January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Sandhurst Memorial Park & Shepherd Meadows Management Plan 2018-2027 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
This Management Plan sets out the vision, objectives and actions for Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows for the next 10 years. It is a working tool for site staff, helping to guide the practical management and maintenance of open spaces, buildings and recreational facilities. It can also be used as a reference document to be used by local communities, site visitors and organisations that support the site.
The plan examines how by working in partnership and in close consultation with the local community the site managers, can effectively provide a high quality publically accessible space that caters for informal and formal recreation, as well as performing an important nature conservation function for a wide catchment area.
2 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Contents Contents ...... 3 1. Context ...... 5 1.1 Key function 5 1.2 Vision 5 1.3 Purpose of Plan ...... 6 1.4 Management Aims: ...... 7 2. Site Overview ...... 8 2.1 Location, shape and size ...... 8 2.2 Topography, geology and hydrology ...... 9 2.3 Boundaries, adjacent land and access...... 10 2.4 Legal and planning framework ...... 11 2.5 Site history and Landscape Heritage ...... 14 2.6 Biodiversity Value ...... 15 3. Resource Evaluation ...... 16 3.1 Quality standards ...... 16 3.2 Welcoming place ...... 17 3.3 Healthy, safe and secure ...... 20 3.4 Well maintained and clean ...... 22 3.5 Environmental management ...... 22 Addressing wider environmental impact...... 24 3.6 Habitats, flora and fauna ...... 25 3.6.1 Blackwater River ...... 26 3.6.2 Grassland ...... 26 3.6.3 Trees / Woodland ...... 29 3.6.4 Hedgerows ...... 30 3.6.5 Gullies/Ditches...... 31 3.6.6 Fauna ...... 32 3.6.7 Balancing Pond and Adjacent Land ...... 33 3.6.8 Blackwater Reach SSSI ...... 34 3.7 Community involvement ...... 35 3.8 Recreation facilities...... 41 3.9 Publicity and Marketing ...... 43
3 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
3.10 Green Infrastructure ...... 45 3.11 Capital / revenue budget ...... 46 3.12 Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspaces (SANGs) ...... 49 3.13 Higher Level Stewardship ...... 50 4. Action Plan ...... 51
Appendices ...... 72 Appendix A Site maps ...... 72 Appendix B: Green Flag Award® assessment criteria ...... 75 Appendix C Legislation Summary ...... 76 Appendix D SSSI designation map and description...... 77 Appendix E Species surveys/ wildlife recordings on site ...... 80 Appendix F Natural England SSSI Condition Survey ...... 86 Appendix G Management of Blackwater Reach SSSI ...... 89 Appendix H Byelaws ...... 94 Appendix I: Strategic background ...... 100 Appendix J: Bracknell Forest Council core quality criteria (from the Parks and Open Spaces Strategy)...... 105 Appendix K: Visitor survey tick box sheet ...... 106 Appendix L Environmental and chemical policies ...... 107 Appendix M Health and safety/managing risk (assessments) ...... 111 Appendix N Groups/organisations Associated with the site ...... 114 Appendix O Site leaflets ...... 115 GLOSSARY ...... 117
4 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
1. Context
1.1 Key function
Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows are neighbouring sites in the south of the town on the River Blackwater. Sandhurst Memorial Park is a 28 hectare (69 acre) site managed by Sandhurst Town Council for sport and informal recreation, as well as its wildlife value. Shepherd Meadows is 40 hectares (100 acre) of wet meadows and woodlands. The site, which was named after wildlife artist David Shepherd, is an important nature and landscape area managed by Bracknell Forest Council.
1.2 Vision The sites are managed in partnership to offer ‘a high quality, accessible and sustainable environment suitable for formal and informal recreation and nature conservation interests’. This is the wording signed up to by a number of partners who are invested in the site including Bracknell Forest Council (BFC), Sandhurst Town Council (STC), Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) ,Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership (BVCP) and Blackwater Valley Countryside Trust (BVCT).
Their vision for the site is to: Maintain and improve the nature conservation interest of the site(s) and the intrinsic role it plays in the ecology and hydrology of the River Blackwater and the Blackwater Valley. Provide a high quality, accessible and inclusive site(s) for informal and formal recreation. Sustainably maintain the site(s) landscape and facilities to the highest possible standards. Form partnerships and agreements with neighbouring and other organisations in order to draw upon their expertise and maximise the site’s potential. Participate in ongoing and productive communication with the community and wider public regarding the site, its management and future development.
The success of this partnership working is reflected through the achievement of having received Green Flag Award status since 2004. The awarding of Green Flag status has led Partnership agreement BVCP to describe the combined site as ‘the most important element of public open space and wildlife habitat at the heart of the Blackwater Valley; their joint management is an exemplar of the partnership principle.’
5 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
1.3 Purpose of Plan
The purpose of the plan is to guide management and maintenance of Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows for the next 10 years. The plan will: Enhance general understanding of the site for rangers, officers, councillors, local residents, visitors, the wider community and other interested parties Relate management of the site to wider strategies and policy Set objectives for site management and identify management requirements to achieve these objectives Prioritise action Identify and define the monitoring requirements to measure the effectiveness of management Assess, prioritise and secure resources Enable communication with the public, organisations and other sites Provide a base line to use as part of future monitoring and management Ensure continuity of effective management; making best use of the site qualities and their respective organisational resources.
Who is the plan for? The plan is for practical use and reference of: Sandhurst Town Council officers, Bracknell Forest Council (Parks and Countryside officers), Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership, contractors, volunteer groups such as Bracknell Conservation Volunteers (BCVs), and other local people who use and enjoy the site. The plan will cover a 10-year period and will be reviewed on a bi-annual basis, taking into account projects delivered, changes to local policy, public feedback received and Green Flag Judges feedback. A major review will take place at the end of the 5-year period for this plan, in 2022.
6 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
1.4 Management Aims:
See Action Plan for management objectives and prescriptions. See Appendix A for reference to Green Flag Award® assessment criteria (GF) A To maintain the site as an attractive, clean and safe place. (GF1, GF2 & GF3) B To maintain and enhance the historic landscape character of the park and the features of nature conservation value. (GF5) C To manage the park in an environmentally and economically sustainable way (GF4 & GF7) D Coordinated management and maintenance through collaborative working between project partners (GF7) E Promote public enjoyment and understanding and community involvement in the park (GF6) F To survey, monitor and report on the delivery of the management plan aims and objectives (GF7)
7 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
2. Site Overview 2.1 Location, shape and size
Sandhurst Memorial Park is on the southern perimeter of the Borough of Bracknell Forest in Berkshire, located in the Parish of Sandhurst. It is located off the A321, Yorktown Road and Marshall Road near Sandhurst town centre and shares its boundaries with Surrey and Hampshire. Neighbouring Shepherd Meadows lies at the very southern tip of Bracknell Forest, between Sandhurst and Blackwater and encompasses land both in Hampshire and Berkshire.
Car Park location refs: Memorial Park is off Yorktown Road - grid ref (SU842613) and postcode (GU47 9BJ) Shepherd Meadows is off Marshall Road – grid ref (SU848607) and postcode (GU47 0FL)
A location map can be found in Appendix B.
Sandhurst Memorial Park is 28.13 hectares in size and is primarily dedicated to formal recreation facilities including football and cricket pitches and is home to numerous local sports and other clubs. The site forms part of the Blackwater Valley with a large portion of the site within the river’s flood plain. Seeby’s Copse exists on the east side of the site with its origins probably vested in the Great Forest of Windsor. A SSSI meadow and balancing pond completes the habitat. The Park is R1, Open Space of Public Value and also part SSSI, Local Wildlife Site (LWS) and Area of Special Landscape Importance (ASLI). See ‘Designations’.
Neighbouring Shepherd Meadows extends for 33.75 hectares along the River Blackwater and consists predominantly of open fields. The eastern half of the site has been provided as a nature reserve. The western half adjoins Sandhurst Memorial Park and serves as public open space to the adjacent housing. The site is well used by residents from the surrounding area for informal recreation. Most of the site has high wildlife value, being designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
8 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
2.2 Topography, geology and hydrology
Topography: There are no major variations in the topography of the site, which is very flat and lies just below the 60 metre contour line. Any gradient slopes from west to east and towards the Balancing Pond and river. The pond was created in the early 1990's and extensive remodelling of the land form took place to achieve the present contours.
Geology and soils: A 1999 “Advisory Report on the sports turf areas at Sandhurst Memorial Park” by the Sports Turf Research Institute identified variable soil types at the site. As identified in the Blackwater Valley SSSI citation, these are mainly sandy and loamy drifts of the Swanwick series, overlying alluvium and river gravels. Soils are sandier and drier to the north where the profile is a good sandy loam, but less free draining to the south and sandy clay in Bottom Meadow.
Drainage and Flooding: As part of the flood plain, most of the Shepherd Meadows area can flood during the winter or occasionally through heavy thunderstorms in the summer. A network of open ditches and culverts exist. The river has been deepened and levees built in places.
The hydrology is extremely complex and has been investigated as part of the Environment Agency and Natural England’s Water Level Management Plan for the Blackwater Valley SSSI through a monitoring programme of dipwells at Shepherd Meadows. This showed that flows into the site have been affected by adjacent development and that the hydrology is gradually changing. More recently South East Water has sunk exploratory shallow and deep boreholes in support of a proposed water pipeline route through the site. Vegetation monitoring will continue to assess the impacts of these changes.
The only part of Shepherd Meadows that is not subject to flooding is the car park and parts of the field to the south of it. To the west of the car park is a field that was the subject of a flood compensation scheme when the adjacent housing estate was built - the levels were lowered by approximately one metre and the ground remodelled and landscaped.
The Memorial Park benefits from a network of natural and lined ditches, with the Town Council having invested in extensive land drains for the recreational pitches. The Sandhurst Town Football Club pitch situated in the lowest part of the site has pumped drainage into the waterway
9 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
system. The Balancing Pond is owned and managed by Thames Water Plc. See Appendix B for a site flooding/drainage map.
2.3 Boundaries, adjacent land and access
Boundary responsibilities: The sites are bordered on the south and west by the Wokingham/Gatwick railway line and to the north and east by the A321. Residential housing extends around much of the site, with features such as Hawley Meadows (to the north west), Marks & Spencer/Tesco (to the south east) and an industrial estate (to the south).
The habitats afforded by these sites differ considerably. Shepherd Meadows forms part of the green gap between Sandhurst and Blackwater. The attractive views across open meadows are a big draw to the public and are important considering that this is now such a rare habitat. Once farmland, the parkland area consists of formal gardens (at the front of the Community Hall Complex and behind the Day Centre), grassed recreational areas and pitches, unimproved grassland in Seeby’s Field and a copse.
Access: A footpath network around the site ensures that all areas are accessible to the public. These consist of tarmac, hoggin and mown pathways as well as small unmaintained paths which allow for circular walks.
The Blackwater Valley path is a 37 kilometre (23-mile) long recreational route that passes through the site. It follows the River Blackwater from its source in Rowhill Nature Reserve (near Aldershot) to Swallowfield, where it joins the River Whitewater to become the Broadwater for a short stretch before flowing into the River Loddon. With the longest stretch of the Blackwater River in Berkshire, the footpath links provide ample opportunity for informal and organised walks. See ‘Walk the Path’ event
A large metal bridge over the railway and river forms part of the site and was built as part of Blackwater Valley Path. The site is used as a ‘greenway’ or transport link for people travelling to Blackwater Station or Marks & Spencer. Paths from Darby Green to the south of the river are also heavily used as a through route.
Access for maintenance is available through the car parks and from the A30. There are areas at Shepherd Meadows which are (seasonally) inaccessible due to cattle grazing and the
10 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
ecologically sensitive nature of the site. Fences and hedges: The site is surrounded by natural boundaries, including hedgerows and ditches. The hedges mark the old field boundaries. Fences have been added to some hedgerows to make stockproof areas. The Network Rail boundary has a wire fence, which is their responsibility to maintain. Other fences are the responsibility of Bracknell Forest Council.
Stiles, gates and bridges: Two emergency barriers allow access to the fields. A height restriction security barrier controls access to the car park. These are managed by Sandhurst Town Council. Shepherd Meadows contains 5 bridges across ditches and 4 larger bridges across the river.
2.4 Legal and planning framework
Land ownership: Land at Sandhurst Memorial Park is owned by Sandhurst Town Council (STC). A covenant for Brookside Meadow from Sandhurst Parish Council dates back to 1949. The council staff based onsite include Executive Officer and deputy, administrator, full-time and part-time caretakers; head groundsman; deputy head groundsman; 2 grounds staff and 1 part- time clean team operative.
Shepherd Meadows is part of a portfolio of sites managed by Bracknell Forest Council Parks & Countryside service, with a ranger assigned to oversee management at the site. The land was acquired through two Section 52 Agreements, one with Bovis Homes Limited and one with Marks & Spencers / Tesco. Land was transferred in approximately 1988. One field was subsequently leased to Sandhurst Town Council.
The balancing pond located in the park is owned and managed by Thames Water.
Seeby’s Field is owned by Bracknell Forest Council and leased to Sandhurst Town Council.
Blackwater Reach Meadow is managed by STC/ BFC/ Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership (BVCP).
The large metal bridge across the railway was originally built by Berkshire County Council, on behalf of the Blackwater Valley authorities. On the creation of the Unitary Authorities in April 1998, BFC became responsible for its upkeep and regular inspections.
11 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Adjacent to the Memorial Park is land owned by Blackwater and Hawley Town Council.
Areas of land and buildings within the park are leased to: Sandhurst Town Football Club Sandhurst Cricket Club Sandhurst and District Gardening Club Guide Association Sandhurst Town Boys and Girls Football Club 3rd Sandhurst Scouts Sandhurst & District Allotments Association Sandhurst Sports Club Sandhurst Police Point
Legal compliance: There are a number of legal provisions and statutory obligations that affect the delivery of site services that need to be duly considered and if necessary reflected in the management plan. These include: Statutory Instrument 2004 No.118 Prescribed Descriptions (England) Order 2004 (established statutory crime and disorder strategies); Local Government Acts 1972, 1999 (established Best Value Authorities) and 2000 (established promotion of economic, social or environmental well-being); Local Government and Rating Act 1997; Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996; Environmental Protection Act 1990; Litter Act 1983; Parish Councils and Burials Authorities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1970; Public Health Acts 1848 to 1875; Smallholdings and Allotments Act 1908; Open Spaces Act 1906; Enclosure Act 1845.
The provisions of these Acts enable local authorities to hold land, provide services, enforce byelaws and in some cases impose fines. See Appendix C for a Legislation summary.
Wayleaves and Easements: There is a network of underground services, which includes a
12 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
rising main, sewers and a gas pipe. There is a (water) pumping station next to the car park. Overhead electricity cables run through the eastern end of the site. The bridge over the river and railway to the south of the site is owned and managed by BFC.
Public Rights of Way (PROW): A public footpath (FP 1, Sandhurst) runs southwards from the Shepherd Meadows car parks to the railway. Bracknell Forest Council only have responsibility for the north side of the river, paths on the south side of the river being the responsibility of Hampshire County Council e.g. FP503 and 11d.
Byelaws: There are byelaws made under sections 12 and 15 of the Open Spaces Act 1906. See Appendix H for a full copy of the Byelaws.
Designations: The Blackwater Valley Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) includes parts of Shepherd Meadows and Sandhurst Memorial Park. See Appendix D for a SSSI designation map and description.
The majority of Shepherd Meadows is designated a SSSI whilst a slightly larger area is also designated a Local Wildlife Site (LWS). Any site work which is likely to damage the nature conservation interest of the SSSI requires consultation with Natural England and any amendments to existing agreements must be approved.
The site lies within the Blackwater Valley, Area of Special Landscape Importance (ASLI’s) and within the project area of the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership.
The park area is designated in the Local Plan as significant land between settlements, including an Area of Special Landscape Importance (ASLI’s) and R1, Open Space of Public Value.
Bracknell Forest Council Local Wildlife Site 610, Adjacent Marshall Road, (The Copse) and part of 613a, Shepherd Meadows western part (Seeby’s Field) fall within the Memorial Park.
Shepherd Meadows is designated as a Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG), which are a group of existing open spaces that are due to undergo enhancements designed to attract more visitors by providing an enjoyable natural environment for recreation as an alternative to the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area (SPA).
13 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Planning approvals: As highlighted earlier the site was developed as open space of public value to support and mitigate neighbouring residential and commercial development.
2.5 Site history and Landscape Heritage During medieval times, Shepherd Meadows hosted regular hunting parties from nearby Chertsey Abbey. At the turn of the century, it was used by the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst as a British Army training ground. Due to the wet ground conditions, the R.M.A. used the site little, apart from rough grazing, and as part of the cadets’ drawing and map making training. In 1891 a cadet, Crispin, drew a road reconnaissance map and marked the site as grass and hay. Field boundaries were also marked in today’s positions. Woodland and field boundaries can be traced back nearly 250 years.
In the late 1980s, the College Farm residential development and the building of a large shopping centre allowed Bracknell Forest Council to acquire the remainder of the land to complement the existing nature reserve and public open space.
Sandhurst Memorial Park began in 1949 when six acres of land known as Brookside Field was purchased by the Sandhurst Parish Council "for the purpose of a public recreation ground for the benefit of the inhabitants of the Parish of Sandhurst". Successive Parish/Town Councils have gained the rights over adjacent farm and woodlands to make Sandhurst Memorial Park what it is today.
In 2004, Bracknell Forest Borough Council teamed up with Sandhurst Town Council to enter Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows into the Green Flag Award scheme - resulting in the first ever joint application Green Flag Award. A management plan for the sites was developed in conjunction with Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) and the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership (BVCP).
Archaeology: The following information was supplied by Babtie using information contained on the Sites and Monuments Record: “No archaeological or historic information is available for this site, but from the site map it appears to retain elements of water meadows or an early field system fed by the River Blackwater. Further research would be needed to establish the origins and survival of any water meadow or field system features”
14 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
2.6 Biodiversity Value
Both sites are important for nature conservation. Shepherd Meadows is especially important as being one of the last remaining undeveloped and agriculturally unimproved areas on the Blackwater floodplain. Several characteristic lowland floodplain habitats are present, supporting many locally uncommon plants, and nationally rare insects.
Habitats include species rich neutral and acid grassland; alder dominated swamp woodland and damp hollows and ditches with fen vegetation. The grassland varies in species richness but supports a remarkable number of locally uncommon plants including wood club- rush, marsh stitchwort, greater burnet, meadow thistle and marsh valerian. Of particular interest is the presence of the nationally scarce elongated sedge in the alder woodland and the locally uncommon water purslane in marshy hollows. A number of nationally rare insects have also been recorded.
In Sandhurst Memorial Park, nature conservation interests are represented by Seeby’s Copse, Seeby’s Field and Blackwater Reach Meadow, adding to the value and interest of the site. Links with the adjacent Shepherd Meadows and the Blackwater Valley area also enhance this. Devil's-bit scabious Succisa pratensis The eastern boundary of Sandhurst Memorial Park has a small piece of ancient woodland with its origins probably vested in the Great Forest of Windsor. The woodland is managed by Sandhurst Town Council in consultation with the Forestry Commission.
15 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
3. Resource Evaluation
3.1 Quality standards
Play, Open Space and Sports Study In 2012 Bracknell Forest Council commissioned an audit of public open spaces in the borough to provide updated information on their quantity and quality.
The purpose of carrying out the audits was to inform the Local Plan Review and to prioritise improvement work. A key priority is to sustain and raise quality standards of the site together with the provision of facilities that are of a sufficient size to meet the recreational demands of a growing residential population, which in the Sandhurst area (Central Sandhurst, College Town, Little Sandhurst & Wellington and Owlsmoor wards) stands at 22,617. (Ward population estimates from 2015 mid-year estimates).
The quality assessment used as part of this audit is based on criteria similar to Green Flag Award®, a scheme that is the benchmark national standard for parks and green spaces in the UK (see Appendix A for Green Flag Award standards). It encompasses all the critical elements advocated within Planning Policy Guidance 17. Linked to this, there are basic criteria which should be considered as standard, which are set out in Appendix J.
Consultants who had originally carried out the Borough's PPG17 report in 2006 were employed to carry out these new quality audits as part of this study of ‘Play, Open Spaces and Sports (POSS) facilities. This included 25% of green spaces managed by the Council’s Parks and Countryside Service. The remaining 75% of these audits were carried out by BFC staff (P&C officers, senior rangers and park managers) and a new external consultant between 2012-2016.
The audits for Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows were carried out in 2014/15 by an external consultant and BFC Parks and Countryside Senior Rangers. The meadow and parkland areas were assessed independently of each other, in order to provide data that could be easily compared between the audits carried out in 2006 and 2014/15.
The Memorial Park scored 73%, which puts it into the category rating of Very Good; narrowly missing out on an excellent rating by 3%. This is a decrease in its category rating from when it was audited in 2006,
16 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
where it achieved a rating of Excellent and a score of 81%. Feedback from the consultant about how the site could be improved consisted of ‘installing a hard surface vehicle access to football club’ and ‘rejuvenating some of the site furniture, including the noticeboard/interpretation near the town council offices’. Around the time the quality audit was carried out, a project was already underway (since complete) to provide a new site map and 2 adjoining noticeboards at this location.
