events and activity annual recreational events and activity programme onwards CRS and ELGT programme. programme • Aim for one event per month BBVPFG organisation of annual “Do in • Identify appropriate partners to plan and deliver ELGT the Burn” event events • Not always achieved • FRI, CRS and ELGT
D:\Ranger\My Documents\BBVP\Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Management Plan 2008\green flag Management plan.doc 43 3.4 Erect directional Locations: 2008 CRS £10,000 Direction signs installed 2009: signage in Park • Ellen’s Glen MG • Wimpey bridge • Lasswade Road • Gilmerton Dykes Crescent • Gilmerton Dykes Crescent • Guardwell Glen • “The Rockies” • Ellen’s Glen wood • Need more signs: £2,000 • Ellen’s Glen Loan • Lasswade Road 3.5 Improve visual Locations: 2010 MG £15,000 • Carry forward appearance of culverts and • “Wimpey” Bridge onwards BBVPFG underpass • Broken Bridge ELGT • Gilmerton Dykes Street Method • Art project with Friends group, local volunteers or specific community group • Phased programme, dependent on resources
3.6 Improve visual • Location: South end of park 2010 MG £40,000 • Carry forward appearance of “Narrows” • Method: Develop design solution and CRS path and boundaries implement BBVPFG 3.7 Landscape • Location: North end of park 2011 MG £5,000 • Carry forward, to be included “Amphitheatre “ in • Method: Develop design solution and CRS in new Woodland Moredun Wood implement ELGT Management plan
3.8 Improve visual • Location: North end of park 2011 MG £10,000 • Carry forward appearance of SUDS • Method: Line gully with natural stone CON outlet in Moredun Wood
D:\Ranger\My Documents\BBVP\Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Management Plan 2008\green flag Management plan.doc 44 Related to Aim 4: To provide a range of educational opportunities for the whole community within the park.
Policy Link: • The National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 (Section 21) • Closing the Opportunity Gap – Scottish Government • Edinburgh Public Parks and Gardens Strategy – The City of Edinburgh Council, March 2006
Objective Where and/or How Year Who Indic. Progress Cost 4.1 Develop and • Develop and implement primary school 2009 CRS • Education programme available implement an annual programme, targeting all eight local primary 2009 CRS to all schools, emphasis on use environmental school schools. of local site education programme • Develop and implement John Muir Award with 2010 CRS • June conservation programme Gracemount High School with Gracemount High school • Develop and implement John Muir Award with • Help with Forest school Liberton High School programme Liberton Nursery/ Gracemount High school • Carry forward 4.2 Develop and • See objective 3.3 for further details 2008 CRS • See comments for objective 3.3 implement educational onwards events for whole community 4.3 Establish a volunteer • See objective 2.4 for further details 2009 CRS • See comments for objective 2.4 ranger service onwards
D:\Ranger\My Documents\BBVP\Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Management Plan 2008\green flag Management plan.doc 45 Related to Aim 5: To protect and promote the park’s heritage
Policy Link: • Edinburgh Public Parks and Gardens Strategy – The City of Edinburgh Council, March 2006 • Edinburgh and Lothians Structure Plan 2015 (approved June 2004) - The City of Edinburgh Council, East Lothian Council, Midlothian Council, and West Lothian Council Objectives Where and/or How Year Who Indic. Progress Cost 5.1 Promote pre-park • Publish a booklet on the history of the area that 2008 MG £500 • Booklet published in 2008 and history is now Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park. available free to public • Include history walks in community events • On going programme 2009 CRS • Friends of BBVP looking into • Articles in South Edinburgh Echo related to onwards CRS developing media aspect. Carry history forward.
5.2 Develop and • Develop interpretation boards for important 2009 MG £15,000 • New entrance interpretation implement interpretation sites in the park. maps installed, estimated strategy enough interpretation for now.
Related to Aim 6: To provide opportunities for visitors to participate in active lifestyle activities Policy Link: • Let's Make Scotland More Active: A strategy for physical activity Scottish Government February 2003 • Improving Health in Scotland - THE CHALLENGE – Scottish Government • Edinburgh Public Parks and Gardens Strategy – The City of Edinburgh Council, March 2006 • Edinburgh Core Paths Plan 2008 • Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003
Objective Where and/or How Year Who Indic. Progress Cost
6.1 Construct and develop • Location: The Dip – see Master plan below 2009 MG £50,000 • Estimated to be desirable multi sports court CON project subject to funding
D:\Ranger\My Documents\BBVP\Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Management Plan 2008\green flag Management plan.doc 46 6.2 Construct two seven a • Location: The Dip - see Master plan below 2010 MG £5,000 • In progress side football pitches CON 6.3 Create new active • Potential projects: 2010 MG £2,000 • Mountain bike trail feasibility lifestyle projects • Mountain bike trail onwards ELGT study commissioned by • Natural play areas BBVPFG, completion 2010 • Green gyms • Creation of natural play area project investigated by Gracemount High and Liberton nursery Forest schools • Green Gym activities: health walks led by ELGT programme “Out and About” 2009/2010 6.4 Establish a volunteer • See objective 2.3 2008 CRS o CRS established a Volunteer programme onwards BBVPFG Ranger Service since 2009 (3 positions on offer: Volunteer Ranger, Conservation Volunteer and Biodiversity Volunteer) o See Volunteer Ranger Service Strategy 2009 6.5 Develop links with • Conduct audit of local paths in partnership with 2010 MG • No Access Officer on post other path networks CEC Access officer and investigate potential onwards since 2009. linking with BBVP • Get involved in the relevant • Investigate potential for extending BBVP path development following the network outside Park adoption of Core Path Plan
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Dip area Master Plan
D:\Ranger\My Documents\BBVP\Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Management Plan 2008\green flag Management plan.doc 48 Related to Aim 7: To improve the health and safety for the benefit of visitors to the park.
Policy Link: • Edinburgh Public Parks and Gardens Strategy – The City of Edinburgh Council, March 2006 • Dog Fouling (Scotland) Act 2003
Objectives Where and/or How Year Who Indic. Progress Cost 7.1 Reduce dog fouling left • Ensure signage at entrances indicate “bag it 2009 CRS • Signage monitored regularly in the park and bin it” policy and that litter bins can be and replaced as required used for bags. 2009 MG • Liaise with environmental • Work with police and environmental wardens to warden periodically develop responsible owner initiatives 2009 CRS £1,000 • Annual community event • Ensure litter bins are sited at each entrance onwards organised “Do in the Burn” to and emptied on regular basis encourage responsible Dog ownership 7.2 Reduce the number of • Work with police and community safety 2009 CRS • On going illegal motor cyclists using wardens to develop prevention initiatives onwards MG the park. 7.3 Improve sense of • Conduct audit of sight lines and consider 2010 MG • To be completed safety and security secure by design guidelines. • To be completed • Investigate potential for installation of street 2010 MG £40,000 lights from Lasswade Loan to Wimpey bridge
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SECTION SEVEN: MARKETING PLAN
The first step in encouraging park use is to create high-quality and safe green spaces. The second is to find ways of reassuring people that standards have improved. Regular activities, staffing and the promotion of sites will encourage use.
Orientation boards with interpretation of the site have been installed at the five main entrances to the park. A hand carved sandstone sign stone indicates every entrance, main and secondary.
Until recently, the park was covered by the local newspaper “the South Edinburgh Echo” which has since ceased to be in existence. However, new avenues of marketing the park have been sought through articles/ press releases in the Edinburgh Evening News, Herald & Post and the Edinburgh Outlook which has a specific wrap-around cover for each Neighbourhood area.
The original small foldable map, which was freely distributed in the local area indicating all the major paths and information on natural and local heritage, is currently being reviewed and funding is being sought for its production.
