Dowding Park

Management Plan 2018 – 2028 Year One Green Spaces Team

Contents

1. Introduction 3

2. Site Summary 3

Site Plans: 2.1 Map 1 - Location of Park 4 2.2 Map 2 - Aerial Photo 5 2.3 Map 3 - Access points 6

3. Present use 7

4. Facilities 7

5. Vision for Dowding Park 7

6. History 8

7. Ecology 10

8. Site Aims and Objectives 13

9. Project outlines 23

10. Appendices

Appendix 1 - Introduction to Hillingdon 26 Appendix 2 - Team structure 28 Appendix 3 - Marketing 29 Appendix 4 - Miscellaneous 31

1. Introduction To 2 Dowding Park was adopted by Hillingdon Council in March 2018. It is situated on the site of the old RAF base and is surrounded by new homes, school and new business units as well as The Battle of Britain Bunker and Hillingdon House. With 40 acres to explore, the site incorporates a mix of country and recreational parkland with the River Pinn running through a copse of mature trees. The newly planted Jubilee wood, football pitches, a playground and trim trail are all accessible with newly laid paths meaning that there is something for everyone, accessible to all.

2. Site Summary

Site Name Dowding Park Address St Andrew’s Road Postcode UB10 0XF Ownership Hillingdon Council Lead Officer contact details Jennifer Hedges Phone: 01895556000 Date site acquired 2018 London Parks typology designation Green Space Area (approx) 40 acres Access points 6 main access points / areas Leading to St Andrews Road, north east Leading to St Andrews Road, north west Leading to Hillingdon House Leading to The Bunker Leading to the new housing estate, east Leading to the new housing estate, south east

Access – Public Transport Metropolitan Line and Picadilly Line on the underground

427, A10 N207, U1, U3, U4, U7 buses

Key features Key habitats Mature trees River Pinn Attenuation ponds Grassy meadows Scrub Amenity grass Historic features Jubilee wood Time capsule Horticultural features Mature trees, River Pinn, Long grass, Sporting features Football pitches, Trim trail Playgrounds/other recreational Children’s playground features 3 Conservation Area No Tree preservation orders No

2.1. Location

Dowding Park is located in Uxbridge, a suburban area of west London. It lies directly to the south east of Uxbridge town centre and is bounded by the A4020 on the west, beyond which is an area of residential properties. To the east of the site, land use is predominantly residential. Hillingdon Golf Course lies to the south east of the site along with further residential properties. A further small area of residential properties is located to the north of the site, and beyond this the tracks of the Metropolitan Line which, in this location, run over ground. Hillingdon House Farm lies to the north of the railway line and this includes Uxbridge College and large playing fields and sports facilities including an athletics track and Uxbridge Lido.

By road, Dowding Park is approximately:

● 2 0 miles to the centre of London ● 4 miles to the M25 ● 7 miles to Heathrow

2.2. Aerial Photograph of Park

5 2.3 Park Features and access points.

6 3. Present use and facilities

A number of facilities has been incorporated into the design for Dowding Park whilst maintaining its aesthetic charm. The River Pinn divides the park into two with the more rural side containing the Jubilee wood, woodland trail and fishing platform. Across the bridges just past the attenuation ponds, the children’s playground, trim trail and football pitches are located, close to the housing estate.

4. Management Arrangements:

Dowding Park is managed by the London Borough of Hillingdon’s Green Spaces Team, (see Appendix 2 for Green Spaces Structure). Grounds maintenance is carried out by the borough’s grounds maintenance team (from January 2013, this function came back “in-house” after many years of using contractors). Typically, contractors are used for maintenance of the park’s infrastructure, although minor work may be done by local staff. Work is monitored by the council’s Green Spaces Area Officers and playground safety inspections are carried out every week by Park inspectors. An independent company inspects the playground and gym equipment annually and our term contractor inspects the playground and gym equipment quarterly.

5. Visions for Dowding Park

Our vision is to provide long term management and maintenance to Dowding Park in line with Green Flag standards. We seek to enhance the infrastructure of the park in ways that are appealing to the public and ensure the site is accessible to everyone, whilst protecting, enhancing and utilizing the natural and built features and encourage community involvement, creating a sense of belonging.

6. History

Historic maps shows that there has always been parkland here. In 1717 Hillingdon House was built as a hunting lodge for the Third Duke of Schomberg who died there two years later. The original house burnt down and was then rebuilt in 1844. In 1915 Hillingdon House was purchased by the British Government and became a convalescent home for Canadian Soldiers. In 1917 the Royal Air Force station RAF Uxbridge was established within the grounds.

The 1793 engraving shows Hillingdon House in its form prior to being re-built by Richard Cox in 1844. Whilst it is not confirmed that the drawing upon which it is based dates from precisely 1793, it does represent a parkland that would have been quite typical of the period. A pastoral scene of grazing cows is noted on the western banks of the lake.