Shepherd Meadows scored 77%, which puts it into the Excellent category rating, and which is only 1% less than when it was scored in 2006. The audit form referred to eroded ramped paths to the bridge over the Blackwater river, and the fact that paths in the southern part of the site were not accessible to all, due to stiles and wet, muddy areas. Some litter was present between fields in the south of the site. Since that audit, a major path resurfacing project has been undertaken to improve year-round access to land in the floodplain of the river, and there is a plan to replace the bridge, which would also deal with the eroded ramps. Litter picks are also regularly carried out by staff and volunteers.
There are inevitably minor differences in the scoring of different auditors, and a 1% difference in score shows good consistency in application. If should also be noted that if the sites had been assessed in conjunction, this would have played to each of their strengths and it would have very likely produced an overall higher quality audit score for them.
3.2 Welcoming place
Access Vehicle access to the Memorial Park can be gained from the main entrance off Yorktown Road where there is car parking for 120 vehicles, with 4 bays reserved for special needs persons. Additional parking has recently been provided on Pye’s Acre, which exits onto Yorktown Road. This is intended as an overflow car parking facility, especially for the weekend footballing community and for large council run events such as Summer of Fun and Fireworks. Maintenance and emergency vehicle access to all areas is provided via the main access road routes and through secured barriers off Yorktown Road. For immediate access to Shepherd Meadows, there are 2 car parks provided off the A321, Marshall Road, which has
room for 25 spaces.
See Appendix B for a map of site access points.
17 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Wheelchair users can gain access from the Shepherd Meadows car park to the riverside along a tarmac path. Improvements have recently been carried out to the access path alongside the river linking to Sandhurst Memorial Park as part of the site’s management as a Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG). Paths have been surfaced to improve year-round access and to reduce erosion and spreading of width of path around muddy areas. This supplements the work done in 2005/06 by an EA funded project in conjunction with Natural England, Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership, Hartley Wintney Angling Society and the British Disabled Angling Association (BDAA) to install three disabled fishing platforms along the river.
A shared pedestrian / cycle path runs along the A321 in Sandhurst. Cycle stands are provided at both car parks. For those that wish to travel to the site by bus, the nearest bus stop is located at the Meadows shopping centre off the A321 for Shepherd Meadows and outside the council offices, Yorktown Road for the Memorial Park. 650 linear metres of path surfaced The Council and its partners who include Bracknell Forest Homes, the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, Thames Valley Police, Bracknell Town Council and Crowthorne Parish Council have worked with DisabledGo, a national charity, to produce an online access guide covering 500 venues across the Borough to help inform and empower people with disabilities. The venues will not only include Council buildings but also shops, hotels, restaurants and cafes.
Bracknell Forest has much to offer residents and visitors alike, including excellent leisure facilities and high quality countryside and open space, with a third of our area comprising woodland. This access guide has been designed to enable people with disabilities who live, work or visit to see what the borough has to Signs at Yorktown Road car park offer. entrance Signage There are public information points at the following site locations.
Car park entrances: • Shepherd Meadows entrance - site information and notice board, detailing events, site map, wildlife importance, contact details for the Parks & Countryside Service etc. • Yorktown Rd entrance - signage informs visitors of the organisations that have permanent facilities at the Park; a separate notice board provides notice of weekly meetings and events.
Community Hall Complex and public toilet area:
18 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Noticeboard near Shepherd • Information sign posts to help visitors find their way around the site. Meadows car park • A new large site map and 2 adjoining site noticeboards has been provided to help orientate visitors around the site on arrival and to advertise events and community group acitivities.
Other strategic points: • Lectern-style interpretation boards detailing key site features and wildlife are located at points where paths from the Memorial Park meet with Shepherd Meadows adjacent to the bridge over the river, at the entrance to Blackwater Reach Meadow to the south of the site, at the Town Council Offices and at the Balancing Pond. See Section 5 Projects for details about a new interpretation / site noticeboard that is being provided to replace the furniture at the Town Council offices.
• Fingerposts are located at the Memorial Park (adjacent to the balancing pond) and Shepherd Meadows (adjacent to the bridge over the river) to help guide people around the site. • Where/when possible, temporary signage is used to inform visitors of maintenance works and the reason why they are taking place.
19 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
3.3 Healthy, safe and secure
Collaborative approach Sandhurst Town Council, Bracknell Forest Council and Thames Valley Police work together to help prevent anti social behaviour on site. The council owned CCTV system, regular patrols, on-site police point and no alcohol policies all help to ensure that the site is safe and secure. A compact CCTV system overlooks the key areas of Sandhurst Memorial Park not only providing surveillance but also contributing to a sense of well-being for users. The system is monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by Sandhurst Town Council. The Town Council offices and café are open during the day and this on site presence along with traffic calming measures also present in the car park help slow the flow of traffic and ensure the safety of pedestrians.
A caretaker lives on site to ensure that there is attendance to site management and emergency needs and a Parks and Countryside ranger conducts site inspections as part of the portfolio of countryside sites they manage. The Town Council offices are open during the day and this on-site presence, along with the visibility of groundstaff and that of the regular users of the park, helps to deter anti-social behaviour.
Any incidences of anti-social behaviour and crime that are experienced on the site are reported by groundstaff / rangers and are kept on file at the Police Point and relayed to CADIS, the borough’s Community Nuisance and Disorder Information System
Equipment safety
Information about safety inspections of equipment and facilities can be found in the Action Plan.
Lifebelts are the responsibility of Thames Water; these are inspected daily by Sandhurst Town Council. Public toilets are cleaned, maintained and inspected by the caretaker and drinking water is available from the STC Offices and/or Pistachios.
A number of the staff are first aid trained. A new defibrillator is available on the side of the Sandhurst Town Boys & Girls football clubhouse. In the case of emergency, telephones are available in the Office and/or within 150m. A volunteer manned Police Point and CCTV cameras are operated on site.
Dog control The issue of dog fouling around the site has been tackled through a variety of means including dog rallies,
20 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
a ‘Code of Conduct’ leaflet, newsletter articles to promote responsible dog ownership and on site interpretation / signage.
Site signs regarding the no dog fouling policy are in place alongside dual use dog litter bins, 100 self adhesive stickers have been placed on all rubbish bins and 40 A3 size glow in the dark posters have been erected in the park and throughout the Sandhurst area, reminding dog walkers of their social responsibility.
A Dog Owners and Walkers code of conduct leaflet is being handed out to dog walkers in the Borough’s parks and open spaces and is available to download on BFCs website.
The leaflet which has been produced by Bracknell Forest Council aims to promote responsible dog ownership in the borough, particularly in the parks and countryside. A user friendly tact has been used in
order to engage dog walkers, whilst also getting important messages across in relation to responsible dog ownership, including dog health (vaccination), identification (tags/chips), fouling (dog bins/reporting/fixed penalty notices) and behaviour (dogs under close control, particularly around livestock and ground nesting birds).
The Town Council even have their own mascot, which is part of the ‘Be A Responsible Dog Owner' (BARDO) campaign, led by the six parish/town councils in Bracknell Forest. BARDO makes appearances at annual events such as Paws in the Park, which is designed to encourage responsible dog ownership.
Health and safety policies Dog Owners and Walkers Code A range of policies and procedures exist (BFC and STC) to ensure that the highest health and safety of Conduct leaflet standards are met at all times. Sandhurst Town Council works with an independent Health and Safety Consultant to bring together its existing work and policies on H&S issues. They also carry out a fire assessment and organise corporate training days. Relevant Risk Assessments are kept by the ranger service for individual jobs and actions.
See Appendix M for BFC and STC Health and safety policies/managing risk.
21 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
3.4 Well maintained and clean
Initiatives Sandhurst Pride is a town-wide initiative to keep Sandhurst clean and also covers the Memorial Park. As well as regular litter picking, local Councillors have visited local take-away establishments to aid partnership working on litter problems.
The ‘Sandhurst as a RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY and RIGHTS Community’ initiative has been developed since 2010 and fits very well alongside the Sandhurst Pride ethos. The whole Community has embraced the principles behind the initiative that is trying to encourage people to respect their environment and take responsibility for their own actions. Further information can be found at www.sandhurst.gov.uk/sospecial
Regular litter clearance by Rangers, under the cleansing contract and by volunteers i.e. Take Pride initiative. The councillors also organise litter picking events, either as part of a wider initiative such as Keep Britain Tidy on 4th March 2017 which embraced the Nepalese community or more focussed such as took place at Berry Bank copse in conjunction with BFC Rangers.
Policies are in place to ensure that no glass is taken onto the site, no alcohol or drugs consumed on site and chewing gum and cigarette bins are provided at main locations. Signs are in place to inform visitors of these rules under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005.
A range of other informal Sandhurst Town Council policies exist regarding Sandhurst Memorial Park.
Further information on these guiding principles is available from Sandhurst Town Council.
3.5 Environmental management
The need for management and maintenance efficiencies resulting from reductions in annual park maintenance budgets has results in the use of low input management regimes which reduce costs and are more sustainable. For example, native planting and creation of wildflower meadow areas helps to replace high intensity measures such as floral displays, summer bedding and frequently mown amenity grass. In
22 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
addition to reducing maintenance requirements and associated revenue costs, these measures are more sustainable in the long term and directly contribute to the delivery of Biodiversity Action Plan targets.
Horticultural standards No pesticides are used for horticultural practices and non-chemical management techniques are favoured over use of herbicides. Where they are used it’s only when absolutely necessary and when it is felt that the environmental benefits outweigh the environmental costs. Best practice techniques used include: • Using the minimum active ingredient to achieve effective control. • Using products that will not persist in the environment or be bio-accumulative • Only using spot treatment on weeds on hard surfaces – no blanket spraying • Using non-hazard rated formulations of active ingredients.
No peat, or products using peat, will be purchased for use on site. Suppliers of peat free products are as follows :- • Cave Folly Nursery – Worcs • Peat Free Plants – Sussex • Paddock Plants – Southampton
The choice of plants used in ornamental beds will be native or fully naturalized species, or their cultivars, and will not require long term additional watering.
All green waste is kept on site and either composted or a controlled burn is carried out. The composted material is used on site wherever practical.
Recycling This is a borough wide priority, managed by professional waste officers and is not subject to site by site variation. All BFC Parks and Countryside sites are made available to support the borough wide re-cycling initiative. There is a borough target of providing a glass recycling station for every 1000 properties, with additional re-cycling opportunities being sited alongside the glass depending on the size and capacity of
the site. • Recycling bins for plastic, cans and paper/cardboard are provided in the site car park. • Rubbish produced at Sandhurst Memorial Park and waste litter picked up by the grounds staff is separated and recycled on-site.
23 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Addressing wider environmental impact • A programme of replacement double-glazing in the town council offices is ongoing and switch-off of electricity policy is in place. • All wood material is locally sourced or FSA accredited. • Preference will be given to locally produced products. 'Locally' is defined as being within a 30 mile radius. • Preference will be given to products produced through sustainable methods. This includes recycled products and materials harvested from environmentally sustainable systems or organic farming methods.
• Carbon emissions from maintenance operations are reduced where practical by using volunteers to carry out practical conservation tasks.
Sustainable travel and promoting health and wellbeing • Visitors are encouraged to use cycle/ walking routes by the well signposted network of paths to and around the site and cycle parking on site (see photo above). • There is an Events Capacity Strategy in place to encourage car share and/or alternative means e.g. voucher issue for tournaments. • Summer Training Permits are used. • For those who wish to travel to the site by bus, the nearest bus stop is located at the Meadows shopping centre off the A321 or for the Memorial Park, Yorktown Road by the council offices. • A new dedicated cycle lane has been created on the footpath adjoining Marks and Spencer and Tesco at The Meadows. It is possible to use the dedicated cycle lane alongside the A331 Marshall Road from Shepherd Meadows to the junction with Yorktown Road and along to the Memorial Park. • New crossing facilities have been provided for cyclists at Rackstraw Road.
See 3.5 Community Involvement for details of local health initiatives, such as walks and conservation volunteering activities.
24 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
3.6 Habitats, flora and fauna
25 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
3.6.1 Blackwater River
Notable habitats for wildlife at the site can be divided into river, grassland, woodland and hedgerows.
The Blackwater is a lowland clay river, which is essentially calcareous due to the nature of the soils near its source. The catchment is extensively urbanized and therefore the river provides an essential ecological corridor, which has an EC designation as a cyprinid and salmonid fishery with good fish populations of various species. Through Shepherd Meadows the Blackwater occupies a meandering channel with good stands of emergent plants in places. Drains from the meadows enter the river and therefore the level of the river is likely to be an important influence on water levels within the drains. The water quality is much influenced by the Aldershot and Camberley Sewage Treatment works that discharge into the Blackwater upstream of the Meadows and Memorial Park.
The river is managed by the Environment Agency and largely for the purpose of flood defence. The hydrology of the site has changed over time, with monitoring showing that wet areas in 1989 have dried and pools in the woodland are now dry, even in winter months. A number of varied reasons exist for this drying out of the site.
Following ongoing discussions with Natural England, the Environment Agency and consultants and attempts to restore the site’s original hydrological conditions, it was decided in summer 2004 to allow the site to develop its own natural hydrological state as water pumping was not having the intended effect. Ongoing vegetation monitoring will continue.
3.6.2 Grassland
The Meadows are scientifically important for a number of grassland and swamp communities. National vegetation community classification MG5c occupies 6.4ha of the site, one of the largest known extents of this community in a single area in Berkshire. This also comprises some 12% of all Mg5 communities in the UK. It occurs as a mosaic with a variety of other grassland types.
MG5c can be summarised as a herb-rich community with typical grassland species including black knapweed, bird's-foot trefoil, common sorrel, white clover and red clover and is not known outside the British Isles. The Centaurea nigra-Cynosurus cristatus meadows and pastures are divided into three sub- communities:
26 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
a) Meadow vetchling sub-community with additional typical species such as ox-eye daisy and perennial rye-grass; b) Lady's bed-straw sub-community typified in addition by abundant yarrow and yellow oat-grass; and c) Heath grass sub-community with frequent self-heal, autumn hawkbit, field woodrush, tormentil and devil's-bit scabious.
The majority of the grassland is unimproved and offers a range of habitats from well drained grassland to seasonally waterlogged marsh and from acid to neutral conditions.
The site has been used for rough grazing for a considerable time and includes two thirds of Berkshire’s remaining wet meadows.
LWS 613a, Shepherd Meadows (northern part) (including Seeby’s Field - a very attractive hay meadow area). These flood meadows and wet woodland adjacent to the River Blackwater are divided by mature hedges and ditches and support species rich plant communities. TVERC surveyed these meadows in 2004 and BFC requested a survey of the area in 2009. Another survey was completed by TVERC of Seeby’s Copse in 2014. See results in Appendix E.
Since the site has been managed its management has been split between a hay cutting regime and a grazing regime; this was most likely introduced due to the need to provide public access - in the 1980’s the grazing of urban situated parks and nature reserves was not as widespread as today and BFC was involved in this at an early stage. Bracknell Forest Council had not grazed any other sites and locally there were few other examples. It is now considered desirable to graze the majority of the site with occasional hay cutting - A.1.1 and A.1.2.
Continue grass cutting regime To maintain and improve the ecology of the grasslands, many areas have been identified as suitable to be grazed and or hay cut. The hay cut has now been reduced to one cut per year, carried out by a local farmer between July and September with all arisings removed. Ideally this will be achieved by traditional hay making methods (i.e. cutting, drying, turning and baling) which have the effect of shaking out most of the seeds.
When ground or weather conditions do not allow this to take place, the making of silage may be considered.
27 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
No fertilisers, herbicides or seeding will take place. The areas to be hay cut will be in rotation with the grazed areas - every 5 years on average. This will allow the farmer to continue to take hay from the site but will also act to prevent a build up of dead matter. The hay should be cut around the end of July or early August, although it is important to be flexible due to weather conditions.
Scrub control in the meadows is undertaken yearly by rangers, volunteers and contractors.
There appears to be a desire line path around the edge of Seeby’s Field. This could be mown in summer to encourage people to explore the area. This would fit in well with plans to develop a ‘woodland walk’ down to the Balancing Pond.
An unimproved grass area behind the football pitch in the Memorial Park would benefit from management to encourage the establishment of more wildflower seeds therefore extending this valuable wildlife habitat. This could be accomplished by cutting and harrowing the grassland in spring, then cut again in mid-late August. Arisings from the summer cut of the hay meadow (Seeby’s field) can then be sown across this grass area. The process of using summer hay cuttings from Seeby’s Field to sow on unimproved grassland has already been already successfully trialled in conjunction with BBOWT.
Continue grazing regime A grazing regime is required on some areas during June to September to provide the best conditions for summer meadow flowers such as devil’s bit scabious, greater bird’s foot trefoil and sneezewort.
It would be desirable to graze areas that we currently hay cut; this would require additional fencing and gates, but would have the advantage of linking the site together further and to give us flexibility of management. New fencing would follow existing hedge boundaries where possible and still give the public freedom of movement. Consultation with the public would be required. The grazing licence is currently held by a Mr Palterman and is renewable each year. Grazing on the north side of the river has to be completed by 30th November.
Monitoring of the flora and fauna • Undertake annual fixed point photography to aid the monitoring of vegetation change within each compartment. Photography should be undertaken once annually. • To carry out surveys in all compartments to monitor botanical composition in order to assess the effectiveness of management i.e. grass cutting, grazing and turf transplant.
28 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
• Surveys should be carried out following systems used previously (e.g. Natural England has data from a 2014 survey). A period of approximately 3-5 years would be reasonable and any data should be fed into the annual consultation meetings between BFC and EN.
3.6.3 Trees / Woodland
The woodland at Shepherd Meadows is primarily wet alder with some oak and ash and has a shrub layer of hawthorn, holly and hazel. The ground flora includes dog’s mercury and wood anemone; in addition it contains many grasses and sedges including the nationally rare elongated sedge.
The woodland along with the hedgerows shows some signs of previous management, including some hazel coppice and probably firewood for the tenant farmers.
Seeby’s Copse (LWS 610) This ancient alder and ash woodland in the wet valley floor includes a hazel and elder understorey. The copse undergoes occasional coppicing (last carried out in 2004) to maintain a diverse structure. The area was last surveyed in 2004 by Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre who confirmed its status as a Local Wildlife Site and identified 10 ancient woodland indicator species.
The site includes one blanket Tree Preservation Order (TPO) area covering The Copse – TPO114 – mostly oak with holly, hawthorn and alder. TPO397 (“St Johns Road – Yorktown Road”) to the west of the site is also relevant as trees along Woodbine Close have been adopted and are managed by STC.
Woodland management should comprise non-intervention. The overgrown coppice stools, primarily of alder should be monitored regularly to assess their safety as these are becoming over mature in many instances. Standing dead wood should be retained wherever possible. Fixed point monitoring of the canopy, understorey and ground flora layers should be undertaken to assess changes, especially of the key species Carex elongata.
A number of large willow, poplar and alder trees exist on the site. Several large willows separate the grassland from the main paths which run alongside it in the Blackwater Reach SSSI (see Appendix G). A row of willows has also been planted to help stabilise the banks of a ditch line. In the long term these willows will be pollarded.
Pollarding is an ancient method of tree management that involves removing the upper tree branches, which encourages regeneration and promotes a dense head of foliage and branches. Trees can be kept at
29 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
a certain maximum height in a partially juvenile state, this means they tend to live longer as they are not as top-heavy and are less prone to falling in strong winds. In addition to safeguarding a tree’s future, pollarding is also necessary to prevent trees from interfering with electric wires and to open up attractive views across the meadows, which is in keeping with the landscape character.
3.6.4 Hedgerows
The hedgerows are composed of hazel, hawthorn, buckthorn, holly and field maple, with standard trees of oak and alder and provide a habitat for many fauna species. They can be seen on maps dating back 250 years (as held in the Sandhurst Royal Military Academy museum) and are considered valuable for their historical importance as well as their ecological interest. There are several kilometres of hedges in various conditions, many old and neglected, although some have recently been managed. Most of the hedge lines are in conjunction with the ditch and bank network.
Carry out traditional hedgelaying methods Although some of the hedgerows have been laid and re-planted where necessary, many are overgrown and required drastic action. The aim will be to bring the hedgerows into a position where they can be re- laid using hand tools. In addition we should aim to make at least the internal field boundaries naturally stock proof.
Re-plant hedgerows where necessary Many new hedgerows have been planted and these will need to be maintained and gaps replanted. Other methods to encourage new young growth are: • Layering • Planting with seed from the site • Use of electric fencing to prevent grazing after laying or planting.
30 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
3.6.5 Gullies/Ditches
There are numerous substantial ditches running across the park. These are important for drainage so must continue to function but have potential for improvement for biodiversity. They range from open ditches that are cut several times a year to ditches running through scrub and woodland that are unmanaged. Most of the ditch lines have mature trees along them, which provide excellent roost sites and flight lines for bats across the site. Daubentons in particular like to feed over the balancing pond.
Unshaded ditches: The ditches which are not heavily shaded by trees have considerable potential for increasing their nature conservation value. This can be started simply by reducing the number of cuts
each year. Initially this could be done for one section of ditch to see how it works and hopefully expanded with time.