There is an annual event programme produced by the Countryside Ranger Service. Details of events (e.g. bat walks) are listed on www.edinburgh.gov.uk/countrysiderangers and leaflets are available at the Countryside Ranger Service visitor centres and the South Neighbourhood Local Office which is a short walk from the park.
The Friends of Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park carry out mainly conservation tasks open to all such as wildflower meadow raking and burn clean ups. They have appointed a media spokesperson from their committee to promote the group and the park.
Funding has been raised by Edinburgh and Lothian Greenspace Trust to deliver a range of events and activities promoting healthy living in South Edinburgh for 20 months starting September 2009. Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park LNR has been identified as the main resource for delivering the programme.
D:\Ranger\My Documents\BBVP\Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Management Plan 2008\green flag Management plan.doc 50 7.1 MARKETING PLAN:
Our Goal
The Council aims to encourage and maximise the use of the park by everyone with a particular focus on our corporate priorities, so that we can: • Make community planning a reality • Move towards an inclusive society • Making Edinburgh a safer and healthier place • Secure prosperity and manage growth • Deliver better education, training and lifelong learning • Develop a quality and sustainable environment Current user groups:
• Broad sectors of the community currently use this site • Retired and elderly: use the park occasionally for sitting and relaxation requiring a number of seats close to the path network. • Parents with pre-school children: use the park as a through route to and from the primary school. • School children: use the park for school visits and projects on wildlife as well as for recreational purposes and as a meeting area outside school. • Disabled users: the level path network through the park is inviting to disabled users although the steeper slopes and rougher paths on the Valley sides are more challenging. • Sports users: There are formal mainstream sports such as football, skateboarding facilities and the park is used for informal sports such as jogging, cycling. • Teenager group: Since the creation of multi play area and skatepark, we have seen an increase in teenage activity within the park which has reduced anti-social behaviour activity. • Dog walkers: use the park to exercise their pets, in safety all day. • Formed in 2008, the friends of Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park organise some of the parks events, as well as promotional activities for the local community with additional help being available from the council. • Visitors and other members of the community: use the site for recreation, relaxation and visiting events and taking part in activities. • Cyclists: they use the park as a through route
D:\Ranger\My Documents\BBVP\Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Management Plan 2008\green flag Management plan.doc 51 7.2 FUTURE MARKETING OF THE PARK:
The Council wants to see increasingly diverse and inclusive use of the park in the future. The council shall promote the park by:
Marketing Aims Targets Identified Action by Date Targets Achieved 1 Obtain a Green Flag Award in 2010 Green Flag Status in 2010. CPO/ CRS 2010 Park submitted for pilot. 2010 Raise Green Flag Award profile within CPO/CRS/ 2010 local community. BBVPFG 2 Making people feel welcome, Supporting the Friends Group and CPO/ CRS/ 2009 YES providing good well maintained involving them in parks management. BBVPFG facilities and providing an opportunity to become involved in Install appropriate signage to and from MG 2009/ YES the parks maintenance and the park. 2010 management to improve the visitor’s experience. 3 Facilitating park usage by Supporting the Friends Group to use the CPO/ CRS/ MG 2009 On Going community organisations such as park for events and encouraging The South Edinburgh Healthy Living participation by other organisations Initiative (SEHLI), local football through annual events programmes. team. 4 Hosting additional events and Supporting the friends Group to use the CPO/ CRS/ MG 2009 On going assisting on funding applications to park for events and encouraging enable the Friends Group year on participation by other organisations and year. public support through an annual events programme. 5 Introducing literature about the park, Develop Council’s Website and Friends PGS 2008 Continuous its history, character, features and group organised events. These shall be distributed to all local information Assist the Friends Group in development CRS/ BBVPFG 2010 On Going points, libraries, and council offices a site leaflet and/ or newsletter. and advertised online on the council’s web site.
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At the Dip, next to the Skate Park Access via Captain’s Road (Southhouse Terrace) or Lasswade Road.
Skatejam, Bike Station, KITS, Facepainting, Complementary Therapy Session, Dog Obstacle Course, Storytelling, Kite Making, Races, Games, Discovery Trail and
much more!!!
For Further Information please contact Jessica Morgado on 0131 447 7145
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Marketing Aims Targets Identified Action by Date Targets Achieved 6 Improving access to the park by sign Install new signs in partnership with LEM 2012 On going posting from the local main roads as Services for communities, Roads well as signs as part of the department and others, including new Edinburgh Core Path Network. park signage. 7 Promoting the unique character of Undertake programme of improvements CPO/ BBVPFG/ 2008 YES/ Continuous the park. as identified within the Management CRS Plan, advertise and promote improvements as they happen, through events, posters and media campaigns. 8 Increasing opportunities for Partnership working with the community, ELGT/ SEHLI/ 2009 YES and on-going improving health through exercise, ELGT, SEHLI and CRS. CRS programmes recreation and activities. 9 CRS offers an education resource Support link between local schools and CRS 2008 YES/ Continuous facility for all schools and aims to the Council to further develop school use local sites where possible to needs in the park and help to develop raise sense of ownership of the park and implement these. with local primary and nursery schools. 10 Forest Education Initiative offers Support Forest School groups in CRS 2008 YES/ Continuous training to teachers to take out identifying local woodland areas for their school children in their local use and identify conservation activities woodland to learn about the outdoor and healthy living
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APPENDIX I: POLICY CONTEXT
The following Appendix provides details of the local and national policies and strategies within which this management plan has been developed. The aim of each policy and/or strategy is described regarding the particular relevance to the Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park.
LINKS WITH NATIONAL STRATEGIES AND POLICY
• The National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 (Section 21)
Aim: Under the Act Local Authorities have exclusive statutory powers to set up and manage Local Nature Reserves (LNR). A LNR is a place with special local natural interest, set up to protect nature, and for people to enjoy and appreciate.
Relevance: The Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park was declared a LNR by the City of Edinburgh Council in February 2007. As a LNR the Park has to be managed in such a manner as to provide Environmental Education, Biodiversity, and Sustainable Development. • Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 Aim: Part 1 of the Act establishes a right to be on land for recreational, educational and certain other purposes and a right to cross land. The rights exist only if they are exercised responsibly. Some of the provisions for that purpose are also extended in relation to rights of way and other rights. Part 1 imposes certain duties on local authorities in relation to access on and over land in their areas and, in particular, requires them to draw up and adopt a plan of core paths in their areas.
D:\Ranger\My Documents\BBVP\Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Management Plan 2008\green flag Management plan.doc 55 • National Planning Policy Guideline 14: Natural Heritage – Scottish Government 1999
Aim: This National Planning Policy Guideline (NPPG) gives guidance on how the Government's policies for the conservation and enhancement of Scotland's natural heritage should be reflected in land use planning. In this context, Scotland's natural heritage includes its plants and animals, its landforms and geology, and its natural beauty and amenity.
• Planning and Open Space: Planning Advice Note: PAN 65 – Scottish Government 2003 Aim: This Planning Advice Note gives advice on the role of the planning system in protecting and enhancing existing open spaces and providing high quality new spaces. It supports National Planning Policy Guideline (NPPG) 11: Sport, Physical Recreation and Open Space. A key aim of the PAN is to raise the profile of open space as a planning issue.
• Planning for Natural Heritage: Planning Advice Note 60 – Scottish Government 2000
Aim: This Planning Advice Note provides advice on how development and the planning system can contribute to the conservation, enhancement, enjoyment and understanding of Scotland's natural environment and encourages developers and planning authorities to be positive and creative in addressing natural heritage issues.
• The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995
Aim: The Act aims to end the discrimination that many disabled people face. This Act has been significantly extended, including by the Disability Discrimination Act 2005. It now gives disabled people rights in the areas of: employment, education, access to goods, facilities and services. The Act now requires public bodies to promote equality of opportunity for disabled people.