Hillingdon House was used as a headquarters, housing the office of Air Vice-Marshal Keith Park during the Battle of Britain in 1940. (Park devised the strategy used by the RAF in the defence of the UK against the German air force). His strategy was put into action in the underground operations room now known as The Battle of Britain Bunker, just down the road from Hillingdon House, situated next to Dowding Park and today open to the public. The Battle Of Britain Bunker was built in 1939 and played a key role throughout the war but most notably during the Battle of Britain and on D-Day, controlling aircraft fighter operations. In 1918 the RAF, No.1 RAF Depot opened on the site. It became a key training centre for new recruits. Thus, generations of young entrants to the RAF were trained to use firearms on these ranges. In 1990 the Queen’s Colour Squadron of the RAF Regiment, formerly a ceremonial drill unit, became an active field squadron and were expected to be combat ready. For the next 20 years they would regularly use these rifle ranges, until RAF Uxbridge closed in 2010.

Other buildings of note included a cinema, officers’ mess and quarters, a sports ground, a parade ground and barracks and residential quarters. An avenue of mature Horse Chestnut trees were planted around the perimeter of the parade ground and these now form a visual separation between the barracks and the central open space. The sites military function ceased with the closure of RAF Uxbridge in 2010 as part of a rationalisation of Ministry of Defence facilities in Greater London. Plans begun on its redevelopment which included a new housing estate, business units and Dowding Park. Before Hillingdon Council took ownership of Dowding Park, the area of land had previously been an open space within the RAF base. It was enhanced and improved by the developer and named Dowding Park by the council to acknowledge Air Chief Marshal Hugh Caswall Tremenheere Dowding.

Air Chief Marshal Hugh Caswall Tremenheere Dowding. (Born 24 April 1882-15 February 1970), served as a fighter pilot and then as commanding officer of No. 16 Squadron during the First World War. He was Air Officer commanding RAF Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain and is generally credited with playing a crucial role in Britain's defence, and hence, the defeat of Adolf Hitler's plan to invade Britain.

A wood commemorating the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II was planted within the site in May 2012. A ground-breaking ceremony was held on 2nd July 2013 on the site, attended by the Mayor of Hillingdon and cabinet members of Hillingdon Council. The site was officially opened to the public on the 17th March 2018.

7. Ecology

Dowding Park is a relatively large expanse of land in a suburban area and will be used for both its nature conservation and informal recreation. Approximately 16.2ha (40 acres) in size, this site is dominated by amenity grassland including football pitches, punctuated by woodland, scrub and scattered trees. The wetlands (River Pinn, ponds and swells) also perform an important function as linear habitats. The parkland is largely designated as Green Belt and it is home to many different species.

As part of a study within Dowding Park, the following key design parameters have been identified:

● Environmental improvements to the River Pinn flood corridor. ● Habitat and biodiversity improvements and enhancement and protection of areas of ecological value and habitat. ● Retention of trees, including groups, lines and individual trees. ● Sympathetic treatment of the historic landscape around the listed building Hillingdon House (Grade II) and protection of that around the bunker. ● Provision of a river/nature walk in proximity to the river. ● Panoramic views towards and from Hillingdon House.

The following principal habitats can be recognised within the site, as follows:

1. Amenity grassland 2. Secondary woodland and scrub 3. Scattered trees 4. Semi-improved neutral grassland 5. Wetlands including ponds, river and swells

Vast areas of amenity grassland are present as the site keeps a mainly formal setting due to the use as sports pitches. This habitat by definition receives regular close mowing through the growing season, which creates a uniform and species poor sward. These areas are suitable for formal and informal leisure use.

There are significant areas of woodland, much with a dense understorey. The areas of dense woodland are to be retained and managed for optimum wildlife benefit. The existing path network is to be reinstated, although access will be discouraged from areas with dense undergrowth by retaining the understorey. There will be ongoing management of the trees.

Mature trees are the most significant feature of the park and provide an instant maturity and structure. Existing mature parkland tree planting has been augmented with more recent planting of native trees creating an attractive parkland edge.The recently planted (2012) Jubilee Wood will eventually create a natural extension to the existing tree planting.

The southern area of the park is grassed and includes a recently reseeded area of semi-improved grassland to the south of the retained rifle range. This habitat will be managed for optimum wildlife benefit.

The River Pinn forming the south-eastern border of the site is an ancient rivulet and is also one of the feeders of the River Colne. The River Pinn catchment area is 4,500ha in size. A restricted channel capacity meant that the households and livelihoods have been affected by increased flash flooding in the catchment area. The catchment is now much steeper, as the River was straightened from modifications and highly urbanised, which results in water running rapidly into the river, presenting a risk of short duration flooding during intense rainfalls. To extend the flood capacity of the river and to compensate for limited areas of development proposed within the floodplain, two areas of localised storage called “attenuation ponds” have been created to the east of the River Pinn. They are not intended to be landscape features in their own right and will be grassed and designed to blend with the existing contours.