Cut the banks of the ditches on alternate years rather than doing both every year. Leave a 1m margin at the top of the uncut bank. Year 1: bank 1 uncut bank 2 cut Year 2: bank 1 cut, bank 2 uncut The bank that is cut could be done on the current regime (2/3 times per year) although a reduced number of cuts may be beneficial and the later the first cut is taken the better. The first cut after a ‘year off’ will generate more cut vegetation than usual and this may need to be removed after cutting. If possible leave a 0.5-1m buffer strip uncut in the grassland alongside the ditch that is cut on the same pattern as the ditch itself. Again should not be too difficult to inform park users about what is being done and why.
The ditch with the greatest potential for habitat improvement is the one south of Pyes Acres.
Shaded ditches: Where the adjacent grass is mown / cut. If possible leave a 0.5-1m buffer strip alongside the ditch. This could be cut once a year (late summer / autumn) to stop scrub establishing.
It may be possible to develop some sections of ditch to further enhance their nature conservation potential. This might include widening sections to create a more shallow profile. This would need to be discussed with EA and other experts to make sure that it doesn’t affect the drainage capacity of the ditches.
The structural and floristic diversity of the wetland site provides habitats suitable for a wide range of
31 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
insects and other invertebrates, including a number of uncommon species of flies and beetles (see Appendix D Blackwater Valley SSSI Citation and Appendix E Species surveys/ wildlife recordings on site).
3.6.6 Fauna
Faunal interest includes several Bracknell Forest Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP). Species associated with the River Blackwater include the kingfisher and the brown trout. Identification of and if present the protection of breeding sites for both species should be a crucial part of monitoring. Survey work should be undertaken in conjunction with the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership and the Environment Agency wherever possible. The presence of stag beetles is dependent on the presence of dead wood; this will be retained through the management of the site’s hedgerows and the non- intervention management of the woodland. Bullfinch, other songbirds and the noctule bat will benefit from the program of hedgerow management also providing feeding and corridors. The retention of mature trees within Blackwater Reach Copse will provide roosting opportunities for noctules. The open water expanse of the Memorial Park balancing pond provides an ideal habitat for Daubenton’s bat.
Monitoring If any new management regimes are being set up it would be ideal to have before and after monitoring of the work done. It may be possible to involve local people in this, e.g. butterfly or dragonfly surveys.
Numerous wildlife surveys have been conducted at the sites: • Various surveys have recorded 111 species at Shepherd Meadows (BBONT now BBOWT) • A specialist invertebrate survey recorded 170 species, including one Red Data Book species, the small longhorn beetle Grammoptera ustulata (Ecological Consultant, Matthew Smith) • A Wildlife Heritage Site survey (now known as Local Wildlife Sites) of botanical and faunal interest (TVERC) • Fixed point botanical monitoring within fields 1 and 2 (Contractor/NE) • Bird survey at Seeby’s Copse identified 22 species, showing that the wood is a good quality habitat for breeding woodland bird species.
See Appendix E for a full species lists for the site as well as results from the Bird survey at Seeby’s Copse.
32 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
3.6.7 Balancing Pond and Adjacent Land
The function of the balancing pond is to serve as a flood protection measure. This holds water during periods of high rainfall. Over time, the pond has been colonised by plants and provides valuable habitat to a range of wildlife. The island, pond edges, banks and underwater areas each create environments in which different species can be found.
Below the surface of the pond is a world of aquatic life where shoals of roach feed on invertebrates. Stone loaches live in the channel and swim in the fast flowing stream of water. Pond dipping events have discovered sticklebacks, freshwater cockles, ramshorn snails and elvers (baby eels). Around the edges of the pond where the water is shallow, wetland plants such as reedmace, flag iris and water forget me not grow. These provide shelter and food for a birds and insects. In the summer, you may see dragonflies patrolling the water and using plants as perches from which to hunt. The island in the middle of the pond provides a refuge for nesting wildfowl. Trees on the island are used by kingfishers to scan the water for small fry. Trees around the pond are carefully managed to keep the pond open and allow sunlight for other plants to grow. Banks around the pond have been planted with native wildflowers to increase species diversity and provide habitat for a variety of insects. The pond is owned by Thames Water and partly managed by Sandhurst Town Council.
The pond is popular with visitors (particularly families) for feeding the ducks and people are encouraged to take an active interest in getting involved with the pond action group.
Pond partnerships: The following partnerships were developed in December 2011 that will set the scene for the way in which Sandhurst Town Council will work with others in future.
Balancing Pond - A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with Thames Water Utilities that underpins a match funded £41,500 environmental and biodiversity uplift for the Balancing Pond on the Sandhurst Memorial Park. The project will bring together Sandhurst Town Council, Thames Water Utilities Ltd., Sandhurst Residents Association, Bracknell Forest Council and the Friends of the Balancing Pond in an exciting improvement project. Previous issues regarding Thames Water’s management of the balancing pond have been largely resolved through the setting up a ‘Friends Of’ group to aid its management. Set up in 2004, the Friends of the Balancing Pond have monthly meetings and have carried out a range of work at the site such as plug
33 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
planting and debris removal. A Planned Maintenance Agreement has been set out in conjunction with Thames Water, including references to access to the balancing pond via an existing gate and bridge. Aspiration - There might be scope for some smaller, ephemeral ponds within the park.
See Appendix D for a SSSI designation map and description
3.6.8 Blackwater Reach SSSI
The Blackwater Reach field is managed by STC, BFC and BVCP and falls under the Blackwater Valley Site SSSI.
Blackwater Reach Meadow is managed by Sandhurst Town Council as part of the Blackwater Valley Conservation Area. Unspoiled wet meadows such as this small nature reserve are now uncommon. More than 100 species of wild flowers have been recorded, whilst Sneezewort and betony are reliable indicators that the meadow has never been ‘improved’ by modern farming methods. Marsh stitchwort and wood clubrush, both rare in Berkshire, are found on the site.
A Section 106 Agreement applies to the unimproved meadows and the woodland at the eastern end of the site. The terms of this agreement are stricter than those on the other SSSI areas. An annual consultation meeting is held each year with Natural England, Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership, Sandhurst Town Council and Blackwater and Hawley Town Council to review management. A commuted sum of £100,000 was paid by the developer for future site works and has been used over the past 20 years to finance the site.
The site as a valuable wildlife resource which is also open for informal recreation must be managed in a sustainable manner. Conditions for the site (as a SSSI) set by Natural England must be adhered to. All works carried out will be in accordance with the Parks & Countryside Service Normal Operating Plan, which each member of staff within the section has received a copy of. Individual jobs and actions have a relevant Risk Assessment, which are kept in electronic form.
Two units of Lowland Neutral Grassland, which are part of the Blackwater Valley SSSI, were surveyed by Natural England in June 2014 to assess the condition of these habitats. There are six reportable condition categories: favourable; unfavourable recovering; unfavourable no change; unfavourable declining; part destroyed and destroyed. The condition of the Blackwater Valley SSSI was assessed as having favourable status. The other 2 units of Lowland Neutral Grassland were reported as having favourable
34 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
status when last surveyed in 2009. The unit of Broadleaved Mixed and Yew Woodland was more recently surveyed in 2017, where it also received favourable status.
Further information about the Natural England SSSI Condition Survey can be found in Appendix F.
Blackwater Reach (SSSI) site – A programme of conservation to the SSSI site together with reclaiming habitat on adjoining land took take place during 2012. Together with the work on the Balancing Pond, this has helped transform the whole of the southern end of the Sandhurst Memorial Park. The consortium of expertise consists of Sandhurst Town Council, Natural England, Bracknell Forest Council and the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership.
See Appendix G Management of Blackwater Reach SSSI.
3.7 Community involvement
Shepherd Meadows is located between the two growing built-up areas of Sandhurst and Camberley. The site plays an important role as an area for informal recreation on the urban-rural fringe; this is particularly the case in its location adjacent to the Memorial Park which provides for more formal recreation.
A full list of people and groups (besides STC and BFC) with an interest in or involved with Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows is provided in Appendix N.
The production of a management plan for the site dates as far back as 1992 and what has always been evident is that there is a strong focus to involve the local community in the management of the park and
Sandhurst Health Walks Group meadows. Whilst there is no specific ‘friends of’ group or equivalent, BFC and STC regularly consult with local Residents Associations and organisations that use the park. For example, there is an existing group which carries out work on the balancing pond and there is ongoing communication with the Sports Club, individual clubs and groups and informal users through surveys etc., which ensures that feedback is received and high standards maintained.
Events A number of BFC ranger-led events take place on site throughout the year, from mini-beasting and pond dipping to practical management tasks such as coppicing and hedgelaying.
35 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
All of these events are advertised through site notices, via social media or in the 6-monthly leaflet, which gets distributed to Council Information Points and is available on BFCs website (see below).
Sandhurst Pride is a community site giving information about “fun and entertainment on offer in the Sandhurst area”. It advertised the many events that take place at the Memorial Park every year, including: • summer of fun • dog shows • five-a-side football tournaments • funfair • fireworks display • bird and butterfly walks. • tug of war tournaments www.sandhurstpride.co.uk
Walk The Path is a popular annual public event organised by The Blackwater Valley Countryside Trust. The event usually takes place in spring and involves walking the 10-mile section of the Blackwater Valley Countryside Path that runs between Sandhurst and Swallowfield.
Sandhurst health walks have now been operating for over 3 years and won an award in the 2015 Berkshire Inspiration and Participation Awards for the ‘Health Project of the Year’ They walk every weekday morning leaving the car park at 9:30 and finishing at Pistachio’s for a tea or coffee and a chat (see volunteering below).
A full list of events, including further details can be found on Sandhurst Pride and Bracknell Forest Council websites. http://www.sandhurstpride.co.uk/sandhurst.html https://www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/parks-and-countryside/events
Volunteering A range of voluntary conservation work is carried out at Shepherd Meadows. Led by the BFC Rangers and Blackwater Valley Conservation Volunteers or Bracknell Conservation Volunteers (BCVs), tasks at the site have included the creation of an otter Holt, hedge-laying, scrub clearance and fence repair.
Examples of volunteer activity which made a valuable contribution to the management of the site over the course of the year include:
36 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Health Walks around Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows take place on weekdays, and are led by a willing team of local volunteers. Come rain or shine, the volunteers lead groups of up to thirty people on appropriately paced walks around the site. In total, the volunteers contribute over 200 hours per year to further user enjoyment of the Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows.
A community litter pick at Shepherd Meadows is part of the Take Pride in Bracknell Forest initiative, which encourages and assists with volunteering activities in the Bracknell Forest area. 'Take Pride' is a campaign run jointly between Bracknell Forest Voluntary Action, Bracknell Forest Council and Thames Valley Police. The campaign represents an ideal opportunity for volunteers to become directly involved in making a positive difference to the environment and our community. Volunteering is a great way to share skills, knowledge and leisure time with like-minded others to improve the quality of life in our community.
Further information can be found at the following link: https://www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/jobs/volunteering/take-pride
Armed Forces Community Covenant On 5th December Sandhurst Town Council was one of 15 Bracknell Forest organisations that signed up to an Armed Forces Community Covenant with the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
The Armed Forces Community Covenant is a voluntary statement of mutual support between a civilian community and its local Armed Forces Community. It is intended to complement the Armed Forces Covenant, which outlines the moral obligation between the Nation, the Government and the Armed Forces, at the local level. The purpose of this Community Covenant is to encourage support for the Armed Forces community working and residing in the borough of Bracknell Forest and to recognise and remember the sacrifices made by members of this Armed Forces Community, particularly those who have given the most. This includes in-Service and ex-Service personnel, their families and widow(er)s in the borough of Bracknell Forest.
For Bracknell Forest Council and partner organisations, the Community Covenant presents an opportunity to bring their knowledge, experience and expertise to bear on the provision of help and advice to members of the Armed Forces Community. It also presents an opportunity to build upon existing good work on other initiatives such as the Welfare Pathway.
37 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
For the Armed Forces community, the Community Covenant encourages the integration of Service life into civilian life and encourages members of the Armed Forces community to help their local community.
The initiative brings with it the opportunity to bid for capital funding for joint projects that will encourage cohesion, integration and equality within an area. There is £30m of Government money available to support the scheme.
D9) What is your overall Consultation impression of the park or open Both visitor and site management is presented with a range of issues; particularly ensuring that the site space meets the standards expected by the general public. Ongoing community involvement makes sure that the public’s comments are heard and suggestions taken into account. Both formal and informal feedback will be sought out on a regular basis to ensure that the park is meeting the needs and desires of its users.
Bracknell Forest Residents Survey According to the results of the latest residents' survey carried out in 2017, Bracknell Forest residents agree the borough is a good place to live. They get on well with their neighbours, are satisfied with the way the council runs things and can influence decisions. The survey consisted of telephone and face-to-face interviews. The most frequently mentioned best aspects that respondents said they liked about the borough continue to relate to access to green spaces (parks, open spaces, and the countryside (54%), with a disparate array of other aspects also mentioned. The survey was carried out by independent company Qa Research and responses remain anonymous. The feedback will help us understand how residents view the council and what services need to be reviewed in the future.
Park User Survey Bracknell Forest Council also collects information about park use, via their Parks User Survey. This borough wide survey was started by BFC in early 2015 to help them better understand the views of users
of local parks and open spaces. The survey which is available to the public on BFCs website (paper copies are available upon request), asks questions about visits to parks/open spaces, such as method of travel, the reason for the visit and length of time spent there. This helps to build a picture of visitor use. People are also asked to rate the park’s design, maintenance, facilities, accessibility, wildlife features etc. and are given the option to provide feedback about what improvements they’d like to see. At the end of the survey those that would like to be further consulted or involved, for example via visitor surveys, regular newsletter etc. can leave their contact details. Feedback relating to overall impression of the site is shown
38 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
to the left. This is based on feedback from 7 people, although there is the aspiration to further promote feedback by advertising the Park User Survey on BFCs social media pages and include posters in site noticeboards.
Feedback received overall for P&C managed parks / open spaces, has generally been very positive, with 533 respondents out of the 615 who completed the survey (just over 86%) either satisfied or very satisfied with the parks and open spaces they visited.
STC recognises the value of formally consulting with local residents and has demonstrated this recently by: • Residents Association and Town Council Quarterly meetings • Via a quarterly newsletter • Its websites, noticeboards, press releases, roadshows • Respect, Responsibility, Rights (RRR) Evaluation • Additional car parking public consultation • Sandhurst Corps of Drums project consultation (2013) • Collaboration with BFC on the inclusion of questions related to STC in the resident’s survey completed in 2014.
BFC commissioned consultants in 2012 to develop a methodology for carrying out visitor counts across a number of sites over a three year cycle. The survey method is designed to provide a statistically reliable means of projecting annual visitor numbers across the Borough’s open spaces. The sampling is taking place on different types of sites, at different times and days, across the seasons, during holiday and normal periods.
Visitor Counts Mechanised car park counters were installed at the Shepherd Meadows car park in December 2014 to monitor its use by visitors. This is part of a larger project by Bracknell Forest Council to monitor the use of Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspaces (SANGs), of which Lily Hill Park is one, in order to mitigate for the increased recreational pressure from housing development in the Borough. Establishing visitor use patterns (i.e. number of visitors and peak times of use) of SANGs is an important part of monitoring the success of SANGs to provide mitigation.
A number of different technologies were assessed to for their suitability in providing car park counts. It was determined that Clearview Traffic offers the most appropriate solution for vehicle counters solution for
39 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
permanent surveys. The M210 solar powered logging stud provides count information in a simple self- contained unit. It requires no external power source and is easily installed directly into the road. It has a low risk of accidental or intentional damage due to its low profile and inconspicuous siting. As such we chose to install Clearview Traffic logging studs into all of our SANGs sites.
Data on vehicle counts is being collected to provide detailed and up-to-date information on the number of vehicles using the site. Combined with other visitor count data, this will give us an accurate picture of the number of people using SANGs and the peak times of use.
40 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
3.8 Recreation facilities The sites play a vital role in providing both informal and formal recreational opportunities within the Sandhurst and surrounding area. With such a wide range of sports and their respective clubs represented, the park in particular is a focus for formal recreation in a wide area.
Informal recreation is catered for at both sites by the network of paths and site furniture, in addition to the children’s play area, multi-sport area, skate park and other facilities at the Memorial Park. Other community interests are also well catered for, with on-site facilities ranging from Pistachios Cafe to the Community Hall, while the presence of the Police Point and Town Council offices ensure that the site is a focus for local people.
Formal recreation: The three large and five mini football pitches are used by: • Sandhurst Town Boys and Girls Football Club • Sandhurst Sports Club Saturday & Sunday Football Clubs • College Town Reserves • Sandhurst Finest
• Bottom Meadow is home to the Hellenic League Div 1 East side Sandhurst Town Football Club with a crowd capacity of just over 1,000 spectators. • A cricket square and pavilion is used by Sandhurst Cricket Club (see photo below). • Three tennis courts are available to the public and are used also by Sandhurst Lawn Tennis Club. • One basketball court freely available. • A recently refurbished multi use games area is freely available • A skate park with several ramps was installed in 2003.
Informal recreation: • The Park and Meadows are generally used by dog walkers, joggers and ramblers. The path around the edge of the pond and alongside the river provides an attractive stroll for quiet reflection. • Informal activities are provided for through the extensively used children's play area (see photo above), the adventure play area and the multi-user games play area. • A Tug of War gantry provides an ideal training facility for Sandhurst’s internationally renowned Tug of War team who have represented England at this sport. • The allotment site is administered by the Sandhurst and District Allotment Association. The Sandhurst and District Gardening Club have a trading store on site.
41 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
• The Memorial Park is home to the Sandhurst Guide Association and 3rd Sandhurst Scouts. • Bracknell Forest Council leases the fishing rights along its stretch of the Blackwater River to Hartley Wintney Angling Society, who issue day permits and season tickets. • The park is popular with boot camp style activities, at least two groups use the facilities • Other recreational facilities include a kick-about area, picnic area, surfaced paths and benches.
Youth Facilities: The strong desire amongst the community and councillors to add accessible play equipment was achieved late 2016 with the addition of a wheelchair swing, roundabout and various sensory boards and replace the ageing zip wire, the popular facility refurbished in 2016.
Clubs/Committees/Groups: The Sports Club is an umbrella organisation that represents all the clubs using Sandhurst Memorial Park and their meetings are attended by two STC representatives. The STC Leisure Committee includes representatives from the sports clubs and residents associations. See a) interested parties (page 32).
Communication takes place between STC, BFC and Thames Water Plc who maintain the functionality of the balancing pond. A ‘Friends Of’ group was established in 2005 to aid the management and maintenance of the pond. The group carries out site works such as litter picking, planting and general maintenance to ensure that it remains in an attractive and safe area.
Visitor management: • Visitor management aims to make use of the site sustainable by concentrating informal recreation on the western half of the site so as to minimise the environmental impact on the most ecologically sensitive areas. • This is achieved through maintaining better surfaces on paths in the western end, thereby making them more user-friendly. This also enables good path links with the adjacent open space at Sandhurst Memorial Park. • The kick-about area allows local children to play informal ball games without damaging other areas.
There has been discussion within the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership about upgrading the Blackwater Valley path to a footpath cycleway for its entire length. Bracknell Forest Council has agreed in principle to support this idea. There are no proposals to upgrade the path surface at present but this may arise in the long term. Conflict with the SSSI designation is an issue. See section 5. Projects for information about path improvement projects.
42 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
The site has disabled access where possible, such as the tarmac path leading from the car park to the river. However, the construction of further disabled access paths is restricted by the SSSI designation.
Marketing of the site regularly undergoes review to ensure that public information in leaflets, webpages and information boards is kept up to date and of interest.
3.9 Publicity and Marketing
Photographic Competition The Parks & Countryside Service run a popular annual photographic competition, which encourages keen local amateur photographers to try and capture the beauty of the Borough’s open spaces. Many of the photographic entries received have feature scenes from the site, particularly the Blackwater River and the meadows. STC have also run their own photographic completion as part of Parklife, a week of events based around enjoying open spaces, in order to celebrate Love Parks Week.
Leaflet A full-colour, fold out A3 leaflet detailing Sandhurst Memorial Park, Shepherd Meadows and the Blackwater Valley path is available at libraries, The Look Out Discovery Centre, schools, children Parks Photo Competition finalist information centres (upon request), council offices and via the BFC website. This was produced by BFC ‘Calves at Shepherd Meadows’, and Sandhurst Town Council in conjunction with The Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership. Both by Derek Morgan. sites are detailed in the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership Path and Circular Walks booklets. See Appendix O for site leaflets.
Online This management plan as well as other basic information about site facilities, Green Flag Awards, directions, contact details, events etc are available online from the BFC, STC and Sandhurst Pride websites. www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/shepherdmeadowsandsandhurstmemorialpark www.sandhurst.gov.uk www.sandhurstpride.co.uk
BFC has their own Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts meaning that the public can access latest news and events from the following addresses:
43 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
www.facebook.com/whatsonbracknellforest www.twitter.com/bracknellforest https://www.facebook.com/whatsonbracknellforest
Local Papers/Newsletters Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows are regularly promoted in local papers such as the Bracknell News and online Get Bracknell which is hosted on the Get Reading website. The Sandhurst Town Council newsletter includes regular updates and information on the Memorial Park and is distributed to all households in the area.
Information on Shepherd Meadows is provided to local residents via the College Meadows Residents Association newsletter.
This details past, present and future works at the sites and also encourages local people to take part in voluntary works at the site.