• Closing the Opportunity Gap – Scottish Government
Aim The Scottish Government produced Closing the Opportunity Gap as part of their social justice strategy to tackle poverty and disadvantage. Among the National priorities for community regeneration of particular relevance to the park are the following; “Building strong, safe and attractive communities”, “Improving health”, and “Raising educational attainment”.
D:\Ranger\My Documents\BBVP\Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Management Plan 2008\green flag Management plan.doc 56 • Improving Health in Scotland - THE CHALLENGE – Scottish Government Aim: This document provides a strategic framework to support the processes required to deliver a more rapid rate of health improvement in Scotland and highlights further actions to improve the health of the people of Scotland
• Let's Make Scotland More Active: A strategy for physical activity - Scottish Government February 2003 Aim: The National Strategy for Physical Activity aims to encourage the people of Scotland adapt more active lifestyles. The Strategy sets out the vision that: "People in Scotland will enjoy the benefits of having a physically active life."
• Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 Aim: The act sets out a series of measures which are designed to conserve biodiversity and to protect and enhance the biological and geological natural heritage of Scotland.
• Dog Fouling (Scotland) Act 2003 Aim: The Act has 2 principal aims. The first of these is to amend the offence of dog fouling so that the offence consists of failing to clear up after a dog rather than of allowing a dog to foul. The second aim is to establish new enforcement provisions in connection with the offence by enabling local authorities and police constables to issue fixed penalty notices to persons suspected of committing the offence. This particular Act is very relevant to the Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park as the main group of park users is constituted of dog walkers.
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LINKS WITH LOCAL STRATEGIES AND POLICY
• A Community Plan for Edinburgh 2004-2010 – The City of Edinburgh Council
Aim: The Community Plan sets out a number of agreed key challenges that all agencies in Edinburgh are now committed to tackling through their own activities. It identifies a number of actions for partner organisations to pursue and provides a summary of selected actions that partners are currently taking to address the core objectives through individual services and by working together. There are six ‘Strategic Aims’ and ten key challenges which are relevant to all partner activities and services. Of particular relevance to the Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park are the Key Challenges: “Ensuring clean, safe and green neighbourhoods”, “Improving Health for All” and “Improving educational achievement and lifelong learning”.
• Edinburgh Core Path Plan 2008 Aim: Councils throughout Scotland have a legal responsibility to identify key (Core) paths in their area, which are used by walkers, cyclists, horse riders etc. The idea is that as well as being safeguarded (most are already likely to be Rights of Way), they will be promoted, maintained (better in some cases), improved and added to.
• Edinburgh and Lothians Structure Plan 2015 (approved June 2004) - The City of Edinburgh Council, East Lothian Council, Midlothian Council, and West Lothian Council
Aim: The Edinburgh and the Lothian’s Structure Plan 2015 sets out the long-term vision for the development of land in Edinburgh and Lothian. It centers on a land-use and transportation strategy together with a set of policies which co-ordinate sustainable public and private investment with the protection of the environment. The structure plan provides the broad framework for local plans, which contain more detailed and site specific policies.
Relevance: The principal implication of the plan on the park is the stated aim to “protect and enhance important landscape settings of settlements and areas of urban green space” and “protect the natural environment from inappropriate or damaging
D:\Ranger\My Documents\BBVP\Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Management Plan 2008\green flag Management plan.doc 58 development”. The plan states that “Development affecting the following regional or local areas of natural heritage and built environmental interest, or their settings, will only be permitted where it can be demonstrated that the objectives and overall integrity of the designated area will not be compromised”. The plan lists a number of designated and specified areas to which special attention will be paid of which those affecting the Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park include: defined core and local path networks and Local Nature Reserves. The plan also states that “Local plans should define the features of local importance for wild flora and fauna as identified in a Local Biodiversity Action Plan, and include policies and, where appropriate, proposals for their protection and enhancement.”
• Development Plan – The City of Edinburgh Council
Aim: The Development Plan for the City comprises the Edinburgh and Lothian’s Structure Plan (2004) and a number of Local Plans. These documents provide the statutory planning framework for the Council’s policies and proposals towards the protection and use of the city’s open spaces, including the majority of those identified by this Strategy, and the creation of new areas of open space where there is considered to be a deficiency in its provision.
The Council is in the process of reviewing its local plans and aims to reduce their number to two: one to cover Rural West Edinburgh i.e. land west of the city by-pass extending from South Queensferry to the Pentland Hills; the other, a new local plan to be called the Edinburgh City Local Plan, to cover the rest of the city. The Public Parks & Gardens Strategy and Biodiversity Strategy, along with other strategies prepared for sports pitch provision, allotments and access to open space, will be important considerations for any new Local Plan.
• Edinburgh Public Parks and Gardens Strategy – The City of Edinburgh Council, March 2006
Aim: To provide the City of Edinburgh with a strategy for its parks and gardens that sets realistic aspirations and shows the way forward to achieving them. A full review of local policy was carried out as part of the production of the Edinburgh Public Parks and Gardens Strategy that was adopted by the Council in March 2006.
Following adoption if the Edinburgh Public Parks and Gardens Strategy, the Council announced a funding package of £5.6 million to reverse a 30-year decline in spending for parks and gardens.
D:\Ranger\My Documents\BBVP\Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Management Plan 2008\green flag Management plan.doc 59 Relevance: There are numerous sections of the strategy which impact on the park. However, one of the more significant recommendations contained within the strategy is the introduction of a city-wide parks and gardens classification system as a management tool. In the recommended classification system the Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park falls into two categories.
It can be classified a Natural Heritage Park because it is a designated local nature reserve. One of the principal management recommendations of the report is Recommendation 20: “The Council should create a designated multi-skilled estate team trained to maintain Natural Heritage Parks”.
• The Edinburgh Biodiversity Action Plan 20010 – 2015 – The City of Edinburgh Council
Aim: The third Edinburgh Biodiversity Action Plan is to be launched in Spring 2010. This new plan “supersedes the second Edinburgh Biodiversity Action Plan 2004-2009.
Relevance: A Phase 1 Habitat survey was conducted in August 2006 which recorded the presence of Bluebell (Hyacynthoides non-scripta) and Wood Millet (Millium effesum) both of which are listed in the Biodiversity Action Plan. Signs of Otters, which is also in the Action Plan, were recorded.
• The Edinburgh Urban Forest Strategy – City of Edinburgh Council Aim: The urban forest encompasses all trees in and close to urban areas, including trees in streets, gardens, parks, small and larger woodlands, cemeteries and other open spaces. The strategy is being updated to reflect the lessons learned from the implementation of the 1991 strategy and woodland planting for the Millennium. • Capitalising on Access – An Access Strategy for the City of Edinburgh – The City of Edinburgh Council - September 2003
Aim: The Access Strategy sets out a framework for developing opportunities for walking, cycling and horse riding in Edinburgh.
Relevance: One of the principal recommendations of the strategy is, in line with the Land Reform Act, to establish a Core Path Network for Edinburgh. The Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park has been selected as a core path, reference number CEC 1. This designation brings with it responsibilities of maintenance and future development
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• Play in Partnership – A Play Strategy for the City of Edinburgh - The City of Edinburgh Council, 2001.
Aim: The strategic vision for the Play Strategy is that: “Edinburgh will be a child friendly city where all children and young people have access to play opportunities which offer variety, adventure and stimulus. They will be able to play freely and safely and make choices about where, how and when they play.” Relevance: There are two objectives which will have an obvious impact on the management of the park. The first is that “Every child and young person in Edinburgh will have access to good quality playgrounds and play areas which meet their needs for variety, accessibility, choice, open space, adventure and play aspirations.” And “To provide safe outdoor play areas in city parks, open spaces, woodlands, shorelines and other areas used for play.”