The river corridor is densely vegetated and contains areas of woodland, much with dense understorey. The heavily wooded character of the river corridor will be retained, although access to the river banks will be encouraged at certain points, particularly towards St Andrews Road and the new school, where a timber platform into the river will provide pond-dipping and other educational benefits. In this northern section, vegetation will be kept clear and some localised ground work to the bank will create shallow, gravelled access points to the river. The trees in the river corridor will be managed on a rotational basis and there will be ongoing treatment of areas of invasive species.

Tree Survey

The trees are the most significant feature of the new park providing an instant maturity and structure. Existing mature parkland tree planting has been augmented with more recent planting of native trees creating an attractive parkland edge. Works to the trees were carried out on an ongoing basis as recommended by an arboriculturalist and this regime of minimum intervention should be continued. The trees which form the parkland edge are to be retained and managed following best practice guidelines. The areas of dense woodland are to be retained and managed for optimum wildlife benefit. It has been recommended that some tree clearance and crown lifting is carried out to reduce shading and create glimpsed views of Hillingdon House and that limited ongoing tree planting of native species planted as and when required to maintain the diversity and value of the river corridor woodland. The recently planted Jubilee Wood will eventually create a natural extension to the existing tree planting along the river. The river itself will be managed by minimum intervention to safeguard habitats. Some localised tree works such as pollarding will be carried out to ensure the long-term viability of the woodland and to ensure its ongoing ecological value. The landscape contractor will be responsible for replacement of newly planted trees during the 12 months defects period following planting. Beyond this period responsibility for management and maintenance of the trees will also pass to the council’s Tree Officers. A tree survey was carried out by Landmark Trees arboricultural consultants for RAF Uxbridge and this included Dowding Park. This document can be made available on request.

8. Site Aims and Objectives Main Aims 1. Create and maintain a welcoming site 2. Ensure the site is healthy, safe and secure 3. Ensure the site is clean and well maintained 4. Ensure sustainable management of resources 5. Appropriate management of conservation and heritage features 6. Encourage community involvement 7. Ensure effective marketing of the facility 8. Implement effective management strategies

8.1. Create a welcoming site Policy 7.18 of Mayor of London’s SPG ‘Shaping Neighbourhoods: Play and Informal Recreation’ (September 2012,) supports the creation of new open space in London. It defines District Parks as: 'Large areas of open space that provide a landscape setting with a variety of natural features providing for a wide range of activities, including outdoor sports facilities and playing fields, children's play for different age groups and informal recreation pursuits.’

The overall impression for any member of the community approaching and entering Dowding Park should be positive and inviting. The park is welcoming to families and individuals alike with activities and facilities for all including a play area, football pitch, woodland, a river and enough open space for other recreational activities. Our aim is to create a scenic and relaxing location to partake in fun, physical recreation and encourage a healthy lifestyle with a range of activities for all on a site accessible for all. Access through the park will be via existing paths including surfaced paths and less formal paths marked out by timber edging and bark mulch. Notice boards, interpretation boards and fingerposts will be positioned at key locations to help direct and inform people. Future access and management will balance the requirements for access throughout the park as well as the protection of the natural features to enhance biodiversity as well as the ‘heritage’ features. In addition to the network of paths and the significant areas of open playable space, specific play provision will be provided within the park in a Neighbourhood Playable Space (500sqm and a maximum desirable travel distance of 600m) as specified in the Mayor of London’s SPG Shaping Neighbourhoods: Play and Informal Recreation’ (September 2012). A Neighbourhood Playable Space (NEAP) is described as: ‘A varied natural space with secluded and open areas, landscaping and equipment so that children aged 0-11 can play and be physically active and they and their carers can sit and talk, with some youth facilities for young people over 11’. The existing level grass area will accommodate two sports pitches – one senior size (90m x 45.5m) and one U11-U12 pitch (68.25m x 42m) as defined in Sport England ‘Comparative sizes of sports pitches and courts’.

Objectives 1. Secure and standardise all access points, where applicable. 2. Maintain all boundary walls and fences as necessary. 3. Maintain footpaths as necessary. 4. Install and maintain new interpretive signage. 5. Maintenance and Provision of site furniture where appropriate.

8.2. Ensure that the park is healthy, safe and secure

Dowding Park is situated next to the newly built estate on the site of the old RAF base that along with the park, was once completely closed off to the general public until its official opening in March 2018. With the site now open to the public we expect there to be the similar amount of antisocial behaviour that can be found in other parks in similar residential locations within the borough. With the infrastructure already in place to tackle these issues as well as a wealth of experience, we do not expect there to be any challenges that cannot be overcome. Park Inspectors will carry out checks within the park, recording their findings and reporting any issues they come across. The grounds maintenance team will work to their standard schedule of maintenance, litter bins will be emptied to a schedule which can increase during the busy seasons and graffiti removed by our contractor. The Conservation Officer will work with community groups, volunteers and other specialist organisations to manage conservation within the park. The trees will be managed by the Tree Officers. With so many staff working on site acting as eyes and ears we hope to have any matters that arise dealt with promptly. Should there be issues of antisocial behaviour we will work closely with the council’s Environmental Enforcement team to enforce the parks PSPO’s. http://www.hillingdon.gov.uk/pspo Within our parks and open spaces we have in place Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPO’S) which are intended to deal with nuisance or problems that are detrimental to the local community's quality of life. PSPOs work by imposing conditions on the use of the area so that the law-abiding majority can use and enjoy public spaces, safe from anti-social behaviour. Should more serious matters arise we will include the local Police. Contact details for the council will be made available as well as other key information such as the sites address at the main access points of the park.