In addition to the recreation facilities, the following Community resources are also available to the public: • The Pistachios In The Park Café refreshment facility and recycling facilities. Sandhurst Sports Club and bar. • Community Hall Complex complete with ten changing rooms used by numerous clubs and organisations including Sandhurst Short Mat Bowling Club.
Quarterly meetings take place between STC and the three residents associations: • Sandhurst Residents Association • College Meadows Residents Association • Longdown Lodge Residents Association
Education: Local schools are actively involved with the site which they use to fulfil environmental sections of the national curriculum as it’s abundant with suitable habitat in which to conduct wildlife sampling. They have also used it for other activities such as mock Mayor-making ceremonies for example. • The park is regularly visited by schools, it may be possible to develop the facilities so that they are able to use it for nature conservation and wildlife related studies. • An aspiration is to make contact with schools and further education colleges and to incorporate site habitats into the national curriculum.
44 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
3.10 Green Infrastructure
The memorial park and meadows are part of a network of strategically planned high quality green spaces and other environmental features. They is designed and managed as a multifunctional resource capable of delivering a wide range of environmental and quality of life benefits for local communities. It is a key part of green infrastructure, acting as a buffer between housing developments and helping retain the identity of settlements. Green infrastructure can be identified according to the primary functions being served:
Function Characteristics Play Spaces providing opportunities targeted towards children and young people. This is becoming increasingly significant in relation to encouraging healthy, active lifestyles and enabling social development. Provision can range from specific, equipped play areas; to less formal places allowing for and encouraging unstructured, imaginative play and / or socialising Sport Sites supporting sport and leisure activities such as outdoor ball games and keep fit Formal Designed, landscaped areas specifically laid out as publicly accessible green space. This includes parks and gardens. In addition (especially within urban settings), formal green space encompasses civic spaces such as squares, public art, planted borders and flower beds Informal This can encompass semi-natural land with low key or ‘defacto’ public access Natural Biodiversity rich spaces including heathland, meadows, river corridors, ponds and woodlands Linear Public Rights of Way, Cycle Tracks and trails Buffer Highway verges, embankments and boundaries Climate Change This recognises the vital role that green infrastructure plays in climate change mitigation and adaption, including by helping to address the environmental impacts arising from increasing development pressure and associated pollution. Examples include creating balancing ponds to alleviate flood risk; carbon sequestration by trees plants and soil; and reducing the urban heat island effect caused by the extent of contiguous urban area (exceeding 30 square kilometres)
The 'strategic' intention is to increase the amount of Open Space of Public Value in the Borough and to improve how this is physically connected. In 2016 Bracknell Forest Council commissioned a Green Infrastructure audit to identify how open spaces and other green areas in the borough function to support
45 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
the wellbeing of communities and the environment. This study forms part of the evidence base for the developing Comprehensive Local Plan.
3.11 Capital / revenue budget
STC Financial management summary STC Budgets are set each February by the Town Council at a dedicated meeting of the Council. The process starts six months earlier and has full debate at each of the Committee meetings in the bi-monthly cycles. Clubs and Residents Associations have a chance to contribute to the debate by representatives cooption onto the Leisure Committee.
All staff are invited to put forward suggestions and are consulted on cost headings. Financial Management reports are presented to Committees and strict monitoring of all costs takes place at all stages of the procurement process.
Funding for maintenance at Shepherd Meadows is allocated through the Parks & Countryside Service revenue budgets. Budgets are set out for service areas, not ring fenced to individual sites; specific site spend is prioritised according to work programming, level of use and the extent of facilities available. Capital budgets are allocated annually with project proposals assessed with Members. A more detailed description is provided below. Financial management summary Introduction The Bracknell Forest Council Parks and Countryside Service directly manages approximately 386 hectares of publicly accessible land, providing a wide range of outdoor recreation opportunities across approximately 80 sites. The work is completed collaboratively through public engagement and partnerships to provide residents with a network of green spaces that are shown to be well used and highly valued by the residents of Bracknell.
This financial summary presents the financial picture of the Parks and Countryside Service as a whole, in order to provide the financial background against which Green Flag Award sites are delivered.
It is not practical to separate out detailed costs for individual sites as the entire Parks and Countryside service plays a role in the retention and expansion of the number of sites formally holding a Green Flag Award.
46 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Policy In challenging financial times the delivery of any public service has to be supported within policy. Bracknell Forest Council has adopted a Council Plan 2015 – 2019 and this has identified six strategic themes. The provision of high quality parks and countryside sites is considered to support the delivery of all six themes, but most specifically relates to ‘A clean, green, growing and sustainable place’. A performance indicator within this theme is ‘Satisfaction with parks and open spaces’. The achievement of independently assessed awards is considered to be an important part of delivering and demonstrating the quality of open spaces within the borough. Performance within the Green Flag Awards is reported within the council and is widely monitored, particularly by councillors, and this underpins the financial support for the delivery of high quality open spaces.
Responsibility A variety of staff share the responsibility for the financial management of the service. The Head of Parks and Countryside is ultimately accountable, with specific responsibility for budgets assigned to individual site managers through a scheme of delegation. Individual site managers specify works in accordance with the management plans, maintenance regimes or ad-hoc projects. Authorisation limits are in place for each role in the team, with higher value orders authorised by increasingly senior officers.
Within the borough council the Finance Department monitor expenditure, prepare reports and provide an internal audit function. Corporate finance officers and accountants work closely with the operational staff on budget monitoring and expenditure. Procurement Bracknell Forest Council is a large organisation with strict guidelines for the expenditure of public funds. Processes are in place for raising official works orders, paying invoices, tendering for works and so on. Purchase of goods or services are supported by multiple quotations where this can reasonably be achieved. Where appropriate, goods and services are procured through framework agreements to comply with procurement requirements for larger value works and services.
47 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Budget The Parks and Countryside expenditure in the financial year 2017/18 for revenue and capital programmes was: 2017 application 2018 application Staff costs £781,803 £776,780 Maintenance £321,802 £358,397 Vehicles £38,339 £41,350 Other costs £21,793 £84,460 Contractors £315,075 £162,200 Income £202,547 £130,250 Capital £321,600 £245,600 Total (Rev+cap) £2,002959 £1,799,037 Total (Rev) £1,681,359 £1,553,437
Exceptions There are many centralised functions of the borough council which are available to the Parks and Countryside Service to support the delivery of open space, but which will not show within the above budget. Examples would include: website provision, marketing and social media coverage / monitoring, health and safety, human resources expertise and information technology support.
Review The borough financial management process is cyclical and includes operations for budget setting and reporting on variations to planned expenditure and this provides the mechanism by which expenditure can be matched to the actual costs experienced in delivering the commitments within the council plan. Future budgets are then adjusted to reflect the requirement.
48 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
3.12 Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspaces (SANGs) In 2008/09, a major project of site works started at Shepherd Meadows to make the site a Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) as part of the Bracknell Forest Special Protection Area (SPA) Avoidance and Mitigation Strategy; this seeks developer funding to improve semi-natural green spaces around the Borough and thereby provide alternatives to recreational use of the SPA itself which is internationally protected for the species of ground-nesting birds that are found there.
Such a project at Shepherd Meadows has included/is likely to include: i. Improvements to path surfaces: • Continuing from the last fishing platform through to the balancing pond. • From the vehicle bridge over the river up to the railway. • From the Camberley roundabout down to the footbridge over the river. • Putting in a possible surfaced path to link the existing paths all the way from Sandhurst to Camberley. (Long term and will require ecological and environmental assessment.) ii. Replacement of pedestrian footbridges on main pathways. iii. Increase number of and improve seating/resting areas around the: • Kick-about area and along the riverside. • Kick-about area management improvements e.g. levelling. iv. Provision of more & area-specific on site interpretation e.g. grassland, grazing, woodland, rivers, management.
Initial estimates (as accepted by the BFC SPA Strategy) place the total cost of such works at approximately £100,000.
Work completed in 2017 By whom Cost Vegetation / scrub clearance in various locations (near car BCVs Staff time and park, in wetland area etc.) resources Visitor survey of SANG extension Contractor £3k Production of a new suite of SANGS leaflets; these will help £2,500 encourage recreation away from the Thames Basin Heaths SPA. Path works - to raise and surface 2 sections of paths to the Contractor £49,217 north and south of the Blackwater River and one which leads from the main bridge, in order to help prevent
49 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
waterlogging. Includes cost of surveys. CCTV cameras and installation Contractor £5.2k Work proposed for 2018 By whom Ranger/Contractor
New footbridge across the Blackwater River Contractor £40k
3.13 Higher Level Stewardship
In 2009 Bracknell Forest Council and Sandhurst Town Council applied for Higher Level Stewardship from Natural England. This will provide targeted payments for better habitat management on the SSSI and will be expanded to include adjacent LWS’.
Grazing continues to be used as a form of management in the meadow areas.
50 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
4. Action Plan
Aim A: To maintain the site as an attractive, safe and accessible place for informal recreation
Objective Management Prescriptions Location Indicator(s) of By Whom Time Scales / success Frequency Publicise dog walking code of conduct Public paths Decreased dog BFC (P&C in Leaflet A1. Encourage responsible leaflet on websites and on social fouling liaison with continuously dog ownership media. Environmental available on Protection) P&C pages. Ad hoc publicity Town and Parish on BFC social Councils media Hand out copies of the dog walking All Decreased dog BFC ranger, STC Targeted dates
code of conduct leaflet on site. fouling and Community throughout the Volunteers year (minimum of twice yearly) Advertise Paws in the Park; a free Notice boards Decreased dog BFC and STC Advertise 2
event which promotes responsible dog fouling months before ownership, pre and post publicity. the event (Jul/Aug) and publicise after. Provide dog waste disposal facilities. Various Presence of BFC Ranger, 10 bins provided
combined use Contractor - at the Memorial dog/waste bins Continental Park site which Landscape Limited are emptied (CLL) and STC approximately 3 times a week Litter pick. All Site free from litter BFC Ranger, STC STC weekly A2. Ensure site is clean, ground staff and basis
51 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Aim A: To maintain the site as an attractive, safe and accessible place for informal recreation
Objective Management Prescriptions Location Indicator(s) of By Whom Time Scales / success Frequency safe and well-maintained Volunteers Routine emptying of litter bins and litter Bins and Litter bins not STC ground staff CLL - 3 times a
pick of adjacent areas. adjacent areas overflowing and and CLL week i.e. car parks nearby is litter free STC – litter pick every day Maintain site signage and furniture Various - Signs and furniture BFC Ranger, STC Monthly, or as
(benches, noticeboard, litter bins etc.) are clean with no ground staff and required signs of damage Volunteers - No graffiti present - Information up-to- date Keep play areas and skate park Play area and - No glass/rubbish STC ground staff Daily inspections
clean/safe and ensure equipment is skate park - Fully functioning, take place, with safe to use. safe to use more detailed equipment ones carried out - Borders are kept on a twice- clear of vegetation yearly basis by a - Bark chippings specialist and sand topped up company. and evenly spread Equipment repairs, topping up bark , leaf clearance - carried out as required
52 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Aim A: To maintain the site as an attractive, safe and accessible place for informal recreation
Objective Management Prescriptions Location Indicator(s) of By Whom Time Scales / success Frequency Reduce risk from climbing plants on Adjacent to Potentially BFC Ranger Minimum 6
trees close to footpaths / properties. footpaths/ hazardous climbers monthly properties removed Inspection of trees, paths, furniture, All Inspections carried STC BFC Ranger Minimum 6
structures to manage risks to site out and recorded in consultation with monthly users. and actions taken the BFC Tree on issues identified Team Make life belts safe and accessible. Pond boundary Life belts present Thames Water are Monthly or as
and in good working responsible - if required order defects/problems are seen they are to be reported to Thames Water by STC Remove water blockages and prevent Balancing pond No debris in STC / Thames As required
overflow issues. and drainage drainage channel Water channel Ensure health and safety procedures N/A Site is safe to use BFC Ranger and Continuous
are followed and reviewed regularly. by all users STC See Appendix H Amenity grass cut, with no arisings Not pitches or Amenity areas look STC and BFC STC - Every
removed meadow areas well maintained (CLL) week during the growing season. BFC - 14-day or 28 day
53 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Aim A: To maintain the site as an attractive, safe and accessible place for informal recreation
Objective Management Prescriptions Location Indicator(s) of By Whom Time Scales / success Frequency Strimming around site features Trees, posts, Weeds are kept at STC ground staff Weekly basis
buildings, bay and site looks fences and well maintained other furniture
Remove encroaching vegetation next All footpaths Footpaths have at STC ground staff (Mainly Apr - A3. Ensure all access to footpath by flailing/strimming and least 1 metre and BFC Ranger Sept) points and paths are safe branch/shrub clearance. clearance from and usable. vegetation on each side Improve sight lines across the site. All Reduced vegetation BFC Ranger and Sept - Mar
and more open STC ground staff views Maintain cut grass pathways Meadow paths Grass pathways can BFC ranger 28 day cut
be accessed by the public Expand and improve path network Permissive - New path links BFC Ranger, STC, As funding
across site. paths, created where Hampshire County comes available. Blackwater appropriate Council Valley Path and public footpaths Maintain surface condition of car parks, Car parks, Surfaces kept free STC, BFC and Monthly or 6-
roadways, gateways and paths by roadways, of significant contractors monthly inspections and sweeping gateways and potholes and free inspections
54 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Aim A: To maintain the site as an attractive, safe and accessible place for informal recreation
Objective Management Prescriptions Location Indicator(s) of By Whom Time Scales / success Frequency paths from too much build up of debris Twice annual sweeping Maintain and where appropriate Fingerposts Clear linkage BFC Ranger, STC As part of 6-
improve directional signage between the park monthly site and meadow area inspection Check footbridges and repair / replace 5 bridges Bridges are BFC Ranger As part of 6-
as required. across ditches accessible monthly site and 4 larger inspection bridges across the river Also inspected by contractor biennially Removal of tree branches that are Site boundaries Where practical a Contractor/ BFC Dependent on A4. Maintain site touching or potentially damaging one-metre gap Ranger, STC 6-monthly site boundaries neighbouring properties. should be retained inspection between findings trees/branches and buildings/fences
Monitor and record anti-social All Reports recorded BFC Ranger and As required A5. Address and report anti- behaviour, using CCTV and public on CADIS for fly STC social behaviour reports tipping, graffiti, garden waste etc. Report serious occurrences to police.
55 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Aim A: To maintain the site as an attractive, safe and accessible place for informal recreation
Objective Management Prescriptions Location Indicator(s) of By Whom Time Scales / success Frequency Regular patrols / On-site presence All Reduced anti-social STC and STC – on site
behavioiur /crime BFC ranger presence BFC 6 monthly inspections Communicate issues on anti-social Site and its Reduced anti-social STC and BFC As required
behaviour with site users and local surrounding behavioiur /crime Ranger residents. neighbourhood. Liaise with other public services who N/A Key locations BFC Ranger, STC, As required
are employed as part of the patrolled through Police, Fire neighbourhood teams. collaborative Brigade and working PCSOs Introduction of car park closing times STC main car Reduced anti-social Caretaker, Duty Car Park closed
park entrance behaviour, better Caretaker, 10.00pm to quality of life for on- Groundstaff 8.00am daily site caretaker A6. Maintain sports pitches Erect and Dismantle goal posts Football Completed on time STC Goal posts pitches remain in-situ
April to September Line marking of sports pitches using Football Completed on time. STC Start of football
approved marking compounds pitches Pitch quality of an season, and acceptable standard then once a week until season end Cricket pitch Cricket – before every game
56 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Aim A: To maintain the site as an attractive, safe and accessible place for informal recreation
Objective Management Prescriptions Location Indicator(s) of By Whom Time Scales / success Frequency Tennis court Contractors Every 5 years. The courts were completely refurbished 2016 Rolling, spiking and chain harrowing of Football Completed on time. STC At discretion of
the pitches pitches Pitch quality of an STC acceptable standard Pitch fertilisation Football Adequate growth of STC Once or twice
pitches grass per year Grass cut with no arisings removed Fine turf areas Completed on time. STC Once or twice
(e.g. football Pitch quality of an per week during
pitches and acceptable standard growing season cricket square) (April to October) Watering of the pitches, removing Football pitch Pitches are kept STC As and when
leaves and maintenance/repairs carried healthy and the required i.e. out to the cricket wicket, tennis court Cricket pitch wicket and other when there’s an nets and posts, surrounding fenceline facilities are kept in extended period Tennis courts good condition of dry weather, during autumn when fallen leaves are an issue, or when the wicket requires fixing Weed & Worm Cast control Football and Weeds such as STC using Once a year for
cricket pitches moss are kept approved football pitches
57 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Aim A: To maintain the site as an attractive, safe and accessible place for informal recreation
Objective Management Prescriptions Location Indicator(s) of By Whom Time Scales / success Frequency under control, contractors and twice per worms prevented year for cricket from casting. Renovation of football pitches including Football Completed on time. STC End of the
repair of worn areas with a top dressing pitches Pitch quality of an football season and seeding, drill seeding of less worn acceptable standard areas, Verti-draining and sand top dressing on sand slitted pitches Renovation of cricket square including Cricket square Completed on time. STC End of the
short cut of square, four-way Pitch quality of an cricket season scarification, four-way spiking, top acceptable standard dressed and seeded, fenced off during winter, fertilized several times, grass cut as required and spiked twice monthly (conditions allowing). Hedge cutting around the courts Tennis courts Hedges maintained STC groundstaff, Annually
contractor Mole Eradication Jubilee Field Absence of mole STC groundstaff As required
hills
58 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Aim B: To maintain and enhance the historic landscape character of the park and the features of nature conservation value.
Objective Management Prescriptions Location Indicator of By Whom Time Scales / success Frequency
B1. To maintain and improve the nature conservation value and interest of the habitats and associated species Grassland Improve Cut grass and compost arisings Meadows - Reduced BFC Ranger / local farmer Annual cut in structure on site. dominance from August/September and vigorous grasses biodiversity - Increased species value of richness and existing diversity meadows. Grazing with cattle Meadows - Reduced Grazier / local farmer July - December dominance from vigorous grasses - Increased species richness and diversity
Woodland Maintain a Selectively remove trees (focus on Seeby’s - Increased variety STC /Volunteers / Contractor Annual rotation varied age- non-native and those in poor Copse in tree height structure to health). - Maintained mix of enhance native tree species Where natural regeneration of ground flora - Increased tree/shrubs is not possible, try to richness and use locally sourced stock for tree biodiversity of
59 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Aim B: To maintain and enhance the historic landscape character of the park and the features of nature conservation value.
Objective Management Prescriptions Location Indicator of By Whom Time Scales / success Frequency planting. ground flora Keep ivy where safety permits. Hazel Coppice Seeby’s - Increased variety Volunteers / Contractor On third every 4 Copse in tree height years - Maintained mix of native tree species - Increased richness and biodiversity of ground flora Improve Refer to B2. control of invasive Remove all laurel STC / Volunteers 5 years to average biodiversity species. and Rhododendron 20% removal each value of year wooded area Increase the Logs from felled trees to be Presence of STC When trees are amount of stacked in part-shade or buried species that favour felled deadwood up-right for a beetle loggery. Log deadwood habitats habitat. piles to be no larger than 1m by 2- including stag 3m long. beetle and fungi A small amount of standing dead - No more than 5% STC When trees are wood (dead or dying branches on standing felled trees) should be retained where deadwood. practicable to do so. - No deadwood poses risk to members of the
60 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Aim B: To maintain and enhance the historic landscape character of the park and the features of nature conservation value.
Objective Management Prescriptions Location Indicator of By Whom Time Scales / success Frequency public Fallen, rotting deadwood should No more than 5% STC & contractor As required be left where it is. If this is not fallen deadwood possible it should be moved carefully the smallest distance, and left under similar conditions of light and shade and the same way up. Water To maintain Keep pond and inlets and outlets - Increased STC / Thames Water As required bodies and improve free from logs debris etc. Felled presence of the trunks can be left whole if not kingfishers (BAP) conservation causing an obstruction. - Increased value in and waterfowl around the individuals pond and - Presence of stream suitable aquatic inlets/outlets invertebrate indicator species for non-polluted water Reactive Respond to calls about water Balancing Significant drops in STC (pond), BFC Ranger 6 monthly/ as approach to problems and inspect as part of Pond and water quality (river), Environment Agency required monitor and regular site patrols. River reported to Thames and Thames Water report Blackwater Water and the changes in Environment water quality Agency
61 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Aim B: To maintain and enhance the historic landscape character of the park and the features of nature conservation value.
Objective Management Prescriptions Location Indicator of By Whom Time Scales / success Frequency Control extent of rhododendron Across site - Less than 10% Use volunteer groups for Sept – Mar B2. Control of invasive and laurel by cutting. rhododendron / vegetation management. species. laurel cover Some specialist work to be Removal of dogwood in certain done by contractors Cut back on a 3 areas Zero tolerance for yearly cycle Monitoring of other invasive other invasive species such as ragwort, species e.g. Japanese knotweed etc. Japanese knotweed Refer to specific feature and site All areas, but Ranger/Volunteers As and when B3. Manage features in designation requirements particularly required accordance with including LBAP species/habitats, those where designations/legal TPO area, Blackwater Reach there are requirements where SSSI, Shepherd Meadows Open specific relevant i.e. TPOs, Space Management Plan designations SAMs, BAPs, SANGs, e.g. Seeby’s SSSIs, etc. Copse and Blackwater Reach Manage the riparian habitats and All Continuously high BFC Ranger, Blackwater See management B4. To maintain and species associated with the biodiversity value Valley Countryside prescriptions improve the site’s role Blackwater River, which links to through stream, Partnership, EA under B1 and as a wildlife corridor. other areas of greenspace to the ponds, woodlands Water Bodies south and north e.g. Yateley and meadow Lakes Improve connections of habitats All Reduced habitat BFC Ranger and STC within the site. fragmentation
62 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Aim C: To manage the park in a sustainable way
Objective Management Prescriptions Location Indicator of success By Whom Time Scales / Frequency All N/A BFC Ranger As and when C1. Use herbicides Minimise use of herbicide by favouring required appropriately non-chemical management techniques All N/A BFC Ranger and Use herbicides only when it is felt that STC grounds the environmental and social benefits staff outweigh the environmental costs and use best practice techniques e.g.