The strategy also makes the recommendations that “In partnership with Environmental Services, identify and implement methods to improve the cleanliness of play areas.”
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APPENDIX II: MAINTENANCE PLAN
The following tables show the annual maintenance regime of the different elements found in the Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park LNR and show who is responsible to carry out each item. Each table is colour coded and reflects the colour used on Maps 1A, 1B and 1C further below. Table 1: Grass maintenance General Description Action/Work Who No. Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Frequency GRASS MAINTENANCE Grounds maintenance Fortnightly General Areas Cutting team 2 2 3 2 3 2 3 2 (Sum) Grounds maintenance Thrice Bin Emptying team 156 12 12 15 12 12 15 12 15 12 12 15 12 Weekly Grounds maintenance team, Countryside Rangers, Litter Collection Volunteers 104 8 8 10 8 8 10 8 10 8 8 10 8 Bi-Weekly Grounds maintenance Graffiti removal team, (APPLICABLE TO ALL Countryside AREAS IN THE PARK) Offensive Ranger Within 24 hrs Grounds maintenance team, Non- Countryside Offensive Ranger Within 72hrs
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Table 2: Bulb planted areas maintenance General Description Action/Work Who No. Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Frequency BULB PLANTED AREAS MAINTENANCE Grounds maintenance Fortnightly Specific area Cutting team 2 2 2 2 (Sum) Grounds maintenance team, Countryside Ranger, Litter Collection Volunteers 104 8 8 10 8 8 10 8 10 8 8 10 8 Bi-Weekly
Table 3: Roads and Pathways maintenance Action/Work General Description s Who No. Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Frequency ROADS & PATHWAYS MAINTENANCE Roads/paths & Cycleway Inspection Engineer 1 1 Annual Countryside Inspection Ranger 524454 45454454Weekly
D:\Ranger\My Documents\BBVP\Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Management Plan 2008\green flag Management plan.doc 63 Table 4: Play areas maintenance (Skateboard park and Youth play area) Action/Work General Description s Who No. Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Frequency PLAY AREA MAINTENANCE
SKATEBOARD PARK Inspection Engineer 12 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Monthly Equipment Maintenance Inspection Manager 2 1 1 Bi-Annual Countryside Inspection Ranger 52 4 4 5 4 4 5 4 5 4 4 5 4 Weekly Grounds Litter maintenance Removal team 104 8 8 10 8 8 10 8 10 8 8 10 8 Bi-Weekly Grounds maintenance Surfaces - Hard Sweeping team 52 4 4 5 4 4 5 4 5 4 4 5 4 Weekly Grounds maintenance Litter Collection team 104 8 8 10 8 8 10 8 10 8 8 10 8 Bi-Weekly Grounds maintenance Thrice Bin Emptying team 156 12 12 15 12 12 15 12 15 12 12 15 12 Weekly Engineer YOUTH PLAY AREA Inspection Engineer 12 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Monthly Equipment Managers Maintenance Inspection Manager 2 1 1 Bi-Annual Ranger Countryside Inspection Ranger 52 4 4 5 4 4 5 4 5 4 4 5 4 Weekly Grounds maintenance Surfaces - Bark Raking bark team 52 4 4 5 4 4 5 4 5 4 4 5 4 Weekly Grounds maintenance team, Litter Countryside removal Ranger 104 8 8 10 8 8 10 8 10 8 8 10 8 Bi-Weekly
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Table 5: Infrastructures maintenance Action/Work General Description s Who No. Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Frequency INFRASTRUCTURES MAINTENANCE Countryside rangers, Community Walls - inspect and Parks Every other repair as required Inspection Officer 6 1 1 1 1 1 1 month Countryside rangers, Fences - boundary and Community plantations inspect and Parks Every other repair as required Inspection Officer 6 1 1 1 1 1 1 month Countryside rangers, Community Gates - Lubricate Parks Every other hinges and padlocks Lubricate Officer 6 1 1 1 1 1 1 month Countryside rangers, Community Steps - Inspect and Parks repair Inspection Officer 52 4 4 5 4 4 5 4 5 4 4 5 Weekly Countryside rangers, Community Benches - Clean and Parks repair Inspection Officer 52 4 4 5 4 4 5 4 5 4 4 5 Weekly Countryside rangers, Signage and Community Interpretation boards - Parks inspect and repair Inspection Officer 52 4 4 5 4 4 5 4 5 4 4 5 Weekly
D:\Ranger\My Documents\BBVP\Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Management Plan 2008\green flag Management plan.doc 65 Table 6: Woodland areas maintenance Action/Work General Description s Who No. Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Frequency WOODLAND AREAS MAINTENANCE Task Force Teams, Volunteers, Countryside Litter Collection Ranger 2 1 1 Bi-Annual Volunteers, Arboricultural teams, Monthly Selective Removal of Countryside (Autumn/ non native young trees Removal Rangers 6 1 1 1 1 1 1 Winter) Volunteers, Arboricultural teams, Monthly Selective Removal of Countryside (Autumn/ non native shrubs Removal Rangers 6 1 1 1 1 1 1 Winter) Officer Arboricultural Elm Inspection DED inspection teams 3 1 1 1 Quarterly Removal or pruning of dangerous trees or Arboricultural Monthly limbs Removal teams 4 1 1 1 1 (Winter) Volunteers, Arboricultural teams, Countryside Monthly Ivy Control Removal Ranger 4 1 1 1 1 (Winter) Volunteers, Arboricultural teams, "beating up" of Countryside Monthly plantations Planting Rangers 6 1 1 1 1 1 1 (Winter) Strimming area around whips within Countryside Quarterly (if plantations Cutting Rangers 3 1 1 1 necessary)
D:\Ranger\My Documents\BBVP\Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Management Plan 2008\green flag Management plan.doc 66 Table 7: Burn area maintenance Action/Work General Description s Who No. Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Frequency BURN AREA MAINTEANCE Volunteers, Countryside Cleaning obstructions, Debris Ranger, Monthly and large items etc Removal Task Force 12 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 as required Volunteers, Countryside Willow pruning Removal Ranger 1 1 Winter only Volunteers, Anti-erosion willow Countryside as required, hurdles and terraces Removal Ranger Spring only
Table 8: Wildflower meadow management Action/Work General Description s Who No. Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Frequency Countryside Wildflower meadow Rangers, management Cutting Volunteers 2 1 1 Bi-Annual Countryside Rangers, Raking Volunteers 2 1 1 Bi-Annual Grounds maintenance team, Countryside Ranger, Litter Collection Volunteers 2 1 1 Bi-Annual
D:\Ranger\My Documents\BBVP\Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Management Plan 2008\green flag Management plan.doc 67 Lasswade Road tain’s Road p Ca
MAP 1A KEY: Grass maintenance Bulb planted areas maintenance Roads and Pathway maintenance Play Area maintenance Infrastructures maintenance WWWoooooodddlllaaannnddd aaarrreeeaaasss mmmaaaiiinnnttteeennnaaannnccceee Burn area maintenance WWWiiillldddffflllooowwweeerrr mmmeeeaaadddooowww mmmaaannnaaagggeeemmmeeennnttt Straiton Road
Map 1A: Section of the park from Straiton Road to Lasswade Road
D:\Ranger\My Documents\BBVP\Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Management Plan 2008\green flag Management plan.doc 68 kes Street y Gilmerton D
Gilmerton Dykes Crescent
MAP 1B KEY: Grass maintenance Bulb planted areas maintenance Roads and Pathway maintenance Play Area maintenance Lasswade Road Infrastructures maintenance WWWoooooodddlllaaannnddd aaarrreeeaaasss mmmaaaiiinnnttteeennnaaannnccceee Burn area maintenance WWWiiillldddffflllooowwweeerrr mmmeeeaaadddooowww mmmaaannnaaagggeeemmmeeennnttt
Map 1B: Section of the park from Lasswade Road to Gilmerton Dykes Crescent
D:\Ranger\My Documents\BBVP\Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Management Plan 2008\green flag Management plan.doc 69 MAP 1C KEY: Grass maintenance Bulb planted areas maintenance Roads and Pathway maintenance Play Area maintenance Infrastructures maintenance WWWoooooodddlllaaannnddd aaarrreeeaaasss mmmaaaiiinnnttteeennnaaannnccceee Guardwell Burn area maintenance Glen WWWiiillldddffflllooowwweeerrr mmmeeeaaadddooowww mmmaaannnaaagggeeemmmeeennnttt
