HAVENGATEWAY SUB-REGION STRATEGY Access to the Countryside in and around Towns volume I

FINAL REPORT April 2007 CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction 5.0 Proposals 1.1 The Haven Gateway Sub-region 5.1 Proposals for all Towns 1.2 Description of the Study Towns 5.2 1.2.1 Colchester 5.3 Harwich 1.2.2 Harwich 5.4 1.2.3 Ipswich 5.5 Felixstowe 1.2.4 Felixstowe

6.0 References 2.0 Method 7.0 Appendices 2.1 Initial mapping 2.2 Green Space Audits Appendix I Brief 2.3 Identifying green space functions, improvements Appendix II Green Space Audit Form and potential new sites and links Appendix III List of Audited Greenspaces 2.4 Process Appendix IV Audits of Green Spaces - Colchester and Harwich (CD-ROM) 3.0 Summary of Results Appendix V Audited Greespaces of Green Spaces - Ipswich and Felixstowe (CD-ROM) 3.1 Colchester Appendix VI List of Proposed Improvements from Site Audits 3.2 Harwich Appendix VII Relevant Policy Initiatives; 3.3 Ipswich Open Space and Recreation Provision 3.4 Felixstowe Countryside In and Around Towns Accessible Natural Green Space Standards 4.0 Analysis Health and Green Space Education 4.1 Defining Needs Objectives of the Haven Gateway 4.2 Common Issues Sustainable tourism 4.3 Access to the Wider Countryside 4.4 Meeting Green Space Standards Rights of Way Improvement Plans 4.5 Opportunities Biodiversity Action Plans

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Essex Landscape Design were commissioned by the Countryside to be more active or to take a change of scene, that they will Agency to undertake a strategic study of the existing supply have the opportunities to do so close to home. and future for open space in four towns in Haven Gateway as an exemplar for the Countryside in and around Towns initiative 4 A Classroom (CIAT). The project brief was devised by the Countryside Agency The countryside in and around towns provides hands-on learning and County Council with advice from County Council opportunities in a variety of ‘outdoor classrooms’. This supports (see Appendix I). The CIAT initiative was new in looking at the all parts of the national curriculum with a particular relevance to many ways in which green spaces could function, with many environmental education and rural studies. green spaces being multi-functional. Ten functions are described in the CIAT vision: 5 A recycling and renewable energy centre The countryside in and around towns recognised the potential of 1 A bridge to the Country open spaces sustainable management of the waste, water and Networks of new and improved parks, woodlands and other green pollution generated in urban areas. Waste production has been spaces are linked to the urban centre and wider countryside by minimised and waste re-use and recycling schemes are further footpaths, bridleways and cycleways. Urban parks, country parks reducing the amount of waste going into landfill. and other green spaces are joined up to form continuous green corridors between town and country. 6 A Productive Landscape Farmers operating close to urban areas take full advantage of 2 A Gateway to the Town their proximity to large urban markets, supplying consumers The quality of the countryside in and around towns in an indicator with high quality local produce through direct marketing as well and advertisement of the quality of a town or city. As a gateway as supermarkets. Every large town and city benefits from regular to the urban area it creates a powerful first impression to visitors Farmers’ Markets. and possible investors. 7 A Cultural Legacy 3 A health centre The countryside in and around towns contains many imprints of A more accessible and attractive countryside and green space the history of our towns and communities, their development infrastructure close to where most people live and work provides and expansion or sometimes even their disappearance. an invaluable respite from the stresses of urban living. This makes it more likely that when a GP recommends their patients  8 A Place for Sustainable Living This report draws together the results of the field work and Careful decisions have been taken about where to accommodate assesses it against current policies and initiatives. It also attempts the need for new development, especially for affordable homes. to assess the current provision against the specific needs of the Those decisions have followed an examination of the pros and local population. cons of increasing housing densities in existing urban areas, expanding market towns and villages, allowing the selective This study has been undertaken by Crispin Downs, Siobhan Mayer expansion of cities, and creating new settlements. and Almudena Quiralte from Essex Landscape Design together with landscape manager Steve Plumb. It involved substantial 9 An engine for Regeneration contributions from parks and planning offices at Suffolk County Strategies for local regeneration use the countryside on the Council and the district authorities in the Haven Gateway area. urban edge to help communities develop their own confidence, skills and prospects. Residents in these areas are fully involved in creating and managing recreational spaces, community gardens, allotments and in bringing about other environmental improvements to make their neighbourhoods more ‘liveable’.