• Use the minimum active ingredient to achieve effective control. • Use products that will not persist in the environment or be bio- accumulative • Only use spot treatment on weeds on hard surfaces – no blanket spraying • Use non-hazard rated formulations of active ingredients. Seeby’s Waste disposal costs BFC Ranger and Likely to be C2. Recycle waste plant Eco-piles are created out of logs or Copse and in are kept to a minimum STC during seasonal material where practicable branches scrubby woodland areas operations Branches are chipped and used as All Presence of mulch BFC Ranger and As above
shrub bed mulch. from site works STC Leave vegetative waste materials on- All N/A BFC Ranger and As above
STC
63 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Aim C: To manage the park in a sustainable way
Objective Management Prescriptions Location Indicator of success By Whom Time Scales / Frequency site if possible. Don't use horticultural peat All 0% presence of All N/A C3. Demonstrate high horticultural peat horticultural and arboricultural standards Maintain the raised flowerbeds by Raised Areas are sustainably STC ground March-Oct
weeding, watering, pruning/dead flowerbeds managed with high staff and weekly weeding heading and mulching near the STC standard of horticulture horticultural Offices maintained volunteers Watering during (gardeneing long spells of hot group) weather
Mulching annually
Dead heading when required Tree inspections carried out and tree Trees Trees health are BFC Ranger or 6-monthly
surgery carried out when required maintained approved inspections, with contractors further inspections/work STC for below carried out if head height required Where practicable preference will be All 50% products sourced BFC and STC As required C4. Implement energy given to locally sourced products (from locally conservation, pollution within the southeast region). Refer to reduction, waste recycling
64 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Aim C: To manage the park in a sustainable way
Objective Management Prescriptions Location Indicator of success By Whom Time Scales / Frequency and resource conservation BFCs Procurement Manual 3.2 measures. Sustainable Procurement; 3.4 Small & Medium Sized Enterprises; and 3.5 Voluntary Sector. Manage the buildings with energy STC offices Reduced energy STC and Rolling
conservation measures in mind e.g the and consumption electrical/heating replacement fitting of LED lighting and thermostatic community contractor programme and radiator valves buildings retro fitting when applicable C5. Encourage sustainable Provide opportunities for cyclists to Cycle racks Cycle racks are used BFC and STC As required forms of travel and improve stop and use the site at both site links within the Borough car parks Encourage exploration of local cycle On site and - Map present on site BFC, STC and As required
routes, using on site map and on BFC / STC showing main cycle Local websites website links, Cycling in Countryside Bracknell Forest leaflet Access Forum displayed (LCAF) - Cycling promoted on BFC website - Increased use of local cycle network Manage bank erosion, unblock ditches All Reduced effects of STC and BFC As required C6. Mitigate for effects of and increase drainage flooding on site Ranger climate change Plant, or encourage natural Seeby’s More younger trees STC As required
succession of native trees as part of Copse? planted in woodland carbon sequestration.
65 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Aim C: To manage the park in a sustainable way
Objective Management Prescriptions Location Indicator of success By Whom Time Scales / Frequency Identify funding opportunities with user N/A Increased revenue BFC Ranger / As required C7. Manage site in a cost- groups and volunteers e.g. litter picks, STC effective manner conservation volunteering etc. Use capital funding such as S106 and All Funds secured to raise BFC / STC 2018
SANGs to improve site quality quality standards and standards. Green Flag Award retained
66 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Aim D: Coordinated management and maintenance through joined up working between project partners
Objective Management Prescriptions Location Indicator of success By Whom Time Scales / Frequency Liaise with adjacent landowners and On and off Decision-making is BFC and Yearly or as D1. Develop a consensus groups about site management. site informed from STC required between adjacent landowners partnership discussions and local groups Communicate with Natural England, On and off Advice from bodies BFC and Yearly or as D2. Liaise with relevant Environment Agency, Thames Valley site used in management of STC required agencies, groups and Police, etc. in connection with site. site organisations to gather information for site management
D3. Explore and develop Investigate tennis court, field rental and Increased income STC Annual review or commercial opportunities to pitch charges to increase revenue from as required provide revenue to support hirers management and maintenance. Work collaboratively with other site N/A Collaborated data BFC N/A D4. Improve communication managers / interest groups / forums to collection and reports STC (and and information sharing on share information. other T/P green spaces across the Councils) Borough. Blackwater Valley LCAF
67 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Aim E: To promote community involvement in the park
Objective Management Prescriptions Location Indicator of success By Whom Time Scales / Frequency Work closely with BVCP by having Attendance at meetings BFC Ranger As required E1. Involve local community in regular contact with chairman and number of working STC management of site where parties appropriate and provide a Woodland Schools good provision of information Liaison with all sports users to users
Engage with site users to provide All Completion of online BFC Ranger As required
opportunities for feedback on site survey by parks users STC improvements Park user Volunteers Carry out visitor counts and use the All Data collected and BFC Ranger Minimum of 2 E2. Gain knowledge of user data collected to help inform analysed from visitor STC counts per month communities and levels of use management. counts Volunteers Collect and analyse feedback from the N/A Satisfaction levels BFC Monthly
Park User Survey, responding to maintained or improved customers where appropriate Identify opportunities for practical N/A Greater involvement in BFC Ranger Minimum of twice E3. Provide opportunities for involvement e.g. conservation park use STC a year practical community volunteering activities BVCP involvement Volunteers Publicise events effectively N/A Increased attendance BFC E4. Positively market the site, at events STC e.g. events, conservation tasks, websites, etc.
68 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Aim E: To promote community involvement in the park
Objective Management Prescriptions Location Indicator of success By Whom Time Scales / Frequency Provide an events program N/A Events programme BFC 6 monthly E6. Promote the site as an produced, distributed STC educational resource and displayed in site notice boards Provide permanent and non-permanent Car park Provision of STC and Year around.
onsite interpretation facilities, the areas interpretation boards BFC Ranger Update or replace former should provide a site map and where necessary describe the landscape heritage of the Along the site. river Encourage local involvement of N/A Public attendance at BFC Ranger Yearly
schools, colleges and community events groups. Take into account said groups during N/A Improved access to site BFC Ranger Yearly E7. Improve opportunities for planning for access and interpretation. and interpretation and site potentially under-represented facilities for said groups users/ SRA or excluded groups Identify target user groups and open N/A Attendance at user Ranger 5 years lines of communication. group meetings or site meetings
69 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Aim F: To survey, monitor and report on the delivery of the management plan aims and objectives
Objective Management Prescriptions Location Indicator of success By Whom Time Scales / Frequency
F1. Monitor habitats and key species and evaluate data Meadow Survey species richness. Site meadow Species list recorded BFC According to areas Biodiversity TVERCs Officer, schedule of BFC Ranger surveys TVERC Further biodiversity surveys depending Site meadow Further survey BFC According to on initial survey results. areas information recorded Biodiversity TVERCs and evaluated Officer, schedule of BFC Ranger surveys Woodland ground flora Map distribution of ground flora Seeby’s - Distribution map BFC According to species. Copse created Biodiversity TVERCs Survey species cover abundance. - Percentage cover Officer, schedule of recorded BFC Ranger surveys TVERC Wildlife & Flora sightings Ask local residents to report sightings Along river Sightings BFC, STC Seasonal and as of Kingfishers via BFC website, Site and around reported and site users required Ranger or Biodiversity Officer. balancing such as local pond residents Ask site users to report sightings of All Stag beetle sightings BFC, STC Seasonal and as stag beetles via BFC website, BFC reported and site users required Ranger or Biodiversity Officer. such as local residents
70 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Aim F: To survey, monitor and report on the delivery of the management plan aims and objectives
Objective Management Prescriptions Location Indicator of success By Whom Time Scales / Frequency Collect data using the BFC core quality All TBC BFC Rangers, 6 monthly basis F2. Monitor and maintain criteria document (see Appendix D). STC quality standards (i.e. Green Use this data to inform management of Flag Award® criteria as a the park. benchmark) Ensure that routine work as contracted Litter bins are empty, BFC Ranger / Fortnightly or as
out to CLL is carried out to spec cycle ways are clear CLL required from debris, grass has been mowed Continuously review budget spends for N/A Within budget spends BFC Site Yearly F3. Demonstrate financially site and evaluate cost-effectiveness. each year and work Ranger sound management of the programme achieved park/open space Deliver capital projects N/A Capital projects BFC Ranger As required
delivered to set aims STC and within allocated timescales The plan will be reviewed annually but N/A New/amended BFC Ranger, Comprehensive F4.The Plan must be actively it is intended to cover a 10-year period management plan STC review in 2027 implemented and reviewed
71 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Appendices
Appendix A Site maps
Location Map
72 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Site Floodzone and Drainage map
73 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Site Access Points
There’s also pedestrian access from Station approach off the Meadows roundabout
74 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Appendix B: Green Flag Award® assessment criteria GF1 – A Welcoming Place (1. Welcome; 2. Good and Safe Access; 3. Signage; 4. Equal Access for All) First impressions are all too important and the site should look inviting. Issues that must be considered are: good and safe access, welcome, signage and equal access for all. The site should be freely accessible to the public. However, we are fully aware that sites may well have to be locked at night for security reasons or that access to the site may be restricted to regular, advertised open days, with a designated member being the key holder.
GF2 – Healthy, Safe and Secure (5. Appropriate Level of Facilities and Activities; 6. Safe Equipment and Facilities; 7. Personal Security; 8. Control of Dogs/Dog Fouling) It is of paramount importance that the site is safe. Issues such as personal security, safe equipment and facilities, appropriate level of facilities and control of dogs, and dog fouling must be considered. Sites should encourage people to live healthy lifestyles through the facilities, activities and events provided.
GF3 – Well Maintained and Clean (9. Litter and Waste Management; 10. Overall Standard of Maintenance; 11. Graffiti and Vandalism) There should be an appropriate standard of maintenance throughout the site and effective management skills to combat issues including: litter, fouling and waste management, as well as graffiti and vandalism.
GF4 – Environmental Management (12. Sustainable Materials Use; 13. Waste Recycling and Minimisation; 14. Chemical Use; 15. Peat Use) Judges will examine environmental issues such as peat and pesticide use, sustainable material use, waste and its minimisation.
GF5 – Biodiversity, Landscape and Heritage (16. Conservation of Landscape and Historic Features; 17. Conservation of Biodiversity) Each green space is unique and has its own character. The judges will be looking at how the natural and historic features are identified on site, and what measures have been taken to enhance them where appropriate.
GF6 – Community Involvement (18. Promotion of Green Space / Project; 19. Links to the Wider Community; 20. Involvement in Decision Making; 21. Involvement in Operations; 22. Appropriate Provision for the Community) This is a key criterion for the Green Flag Community Award as it looks to how well the site relates to and encompasses the local and wider community.
GF7 – Management / achievements (23. Innovation and Creativity; 24. Resources Secured/Use) Here judges will be looking at what you have achieved, not only in terms of managing the green space, but also what funding and resources you have secured and how you have used them. How creative and innovative you have been with projects on your site will also be of interest.
75 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Appendix C Legislation Summary
The National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949: Conferred powers on local authorities to create nature reserves.
The Countryside Act 1968: Duty to have regard to the desirability of conserving the natural beauty and amenity of the countryside in the exercise of functions relating to land.
Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981: Creation of wildlife habitats through restoration of mineral workings / reclamation of derelict land; Managing local authority land so that account is taken of its wildlife interest/environmental improvement schemes; Educational activities and the provision of information about conservation.
The Planning and Compensation Act 1991: Required structure, local and unitary development plans to include policies in respect of the conservation of the natural beauty and amenity of the land.
EC Council Directive on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora: The Habitats Directive (1992): Conservation of bio-diversity by requiring Member States to take measures to maintain or restore natural habitats and wild species at a favourable conservation status in the Community, giving effect to both site and species protection objectives.
Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000: • New rights of access on foot for open air recreation on access land - predominantly mountain, moor, heath or down. • Establishment of the Local Access Forum - to advise on access to land for all types of open air recreation • Production of Rights of Way Improvement Plans • Greater protection for nature conservation - due regard for biodiversity
The Local Government Act 2000: Powers for local authorities to promote the economic, social and environmental well being of their area.
Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006: Extension of responsibilities to safeguard and enhance biodiversity.
Equality Act 2010: This is the law which bans unfair treatment and helps achieve equal opportunities in the workplace and in wider society. The Equality Act 2010 places a duty on Bracknell Forest Council, in the exercise of its functions, have due regard to the need to: • Eliminate unfair discrimination, harassment and victimization • Advance equality of opportunity between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and those who do not. • Foster good relationships between those with a relevant protected characteristic and those who do not.
76 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Appendix D SSSI designation map and description
Please note this TPO map should only be used to refer to TPO designations on site. More comprehensive TPO records can be found on Bracknell Forest Council’s website
Blackwater Valley SSSI Citation
COUNTY: BERKSHIRE SITE NAME: BLACKWATER VALLEY
Status: Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) notified under Section 28 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
Local Planning Authorities: Bracknell Forest Council, Berkshire District Council, Hart District Council, Hampshire County Council
National Grid Reference: SU849604
77 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Ordnance Survey Sheet 1:50,000: 175 1:10,000: SU86 SW, SU86 SE, SU85 NE
Date Notified (Under 1981 Act): 1987 Date of Last Revision: 25 March 1992
Area: 35.03 ha 86.55 ac
Other information: There are two nature reserves within the site, one managed by the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Naturalists Trust, the other, known as Shepherd Meadows, is managed by Bracknell Forest Council.
Description and Reasons for Notification The site comprises an area of unimproved alluvial meadows, swamp and wet valley alderwood in the Blackwater Valley between the towns of Sandhurst and Blackwater. The site overlies alluvium and river gravels and the soils consist of sandy and loamy drifts of the Swanwick series. The complex of meadows is grazed by stock and supports rich plant communities, with a number of species associated with ancient grassland sites. Such meadows are a nationally rare and threatened habitat; it has been estimated (Nature Conservancy Council, 1984) that 95% of neutral grasslands now lack significant wildlife interest. This was the largest, richest site for wildlife found in a survey of the valley conducted by the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Naturalists Trust in 1986. The meadows are bounded by hedgerows, streams and ditches, and the River Blackwater runs through the site. An area of wet deciduous woodland supports a rare species of sedge. The structural and floristic diversity of the site provides habitats suitable for a wide range of insects and other invertebrates.
The meadows provide a range of habitats from relatively well-drained grassland to seasonally waterlogged marsh, and from acid to neutral conditions. Rushes Juncus spp dominate some areas and more than 30 species of grass and sedge have been recorded. A large number of other vascular plants is present, including many which are scarce in the area. Several uncommon species characteristic of damp acid grassland are widespread through the site, such as meadow thistle Cirsium dissectum, sneezewort Achillea ptarmica and common sedge Carex nigra, whilst the presence of great burnet Sanguisorba officinalis may indicate more base-rich conditions locally.
The marshy areas and damp grassland support species-rich plant communities dominated by sharpflowered rush Juncus acutiflorus with soft- rush J. effusus and tufted hair-grass Deschampsia cespitosa. Locally, the uncommon slender tufted sedge Carex acuta and bladder sedge C. vesicaria and carnation sedge C. panicea, greater bird's-foot trefoil Lotus uliginosus and meadow buttercup Ranunculus acris are abundant. The uncommon wood club-rush Scirpus sylvaticus is locally frequent and in one small area marsh stitchwort Stellaria palustris, a localised fen species, is abundant.
Other species present include heath-grass Danthonia decumbens, purple moor-grass Molinia caerulea, great burnet, meadow thistle, devil's-bit scabious Succisa pratensis and, locally, water-purslane Lythrum portula.
78 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
On drier, neutral soils there are extensive areas of grassland characterised by the presence of species such as red fescue, sweet vernal-grass Anthoxanthum odoratum, common bent Agrostis capillaris, common knapweed, bird'sfoot trefoil Lotus corniculatus and tormentil Potentilla erecta. A variety of herbs is found, including a number of species typical of such grassland, for example betony Stachys officinalis, pignut Conopodium majus, rough hawkbit Leontodon hispidus and oxeye daisy Leucanthemum vulgare. Dry neutral grassland characterised by rye grass Lolium perenne and crested dog's-tail Cynosurus cristatus occurs along the south side of the river, with abundant Yorkshire fog, meadow foxtail and rough meadow-grass Poa trivialis. Meadow buttercup Ranunculus acris, cat's ear Hypochoeris radicata, meadow vetchling Lathyrus pratensis, cuckooflower Cardamine pratensis and lesser stitchwort Stellaria graminea occur frequently in these areas.
Areas of flood-meadow, virtually confined to the southern end of the site, are typified by the presence of meadow foxtail and great burnet. Characteristic grasses include red fescue, rough meadow-grass and sweet vernal-grass. A variety of other species typical of this habitat occurs, for example hairy sedge Carex hirta, cat's ear, oxeye daisy, field wood-rush Luzula campestris, meadow buttercup and devil'sbit scabious. Locally, small areas of sedge-rich meadow support a great diversity of plants. Sedges present include common sedge, carnation sedge, brown sedge Carex disticha, oval sedge C. ovalis, star sedge C. echinata and bladder sedge. Sharp-flowered rush is also present in abundance with crested dog's tail, red fescue, sweet vernal grass and creeping bent Agrostis stolonifera. Marsh arrow grass Triglochin palustris, marsh valerian Valeriana dioica, common spike-rush Eleocharis palustris and a variety of other herbs occur.
The River Blackwater is a slow-flowing, eutrophic river, dominated by broad-leaved and fennel-leaved pondweeds Potamogeton natans and P. pectinatus. Marginal vegetation along streams and ditches comprises 'tall herb' species such as meadow-sweet Filipendula ulmaria, reed canary grass Phalaris arundinacea, branched bur-reed Sparganium erectum, hemlock water dropwort Oenanthe crocata, wild angelica Angelica sylvestris and yellow iris Iris pseudacorus. Locally, the uncommon species cyperus sedge Carex pseudocyperus, bladder-sedge C. vesicaria and slender-tufted sedge C. acuta occur.
The area of wet woodland is composed of alder with oak and occasional ash, hawthorn, holly, hazel, spindle Euonymus europaeus, goat willow Salix caprea and honeysuckle Lonicera periclymenum in the shrub layer. the ground flora includes dog's mercury Mercurialis perennis, wood anemone Anemone nemorosa, bugle Ajuga reptans and moschatel Adoxa moschatellina. Woodland grasses include wood melick Melica uniflora, giant fescue Festuca gigantea, false brome Brachypodium sylvaticum and wood meadow-grass Poa nemoralis. The rare elongated sedge Carex elongata, which has a restricted distribution nationally, occurs in the wood in its only Berkshire-Hampshire locality, where it is associated with remote sedge Carex remota, yellow iris Iris pseudacorus, floating sweet-grass Glyceria fluitans and purple loosestrife Lythrum salicaria.
The site supports a very rich wetland insect fauna including a number of uncommon species. For example, flies (Diptera) recorded in the meadows include the rare Dolichopodids Hercostomus chalybeus, Dolichopus latelimbatus and Syntormon pusilus, and the Empid fly Empis volucris; examples of beetles (Coleoptera) include the seed weevil Apion cruentatum and the rove beetle Ocypus fuscatus. The scarce hoverflies Lejogaster splendida and Neoascia geniculata, the soldier flies Odontomyia viridula and Varoyia tenuicornis and the rove beetle Stenus lustratus have been recorded in the extensive area of reed sweet-grass Glyceria maxima swamp at the western end of the site.