Gilmerton Road Gilmerton Dykes Crescent
Map 1C: Section of the park Gilmerton Dykes Crescent/ Guardwell Glen to Gilmerton Road
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APPENDIX III: COUNTRYSIDE RANGER SERVICE WORKPLAN
Note: Workplan was on Excel spreadsheet and had to be cut and pasted to fit Word format. CEC Green SNH Lead STRATEGIC Flag Project/ output 2009/2010 Progress to January 2010 AIM Legislation Ranger AIMS Criteria / Plan H&S, LRA, Ensure sites are patrolled to required frequency Co-ordinated new patrol system now being DDA All monitored Clean On-going- extra perches installed at Cammo and Well Maintain countryside furniture and features etc All Estate Maintain Monitor Salvesen Steps, weekly Steps are monitored as part of weekly patrol ed All Carried out as required- Cammo monitored, Clear drains on all sites DK WoL- Stockbridge and Currie cleared Carry out repairs and maintenance of paths and ancillary Carried out as required facilities (bridge surfaces, signage and waymarking) DK Cut and scrape back over hanging vegetation from paths All On-going Prepare specifications for contractors as required. All On-going Investigate possible upgrade of the Salvesen Steps DK Programmed for Spring 2010 Boundary fence is checked as part of weekly Provide a Monitor boundary fence at Ravelston, weekly All patrol Welcomi Monitoring takes place as part of regular ng Place Monitor steps/structures on Water of Leith/Report All patrols Monitoring of grass cutting at all City of Edinburgh sites All Checked while patrolling Ravelston Quarry signs replaced, ice signs Erect and maintain seasonal signs CR erected and checked Responsible users poster completed for all Ensure a Welcome to the Countryside Countryside to the Ensure a Welcome Promote responsible access through signage CR sites e.g. dogs, cyclists. Investigated 11 access issues and dealt with a Deal with Access Related Issues CR variety of queries/questions Target and promote activities for socially excluded On-going Marketin groups JM On-going
Manage sites in accordance with Land Reform Act (Scotland) 2003 (Scotland) Act Reform with Land in accordance sites Manage g Evaluate use of visitor centres SD Produce events leaflets twice a year SD Events leaflet out and distributed
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IMPLEMENT ACTIONS FROM All Site MANAGEMENT PLANS 2009-
10
Clean and Well Programmed for Spring 2010 Maintain ed Improve access path from Corstorphine Road entrance DK/CR
Communi ty On-going- reports sent to every Friends Involvem meeting ent Liaise with Friends group and give progress reports DK
Liaise with Friend's group over Celebration Day DK Day successfully completed
Clean and Well Programmed for Spring 2010 Maintain ed Manage access infrastructure CR/DK
Provide a Contact with owner now established liaison
Care and Protect the Natural Heritage Heritage Natural the Protect Care and Welcomi continuing, boundary fence repairs and signs ng Place Corstorphine Hill Management Plan displayed Resolve boundary issues at Nuclear Bunker CR
Sustaina On-going bility Identify and report defects related to WIAAT projects All
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Provide a Meeting held with roads awaiting drawings for Welcomi Review options for additional parking around NE N Gate area. ng Place boundary JH
Conserva Consultation completed and evening meeting Investigate the use of cattle for restoring grasslands JH arranged for Jan 2010 tion and Heritage Monitor grass-cutting schedule All On-going when patrolling
Clean Re-position and re-bond urn in Visitor Centre SD Completed and Well Maintain Completed ed Replace vehicle gate at car park JH
Communi ty Ongoing Involvem ent Explore opportunities to expand schools' use of site All
Provide a
Welcomi Plan Mgt Cammo Facilitate scoping exercise for future of walled gardens Draft tender produced and forwarded to CPU ng Place and stables JH
Promote site through sale of Friends of Cammo leaflets SD On-going
Marketin Provide current information and interpretation for
Care and Protect the Natural Heritage Heritage Natural the Protect Care and On-going- responsible access, events, grazing g noticeboards CR
Provide articles for newsletters and community outlets SD 2 articles so far
Communi Meetings attended and relevant reports ty Attend Cammo Advisory Group meetings JH produced Involvem ent Liaise with associated Friends and local groups DK As required
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Clean Path G2 to be surfaced with woodchips DK Programmed for Spring 2010 and Well Maintain Incorporated into patrol duties ed Steps (A) to be topped up with Whin dust DK
Conserva Monitor and arrange grassland/meadow cutting SS Will cut in autumn and spring tion and
Heritage Plan Survey butterflies by completing transect SS Carried out with assistance from volunteers
Communi Communicate with Friends Groups and produce yearly newsletter SS Newsletter to be produced each spring ty Involvem ent
Meadows Yard Management Management Yard Meadows Undertake consultation of Mgt Plan SS Mgt plan finished - to be adopted by East Team
Manage One action this year - monitor/survey site for SS ment Progress Woodland Mangement Plan 2010 rewrite, need liaison with T&O officer
Communi ty CR No meetings have been held Involvem ent Attend Friends meetings and give progress reports
Identify and report defects related to WIAAT projects All On-going when patrolling
Care and Protect the Natural Heritage Heritage Natural the Protect Care and Sustaina Any defects are reported to the appropriate bility Liaise with Trees and Woodlands Officer All Ravelston Woods Woods Ravelston
Management Plan Management officer
Manage Review and write new Mgt Plan for site Carried forward to 2010-11 ment
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Manage Done - needs to go for consultation ment Review and update Mgt Plan SD
Clear damaged limbs and trees DK/SS Carried out as required
Beat up' planted tree areas SS Liaison required with T&W officer
Sustaina Thin plantations to form glades/rides SS Liaison required with T&W officer bility Ensure survival of existing shrub layer species by Hedges trimmed thinning and pruning as required DK
Remove exotic vegetation; particularly regeneration JM Completed
Provide a Received expert advise and added outcome to Welcomi management plan ng Place Facilitate scoping exercise on future of curling rink SD
Leaflets handed out during events and getting Marketin Promote site through Nature Trail leaflet All updated
g Provide current information and interpretation for Updated regularly noticeboards SD
Easter Craiglockhart Hill Mgt Plan Easter
Care and Protect the Natural Heritage Heritage Natural the Protect Care and Communi ty On - going Involvem ent Liaise with associated committees and local groups SD
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Clean and Well Sign produced and due to be erected in CR Maintain Replacement of directional sign downstream from January 2010 ed Colinton Tunnel
Marketin Date of event was moved at short notice - CR g Contribute to Art in Park Event at Spylaw unable to attend
Plan Manage Mgt Plan for Water of Leith being written by JH ment Review and write management plan for area consultant Dec- March 2010
Communi Currently investigating options with Roads Upgrade path at Kate's Mill Road to bridge DK ty Dept. Colinton Dell Management Management Colinton Dell Involvem ent Attend Friends meetings and give progress reports JM On-going
Liaise and assist Friends with Doocot Walled Garden JM Produced species list for planting restoration project
Apply for WIAT funding to impliment Woodland Mgt Plan JH Completed by Trees and Woodlands Officers
Clean and Well Upgrade gate at Ice-house JM Order raised and work scheduled for Feb 2010 Maintain Liaison with Historic Scotland and CEC Curator ed Investigate restoration of Water Pumps in Braid Burn JM of Archaeology on-going