10 A Nature Reserve The countryside in and around towns contains historic and newly established woodlands, wetlands, meadows and a broad array of other natural habitats. The importance of this environment to biodiversity is fully recognised and reflected in all management and land use decisions.

The primary aims of the study were to: » Identify and plot the existing green spaces over 2ha and links between them » Audit the green spaces » Identify the functions of the existing green spaces » Develop appropriate standards for green spaces in the area » Identify shortfalls in provision and possible new sites for Fig 1. Haven Gateway Study Area green space and how to make better non-vehicular links in light of the proposed increase in population.

 that Local Development Documents should provide for 50840 net 1.1 THE HAVEN GATEWAY additional dwellings by 2021 in the Haven Gateway sub-region. These figures form the basis of the Haven Gateway Partnership’s SUB-REGION submission to become a New Growth Point (HGP 2006). This submission emphasises the need to address the shortfall in The Haven Gateway sub-region is of national and regional affordable housing. importance, providing a strategic transport gateway for trade and tourism between the UK, the rest of Europe and elsewhere There is concern about the impacts of such expansion if it is not in the world. The Gateway includes the main towns of Ipswich, properly planned. In another study of the Haven Gateway (Royal Colchester, Harwich and Felixstowe, the surrounding villages and Hoskoning 2005) a survey of key stakeholders highlighted the rural hinterland of Tendring, Colchester Borough and parts of issues of congestion and the need for new infrastructure. The Babergh, Suffolk Coastal and a small part of , and the current congestion levels were seen as unsustainable in the long north Essex and south Suffolk coastline as well as the ecologically term. The Essex Local Transport Plan 2006 -2011 highlights that rich estuarine environment of the rivers Stour and Orwell. many of the road junctions within Colchester town centre are operating at or near capacity with two junctions have Air Quality The sub region has never been developed in a co-ordinated MA in operation. There is also serious congestion associated with fashion in the past and has only recently been formally recognised proposed expansion of the port area at Harwich (ECC 2006b). as a sub region in the draft East of Plan, the designation subsequently being endorsed through the public examination The resulting large increase in population, often in denser housing process in the Panel report. The draft Plan sets will place greater pressures on existing green spaces. It will a challenging agenda for the Gateway up to 2021 and beyond mean also that there will be the loss of areas of urban fringe (ECC 2006a). countryside to make way for new development.

There is already a strong collective vision for the Gateway: There has been an increased recognition of the importance of …to deliver a high quality environment for its residents, workers providing sufficient suitable green space infrastructure on the and visitors, by capitalising on its location as a key gateway, quality of life of residents, and this is being reflected in national realising its potential for significant sustainable growth, addressing policies (see below). It is vital to plan for these areas and links at its need for economic regeneration, creating an additional an early stage so that they form an integral part of the strategic focus for growth of hi-tech, knowledge based employment and plan for the area rather than attempting to achieve it through protecting and enhancing its high quality attractive historical, the individual planning applications. Much recreational provision cultural and natural assets (EERA, 2004 [RSS 14, p.56]) has traditionally developed in an ad hoc manner which often means that there are few if any linkages between sites and a The Haven Gateway has been identified as a major area for shortage of provision in areas of highest need. This can result growth both in terms of housing and commercial activity. The in people having little alternative other than to drive to reach East of England Regional Spatial Strategy (EERA 2004) states  recreational sites. Objectives within the East of England Regional Spatial Strategy 2004 have important implications for the provision of suitable green space provision. These are set out in Table 1 below.