79 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Appendix E Species surveys/ wildlife recordings on site
• Species list for Translocation Meadow (prior to move) Bladder-sedge Carex vesicaria Heath-grass Danthonia decumbens Carnation Sedge Carex panicea Marsh Foxtail Alopecurus geniculatus Common Sedge Carex nigra Meadow Thistle Cirsium dissectum Devil's-bit Scabious Succisa pratensis Purple Moor-grass Molinia caerulea Hairy Sedge Carex hirta • Species list for Blackwater Reach Meadow Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella Long-winged Conehead Conocephalus discolor Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum Meadow Grasshopper Chorthippus parallelus Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans Migrant Hawker Aeshna mixta Broad-bodied Chaser Libellula depressa Red-eyed Damselfly Erythromma najas Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis Roesel's Bush Cricket Metrioptera roeselii Common Field Grasshopper Chorthippus brunneus Short-winged Conehead Conocephalus dorsalis Common Green Grasshopper Omocestus viridulus Slender Ground Hopper Tetrix subulata Dusky Cockroach Ectobius lapponicus • Species list for Blackwater Valley SSSI (North) Banded Demoiselle Calopteryx splendens Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula • Species list for Meadows north of Blackwater Reach Copse Autumnal Hawkbit Leontodon autumnalis Floating Sweet-grass Glyceria fluitans Betony Stachys officinalis Glaucous Sedge Carex flacca Bladder-sedge Carex vesicaria Groundsel Senecio vulgaris Branched Bur-reed Sparganium erectum Hairy Sedge Carex hirta Broad-leaved Dock Rumex obtusifolius Heath-grass Danthonia decumbens Brown Bent Agrostis canina sens.str. Large Bird's-foot-trefoil Lotus pedunculatus Carnation Sedge Carex panicea Lesser Spearwort Ranunculus flammula Cock's-foot Dactylis glomerata Lesser Stitchwort Stellaria graminea Common Bird's-foot-trefoil Lotus corniculatus Marsh Thistle Cirsium palustre Common Knapweed Centaurea nigra Meadow Buttercup Ranunculus acris Common Marsh-bedstraw Galium palustre Meadow Thistle Cirsium dissectum Common Sedge Carex nigra Meadow Vetchling Lathyrus pratensis Common Sorrel Rumex acetosa Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria Creeping Bent Agrostis stolonifera Oval Sedge Carex ovalis Creeping Buttercup Ranunculus repens Pedunculate Oak Quercus robur Creeping Cinquefoil Potentilla reptans Pignut Conopodium majus Crested Dog's-tail Cynosurus cristatus Red Clover Trifolium pratense Cuckoo-flower Cardamine pratensis Red Fescue Festuca rubra sens.str. Devil's-bit Scabious Succisa pratensis Reed Canary-grass Phalaris arundinacea
80 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Sharp-flowered Rush Juncus acutiflorus Water Forget-me-not Myosotis scorpioides Sheep's Sorrel [agg.] Rumex acetosella Water Mint Mentha aquatica Silverweed Potentilla anserina Wavy Bitter-cress Cardamine flexuosa Sneezewort Achillea ptarmica White Clover Trifolium repens Soft Rush Juncus effusus Yarrow Achillea millefolium Sweet Vernal Grass Anthoxanthum odoratum Yellow Iris/Gladwyn Iris Iris pseudacorus Tormentil Potentilla erecta Yellow Loosestrife Lysimachia vulgaris Tufted Hair-grass Deschampsia caespitosa Yorkshire-fog Holcus lanatus • Species list for Meadows South of Blackwater Reach Copse Amphibious Bistort Persicaria amphibia Common Spotted-orchid Dactylorhiza fuchsii Bearded Couch Elymus caninus Common Vetch Vicia sativa Betony Stachys officinalis Creeping Buttercup Ranunculus repens Bladder-sedge Carex vesicaria Creeping Soft-grass Holcus mollis Bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. Creeping Thistle Cirsium arvense Branched Bur-reed Sparganium erectum Cuckoo-flower Cardamine pratensis Broad Buckler-fern Dryopteris dilatata Curled Dock Rumex crispus Broad-leaved Dock Rumex obtusifolius Cyperus Sedge Carex pseudocyperus Broom Cytisus scoparius Dandelion Taraxacum officinale agg. Bugle Ajuga reptans Devil's-bit Scabious Succisa pratensis Carnation Sedge Carex panicea Dog's Mercury Mercurialis perennis Cat's-ear Hypochaeris radicata Field Horsetail Equisetum arvense Cleavers Galium aparine Field Wood-rush Luzula campestris Clustered Dock Rumex conglomeratus Floating Sweet-grass Glyceria fluitans Cock's-foot Dactylis glomerata Germander Speedwell Veronica chamaedrys Common Bent Agrostis capillaris Giant Fescue Festuca gigantea Common Bird's-foot-trefoil Lotus corniculatus Goat's-beard Tragopogon pratensis Common Bistort Persicaria bistorta Gorse Ulex europaeus Common Couch Elytrigia repens Great Burnet Sanguisorba officinalis Common Figwort Scrophularia nodosa Great Willowherb Epilobium hirsutum Common Hemp-nettle Galeopsis tetrahit sens.str. Greater Plantain Plantago major Common Hemp-nettle [agg]. Galeopsis tetrahit agg. Ground-ivy Glechoma hederacea Common Knapweed Centaurea nigra Hairy Sedge Carex hirta Common Male Fern Dryopteris filix-mas Heath Spotted-orchid Dactylorhiza maculata Common Marsh-bedstraw Galium palustre Heath Wood-rush Luzula multiflora Common Mouse-ear Cerastium fontanum Heath-grass Danthonia decumbens Common Nettle Urtica dioica Hemlock Water-dropwort Oenanthe crocata Common Ragwort Senecio jacobaea Herb Bennet Geum urbanum Common Sedge Carex nigra Hogweed Heracleum sphondylium Common Sorrel Rumex acetosa Ivy Hedera helix Common Spike-rush Eleocharis palustris Lady Fern Athyrium filix-femina
81 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Large Bird's-foot-trefoil Lotus pedunculatus Soft Rush Juncus effusus Lesser Pond-sedge Carex acutiformis Squirrel-tail Fescue Vulpia bromoides Lesser Spearwort Ranunculus flammula Sweet Vernal Grass Anthoxanthum odoratum Lesser Stitchwort Stellaria graminea Tormentil Potentilla erecta Lesser Trefoil Trifolium dubium Tufted Hair-grass Deschampsia caespitosa Lords-and-ladies Arum maculatum Tufted Vetch Vicia cracca Marsh Foxtail Alopecurus geniculatus Water Chickweed Myosoton aquaticum Marsh Horsetail Equisetum palustre Water Forget-me-not Myosotis scorpioides Marsh Thistle Cirsium palustre Water-pepper Persicaria hydropiper Marsh Woundwort Stachys palustris White Clover Trifolium repens Marsh Yellow-cress Rorippa palustris Wild Carrot Daucus carota Mat-grass Nardus stricta Wood Anemone Anemone nemorosa Meadow Buttercup Ranunculus acris Wood Club-rush Scirpus sylvaticus Meadow Foxtail Alopecurus pratensis Wood Dock Rumex sanguineus Meadow Thistle Cirsium dissectum Yarrow Achillea millefolium Meadow Vetchling Lathyrus pratensis Yellow Iris Iris pseudacorus Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria Yellow Loosestrife Lysimachia vulgaris Oval Sedge Carex ovalis Yorkshire-fog Holcus lanatus Oxeye Daisy Leucanthemum vulgare A hair-moss Polytrichum juniperinum Pedunculate Oak Quercus robur A moss Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus Pendulus Sedge Carex pendula A moss Calliergon cuspidatum Perennial Rye-grass Lolium perenne A red fescue Festuca rubra ssp. Rubra Pignut Conopodium majus Purple Moor-grass Molinia caerulea • Species list for Northern Meadow Purple-loosestrife Lythrum salicaria Betony Stachys officinalis Quaking-grass Briza media Bittersweet Solanum dulcamara Ragged Robin Lychnis flos-cuculi Bladder-sedge Carex vesicaria Red Clover Trifolium pratense Broad Buckler-fern Dryopteris dilatata Red Fescue Festuca rubra sens.str. Brown Sedge Carex disticha Redshank Persicaria maculosa Carnation Sedge Carex panicea Reed Canary-grass Phalaris arundinacea Cat's-ear Hypochaeris radicata Reed Sweet-grass Glyceria maxima Common Bent Agrostis capillaris Remote Sedge Carex remota Common Bird's-foot-trefoil Lotus corniculatus Ribwort Plantain Plantago lanceolata Common Knapweed Centaurea nigra Rough Meadow-grass Poa trivialis Common Male Fern Dryopteris filix-mas Sharp-flowered Rush Juncus acutiflorus Common Marsh-bedstraw Galium palustre Sheep's Sorrel [agg.] Rumex acetosella Common Mouse-ear Cerastium fontanum Slender Tufted-sedge Carex acuta Common Ragwort Senecio jacobaea Smooth Meadow-grass Poa pratensis sens.lat. Common Sedge Carex nigra Sneezewort Achillea ptarmica Common Sorrel Rumex acetosa
82 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Common Spike-rush Eleocharis palustris Quaking-grass Briza media Creeping Buttercup Ranunculus repens Reed Canary-grass Phalaris arundinacea Crested Dog's-tail Cynosurus cristatus Reed Sweet-grass Glyceria maxima Cyperus Sedge Carex pseudocyperus Remote Sedge Carex remota Devil's-bit Scabious Succisa pratensis Rough Meadow-grass Poa trivialis Dog's Mercury Mercurialis perennis Sharp-flowered Rush Juncus acutiflorus Field Wood-rush Luzula campestris Sneezewort Achillea ptarmica Greater Plantain Plantago major Soft Rush Juncus effusus Greater Stitchwort Stellaria holostea Sweet Vernal Grass Anthoxanthum odoratum Hairy Sedge Carex hirta Tormentil Potentilla erecta Heath-grass Danthonia decumbens Trailing Tormentil Potentilla anglica Large Bird's-foot-trefoil Lotus pedunculatus Tufted Vetch Vicia cracca Lesser Stitchwort Stellaria graminea Water Forget-me-not Myosotis scorpioides Marsh Foxtail Alopecurus geniculatus Water Mint Mentha aquatica Marsh Speedwell Veronica scutellata Water Purslane Lythrum portula Marsh Thistle Cirsium palustre White Clover Trifolium repens Meadow Buttercup Ranunculus acris Wild Angelica Angelica sylvestris Meadow Foxtail Alopecurus pratensis Wood Meadow-grass Poa nemoralis Meadow Thistle Cirsium dissectum Yellow Iris Iris pseudacorus Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria Yorkshire-fog Holcus lanatus Oval Sedge Carex ovalis a red fescue Festuca rubra ssp. Rubra Perennial Rye-grass Lolium perenne • Species list for Southern Meadow Betony Stachys officinalis Lesser Stitchwort Stellaria graminea Broad-leaved Dock Rumex obtusifolius Lesser Trefoil Trifolium dubium Cat's-ear Hypochaeris radicata Marsh Thistle Cirsium palustre Common Bent Agrostis capillaris Meadow Buttercup Ranunculus acris Common Bird's-foot-trefoil Lotus corniculatus Meadow Foxtail Alopecurus pratensis Common Knapweed Centaurea nigra Meadow Thistle Cirsium dissectum Common Mouse-ear Cerastium fontanum Meadow Vetchling Lathyrus pratensis Common Ragwort Senecio jacobaea Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria Common Sorrel Rumex acetosa Oxeye Daisy Leucanthemum vulgare Creeping Buttercup Ranunculus repens Perennial Rye-grass Lolium perenne Crested Dog's-tail Cynosurus cristatus Pignut Conopodium majus Devil's-bit Scabious Succisa pratensis Quaking-grass Briza media Field Wood-rush Luzula campestris Red Clover Trifolium pratense Greater Plantain Plantago major Ribwort Plantain Plantago lanceolata Hairy Sedge Carex hirta Rough Meadow-grass Poa trivialis Heath-grass Danthonia decumbens Selfheal Prunella vulgaris Large Bird's-foot-trefoil Lotus pedunculatus Sharp-flowered Rush Juncus acutiflorus
83 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Sneezewort Achillea ptarmica Tufted Vetch Vicia cracca Squirrel-tail Fescue Vulpia bromoides White Clover Trifolium repens Sweet Vernal Grass Anthoxanthum odoratum Yarrow Achillea millefolium Timothy Phleum pratense sens.str. Yorkshire-fog Holcus lanatus Tormentil Potentilla erecta a red fescue Festuca rubra ssp. Rubra Trailing Tormentil Potentilla anglica • Species list for Blackwater Reach Copse Alder Alnus glutinosa Ground-ivy Glechoma hederacea Apple Malus sylvestris sens. lat. Guelder-rose Viburnum opulus Ash Fraxinus excelsior Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna Barren Strawberry Potentilla sterilis Hazel Corylus avellana Bearded Couch Elymus caninus Hedge Woundwort Stachys sylvatica Black Currant Ribes nigrum Hemlock Water-dropwort Oenanthe crocata Blackthorn Prunus spinosa Herb Bennet Geum urbanum Bracken Pteridium aquilinum Hogweed Heracleum sphondylium Bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. Holly Ilex aquifolium Broad Buckler-fern Dryopteris dilatata Honeysuckle Lonicera periclymenum Broad-leaved Dock Rumex obtusifolius Ivy Hedera helix Broad-leaved Helleborine Epipactis helleborine Lady Fern Athyrium filix-femina Bugle Ajuga reptans Male Fern Dryopteris filix-mas agg. Common Chickweed Stellaria media Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria Common Dog-violet Viola riviniana Pedunculate Oak Quercus robur Common Hemp-nettle [agg.] Galeopsis tetrahit agg. Pignut Conopodium majus Common Nettle Urtica dioica Red Currant Ribes rubrum Creeping Soft-grass Holcus mollis Remote Sedge Carex remota Dandelion Taraxacum officinale agg. Rough Meadow-grass Poa trivialis Dog Rose Rosa canina agg. Rowan Sorbus aucuparia Dog's Mercury Mercurialis perennis Sanicle Sanicula europaea Elder Sambucus nigra Sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus Elongated Sedge Carex elongata Three-nerved Sandwort Moehringia trinervia False-brome Brachypodium sylvaticum Tufted Hair-grass Deschampsia caespitosa Field Maple Acer campestre Upright Hedge-parsley Torilis japonica Field Rose Rosa arvensis Wavy Bitter-cress Cardamine flexuosa Garlic Mustard Alliaria petiolata Wood Melick Melica uniflora Giant Fescue Festuca gigantea Wood Speedwell Veronica montana Great Horsetail Equisetum telmateia Yellow Archangel Lamiastrum galeobdolon Great Pond-sedge Carex riparia Yorkshire-fog Holcus lanatus Greater Stitchwort Stellaria holostea Grey Willow Salix cinerea
84 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Wildlife survey carried out by TVERC of Seeby’s Copse in 2014
85 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Appendix F Natural England SSSI Condition Survey
Report generated on: 30 Jan 2018
Main Habitat Responsible Unit Unit Id Area NNR Latest Assessment Comment Adverse Officer Number (ha) Overlap Assessment Description Condition Area Date Reasons (ha) BLACKWATER VALLEY – BERKSHIRE,HAMPSHIRE, (BRACKNELL FOREST,HART,)
NEUTRAL DES SUSSEX 001 1002772 9.86 0.00 24/06/2014 Favourable This unit comprises a number of small fields divided by ditches, hedges and GRASSLAND – woodland belts. All fields have been extensively cattle grazed (summer to late Lowland autumn) and some scrub management has also been undertaken to prevent encroachment. The species-rich grassland habitat is very `patchy? And varied across the site, but the unit is in good condition and its conservation value is being maintained. Species-rich patches with good match to NVC type MG5 were found throughout the area with the following species all frequent or occasional: Knapweed, bird?s- foot trefoil, betony, small sedges, meadow vetchling, meadowsweet, devil?s-bit scabious, great burnet, tomentil, bugle, ragged robin and common spotted orchid. A number of other high value species occur at low frequencies or are only locally present. The better patches of grassland have a fairly short open sward and high cover of forbs consistently in excess of 40%. Taller less diverse grassland (30cm+ - but there has been no grazing so far this year) covers parts of the unit but this was the situation at the time of notification and there does not appear to have been any loss of good habitat. Overall scrub and weed cover in the grassland are very low (both <1%), and the low cover of grass litter is further evidence of sufficient grazing. The occasional small patches of scrub (bramble, blackthorn and gorse) are valuable components of the habitat if maintained at the existing low levels NEUTRAL DES SUSSEX 002 1002774 9.17 0.00 12/01/2009 Favourable The sward is taller than target but frequent patches of species-rich grassland are GRASSLAND – present throughout the area, and these include a number of notable plants Lowland including Sanguisorba officinalis. There are also localised patches dominated by Glyceria maxima in low-lying areas. Levels of encroaching scrub are below target although this needs to be monitored as spread of bramble os of concern in places. NEUTRAL DES SUSSEX 003 1002775 6.26 0.00 22/06/2009 Favourable A series of fields partly sub divided by lines of mature oak and alder. The tall GRASSLAND – grassy habitats are patchy in their interest, but species such as common Lowland knapweed, meadow vetchling, greater bird?s-foot trefoil and meadowsweet are all frequent, with bird?s-foot trefoil, marsh bedstraw, marsh marigold and some smaller sedges all occasional. Taller grasses predominate, with localised abundance of soft rush and tufted hair grass. Great burnet is also present, and tormentil is frequent amongst finer grasses on drier ground to the western end. Little bare ground, bit of an accumulation of litter in places (due to difficulty of
86 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
removing hay in last 2 years), sward height generally >30cm but some areas of shorter sward, % forbs variable but locally >40% in species-rich patches, scrub/nettles/weeds/ indicators of waterlogging all below thresholds. Damper ground has tall stands of Glyceria `swamp?, some of which are seasonally dry (stands in units 2 and 4 are damper). There is adequate litter to maintain invertebrate interest, and future management will seek to block ditches/drains where appropriate to maintain the wet conditions in these stands. Sward height > 50cm, sufficient litter present, some stands not very wet in summer-investigate if this could be improved, some nettle but acceptable levels, some stands a bit shaded by tall alders. NEUTRAL DES SUSSEX 004 1002776 5.47 0.00 24/06/2014 Favourable The western part of the grassland area has been grazed, and is in fairly good GRASSLAND – condition with the species-rich patches conforming well with NVC type MG5. Lowland Knapweed, bird?s-foot trefoil, betony, small sedges, meadow vetchling and tormentil all frequent and the better patches of grassland have a short open sward and high cover of forbs consistently in excess of 40%. Taller less diverse grassland covers parts of the unit but this was the situation at the time of notification and there does not appear to have been any loss of good habitat. The eastern area of open grassland is more or less unmanaged and dominated by tall grasses with accumulation of grass litter. It is generally fairly species-poor with occasional patches of higher interest with betony, small sedges, meadowsweet, bugle, and meadow vetchling all locally frequent. Grazing or cutting would greatly enhance the species richness and diversity There is some tree and scrub encroachment which needs addressing before it begins to suppress the open grassland. Injurious weeds are occasional at low cover levels. The condition of the marshy area dominated by reed sweet grass, yellow flag and tall sedges is in good condition despite the absence of management. It is suitably wet and humid with frequent decaying litter and some diversity of nectar sources of value to invertebrates. There is some encroachment by willow and thorn scrub which needs to be controlled to prevent loss of the open vegetation. BROADLEAVED, DES SUSSEX 005 1002777 3.1666 0.00 31/05/2017 Favourable The extent of the woodland habitat has been maintained, and is unchanged. The MIXED AND woodland boundary is quite clearly defined by boundary fences and the river. YEW The woodland has numerous seasonally wet/waterlogged ‘hollows’, and it was WOODLAND – notable that following a very dry winter and spring these were much drier than Lowland would be normally expected at the time of survey, although most were still more or less damp, but without standing water.The woodland structure has a more or less continuous canopy with frequent gaps and small clearings, mainly as the result of natural processes such as due to windblown trees. Overall canopy cover is estimated as approximately 70-80% of the unit, and understorey cover is about 40-60%. The canopy is dominated by alder, ash and oak, including some large specimens and frequent multi-stemmed trees. Understorey is diverse, with hazel, holly, sallow, blackthorn, field maple, currant, longat rose, ivy, bramble and dog rose all well represented. There is a good age range of the main tree species, and a plenty of standing and fallen deadwood. The ground vegetation includes a fairly diverse range of wet and dry woodland indicators, some of which are widespread and abundant through the unit. These include dog’s mercury, wood anemone, meadowsweet, remote sedge, pignut and yellow archangel all as frequent, with others like valerian, bluebell, bugle, common dog
87 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
violet, yellow flag and various common ferns all occasional. Stands of nettle occur in parts of the wood, this is not a recent occurrence and there do not appear to be any signs of increase, or of soil damage or enrichment . There are no significant issues with invasive non-native species at present but ongoing vigilance is required to detect any colonisation. The damp hollows in the wood are of note in supporting populations of two uncommon sedges, Carex longate and C.vesicaria. Ten separate locations were identified which supported one or both of these sedges, usually in association with C.remota and wetland species like yellow flag and meadowsweet. The colonies occupy the previous noted locations, and would appear to have spread to new patches, with an overall increase in number of tussocks/plants. Muntjac and Roe deer are both present in the general area in modest numbers. Signs and evidence of browsing damage were noted, but seedlings and young saplings of various trees and shrubs were observed, and enough of these are establishing acceptably. Young shoots of ash, hazel, currant, hawthorn, rowan and blackthorn were all seen growing to over 1.5m. Due to the shady or dappled shade light levels in much of the wood, and areas of seasonal waterlogging, an increased level of regeneration would not be expected.
88 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Appendix G Management of Blackwater Reach SSSI
Present: Chris Smith Sandhurst Town Council Lesley Dartmouth Sandhurst Town Council Des Sussex Natural England Sue Dent Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership Carl Bustin Bracknell Forest Council
A site visit was held in September 2011 to discuss the current and future management of the grassland SSSI and surrounding area.
Blackwater Reach The grassland consists of 3 main areas SSSI South. This is the main body of the SSSI in Sandhurst Memorial Park, it was historically managed by BBOWT but is now managed by the BVCP on behalf of Sandhurst TC.