Undertaken restoration of Blackford Pond embankment SS/JM/S Grant applications written, working with Friends
Care and Protect the Natural Heritage Heritage Natural the Protect Care and plus new intrpretation D Group
Improve habitat mgt for biodiversity of Blackford Pond Pond restoration completed & 3 interpretation SS/JM Conserva area boards in production tion and Review and write mgt plan for non-woodland areas SS Programmed for winter period Heritage Primrose survey done, other to be done in Hermitage of Braid Management Plan Plan of Braid Management Hermitage Contribute and monitor the re-introduction of Rock SS autumn, more Rock Whitebeam and Sticky Whitebeam, Primrose and Sticky Catchfly catchfly to be planted with volunteers
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Upgrade whin dust path at Quills CR Completed
Clean and WREN funding secured, works to start in Feb CR Well Investigate drainage issues at rear of Donaldson School 2010
Maintained WREN funding secured, works to start in Feb Repair Dean Path Steps CR 2010
Continue to liaise with the WoL C.T. particulary Community Liaise with and attend WoL C.T meetings CR in relation to the proposed WREN Project, Mgt Involvement Plan and the Antony Gormley Statues
Assist with 6 clean ups with the WoL Conservation Trust JM Assisted with 4 clean-ups
Clean and
Water of Leith of Leith Water WREN funding secured, works to start in Feb Upgrade steps from walkway to cycleway at Roseburn CR Well 2010 Maintained
On-going, most of the works are currently on CR Liaise with Flood Prevention hold Community
Care and Protect the Natural Heritage Heritage Natural the Protect Care and Involvement On-going, attended Bailiffs AGM on 11th Liaise with Water Bailiffs CR December
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Clean and Walls on Craigmillar Castle Road repaired April Well 2009 Maintained Repair path and wall by Castle (path W5) JH
Sustainability Remove stakes and shelters from trees >1.5m height SS Some done in spring, more in spring 2010
Grasscutting not achieved for 2009 under Monitor and arrange grasscutting throughout park SS investigation by East Team
Funding secured through HLF and CEC, Surfacing of path route W3 - Yew Tree Walk DK/SS project underway Clean and Well Funding secured through HLF and CEC, Maintained Creation of access point though boundary wall at W3 DK/SS project underway
Upgrade fence at corner of Craigmillar Castle Road JH Completed
Programmed for winter period subject to Purchase and installation of 5 benches along main paths CR funding
Community Liaise with Orienteering club regarding permanent Involvement course SS Permanent course in place, events held
Conservation Craigmillar Castle Park and Heritage Butterfly transect and survey SS Completed with assistance from volunteers
Management Interpretation installed in April under WIAT, Care and Protect the Natural Heritage Heritage Natural the Protect Care and Progress Management plan/WIAAT funding SS/SD Yew Tree Walk interpretation underway
Community Involvement Support and co-ordinate new Friends Group SS CWAG adopted constitution, support continuing
Grant secured by Friends Group and Provide a consultant appointed to produce reports for Welcoming Investigate the feasibility of a mountain bike track in the Craigmillar Castle Park, Burdiehouse Burn Place park. SS Valley Park and Corstorphine Hill
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Attend BBVP Steering group meetings and undertake As required actions arising JM
Attend and take minutes of Management Sub-group As required meetings JM
Community Funding identified from SEP further discussions Involvement Liaise with ELGT and SEP regarding funding for Mgt required as to allocation to projects plan implementation JM
Park Mgt plan Assist with FS for Gracemount High and Engage with local schools JM Liberton Nursery for programme at BBVP
Burdiehouse Burn Valley Organise events and clean up programme JM Further events programmed for Spring
Conservation and Heritage Patrol and monitor kingfishers and input into Recorder 6 SS Records from patrols put into Recorder 6
Management Programmed for winter period, draft Mgt Plan Plan for March 2010 Implementation Re-view documents, evaluate site and write draft mgt plan DK
Community Liaise with Boating Club, Angling Club and Cramond As required
Care and Protect the Natural Heritage Heritage Natural the Protect Care and Involvement Heritage Trust DK
River Almond River Almond Management Plan implemented with tasks completed with Plan DK Volunteers and Workshop staff. Implementation Implement maintenance plan
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Conservation SS Monthly counts completed and Heritage Undertake WeBs Surveys monthly
Community JH Forum conference attended Involvement Attend Forth Estuary Forum meetings
Firth of
Conservation Forth SPA Support and manage the Adopt a beach SS Provide advice to interested groups and Heritage scheme with the Marine Conservation Society
ALL CEC COUNTRYSIDE RANGER
MANAGED SITES
CORE DUTIES Responsible users poster completed and Encourage responsible dog behaviour CR displayed at all sites
Dog Act Encourage responsible disposal of litter and Responsible users poster completed and Clean and Well waste CR displayed at all sites
Litter Act Maintained Carried out and reported to taskforce as Care and Protect the Natural Heritage Heritage Natural the Protect Care and Remove fly-tipping from the parks as required All required
Organised as required, utilising community Organise litter sweeps of the parks All groups where appropriate
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EBAP, NCA, Develop biological record system-Recorder 6 and implement (BARS) SS On-going
W&CA Conservation Input biological records All On-going and Heritage On-going, developing projects for biodiversity Undertake biological recording SS volunteers
Monitor and control invasive species e.g. Giant Hogweed (spot spraying), Japanese Knotweed Maps of location of invasive species produced. Sustainability (digging and burning), Himalayan Balsam Control of invasive species is carried out with (pulling), Salmonberry (digging then spot the help of community and corporate groups spraying), Japanese Rose (dig out) SS/DK/All
Implement Nature Conservation Strategy SS On-going
2 events held, developing training programme Plan and undertake biodiversity training days SS for 2010
Attend EBAP meetings report back to team on Lots of meetings as EBAP is being updated - actions SS consultation with Biodiversity officers
Monitor bat boxes on rotational basis and record Bat boxes at BBVP and Craigmillar checked results CR
Conservation Erection and maintenance of habitat boxes in parks SS On-going and Heritage Collate results from Lothians Bat Group and add Care and Protect the Natural Heritage Heritage Natural the Protect Care and to CECCRS records SS/ALL Awaiting results
Monitor Badger Populations on all sites SS On-going
Otter survey handbook written - develop survey Undertake Otter monitoring SS method with volunteers
Produce Nature Conservation report SS Programmed for Spring 2010
Liaise with Biodiversity Officers SS On-going
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Increase use of Countryside Ranger Service On-going through the utilisation of the Education Pack All
Undertake school visits All On-going as required
Assist with Forest Schools Initiative DK/SD Completed - 17 sessions, 34 pupils
Provide training and experience for school and 1 placement college placements SD
Undertake university or college visits All On-going as required
Undertake community group visits JM 13 groups , 229 people
Contribute to Outdoor Diary SD Events advertised in Outdoor Diary
Produce a leaflet about Natural Heritage Parks Work with Health initiative continuing in Edinburgh SD
History leaflet for HoB produced and Bird Marketing Review annually and revised as required all leaflets being designed. Leaflet for ECH also CECCRS publications SD being updated.