14 Objectives 1. Undertake regular cleaning regime to remove litter and fly tipping. 2. Ensure residents who use the park are aware of the relevant bylaws. 3. Continue to encourage residents to value the park. 4. Work closely with other teams and organisations to keep ASB to a minimum

8.3. Clean and well maintained

Dowding Park is predominantly maintained by the boroughs grounds maintenance team. All works are carried out in line with the detailed specification which provides clear definition of the standards and quantity of work required. There are occasions when we may use specialist contractors to carry out work, for example any tree work or specialist conservation work with this being overseen by the Tree Officer and Conservation Officer. Park Inspectors will report any areas of maintenance needed whilst on site inspecting the infrastructure and ensuring it is fit for purpose. The public are also able to report any issues they may come across, including litter, graffiti, vandalism or badly maintained areas etc, either via phone, letter, or using our online system; contact details can be found on the signage/interpretation boards at the main access points. The litter team whom are managed as part of the grounds maintenance team, are responsible for removing litter from the site and emptying bins. The site has a number of litter bins, sited within the grounds especially at key areas, which assist in keeping the area in a clean condition. The litter bins are emptied twice a week, however additional visits can be arranged if the bins need emptying during a busy period. Any reports of broken glass will be dealt with as soon as possible. Reports of graffiti are fed through the Customer Contact Centre, who commission the graffiti removal team. The council standard is to remove graffiti within 48 hours (24 hours in the case of graffiti that is racist or offensive).

Objectives 1. Continue with current maintenance arrangements. 2. Enhance maintenance regimes where practical. 3. Encourage the continued involvement friends of groups. 4. Identify and then carry through a programme of improvements.

8.4. Ensure sustainable management of resources.

The London Borough of Hillingdon recognises and are aware of the need to minimise adverse impact on the environment, LBH, therefore actively pursues ways of delivering sustainable development and ensuring environmental sustainability is a vital part of this. the council has signed up to the peat charter, and discourages the use of peat-based products in its horticultural work. In specific reference to Dowding Park, maintenance agreements discourage the use of pesticides and herbicides on the site, a stance that has environmental and financial benefits. Therefore, other methods of pest control are utilised, and, where possible, non-herbicidal weed control is carried out. Where it is absolutely necessary, a non-residual herbicide application will be used, (e.g. glyphosate) to reduce environmental impact. Also, where they are used, herbicides are applied as spot treatment rather than blanket sprayed and all operatives are trained and certified for that particular operation.

Where possible, any waste that can be recycled is disposed of this way. For example if the team clears away fly tipping within the site, the staff at New Years Green Lane Civic Amenity Site, our local refuse centre in Harefield, will salvage what they can to be recycled. Currently any mixed waste that is collected from our parks and open spaces and taken to the local amenity centre is taken away to be incinerated, rather than taken to a landfill. We hope that in the future there will be a greater opportunity for the litter to be recycled. All green waste created is taken to the borough’s green waste facility, New Years Green Lane Civic Amenity Site, for recycling. Tree trimmings are also recycled by the borough’s term tree maintenance contractor ensuring waste minimisation. It has been proposed that where possible fallen leaves are to be left on the beds, around the trees and shrubs and only cleared from the paths and lawns, so that they act as natural mulch. Any dead wood that can be utilised will be left where appropriate or used to create habitat piles. It is most important that we are seen to ‘practice what we preach’ and maintain high standards of sustainable management that demonstrate our awareness of environmental, conservation and resource issues. We therefore seek to

16 actively research and promote new initiatives in the field of sustainable resource management.

Objectives 1. Continue to promote waste minimisation. 2. Plan long term management for all features of the park. 3. Ensure efficient use of resources. 4. Develop and promote resource conservation and sustainable development. 5. Enhance semi arid plants feature and provide interpretation to show gardening can be attractive without major water use.

8.5. Appropriate management of conservation and heritage features

‘The historic environment is an aspect of our culture that is in constant change...and is ever being adapted in response to new demands and conditions. It is not just our past - we adapt and create and in doing so, we make the heritage of future generations.’ ‘Better places to live’ - Department for Culture, Media and Sport. The importance of green spaces for conservation of wildlife is understood naturally providing habitats which are not available in the more urban immediate surroundings (i.e. where concrete predominates). Hillingdon Borough council is responsible for approximately 1800 acres of green space, ranging from pocket parks to country parks, ponds to lakes, street trees to woodland all playing an important ecological role.