The grassland is wildflower rich but damp and uneven. This area is the core of the SSSI . There are several large willows separating the grassland from the main paths which run alongside it. These should be retained in order to discourage walkers from crossing the grassland but need to make sure that they don’t encroach into the grassland.
There is one medium sized oak that is central in the grassland and should be removed as it will eventually shade out a substantial part of the most diverse grassland.
On the northern side there is an area of scrub with 2 large crab apple trees surrounded by bramble and scrub. One of these should be retained but the other removed and the surrounding scrub removed. This will widen the ‘join’ between the two areas of SSSI grassland.
There should be no bonfires on the SSSI and if scrub is chipped it should be chipped into the scrub edge not onto the grassland. Ideally the cut grass will be removed from site rather than piled on the margins of the grassland.
SSSI North. A further section of established grassland, part of which is within the SSSI. It is less diverse than the SSSI South but still has some interest, historically it has been cut less often than the main area to the south. A substantial block of Willows and scrub had developed which separated the two areas of SSSI which has been gradually cleared over the last 2 years.
89 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Both the main grassland of SSSI North and the reclaimed area between the two parts of the SSSI need additional management to reduce the prevalence of rank grass and to encourage wildflowers. Initially there is a need to remove the large stumps that remain from the willow clearance so that machinery can get in to do the grass cutting. This part of the grassland is much flatter and it would be feasible to use larger machinery / contractors to do this cut and collect. The frequency of the cutting could be reviewed after 2 years to see if the structure and diversity of the meadow had improved.
Blackwater Reach Meadow. To the north is an area of former amenity grassland which as left un-cut by Sandhurst TC for the first time this year. Even this late in the year there is evidence of good potential for the future with a mix of fine grasses and herbs, in particular some Knapweed was present suggesting that the area may have a good seed bank if given the chance to thrive.
The meadow needs to be given a ‘hay’ cut annually, ideally in late August or September. As the ground is flat this could be done with machinery. Cut grass should be collected and if possible removed from site. It was felt that this could be done for 2 or 3 years and the grassland monitored to see what plant species were present before any plans for further improvement were made. If required it should be feasible to use ‘green hay’ from the SSSI South to re-seed and improve the meadow.
Future planning Generally the SSSI area needs some extra management in the next 2-3 years to bring it into better condition, especially the smaller area to the north. Once this has been achieved the management should be reviewed to consider cutting blocks on a rotational basis which would be better for butterflies and other insects. Blackwater Reach Sites
Area SSSI South 0.34 hectares SSSI North 0.32 hectares Meadow 0.23 hectares
90 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Management The meeting discussed the ideal management for the sites and how Sandhurst TC, Blackwater Valley CP and Bracknell FC could collaborate to achieve this.
Management Method Who When SSSI South Annual ‘hay’ cut in August or Needs to be done ‘by hand’ as ground if uneven and not BVCP team and Annual September. suitable for heavy machinery. The latter may also Volunteers Autumn damage the interest of the site Cut grass to be removed from site and recycled. BFC to BFC Annual provide a trailer for BVCP task and dispose of. Autumn Maintain area of grassland Control encroaching scrub. STC / BVC Annual Volunteers Winter Remove standard oak tree Fell as low to ground as possible. Treat stump. Logs to STC 2018/19 be used to make a habitat pile but all brash to be chipped Winter and removed from site Remove multi-stem willow As above but leave stump tall to be removed. Good BVCP / community Annual project for annual scout task run by BVCP. group Winter Remove 1 crab apple and scrub As above but leave stump tall to be removed. STC 2018/19 Winter SSSI North Grassland restoration Cut and collect twice, once in April and once in August / Contractor 2018/19 September. Remove cuttings from site. ASAP Review after 2 years. Then annual Spring and Autumn Remove large stumps from SSSI North. Contractor 2018/19 Winter Paths Mow regularly to encourage users to stick to paths STC Annual Scrub control Cut back bramble between woodland edge and path to STC 2018/19 stop path ‘creeping’ into the meadow. Winter Then as required Meadow Grassland improvement Annual ‘hay’ cut in late August or September BVCP with mower. 2018/19 Or grazier. ASAP Then annual Autumn Monitor species diversity Survey grassland plant species BVCP / BFC Annual Summer
91 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Grassland Blackwater Reach This area provides an excellent ‘focus’ for improving the species diversity and richness of the surrounding grassland, especially the little-used area to the north. This could be done gradually including: • Switch management of amenity grassland area to annual late hay cut (late August). • Ideally the cut grass needs to be collected and either stacked on site or removed. As this is a small area it should be possible to find a suitable place on site for a compost heap which in turn provides some useful wildlife habitat. • It might be possible to make the hay cut into a ‘community’ event. Either by advertising it as a one-off day or possibly incorporating it into one of the existing events. Hopefully STC have the machinery to cut the hay and it could then be cleared by volunteers. • If the area of ground being managed in this way increased it may be a good idea to look at purchasing machinery that will do the job to supplement any volunteer effort. • Just managing the grass in this way will encourage wildlife to move into the area, simply long grass and a profusion of grasshoppers can help to create a real ‘natural’ feel to the site. • It should be quite simple to have temporary signs in the area during the first year which would explain what was happening & why. And/or an article in the newsletter.
Possible future developments • Monitor the grassland for a couple of years to see how it develops and what plants are found. If there is little variety hay from Blackwater Reach can be used to ‘seed’ the area with more wildflower species. This could almost certainly be done with in house machinery and volunteers. • If this area works well it could be extended into nearby little-used areas.
Sandhurst Southern Conservation Area Future Works
Wildflower planting (Main pond £200) This would be a good task for volunteers and the Friends Of group in April or September.
Suppliers www.charlesflower-wildflowers.co.uk/?q=shop/individual-plants http://www.britishflora.co.uk/wild-flowers/
Ask them for a mixture of wetland/meadow plants and they should be able to advise.
92 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Bat boxes (£500) Install these around the pond or woodland edges, bat generally need a clear flight line so you will need trees with an opening in the canopy. Place in groups of 2-3 avoiding south facing sides at least 3m up. A range of different types would be best, ask the supplier for “tree-friendly” nails.
Suppliers Schwegler bat boxes are permanent features that will last forever which makes them quite a good investment. They can be bought from a range of places so it might be worth shopping around. For range though NHBS is very good: http://www.nhbs.com/bat_boxes_eqcat_421.html
Berkshire/South Bucks Bat Group - they could make bat boxes to order and I think if approached they would make some to the “Kent bat box” design quite cheaply.
Meadow creation (£4000) Cost – this will depend on the extent to which you choose to use a contractor for herbicide spraying and hay-cutting. Allow £400 per cut and collect, I don’t have a cost for spraying. You could even use the grant money to get specialist advice from a meadow expert like Charles Flower or Sue Everett (http://www.meadowmaker.me.uk).
Because the idea is to use seed source from the SSSI it would be worth getting advice from Des Sussex about which field is best to source this from, some fields are more flower rich than others. As the cut wouldn’t happen again until August 2013 you will be looking at spreading the green hay then. The green hay method is covered by Flora Locale’s guide note which I’ve attached.
Suggested timescale:
1) May/June – ask Robin and the crew to make a note of any orchids which grow in other areas of the site and mark them either on a map or with a stick so it can be found later. 2) June– spray existing grassland with water-safe herbicide (Note, if Robin or the crew have noticed any orchids in this area then leave some areas untreated.). 3) July – get hay/bales from best field either same day or next day and spread over the site following Flora Locale guidance. 4) March - September 2014 – start cutting and collecting at 150mm every 4-6 weeks to allow plants to establish together. 5) 2016 – Cut and remove in March and August. 6) August/September. Dig and re-locate orchids from other parts of the site making sure to move them with their underground rhizomes.
Contractors Heathland management Services - http://www.heathlandmanagement.co.uk/ Shorts Agricultural - http://www.shorts-group.co.uk/services/agriculture
93 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Appendix H Byelaws
94 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Sandhurst Town Council – Byelaws – 1992 Byelaws made under Section 164 of the Public Health Act 1875 and under Section 12 and 15 of the Open Spaces Act 1906 by the Sandhurst Town Council with respect to pleasure grounds and open spaces within the Sandhurst Town Council area.
BYELAW 1 INTERPRETATION In these byelaws:- THE COUNCIL means the Sandhurst Town Council THE GROUND means the grounds listed in the attached schedule
BYELAW 2 SAVINGS An act necessary to the proper execution of his duty in the Ground by an Officer of the Council, or any act which is necessary to the proper execution of any contract with the Council, shall not be an offence under these byelaws
BYELAW 3 VEHICLES (i) no person shall, without reasonable excuse, ride or drive a cycle, motor cycle, motor vehicle or any other mechanically propelled vehicle in the Ground, or bring or cause to be brought into the Ground a motor cycle, motor vehicle, trailer or any other mechanically propelled vehicle (other than a cycle) except in any part of the Ground where there is a right of way for that class of vehicle.
(ii) if the Council has set apart a space in the Ground for use by vehicles of any class, this byelaw shall not prevent the riding or driving of these vehicles in the space so set apart, or on a route, indicated by signs placed in conspicuous positions, between it and the entrance to the Ground
(iii) this byelaw shall not extend to invalid carriages (iv) in this byelaw:-
CYCLE Means a bicycle, a tricycle, or a cycle having four or more wheels, not being in any case a motor cycle or motor vehicle
INVALID CARRIAGE Means a vehicle, whether mechanically propelled or not, the unladen weight of which does not exceed 150 kilograms and the width of which does not exceed 0.85 meters and which has been constructed or adapted for use for the carriage of one person, being a person suffering from some physical defect or disability and is used solely by such a person
MOTOR CYCLE Means a mechanically propelled vehicle, not being an invalid carriage, with less than four wheels and the weight of which unladen does not exceed 410 kilograms
95 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
MOTOR VEHICLE Means a mechanically propelled vehicle, not being an invalid carriage, intended or adapted for use on roads
TRAILER Means a vehicle drawn by a motor vehicle, and includes a caravan
BYELAW 4 HORSES Where any part of the Ground has, by notices affixed in a conspicuous position in the Ground, been set apart by the Council as a place where horse riding is permitted, no person shall except in the exercise of any lawful right or privilege, ride a horse on any other part of the ground
BYELAW 5 CLIMBING AND REMOVAL OF STRUCTURES No Person shall, in the Ground, without reasonable excuse:- (i) climb any wall, or fence in or enclosing the Ground, or any tree, or any barrier, railing, post or Structure
(ii) remove from or displace in the Ground any barrier railing, post or seat or any part of any structure, or ornament, or any emplacements – provided for use in the laying out or maintenance of the Ground
BYELAW 6 ERECTION OF STRUCTURES No person shall without the consent of the Council erect any post, rail, fence, pole, tent, booth, stand, building or other structure in the Ground
BYELAW 7 SELLING No person shall in the Ground without the consent of the Council sell, or offer, or expose for sale or let to hire or offer or expose for letting to hire any commodity or article
BYELAW 8 GAMES Where the Council has, by a notice placed in a conspicuous position in the ground, set apart an area in the ground for the playing of such games as may be specified in the notice, no person shall:- a) play in such an area any game other than the game for which it has been set apart; b) use any such area so as to give reasonable ground for annoyance to any person already using that area for any purpose for which it has been set apart; or c) play any game so specified in any other part of the ground in such a manner as to exclude any person not playing the game from the use of that part
BYELAW 9 GOLF No person shall on the ground drive, chip or pitch a hard golf ball
96 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
BYELAW 10 MODEL AIRCRAFT In this Byelaw the term “Model Aircraft” means an aircraft which weighs not more than 5 kilograms without its fuel or it for the time being exempted as a model aircraft from provisions of the Air Navigation Order and “Power Driven” means driven by the combustible substances or by one or more electric motors or by compressed gas
(i) where any part of the ground has, by notice conspicuously exhibited in the ground, been set apart by the Council for the flying of powerdriven Model Aircraft no person in any other part of the ground shall release any such aircraft for flight, or control the flight of such an aircraft, and no person shall:
a) cause such an aircraft to take off or b) without reasonable excuse, cause such an aircraft to land, in such other part of the ground
(ii) where an area within a part of the ground so set apart for the flying of power-driven Model Aircraft is designated by the Council as an area for which aircraft may be launch and is described in a notice affixed or set up in some conspicuous position on the ground, a person shall not release such an aircraft fro flight, or cause such an aircraft to take off, in any part of the ground other than that area
a) release any power-driven Model Aircraft for flight or control the flight of such an aircraft or b) cause any such aircraft to take off or land in such area, except on the days and during the hours specified in the following table in respect of the: TABLE NAME OF GROUND DAYS HOURS Sandhurst Memorial Park Monday to Friday 1pm to 6pm Sunday 1pm to 6pm Seeby’s Field Subject to prior arrangement with the Clerk to the Council
(iv) no person shall:- (a) in the area set aside for the flying of Model Aircraft, release any power-driven Model Aircraft for flight or control the flight of such an aircraft or (b) cause any such aircraft to take off or land in the area set aside unless:- (i) the noise emitted by the aircraft gives a noise measurement of not more than 82dB (A) at a distance of 7 metres from the aircraft when measured by means of the equipment described, and by the method set out, in the schedule hereto and (ii) subject to para (v) below, the aircraft is fitted with an effectual silencer or similar device (v) para (b.(ii)) above shall not have effect in relation to an aircraft to which the fitting of a silencer or similar device is not reasonably practical
97 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
BYELAW 11 OBSTRUCTION No person shall in the Ground:- ii. intentionally obstruct any officer of the Council in the proper execution of his duties iii. intentionally obstruct any person carrying out an act which is necessary to the proper execution of any contract with the Council or iiii. intentionally obstruct any other person in the proper use of the ground, or behave so as to give reasonable grounds for annoyance to other persons in the ground
BYELAW 12 PENALTY FOR OFFENCES Any person offending against any of these Byelaws shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding Level 2 on the Standard Scale
BYELAW 13 REMOVAL OF OFFENDERS Any person offending against any of these Byelaws may be removed from the Ground by an officer of the Council or Police Constable
BYELAW 14 REVOCATION OF BYELAWS The Byelaws made by the Sandhurst Town Council on 12th May 1983 and confirmed by the Secretary of State on 5th October 1983 and amended on 12th August 1985 with respect to the Sandhurst Memorial Park are hereby revoked
REMOVAL OF CANINE FAECES FROM PLEASURE GROUNDS AND OPEN SPACES (‘POOP-SCOOP)
REMOVAL OF CANINE FAECES
Byelaws made by the Council of SANDHURST TOWN COUNCIL under section 164 of the Public Health Act 1875 with respect to pleasure grounds.
EXTENT 1. (1) These byelaws apply to the pleasure grounds names in the schedule and hereafter referred to as ‘the grounds’. (2) Notice of the effect of these byelaws shall be given by signs placed in conspicuous positions in or near each of the grounds.
INTERPRETATION
2. (1) In these byelaws: ‘the Council’ means the SANDHURST TOWN COUNCIL
98 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
(2) For the purpose of these byelaws the keeper of the dog shall be deemed in charge thereof, unless at the time when the dog fouled the grounds it has been placed in or taken into the charge of some other person.
(3) In paragraph (2) above “the keeper” shall include the owner of the dog or any person who habitually has it in his possession.
REMOVAL OF CANINE FAECES 3. Every person (other than a registered blind, person) in charge of a dog which is in the ground who, without reasonable excuse, fails to remove forthwith from the grounds any faeces deposited by the dog shall be guilty of an offence. 4. For the purposes of compliance with byelaw 3 the following provisions shall apply:
(a) it shall be sufficient removal from the grounds if the faeces are deposited in a receptacle within the grounds which has been provided for that purpose by the Council. (b) without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing it shall not be a reasonable excuse that a person in charge of a dog did not have with him any means of removal of the faeces.
REMOVAL OF OFFENDERS
5. Any person offending against byelaw 3 may be removed from the grounds by any officer of the Council or any constable.
PENALTY
6. Any person offending against byelaw 3 shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 2 on the standard scale.
SCHEDULE
The grounds referred to in byelaw 1 are as follows: Under section 164 of the Public Health Act 1875: Name of Ground: Location of Ground:
Sandhurst Memorial Park Yorktown Road, Sandhurst, Nr, Camberley, Surrey. Owlsmoor Recreation Ground Owlsmoor Road, Owlsmoor, Nr Camberley Surrey
99 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Appendix I: Strategic background
The Council Plan 2015 – 2019 The Council Plan has defined six Strategic themes, including four that are supported by the Parks and Countryside Management Plans. • People live active and healthy lifestyles • A clean, green, growing and sustainable place • Strong, safe, supportive and self-reliant communities • A strong and resilient economy
Key measures of success are identified for each strategic theme and the proposed review of the site management plans will act directly to ensure: • Resident satisfaction levels with parks and open spaces is maintained
The plans will indirectly support the key measures of success that: • Development plans provide sufficient open space • Numbers of adults and young people participating in leisure and sport has increased • Levels of volunteering and community action in the borough are increased • High levels of community cohesion are maintained • There are low levels of crime and anti-social behaviour throughout the borough Comprehensive public health programmes are delivered
Parks and Open Spaces Strategy (2012) This Bracknell Forest Council strategy is about the management and development of recreational green space, particularly in the context of contributing to quality of life. The strategy sets out the key objectives to be delivered (featured below), many of which are reflected in the P&C management plans.
A. Provision: Protect and establish public open space for recreation, play, sport, health, biodiversity, heritage and climate change mitigation and adaption that is appropriate to need; strategically located; and adaptable to future requirements
B. Maintenance: Provide safe and welcoming public open space; attain and improve quality standards
C. Use and Enjoyment: Make sure public open space supports well-being; encourages participation; and facilitates social inclusion
100 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Priorities: A key priority set out within the borough’s Parks and Open Spaces Strategy is “sustaining and raising quality standards for parks and open spaces, together with the provision of facilities that are of a sufficient size to meet the recreational demands of a growing residential population. This needs to be achieved in the context of increasing pressure to reduce public expenditure, alongside encouraging greater community ownership and involvement. Core priorities over the next 5 years which specifically relate to quality standards and include: • Monitor and assess quality standards across parks and open spaces. Manage sites to a high standard; carry out improvement works to sustain and improve quality in line with the Bracknell Forest Council ‘Plus One Principle’ and relevant national guidance. • Maintain Green Flag status for existing award winning parks and attain additional Green Flag Awards for suitable sites.”
Play, Open Spaces and Sports Study for Bracknell Forest (2016-2036) 1.1 Bracknell Forest Council has undertaken a study of green infrastructure, play provision, open space and indoor and outdoor sport and recreational facilities. This will provide a clear vision and priorities for the future, based on local need. The study runs from 2016 to 2036 to align with the emerging Comprehensive Local Plan period. The study has been prepared in parallel with the Playing Pitch Strategy, of which, both have a shared set of appendices.
1.2 The study embraces one of the main ambitions of the Borough Council to plan positively, creatively and effectively to ensure that there is adequate provision of accessible, high quality green spaces, civic spaces and sports and recreation facilities that meet the needs and aspirations of local people and visitors.
1.3 The report has been prepared with a number of objectives: 1. Quantifying strategic and locally important play, open space and sports facilities. 2. Quantifying planned new provision. 3. To assess the quality, accessibility and availability of existing provision. 4. To assess future demand patterns and gaps in terms of provision. 5. To provide a clear evidence base for future service provision and quality improvements. 6. To provide evidence for changes to existing play, open space or sports facilities. 7. To provide the evidence base for planning policy and guidance requirements, including local quantitative, qualitative and accessibility standards.
Scope of the Study: 1.6 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) guidance requires local authorities to undertake an assessment of provision of open space, indoor facilities and outdoor sports provision. The Council has reviewed existing strategies and has undertaken consultation with the local public as part of the audit. NPPF paragraph 73 states:
101 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
“Access to high quality open spaces and opportunities for sport and recreation can make an important contribution to the health and well-being of communities. Planning policies should be based on robust and up-to-date assessments of the needs for open space, sports and recreation facilities and opportunities for new provision. The assessments should identify specific needs and quantitative or qualitative deficits or surpluses of open space, sports and recreational facilities in the local area. Information gained from the assessments should be used to determine what open space, sports and recreational provision is required.”
1.7 This study updates the previous study in 2006 which was produced following Assessing needs and opportunities: A companion guide to PPG17. However this guidance has now been replaced by the Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) on open space, sports and recreation facilities. The PPG recommends that Sport England Guidance is used to assess sports and recreation provision entitled Assessing needs and opportunities guide for indoor and outdoor sports facilities (July 2014). Sport England (July 2014). The Sport England guidance partly replaces the companion guide and is intended for sports only. This leaves an obvious gap in guidance for other topics such as green infrastructure and other non-sport related open space and recreational provision. The Council has therefore taken a pragmatic approach and will follow the stages set out in the Sport England guidance and use it to cover facets of this study that cover play, open space and sports and green infrastructure because many of the recommended stages can be applied wider than just for indoor and outdoor sports. Accordingly, the study follows a 3-stage process:
Stage A – Prepare and tailor the approach (Chapter 2 of this report). Stage B – Gather information on supply and demand (Chapters 3 - 9). Stage C – Assessment – bringing the information together (Chapter 3- 9).