2 new displays at Cammo, plus updating at Produce displays for visitor centres SD Hermitage
Plan and promote guided walks and events Planning for 2010-11 completed programme SD
Deliver and evaluate guided walks and events
Raise Awareness and Understanding Understanding and Awareness Raise 19 events, 172 participants programme SD
Update and develop CECCRS Website SD Guided Walks and Events undertaken
Manage the CECCRS visitor centres All On-going
Research and write articles for publications See above external to CECCRS SD
Prepare interim and final report SD Completed
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H&S Healthy, Safe Visitor management on all sites All On-going
and Secure Respond to incidents and emergencies All As necessary
Check all First Aid Equipment and procedures monthly SS/All Monthly checks completed
Provide regular feedback to staff and opportunities to contribute to the policies, Regular 1:1's completed processes and decisions of the CECCRS through regular 1 to 1's. JH/SD Management Manage staff including performance All PRD's and training aspects recorded management JH
Produce information for management reports JH/All Completed as required
Review Patrol Guidelines CR Programmed for winter period
H&S Manage Park Vehicles All On-going
Clean and Manage tools and equipment, tidy workshop DK/All On-going Well Maintained Resource management/property maintenance JH On-going
Update Inventory and purchase equipment tools Tools updated with records on file and materials DK
Work Planning and Recording JH/SD Completed
Raise Awareness and Understanding Understanding and Awareness Raise Training logs completed but some training Staff training and development JH/SD courses cancelled by suppliers
Management T&CPA, H&S,LRA, Respond to Planning Applications Carried out as required- 2 for this period W&CA, NCA JH
Attend and contribute to staff meetings All Weekly staff meetings are held
Administer petty cash and shop accounts CR Petty cash and Shop Accounts are up to date
Community Attend FEI Committee meetings and Cluster Attended meetings Involvement group meetings SD
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APPENDIX IV: PROJECTS SUMMARY TABLE
PROJECTS SUMMARY TABLE
Each project falls in one of the following categories: _Phase ONE: urgent/ important _Phase TWO: medium importance _Phase THREE: Desirable/ long-term Notes: Project 4: Marketing strategy. The Management group has decided to remove this project from the list and to split it up into 2 smaller projects which now figure in the minutes of the Management group meeting December 2009 as an action. All the projects are now listed in phase order.
PHASE PROJECT TITLE INDICATIVE COST LEAD CONTACT NUMBER 1 Habitat creation £5,000 CECCRS/ Management group 2 Burn erosion Management £25,000 CECCRS/ Management group 3 Woodland Management plan £2,000 CECCRS/ ELGT 5 Bothy conversion £5,000 Friends of BBVP ONE 6 Improvement physical access £NK CECCRS 7 Directional signage £6,000 CECCRS/ Access officer improvement 9 Improvement of Narrows £NK CECCRS/ Friends of BBVP 11 Football pitches £500 Mike Shields 12 Mountain bike trail £80,000 Friends of BBVP/ CECCRS 14 Orienteering course £5,000 ELGT Over £128,500 TOTAL COST
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PHASE PROJECT TITLE INDICATIVE COST LEAD CONTACT NUMBER 1 Habitat creation £5,000 CECCRS/ Management group TWO 8 Visual appearance £NK Friends of BBVP improvement Over £5,000 TOTAL COST
PHASE PROJECT TITLE INDICATIVE COST LEAD CONTACT NUMBER 10 Creation of Multi sport court £60,000 Scott Donkin 13 Improvement at rear of £15,000 Steering group/ CEC THREE Burdiehouse primary school £75,000 TOTAL COST
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ONE
PROJECT/ACTION TITLE: Wildflower Meadow Creation and LEAD CONTACT/AGENCY: Management Group / CEC Wetland Habitat Creation (includes pond creation) (CRS)
PROJECT PURPOSE: To investigate and create small areas of semi-improved grasslands and/or wildflower meadows and small areas of wetland habitats in order to increase the diversity of habitats in the LNR.
The projects can be driven by volunteers through the friends group with support from appropriate professionals. Methodology: Associated Outcomes: 1. To investigate potential location for semi-improved To increase the overall diversity of habitats both locally and grasslands and/or wildflower meadows using Phase II across the city. New habitats likely to support more wildlife and habitat survey improve the visitors experience. 2. To identify suitable cutting regime and options available to implement the work 3. To create the semi-improved grasslands and/or wildflower meadows and wetland habitats. 4. To seek advice of an expert in identifying the correct locations and materials. Phase: Estimated Start: Estimated Completion: Estimated Cost: ONE / TWO 2009 TBC £5,000 Seek in kind support from agencies such as Dunedin Canmore Links to Plans/Strategies: ANY KNOWN CONSTRAINTS: _Edinburgh Biodiversity Action Plan _Long-term management will be the main issue to resolve _Open Space Framework _Parks and Gardens Strategy
TWO
PROJECT/ACTION TITLE: Burn Erosion Management LEAD CONTACT/AGENCY: Management Group / CEC (CRS) PROJECT PURPOSE:
To reduce the impact of the natural burn bank erosion process near the path network and features.
Methodology: Associated Outcomes: 1. To review the Burdiehouse Burn erosion survey produced To protect any associated capital investments such as path by the River Restoration project in 2006? network, recreational facilities etc. 2. Produce a location priority list – 3. Identify best option to reduce the erosion process in consultation with the River Restoration project 4. Implement work 5. Monitor the areas 6. Identify funding streams
Phase: Estimated Start: Estimated Completion: Estimated Cost: ONE 2010 2012 £25,000 SEPA Has a dedicated fund – up to £5k
Links to Plans/Strategies: ANY KNOWN CONSTRAINTS: _Edinburgh Biodiversity Action Plan Continued vandalism may need to be taken into account _Flood prevention scheme? (for info) Identify locations It may be more effective to move the paths
1
THREE
PROJECT/ACTION TITLE: Review Woodland Management Plan LEAD CONTACT/AGENCY: Management Group / CEC and highlight improvements to the Moredun Woods Amphitheatre (CRS) as project
PROJECT PURPOSE:
To review, describe and evaluate the current condition of the woodland areas and to make recommendations for future management actions.
Methodology: Associated Outcomes: 1. Review the old Woodland Management Plan created in Longer term management of woodland areas for wildlife and the 2004 enjoyment and safety of visitors is coordinated. 2. Produce new Woodland Management Plan 2009 – 2019 Longer term improvements can be phased in conjunction with associated funds and external partner initiatives. 3. Introduce Moredun Woods Amphitheatre as project and include woodland areas along Straiton Road 4. Locate source of funding for implementation 5. Likely that alterations to remainder of park will be minimal
Phase: Estimated Start: Estimated Completion: Estimated Cost: ONE 2009 2010 £2,000 Forestry Commission? Rangers Service & Woodland Officer or pay consultants to commission plan. The plan itself will advise on costs for implementation Links to Plans/Strategies: ANY KNOWN CONSTRAINTS: _Edinburgh Biodiversity Action Plan _Edinburgh’s Urban Forestry Strategy _Forest Habitat Network
2
FIVE – OVERALL CONCEPT REQUIRES FURTHER DISCUSSION
PROJECT/ACTION TITLE: Bothy Conversion LEAD CONTACT/AGENCY: BBVPFG
PROJECT PURPOSE: To convert disused machine store at Gilmerton Dykes Street to provide a base for volunteers and storage of tools etc. Methodology: Associated Outcomes: 1. Re-visit existing architects plans; The volunteers who regularly support activities such as burn clean ups can access WC facilities and shelter from poor 2. Identify minimum works required to make the facility weather. safe, secure and wind/water tight; If the facility is supported at designated times by volunteers, 3. Identify overall usage plan visitors can access materials and information. Organised groups/walks can use the facility as a starting base. Phase: Estimated Start: Estimated Completion: Estimated Cost: ONE 2009 2010 £5,000 Community Grants Scheme and HLF
Links to Plans/Strategies: ANY KNOWN CONSTRAINTS:
3
SIX
PROJECT/ACTION TITLE: Improvement of Physical Access LEAD CONTACT/AGENCY: CRS
PROJECT PURPOSE:
To improve facilities and access to all including upgrading of path network, comply with DDA and Land Reform (Scotland) Act, 2003
Methodology: Associated Outcomes: 1. To review Path and Facilities Maintenance Plan (in The park will be as accessible as possible to all users as Management Plan) and upgrade where required; recognised by the land reform act (2003) 2. To evaluate different options to resolve issues of access 3. To locate source of funding Some elements are underway such as resolving the kissing gate and motorbike gate. Further discussion is required in respect of 4. Implement work motorbikes by the Steering Group and police/community safety.