The approved Landscape and Open Space Strategy proposes that the design and function of the public realm and open spaces across the site be driven and informed by three complementary themes which recognise the significant opportunities offered by the site's location, historical context and landscape features. These themes are Culture & Heritage, Healthy Living and Ecology. Hillingdon Council will work with these themes in mind to ensure that for future generations any important features, including heritage and conservation, are maintained. With careful planning and a sustainable approach as well as a wealth of experience, with the help of such documents as this management plan, we are confident that improvements can be made without loss to and of any key features. These relate to the park as follows: ● Culture & Heritage– Dowding Park will be an important cultural asset, providing the setting for the listed Hillingdon House and its curtilage. There is potential for a performance space to the front of Hillingdon House and views to and from Hillingdon House will be retained and enhanced. The park will also provide educational opportunities due to its location close to the proposed school.

17 ● Healthy living – Dowding Park will contain sports pitches, a fitness trail, extensive informal play opportunities as well as an equipped play area. The footpath network will be upgraded to provide a riverside walk as well as a cycle route through the park from Hillingdon House towards the town centre.

● Ecology – Dowding Park offers significant opportunities for ecological enhancement - the River Pinn and its corridor, the creation of an attenuation pond which will be partially planted with appropriate species, appropriate management of the woodland areas and the area of semi-improved grassland to the south. The primary objective for the management and maintenance of the park is to ensure that a balance is achieved that allows for public access and enjoyment whilst ensuring that the health and longevity of the heritage features, the watercourse, its vegetation and wildlife is not compromised. Since there is an aspiration to improve the nature conservation value of the site, a sensitive approach to wildlife is a key objective within the management strategy. The objectives of the management regime include, but are not limited to:

● Conserve the existing biodiversity of the site, and enhance it where appropriate ● Conserve and enhance the semi-improved grassland, riparian habitats and woodland ● Conserve the population of flora and fauna within the existing habitats ● Maintain flood storage capacity ● Manage access and the impacts of renewed public access as a result of the development of the site ● Encourage local people in the active management of the site ● Provide optimum conditions for the long-term health and viability of the trees and vegetation ● Ensure the successful establishment of tree planting ● Reduce the risk of mature trees presenting a health & safety hazard ● Maintain good pedestrian access through the site in good order ● Grassed areas do not become overgrown and colonised with trees and undergrowth ● Control/eradication of invasive species ● Provide information on the ecological value of the parkland ● Promote the site as an educational resource for people of all ages ● Conserve and manage heritage features for future generations Although the site is used for formal and informal recreation and is managed as amenity grassland by regular close mowing through the growing season, which creates a uniform and species poor sward; other habitats such as woodland, semi- improved grassland and wetlands are managed for optimum wildlife benefit . They are a haven for invertebrates and avifauna in such urban surroundings. The site is designated as Green Belt and it is important to manage all habitats to conserve the existing biodiversity of the site, and enhance it where appropriate.

The woodland management should consist mainly of non-intervention as it acts as shelter for nesting birds etc, except for any work necessary to make trees safe along the informal entrances and paths. There are identified badger setts as well as bats on the 18 site and Countryside and Conservation officer should ensure that all works are carried out to best practice guidelines.The border of the scrub consists mainly of bramble and blackthorn and it should be prevented from spreading into the adjacent grassland by cutting. However regular litter clearance should take place in future. Dead wood should be retained on site as it forms an important habitat, especially for invertebrates and fungi. Dead timber should consist of a mixture of dead and dying wood on standing trees, and standing and fallen dead trees. Standing dead wood provides opportunities for woodpeckers to excavate nest-holes and hollows in branches and trunks provide roosting and breeding sites for bats. Retention of dead wood is therefore desirable in all forms from fallen branches to whole tree trunks, both fallen and standing. Trees adjacent to paths should be inspected annually and after storms or unusually high winds. There are several bird boxes in the woodland, but more bird and bat boxes will be installed to encourage nesting/roosting.

Limited tree planting of native species is recommended to maintain the diversity and value of the river corridor woodland although the planting of Fraxinus excelsior and Quercus robur is to be avoided.

Works to the mature trees are being carried out on an ongoing basis as recommended by a specialist arboriculturalist and this regime of minimum intervention should be continued. The trees which form the parkland edge are to be retained and managed following best practice guidelines.New planting will consider sightlines from the new development as well as the open parkland edge character of this important interface. To conserve and enhance the semi-improved grassland it is essential to delay natural succession. The grassland will be allowed to grow uncut until late summer when it is cut back to 50mm with a scythe, strimmer or tractor mower and the hay removed. This will have certainly helped to increase the vegetation species diversity but cutting the entire area each year does not leave any areas for over wintering invertebrates, reptiles etc. Ideally some areas should be left uncut each year on a rotation to provide places for hibernating reptiles and amphibians.