1.8 The study will form an evidence base to: • Develop up-to-date planning policies produced in Local Plans and Neighbourhood Plans. • Produce or refresh an authority wide facility strategy for green infrastructure, play, open space and indoor and outdoor sport. • Develop and review standards of provision for planning policy and guidance. • Inform the Borough’s approach to infrastructure planning. • Inform the Development Management process. • Develop a good evidence base for funding bids.
Biodiversity Action Plan 2012-2017 The BAP has the following aims and objectives:
1.1 Aim To conserve and enhance biodiversity within Bracknell Forest Borough 1.2 Objectives Comprehensive Monitoring: of priority species and habitats to inform decisions Proactive Policies: to ensure important sites are protected and get the best result for biodiversity in development Positive Management: to maintain, restore and create key habitats for wildlife
102 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Effective Communication: between partners, landowners and the public to raise awareness, influence actions, encourage partnership, and inform decisions
The BAP sets out 6 Habitat Action Plans (including associated key species) encompassing grassland; woodland; wetland; heathland; farmland and urban areas.
Local Transport Plan (LTP3 2011-2026) Local goals: 1.1 To improve the connectivity of the transport system to places of work, schools, hospitals and public amenities. 2.4 To promote, support and improve facilities for cycling and walking. 3.1 To promote accessibility to everyday facilities for all, especially those without a car. 3.3 To improve connections to, from and within areas away from Bracknell Town Centre. 3.4 To promote the use of non-motorised transport for local journeys. 3.7 To ensure that new development providing facilities and services is accessible by pedestrians (to include people with disabilities), cyclists and by public transport and to promote improvements to existing development where this is inadequate. 4.2 To promote means of travel that are conducive to better health. 4.3 Encourage more walking and cycling, as both a leisure pursuit and commuting choice.
Objectives To ensure accessibility to everyday facilities for all, especially those without a car. To promote sustainable modes of transport for local journeys. particular relevance is:
Policy TP18: Public Rights of Way
Standards for Accessible Natural Greenspace – ANGSt (Natural England) As set out on the Natural England website; “Accessible Natural Greenspace Standard (ANGSt) provides a set of benchmarks for ensuring access to places near to where people live. These standards recommend that people living in towns and cities should have: • an accessible natural greenspace of at least 2 hectares in size, no more than 300 metres (5 minutes walk) from home • at least one accessible 20 hectare site within two kilometres of home • one accessible 100 hectare site within five kilometres of home • one accessible 500 hectare site within ten kilometres of home
103 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
• one hectare of statutory Local Nature Reserves per thousand population” ANGSt is based on three principles: a) Improving access b) Improving naturalness c) Improving connectivity
Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP2) 2017-2026 Vision: “A thriving and accessible Public Rights of Way and greenspaces network in Bracknell Forest; that provides opportunities for open-air recreation and enjoyment of the area and which supports wider interests including sustainable transport, the local economy, tourism, and health and wellbeing benefits.”
Policies: • Policy RoWIP 1 Rights of Way for All Increase accessibility of the Rights of Way network. • Policy RoWIP 2 Fulfil Legal Duties Deliver statutory functions of Rights of Way. • Policy RoWIP 3 Routes and Links Provide additional PRoW network linkages and safe circular routes, expanding this to a wider Green Infrastructure network. • Policy RoWIP 4 Information and Marketing Provide access information on Rights of Way and promote the network to encourage use. • Policy RoWIP 5 Responsible Use Promote and publicise legal and responsible use of Rights of Way and access to the countryside, supporting landowners and land managers regarding public use of their land. • Policy RoWIP 6 Preserve Rural Character Protect the rural character of Rights of Way in the countryside. • Policy RoWIP 7 Sustainable Benefits Manage a countryside and access network that delivers benefits to health and well-being, economy and biodiversity. • Policy RoWIP 8 Working in Partnership Develop volunteer initiatives and partnerships with other organisations to help make resources go further; collaborate with neighbouring authorities to deliver solutions to cross-border maintenance, legal and improvement issues. • Policy RoWIP 9 Raise Strategic Profile Increased awareness of organisations and policy and decision-makers about the importance of Rights of Way and the wider green infrastructure network will enable better planning and development of neighbourhoods. • Policy RoWIP 10 Monitor and Review Monitoring the condition of the PRoW network and assessing progress made with RoWIP actions
104 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Appendix J: Bracknell Forest Council core quality criteria (from the Parks and Open Spaces Strategy). Entrances: • Tidy • Well-signed • Obvious • Unobstructed • Welcoming • Ease of Use (disabled access, inclusive design) Signage: • Consistent • Provision of basic information to include site name; who manages the site; relevant contact details • Erected at a consistent and appropriate height • Positioned so clearly visible Boundaries: (e.g. • Appropriate design and materials hedges, fences, ditches) • Well maintained
Access: • Defined paths • Surface condition • Good drainage • Clear of vegetation Soft Landscaping / • Areas defined Planting / Grass / • Formal planting well maintained Meadows: • Natural planting managed positively for wildlife • Management of invasive scrub • Appropriate grass/hay/meadow cutting regime Trees: • Good condition (no deadwood overhanging entrances, paths, boundaries) • Under-storey management • Trees managed positively for wildlife • New planting well maintained Furniture: (e.g. seats, • Consistent styles in keeping with site use i.e. formal or informal benches, bins, notice • Well maintained boards) • Well located • Easy to use • Information up to date Cleanliness: • Little or no litter • Minimal dog fouling • Graffiti free – no offensive graffiti • Vandalism not evident Safe and secure: • Does the site feel safe • Good lines of sight to entrances and exits
105 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Appendix K: Visitor survey tick box sheet
Overall Park and Open Space Information Park or Open Space: Date and Time: Location: Weather: Instructions: Tick boxes Name of surveyor: Fill in comments if required
Identify no. of dogs within comments
Individual Visitor Information ADULT CHILD (under 16) COMMENTS
PEDESTRIAN CHILD IN PUSHCHAIR
CYCLIST
EQUESTRIAN
No. of dogs DOG WALKER
EXERCISING (e.g. jogger)
INFORMAL SPORT
(e.g. football, keep fit)
WHEELCHAIR / MOBILITY SCOOTER
OTHER (eg picnicking)
106 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Appendix L Environmental and chemical policies Bracknell Forest Council, Parks & Countryside Service
Environmental Policy: 1. No peat, or products using peat, will be purchased for use on any of our sites. 2. Arisings from grass and shrubs will be composted at the BFBC composting facility in Warfield. 3. Arisings from woodland management will be chipped and retained on site where practical. 4. Preference will be given to locally produced products. 'Locally' is defined as being within a 30 mile radius. 5. Preference will be given to products produced through sustainable methods. This includes recycled products and materials harvested from environmentally sustainable systems or organic farming methods. 6. Necessary chemicals will be purchased as and when required and in the smallest quantities available so as to reduce storage. 7. The choice of plants used in ornamental beds will be native or fully naturalized species, or their cultivars, and will not require long term additional watering.
Policy for the use of Chemicals:
Pesticides No pesticides will be used for horticultural purposes.
Herbicides The use of herbicides will be minimized.
When it is felt that the environmental benefits outweigh the environmental costs, then we will:
• Only use approved products. These will not persist in the environment or be bioaccumulative. • We will always use the minimum active ingredient to achieve affective control. • We will use non-Hazard rated formulations of active ingredients. • To prevent contamination of watercourses we will only spot treat weeds on hard surfaces, rather than blanket spraying. • Qualified staff will always apply herbicides. • Suitable signs and other precautions will be taken to inform the public when spraying is in progress.
Fertilizers Compost produced at the BFBC composting centre in Warfield will be used wherever practical.
Fertilizer will be used for sports turf management only in the minimum to provide satisfactory results.
107 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Paints and Wood Preservatives All paints, stains and wood preservatives will be applied in accordance with COSSH regulations and manufacturers guidelines.
Storage and disposal of Chemicals The Open Spaces, Countryside and Heritage Service contract out all herbicide spraying to a qualified contractor. The contractor is checked for the following certificates, qualifications and insurance • Public liability insurance - £5 million. • Health & Safety - COSHH training qualifications • All contractors carrying out spraying operations must hold the relevant qualifications and wear the recommended safety clothing.
The contractor will store chemicals in accordance with COSHH standards regarding 1. The storage of flammable/corrosive/toxic materials 2. Ventilation 3. Lighting 4. Exits 5. Signage and information 6. Containment of spills
• A Chemicals Record book is to be kept. This will detail:
1. Name of the chemical and supplier 2. Chemical information - poison, corrosion, toxicity, flammability etc. 3. Date purchased 4. Record of use, including time, dosage, location of application, and name of applicant. 5. Storage and disposal will be in accordance with COSHH regulations and manufacturers’ guidelines.
• Any stored chemicals will be used on a first in - first out basis.
108 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Sandhurst Town Council
Grounds Maintenance Department, Policy for the use of Chemicals
1. Pesticides No pesticides will be used for horticultural purposes
2. Herbicides The use of herbicides will be minimized. When it is felt that the environmental benefits outweigh the environmental costs, then we will:- • Only use approved products. These will not persist in the environment or be bio-accumulative • We will always use the minimum active ingredient to achieve affective control • We will use non-hazard rated formulations of active ingredients • To prevent contamination of watercourses we will only spot treat weeds on hard surfaces, rather than blanket spraying • Qualified staff will always apply herbicides • Suitable signs and other precautions will be taken to inform the public when spraying is in progress
Fertilizers Compost produced on site will be used wherever practical fertilizer will be used for sports turf management only in the minimum to provide satisfactory results
3. Paints and Wood Preservatives All paints, stains and wood preservatives will be applied in accordance with COSSH regulations and manufacturers guidelines
Storage and disposal of Chemicals The Sandhurst Town Council contract out all herbicide spraying to a qualified contractor. The contractor is checked for the following certificates, qualifications and insurance:- • Public liability insurance - £10 million • Health & Safety – COSHH training qualifications • All contractors carrying out spraying operations must hold the relevant qualifications and wear the recommended safety clothing
The contractor will store chemicals in accordance with COSHH standards regarding:- a. The storage of flammable/corrosive/toxic materials b. Ventilation c. Lighting d. Exits
109 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
e. Signage and information f. Containment of spills
A Chemical Records book is to be kept. This will detail:- a. Name of the chemical and supplier b. Chemical information - poison, corrosion, toxicity, flammability, etc c. Date purchased d. Record of use, including time, dosage, location of application and name of applicant
Storage and disposal will be in accordance with COSHH regulations and manufacturers guidelines. Any stored chemicals will be used on a first in - first out basis
110 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Appendix M Health and safety/managing risk (assessments) BFBC Health, Safety and Welfare Manual of Guidance Environment & Leisure “Health and Safety Policy & Procedure”, September 2004. • Departmental Health and Safety meetings take place on a four-monthly basis. • The Parks and Countryside Service Normal Operating Plan is issued to each member of staff upon induction and covers the working of the entire section from events and volunteer work to site management and equipment use. • Risk Assessments are carried out for all site and site-related operations including volunteer work, public events, vehicle use and tool/machinery use. • COSHH reports are completed and held for all chemical usage. • Safety inspection certificates are obtained for appropriate pieces of equipment. Insurance and liability details, health and safety policies and method statements are required for contractors and are held on file. • Six-monthly site inspections are carried out to ensure high quality management and safety of the site. • Rangers are first aid trained and details of all training are retained. Risk assessments relating to activities and work carried out on the site are listed in Appendix N.
The following index schedule forms part of the Sandhurst Town Council’s register of Health & Safety procedural documentation: • Health & Safety Statements & Policy (incl. responsibilities) • Working Hours Sheets • Accident Books – (incl. incidents and near misses) • Staff Training/Member Training • Emergency Response (incl. evacuation instructions) • Personal Protection Equipment • Policy Documents (incl. Environmental, Pesticide & Herbicides) • First Aid • COSHH (incl. Storage, control) • Press Reports (incl. case studies) • Risk Assessments & Audits & Method Statements • Health & Safety Library of Information • Asset Management & Plant Maintenance • Security • Fire Risk Assessment – Fire Drills, Equipment • Insurances • Test Certificates & Inspections • Special Projects & Sub Contractor Management • Correspondence & Minutes
The annual budgets make provision for health and safety as a separate task heading. Risk assessments relating to activities and work carried out on the site are ongoing.
111 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Risk Assessment Index Reference DATE OF REVIEW RISK ASSESSMENT ASSESMENT SCHEDULE EQUIPMENT EQU 1 Tools & Equipment: Vehicle Use 24/12/2016 Three Years EQU 2 Tools & Equipment: Trailer Use 21/12/2016 Three Years EQU 3 Tools & Equipment: Petrol Driven Leaf Blower 05/08/2016 Three Years EQU 4 Tools & Equipment: Step Ladders 16/08/2015 Three Years EQU 5 Tools & Equipment: Chainsaw 10/12/2016 Three Years EQU 6 Tools & Equipment: Brushcutter / Strimmer 04/01/2017 Three Years EQU 7 Tools & Equipment: Winch 15/08/2015 Three Years EQU 8 Tools & Equipment: Hand tools 14/09/2015 Three Years EQU 9 Tools & Equipment: Bowser 22/04/2015 Three Years EQU 10 Tools & Equipment: Pedestrian Flail 25/04/2015 Three Years EQU 11 Tools & Equipment: Jet washer 04/11/2015 Three Years EQU 12 Tools & Equipment: Manual Sweeper 25/01/2017 Three Years EQU 13 Tools & Equipment: Hedge Trimmer 19/12/2016 Three Years EQU 14 Tools & Equipment: Petrol Mower 22/04/2015 Three Years EQU 15 Tools & Equipment: Grappling Hook on Rope 05/01/2017 Three Years EQU 16 Tools & Equipment: Powered pole saw 22/08/2015 Three Years EQU 17 Tools & Equipment: Abrasive Wheels 04/11/2015 Three Years EQU 18 Tools & Equipment: Chipper 06/01/2017 Three Years EQU 19 Tools & Equipment: Generator 19/08/2016 Three Years EQU 20 Tools & Equipment: Electrical Tools 22/04/2015 Three Years EQU 21 Tools & Equipment: Circular Saw 19/08/2016 Three Years EVENTS EVE 1 Events: General 24/01/2017 Three Years EVE 3 Events: Conservation 24/01/2017 Three Years EVE 5 Events: Mini-beasting 20/01/2017 Three Years EVE 7 Events: Orienteering 05/11/2015 Three Years EVE 8 Events: Pond Dipping 25/01/2017 Three Years EVE 9 Events: Survival Skills 24/12/2016 Three Years EVE 10 Events: Woodland 24/01/2017 Three Years EVE 11 Events: Craft Workshops 27/04/2015 Three Years EVE 17 Events: Food Preparation and Tasting 28/04/2015 Three Years EVE 20 Events: Accompanied Walks with dogs 14/12/2016 Three Years EVE 22 Events: Skate Park 12/08/2015 Three Years EVE 23 Events: Recreational Activities 19/12/2016 Three Years EVE 24 Events: Youth Event 12/08/2015 Three Years
112 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Reference DATE OF REVIEW RISK ASSESSMENT ASSESMENT SCHEDULE EVE 25 Events: Paws in the Park 16/07/2015 Annually EVE 26 Events: LCAF Site visit 26/06/2016 EVE 27 Events: Snake to school visit and talk 11/07/2016 Three Years
SITE BASED ACTIVITIES SIT 1 Site: General 05/08/2016 Three Years SIT 2 Site: Cattle Grazing 21/01/2017 Three Years SIT 3 Site: Woodland Management 28/04/2015 Three Years SIT 4 Site: Countryside Furniture 24/12/2016 Three Years SIT 5 Site: Hedge Management 31/12/2015 Three Years SIT 6 Site: Ponds, Streams, Ditches (On or Near Water) 27/04/2015 Three Years SIT 7 Site: Litter, Fly-tipping, Grafitti 12/08/2015 Three Years SIT 8 Site: Lone Working 05/08/2016 Three Years SIT 9 Site: Wet Pour on Play Areas 22/12/2015 Three Years SIT 10 Site: Painting 17/09/2015 Three Years SIT 11 Site: Working at Height 22/04/2015 Three Years SIT 12 Site: Piggy Wood 22/04/2015 Three Years SIT 13 Site: Play Areas 22/04/2015 Three Years SIT 14 Site: Height Barriers 27/04/2015 Three Years SIT 15 Site: Pest Control (Rats) 05/01/2016 Three Years SIT 17 Site: School Visits 20/01/2017 Three Years SIT 18 Site: Tree Planting 24/12/2016 Three Years SIT 19 Site: Westmorland Park (Courts and Pitches) 24/01/2017 Three Years SIT 20 Site: Bonfires 07/09/2017 Three Years SIT 22 Site: Pesticide and Herbicide Application 25/04/2015 Three Years SIT 23 Site: Removal of Life Buoys 07/09/2017 Three Years VOLUNTEERS VOL 1 Volunteers: Work experience 22/04/2015 Three Years VOL 3 Volunteers: Path Inspectors 01/12/2015 Three Years VOL 4 Volunteers: Surveys 22/04/2015 Three Years VOL 5 Community Payback (Probation) 15/07/2015 Three Years
113 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Appendix N Groups/organisations Associated with the site • Local residents who either use the site or whose properties • Sandhurst Cricket Club overlook the site. • Sandhurst Residents Association • The Environment Agency who manages the flood defences of • College Meadows Residents Association the river, pollution control and have some interest in the river • Snaprails Residents Association ecology conservation. • Longdown Lodge Residents Association • Natural England who advise on and oversee the conservation • Pistachios in the Park management of the site. • Sandhurst Tennis Club • The Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership as the • Sandhurst Tug of War Club Blackwater Valley path runs through the site. • Sandhurst Joggers • Blackwater and Hawley Town Council who own fields south of • Sandhurst Short Mat Bowling Club the River Blackwater. • Sandhurst Guide Association • Marks and Spencer / Tesco. • 3rd Sandhurst Scouts • Thames Water Plc who own and manage the balancing pond • The Sandhurst & District Gardening Club • Network Rail – in relation to the railway bridge and the British • Sandhurst and District Allotment Association Rail boundary wire fence, which is their responsibility to • Sandhurst Womens Institute maintain. • Sandhurst Day Centre • Forestry Commission – who are consulted by STC on the • Bracknell Forest Youth & Community Service management of the small piece of ancient woodland on the • Nursery Groups eastern boundary of the park. • Sandhurst Museum Trust • Sandhurst Sports Club • Sandhurst Historical Society • Sandhurst Town Boys & Girls Football Club • WHI Walkers • Sandhurst Town Football Club • Thames Valley Police • Sandhurst Sports Club Saturday & Sunday Football clubs • Citizens Advice Bureau • Sandhurst Finest Football club • Cross County Liaison Group (Sandhurst, Yateley and • College Town Reserves Blackwater and Hawley Town Councils)
114 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Appendix O Site leaflets Discover Shepherd Meadows and Sandhurst Memorial Park
115 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
Discover the Blackwater Valley
116 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
GLOSSARY Word/term Description Topography The physical appearance of the natural features of an area of land, especially the shape of its surface Biodiversity The number and types of plant and animal species that exist in a particular environmental area or in the world generally, or the problem of protecting this Wayleaves and Easements An agreement with a third party to install plant and equipment on land within their ownership and have access rights to maintain and repair it. The right to use the real property of another without possessing it. Biogeographical The study of the geographic distribution of organisms Green Flag Award Scheme, which provides a national benchmark for the best green spaces in the country. Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) A conservation designation denoting a protected area in the United Kingdom. Local Wildlife Site (LWS) A discrete area of land which is considered to be of significance for its wildlife features in at least a District/Borough/Unitary Authority context. Area of Special Landscape Importance (ASLI’s) Planning designation for the protection of certain areas considered important for landscape quality. Balancing Pond The function of the balancing pond is to serve as a flood protection measure, by holding water during periods of high rainfall. Alluvium Sediment deposited by flowing water, as in a riverbed, flood plain, or delta. Also called alluvion. Tree Preservation Order (TPO) Part of town and country planning in the United Kingdom. A TPO is made by a Local Planning Authority (usually a local council) to protect specific trees or a particular area, group or woodland from deliberate damage and destruction. Local Development Framework (LDF) Relating to the Spatial Planning strategy introduced in England and Wales by the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area The Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area (SPA) is a network of heathland sites, which are designated (SPA) for their ability to provide a habitat for the internationally important bird species of woodlark, nightjar and Dartford warbler. Green waste Biodegradable waste that can be composed of garden or park waste, such as grass or flower cuttings and hedge trimmings, as well as domestic and commercial food waste. Arboriculture The cultivation, management, and study of individual trees, shrubs, vines, and other perennial woody plants. Flora and fauna The flora and fauna of a place are its plants and animals. Byelaws Laws of local or limited application made by local councils or other bodies, using powers granted by an Act of Parliament, and so are a form of delegated legislation. Green buffer A natural vegetative zone around a feature that needs protection Arisings Small offcuts from pruning vegetation or cutting grass Verti-draining Method of aeration for Football/Rugby Pitches/Golf Fairways/Parks/Race Courses etc. Dipwells A length of plastic pipe with holes drilled in the side, driven as far as possible into the ground. Vegetation mosaic The pattern of different plant communities, or stages of the same community. Section 52 Agreements Part of the Town Country Planning Act 1971 Section 106 Agreement Part of the Town Country Planning Act 1971
117 January 1, 2018 Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows 2018-2027
118