Phase: Estimated Start: Estimated Completion: Estimated Cost: ONE 2010 2017 £NK
Links to Plans/Strategies: ANY KNOWN CONSTRAINTS: _Land Reform (Scotland) Act, 2003 _Motorbike issue a high priority problem at Neighbourhood level _Local Plan Strategy _Some steep access due to natural landscape _Open Space Framework _Long term future of School will influence Path upgrades _DDA _Access Strategy _Edinburgh Core Path Network, 2008
4 SEVEN
PROJECT/ACTION TITLE: Directional Signage & Improved Links LEAD CONTACT/AGENCY: CRS with other Path Networks
PROJECT PURPOSE:
To improve signage and visitor’s experience when using the park. To link LNR with other Greenspaces in area, to promote Core Path network.
Methodology: Associated Outcomes: 1. To identify locations that require signage (External of The park can be identified through the use of corporate imagery Park and agreed perimeter established) as a key element of a wider network within the city 2. To look at different options for signage according to location 3. Look at corporate signage used in other park 4. Identify where positive links can be made with other local networks 5. Implement work Link in with Core Path Network – discussions to have input from Steering Group Phase: Estimated Start: Estimated Completion: Estimated Cost: ONE 2009 unknown £6,000
Links to Plans/Strategies: ANY KNOWN CONSTRAINTS: _Open Space Framework No Access Officer in post to coordinate signage on Core Path Network _Access Strategy _Edinburgh Core Path Network, 2008
5
NINE
PROJECT/ACTION TITLE: Improve Visual appearance of the LEAD CONTACT/AGENCY: CRS / BBVPFG Narrows
PROJECT PURPOSE: To increase the overall aesthetic look and feel of this part of the park which becomes ultimately one way as it backs onto local properties. Methodology: Associated Outcomes: 1. Investigate the possibility of improving current fencing; Users will feel more secure and new fencing will assist to increase privacy within existing properties; 2. Reconstruct existing path; New ‘floating path’ will ease burden of limited space; 3. Engineer to establish feasibility of ‘Floating Path’ to create new path line away from existing properties; Residents will become more aware of surroundings and fly- tipping reduced 4. Identify if new raised fencing could be installed at rear of properties; 5. Investigate ‘Burn Ownership’ project with residents in adjacent properties Phase: Estimated Start: Estimated Completion: Estimated Cost: ONE 2010 TBC £NK
Links to Plans/Strategies: ANY KNOWN CONSTRAINTS: Site access difficult and will impact on cost analysis Outcome of future of Burdiehouse Primary School needs to be taken into consideration
6
ELEVEN
PROJECT/ACTION TITLE: Creation of one 7 a - side Football LEAD CONTACT/AGENCY: CPO Pitch
PROJECT PURPOSE: To continue to build upon existing facilities aimed at young people in and around the designated recreational area
Methodology: Associated Outcomes: 1. Identify potential statutory (CEC) resources which could The park will become established as a key resource in respect of assist to complete this project; positive facilities aimed at young people and their families. 2. Will impact on current use of Football Pitch
Phase: Estimated Start: Estimated Completion: Estimated Cost: ONE 2009 2010 £500
Links to Plans/Strategies: ANY KNOWN CONSTRAINTS:
7
TWELVE
PROJECT/ACTION TITLE: Mountain Bike Trail LEAD CONTACT/AGENCY: CRS / BBVPFG
PROJECT PURPOSE: To increase the (responsible) diversity of usage of the park and to encourage healthy lifestyle activities
Methodology: Associated Outcomes: 1. Consultant has visited Wimpey Wood; Young people (in particular) access the park area to undertake positive activities 2. Local feasibility study underway;
Phase: Estimated Start: Estimated Completion: Estimated Cost: ONE 2009 2010 CRS and BBVPFG to Source Funding
Links to Plans/Strategies: ANY KNOWN CONSTRAINTS: CEC Cycle Development Officer
8
FOURTEEN
PROJECT/ACTION TITLE: Orienteering Course LEAD CONTACT/AGENCY: ELGT
PROJECT PURPOSE: To increase the (responsible) diversity of usage of the park and to encourage healthy lifestyle activities
Methodology: Associated Outcomes: 1. Consult with City Orienteering Club to ascertain overall All age groups access the park area to undertake positive feasibility of introducing activity; activities 2. Identify (if appropriate) route/location 3. Identify resources required and associated funding; (metal posts with engravings would be preferable)
Phase: Estimated Start: Estimated Completion: Estimated Cost: ONE 2009 2010 £5,000
Links to Plans/Strategies: ANY KNOWN CONSTRAINTS:
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EIGHT
PROJECT/ACTION TITLE: Visual Appearance Improvements of LEAD CONTACT/AGENCY: BBVPFG Culverts, Bridges, Underpass and SUDS
PROJECT PURPOSE: Improve the overall aesthetic value of the park as determined by existing path network.
Methodology: Associated Outcomes: 1. Identify opportunities to introduce artist in residence The overall appearance of the park will be improved increasing to link with local school; the positive visitor experience. Will also assist to ensure that people using the park feel safe and secure. 2. Identify if pupils could be engaged as part of vocational training opportunity; By involving local young people, there is potential to establish more positive links with the park and potentially reduce Early Discussions with High School and Scottish Arts Council vandalism. have been positive with no commitment. Lasswade Road -Continuity of pathway and park needs to be addressed
Phase: Estimated Start: Estimated Completion: Estimated Cost: TWO 2010 2011 £NK
Links to Plans/Strategies: ANY KNOWN CONSTRAINTS: Large scale access to culverts/bridges can be difficult and will impact on any cost analysis
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TEN
PROJECT/ACTION TITLE: Creation of Multi Sports Court LEAD CONTACT/AGENCY: CEC SFC
PROJECT PURPOSE: To continue to build upon existing facilities aimed at young people in and around the designated recreational area Methodology: Associated Outcomes: 1. To identify type of facility required through the The park will become established as a key resource in respect of involvement of young people; positive facilities aimed at young people and their families. 2. To ascertain how best to link existing facilities; 3. To identify potential funding sources; 4. To undertake funding applications; 5. To undertake project in partnership with CEC SFC
Phase: Estimated Start: Estimated Completion: Estimated Cost: THREE TBC TBC c. £60,000 min. Scott (SEP) to obtain costings from existing facilities eg Inch Links to Plans/Strategies: ANY KNOWN CONSTRAINTS/COMMENT: Funding could be sought outwith HLF e.g. WREN but would require match fund element
11
THIRTEEN – PROJECT IN ABEYANCE
PROJECT/ACTION TITLE: Improvements at rear of Burdiehouse LEAD CONTACT/AGENCY: Steering Group/ CEC Primary School
PROJECT PURPOSE: To increase the overall aesthetic look and feel of this part of the park which becomes ultimately one way as it backs onto local Primary School. Methodology: Associated Outcomes: 1. Investigate the possibility of removing larger (disused) Users will feel more secure and overall appearance of associated tarmac area to re-introduce natural habitats area is improved; 2. Create recognised path as part of overall network Path network becomes clearer 3. Undertake feasibility study of old flood wall to ascertain its use. If still required, make better through repair.
Phase: Estimated Start: Estimated Completion: Estimated Cost: THREE TBC TBC £15,000
Links to Plans/Strategies: ANY KNOWN CONSTRAINTS: Long term future of primary school unknown. Any future developments could impact on this area.
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