The vegetation within the river corridor will be managed by minimum intervention to safeguard habitats. Some localised tree works such as pollarding will be carried out to ensure the long-term viability of the woodland and to ensure its ongoing ecological value. Areas where there is dense undergrowth will be retained and public access will be discouraged. The river corridor is generally densely vegetated, but there will be opportunities to introduce areas of suitable aquatic and bankside planting. Along the river margins, occasional patches of tall herbaceous vegetation occur within the site such as nettle (Urtica dioica) and creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense). Docks and hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium) are abundant especially along river margins. Invasive species such as Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed are controlled mechanically by pulling out by hand and chemical treatment applied. Ongoing ecological monitoring of the park should be carried out to identify future potential enhancements and to measure the impact of the initial proposals. 19 All site management should take into account the effect on the educational value of the site as well as the key features of their heritage and the health and safety implications, with particular regard to children. Objectives 1. Conserve landscape features and improve as necessary. 2. Conserve existing boundaries. 3. Maintain natural areas for nature conservation. 4. Initiate programme of phased tree maintenance in line with survey findings.

8.6. Encourage community involvement

The LBH community strategy outlines goals for improving the quality of life of the community. Proposed actions taken towards achieving the goal ‘a clean and attractive borough’ include involving the community in improving standards of green spaces. The strategy can be accessed at: http://www.hillingdon.gov.uk/media/24086/Sustainable- Community-Strategy-2011/pdf/Hillingdon_Sustainable_Community_Strategy_2011.pdf

The site is important to all of its users. The team promise a number of customer care standards and aim to meet some Service Specific Standards including involving users and the community in parks and in consultations about them. The London Borough of Hillingdon Open Space Strategy 2011-2026 was created to inform the development of the Local Development Framework and wider planning policy by;

• Updating and completing the earlier Open Space Study to provide an understanding of the current and future supply and demand for open space. • Developing local standards and allowing the identification of areas of deficiency. • Identifying opportunities to address these deficiencies. • Identify open spaces for improvement.

“Parks and open spaces offer places for sport and recreation, benefiting physical health and mental wellbeing. There is even evidence that access to good quality local spaces can help us live longer. Open spaces can also bring significant community benefits as places to play, encouraging neighbourliness and social inclusion and as a venue for events that bring people together.”

In Spring 2010 a consultation with Borough residents about open spaces was carried out. An article was included in the Hillingdon People which invited people to participate in an online survey. This was supplemented with telephone and face-to-face surveys which generated a total of 220 responses. The findings from this consultation show that Hillingdon’s open spaces are well used and popular with residents.

The key findings are summarised below: • 73% of respondents are satisfied with open spaces in the Borough; • 44% think that there has been an improvement in the open spaces over the last 12 months, and 36% feel that they have stayed the same; • 87% of those who replied felt that the open spaces were accessible; • 81% of respondents use the open spaces with 74% visiting at least weekly; • 73% of respondents travel of foot to visit open spaces and more than half (55%) travel less than 400 metres. 20

Although the results show that a high proportion of residents are satisfied, there is clearly room for improvement, which we hope to implement with improvements made to the way we manage our parks and open spaces and the level of work that is carried out within them, as well as through improving and creating new facilities as requested by local residents.

In 2012, as part of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee, every school within the borough was invited to plant a tree in Dowding Park. Oak, Maple and Hornbeam trees surrounding a Black Poplar, Britain's rarest native tree and one of the Queen's favourite. A tree donated by the RAF was also planted by Group Captain Tim O'Brien to mark the long standing association that the RAF has with the site. Each child at the planting ceremony received a special Jubilee medal and a botanical label with the name of the school attached to the tree. Plaques were also installed, (the artwork in appendix 3.) In 2017 the schools were invited back to plant bulbs around the trees, with the Mayor attending. The aim being that the bulbs would have sprouted and be in flower for the grand opening in March 2018. The school groups were also treated to a river dipping sesion and even given a free bag of bulbs and trowels to take back to their school.

In January 2013 Ground Control, who were involved in the undertaking of the hard and soft landscaping on behalf of VSM Estates, as part of a large regeneration project of former 110-acre RAF Uxbridge site, supported a community planting event. Pupils from nearby John Locke Academy and Ryefield Primary School were invited to help plant the first greenery around the brand new children’s play area within the park. Further information about the event can be found by clicking on the link below: https://www.ukconstructionmedia.co.uk/press-releases/local-children-help-complete-new-st- andrews-park-play-area-ground-control/

As with our other sites we hope to create many opportunities for community involvement, through community volunteer groups and other organisations. This will include:

A Friends of group, A Friends of group is a collection volunteers committed to the wellbeing and future of a park or open spaces local to them. The aim is for the London Borough of Hillingdon and the friends of group to work together for the benefit of the site, to encourage a sense of ownership with local residents, report any issues that may arise and to work on long term and short term improvement projects

Thames21, Thames 21 is an organisation that work work with communities to improve rivers and canals for people and wildlife. The Conservation Officer has worked with them on many projects and we aim to utilize their skills and experience to carry out work within The River Pinn within Dowding Park aims to transform neglected waterways into areas that everyone can use and enjoy, by using innovative and tailored community

The Conservation Volunteers, (TVC), TVC carry out ‘Green Gym sessions’ nearby and we hope to extend this unique experience to Dowding Park. Green Gym’s are a combination of exercise and practical conservation work as part of a group, where participants will learn new skills, improve

21 their physical and mental well being, have, fun and gain confidence working as part of a team, all in a naturally serene environment.

Objectives

1.Further improve the park for the benefit of the local community 2. Further promotion of the site to schools, youth and community groups.

8.7 Ensure effective marketing of the facility

Dowding Park will be added to the borough wide general leaflet. There are plans to include it also on the Hillingdon Borough website which will include the site’s management plan, making it more accessible to all, and therefore a more useful document. www.hillingdon.gov.uk/media/34019/A-Guide-to-Green-Spaces- in-Hillingdon/pdf/12287_Green_Spaces_listing_A4_3.pdf

Due to the high profile of the site, once an RAF base, now a major building project, creating many new homes, a new school, retail and office space together with a hotel and restaurant, the site as a whole including Dowding park has been brought to the attention of many people both inside and outside of the borough.

Regarding Dowding Park specifically, In order to ensure that the local community and the general users are aware of what is going on, it is essential that a supply of information is available. This information will be presented in a variety of different ways and will seek to encourage understanding and awareness of the open space itself and the wider remit of the council. Green Spaces produce a booklet twice a year with a list of regular volunteering activities, work days and guided walks. In the future we hope to run these types of activities in Dowding Park and therefore will promote the site further for the benefit of the local wildlife and those keen to be involved. Marketing materials, along with photographs showing community involvement will be used as part of this. Further to this we will utilize social media such as Twitter and Facebook and for those unable to access the internet, the local library as well as the Civic Centre as places where information about the site and any events can be found. Objectives 1. Preparation of interpretative materials for the park.

8.8. Implement effective management strategies The site has been owned and therefore managed by what is now The London Borough of Hillingdon since 2018.The LBH Green Spaces team are responsible for this site and all other borough green spaces as outlined in the Site Summary. The staff structure 22 outlines how this works and how management is kept effective; ground maintenance team and Park Inspectors are responsible for upkeep, and the contractor carries out other types of maintenance work. All are under charge of the Area Officer and ultimately the Area Manager. Management operations outline the effective management plan in place for Dowding Park and through them, we will carry out the effective management of the site. The London Borough of Hillingdon actively pursue ways of delivering sustainable development. The site’s management is further kept effective through staff engagement and involvement. The staff are an integral component of the site and important for its smooth running. Each year a Performance and Development Appraisal is completed for each staff member, which helps them to achieve set objectives for learning. Finally, the Green Flag assessment process itself will also ensure further enhancement, as it is a means for review of the management operations and will be used to encourage new thinking and to guide dynamic and adaptable management.

Objectives

1. Use sustainable management strategies and methods as including: continue to minimise the application of pesticides; where possible encourage the use of physical / cultural forms of weed control; continue to recycle and reuse organic matter as mulches, soil ameliorants, and for other uses. 2. Carry out regular reviews of all management operations and projects. 3. Identify potential sources of appropriate funding.

9. Project Outlines

The following pages contain a brief project outline for each of the projects that we would like to carry out. These provide not only a description of the project, but also the rationale behind it, when the works are likely to be carried out, (if they are) by whom, and how much it is likely to cost. The project outlines will be continued in the appendices as further projects are added over the next ten years.

Project: Grounds Maintenance Review

Summary: To comprehensively review the grounds maintenance on site

Rationale: To ensure the best possible grounds maintenance regime is implemented Constraints: Limited officer time

Who will do Green Spaces Officer and Grounds Maintenance Manager it?

Budget Within existing resources Estimate:

Status Ongoing

Project: Improve the park's furniture

Summary: Replace the dog bin, refurbish other litter bins and benches and youth shelter

Rationale: The furniture in the park is showing its age and needs to be smartened up or replaced. Constraints: Nil Who will do Council contractors it? Budget £4000 Estimate: Status Awaiting funding

Project: Review of Infrastructure Summary: To review current and possible infrastructure required Rationale: Once Dowding Park has been officially opened, we will review the infrastructure to access how it is functioning and whether change or additions need to be implemented Constraints: Budget Who will do Assessment by Area Officers. Work by contractors it? Budget Unknown Estimate: Status Regular Maintenance Plan In addition to the regular maintenance of the site, the following actions shall be undertaken on an ongoing basis: ● Undertake regular cleaning regime to remove litter ● Continue to implement Health and Safety Policies ● Ensure that park users are aware of relevant bylaws ● Continue to encourage park users to value the park ● Enhance maintenance regimes where practical ● Continue to promote waste minimisation on sites ● Continue to minimise the application of pesticides ● Where possible encourage the use of cultural forms of weed control ● Continue to recycle and reuse organic matter generated on site for soil- ameliorants, mulches, etc ● Develop and promote resource conservation and sustainable development ● Produce a phased and costed schedule for tree works ● Conserve existing walls and boundaries 24 ● Carry out regular reviews of all management operations and projects ● Identify new sources of funding and secure.

10.Appendices

Appendix 1

Introduction to the London Borough of Hillingdon

Description Hillingdon, situated on the western edge of Greater London, is the second largest London borough, covering a total area of about 42 square miles. It is just 14 miles from central London and bounded by the counties of Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Surrey and the London Boroughs of Hounslow, Ealing and Harrow. Hillingdon is home to Heathrow, one of the world's busiest airports that caters for more than 60 million passengers a year. The borough has eight leisure centres and two pools, 17 libraries, two theatres and over 170 green spaces including Ruislip Woods, the Nature Reserve and Lido. History The London Borough of Hillingdon was one of the 32 London Boroughs created by the London Government Act 1963. It was formed by the amalgamation of the Borough of Uxbridge and the Urban Districts of Hayes and Harlington, Ruislip/Northwood and Yiewsley and West Drayton. The new borough came into existence on April 1 1965, when the new council started work. As well as taking on the work of the four previous district authorities the council became responsible for local services such as education, libraries and the children's services. These had previously been run by the Middlesex County Council, which ceased to exist on April 1 1965. Hillingdon's purpose-built Civic Centre opened its doors to the public in 1977. the council specified the use of traditional materials such as bricks and tiles while the sloping roofs were designed by the architects to reflect the style found in many of the borough's homes. Workforce the council employs approximately 2713 staff, or 3064 if inclusive of casual staff.

People Hillingdon has a population of 273,936 according to the 2011 Census. There is a growing proportion of young people, particularly of school age children. Around 39.4% of the borough's residents are from ethnic minority groups (mainly Indian, Pakistani, other Asian and Black Caribbean).

26 There is an active voluntary sector, and a wide variety of community groups, tenants' and residents' associations.

Leisure Hillingdon is rich in wildlife and wildlife habitat including waterways, lakes, meadows and nature reserves. Ruislip Woods have been designated London's first National Nature Reserve, while nearby Ruislip Lido boasts 40 acres of water. The borough also offers a host of sporting activities, including six sports centers, many with newly refurbished gyms and four exceptional 18-hole golf courses, including a championship standard course at Stockley Park. The arts and entertainment thrive, with The Beck professional theatre in Hayes, The Compass Theatre in Ickenham, and various other venues. There is major shopping centres too, including Intu in Uxbridge.

Appendix 2

Team Structure

Appendix 3 - Marketing Statement

Dowding Park, in the ward Uxbridge North, is situated with easy access to major roads including the A40, M40 and M25.

Ward residents’ profile (based on results of 2011 Census)

Gender: Males 5,922 Households: 5,132 Females 6,126 Total: 12,048

Age: 0 – 4 5.8% Households with dependant children: 29.3% 5 – 15 12.1% 16 – 24 12.2% 25 – 59 48.3% 60- 74 13.8% 75 + 7.8%

Ethnic Group: White 69.8% Mixed 3.6% Asian / Asian British 19.5% Black / Black British 4.1% Arab or other Ethnic group 3.0%

Health of people: Very good/Good 85.1% People with a limiting lifetime illness 15%: Fairly Good 10.8% Very bad/Bad 4.1%

Analysis

The ward profile of residents indicates that nearly 78.4% of residents are under the age of 60 and that 85% of residents indicated they are without a limiting lifetime illnesses. Dowding Park therefore has an important role as a place for healthy, active recreational activities. However, with 7.8% of local residents over 75, seats need to be easy to use by older people, and people with disabilities, and therefore a DDA compliant design is important. Nearly 70% of residents living in the ward describe their ethnic group as white. The ethnic minorities together make up 30%. it is important to ensure that everyone is made to feel welcome and included in actions relating to Dowding Park.

Marketing methods to help enhance appreciation and appropriate use of Dowding Park. ● Regular liaison with interested parties re issues affecting Dowding Park. ● Use of welcoming informative interpretation boards at key points on the site to promote the special interests of the site to regular and occasional users. ● Develop contact with residents over the age of 65 to promote Dowding Park and ensure feedback ● Promote Green Flag standards to users and neighbours to help raise the profile and understanding of Dowding Park. ● Encourage articles to be written and published about Dowding Park.– Green Spaces web page, Hillingdon People, other publications, as opportunities arise. ● Ensure that the borough’s Green Spaces leaflet is kept up to date and available to the public at libraries and on the Green Spaces web page. ● Encourage local schools to do projects relating to Dowding Park. to aid understanding and appreciation and awareness locally. ● A survey of users will be carried out annually to compare the profile of users with that of ward residents and to learn more about users’ interests and expectations of Dowding Park. This information will feed into discussions with the interested parties and the management plan reviewing process

30 Appendix 4 Miscellaneous

Jubilee Wood plaques, artwork

Council web page regarding the development. 32