Table 1. Regional Spatial Strategy Objectives

Regional Spatial Strategy objectives Implications for green space and countryside provision Improve social inclusion and access to employment and Need to ensure local, easily accessible provision that complies services and leisure and tourist facilities among those who with DDA etc are disadvantaged Increase the regeneration and renewal of disadvantaged Well designed and maintained local green space can make areas a considerable improvement to the amenity of the area, as well as providing safe areas for play, relaxation and exercise without need to travel Deliver integrated patterns of land use, movement, activity Green space provision/links should play an integral part of and development any schemes. By incorporating green space at a early stage it is possible to ensure adequate provision and sufficient safe links Protect and enhance the natural environment including its Local Ecological sites can be protected by being incorporated biodiversity and landscape character into the green space network, e.g. as LNRs Minimise the environmental impact of travel, by reducing the A key aim of Countryside in and around towns is to ensure need to travel, encouraging the use of more environmentally that people do not need to travel to further afield for their friendly modes of transport and widening choices of modes general activities e.g. dog walking. Also green space and suitable links can provide safe enjoyable routes for walking and cycling both for recreation and for commuting Ensure that infrastructure programmes, whether for It is clear from this study that there are deficiencies in green transport, utilities or social infrastructure will meet current space provision and safe links for walkers and cyclists into deficiencies and development requirements; and that the the countryside. Infrastructure planning should include the responsible agencies will commit the resources needed to enhancement of existing provision and creation of new green implement these programmes and co-ordinate delivery with space and links development

 The Haven Gateway Partnership believes that the New Growth Point Table 2. Proposed net housing allocation per district or status is an essential step in fulfilling the government objectives borough in Haven Gateway in housing policy and also realising its vision of sustainable growth in order to realise the sub-region’s full potential. Key District or Borough Proposed net housing components of its vision for the sub-region include: allocation Babergh 2,000 (including 600 on edge » Improving the public realm and achieving high quality of Ipswich) design Colchester 17,100 » Reconnecting towns to their waterfronts Ipswich 15,400 » Establishing a network of open spaces and green corridors Mid Suffolk 790 (edge of Ipswich) across the sub-region Suffolk Coastal 7,050 (including 3320 on » Developing a sustainable and integrated transport system edge of Ipswich) » Regenerating areas of high deprivation and providing Tendring 8,500 affordable housing » Maintaining the Haven Gateway’s high environmental values Haven Gateway total 50,840 and quality of life (HGP 2006) Annual average 2,542 From Tyms 2005, HGP 2005 1.2 DESCRIPTION OF THE TOWNS When looking at the Average Index of Multiple Deprivation Ipswich is 98th out of 354 local authorities, the highest of the IN THE STUDY Haven Gateway districts (see Table 3 next page). However this figure is distorted by the fact that the other districts contain This study focuses on the towns of Ipswich, Felixstowe, Colchester large afluent rural areas. In order to enable more meaningful and Harwich. The four towns have a total population of over comparisons between the study towns use will be made of Super 271,000, which is over half of the Haven Gateway’s 500,000 Output Areas (SOA) as these have a more standard population overall population. The Haven Gateway area also contains size. Also, being smaller than wards, they can highlight pockets Clacton, Frinton-on-Sea and Walton-on-the-Naze as well as a of deprivation that are sometimes not detected at a ward level. large number of villages spread over an area of approximately 1,200 sq. Km.

Table 2 shows the proposed allocation of new housing to be provided in each district within the Haven Gateway by 2021. Ipswich’s borough boundary is drawn very tightly around the edge of the town; therefore much of the allocation for surrounding districts will occur around the edge of the town.  Table 3. 2004 Average Index of Multiple Deprivation for many centuries. A number of the green spaces are associated districts in Haven Gateway with archaeological sites such as the Archaeological Park or are former military land, particularly to the south of the town. District Average Index of Multiple Deprivation Colchester has a total of 5 SOAs within the 10% most deprived (position out of total of 354 districts in England. These are all situated within the town centre. St with 1 being the most deprived) Andrews ward to the east of the town centre has the highest index of multiple deprivation of any ward in the study towns, the Ipswich 98 14th most deprived ward in the east of England. Tendring 103 Colchester 217 1.2.2 Harwich Suffolk Coastal 268 Babergh 273 Mid-Suffolk 297

1.2.1 Colchester

The town of Harwich together with Dovercourt and parts of Little Oakley, Ramsey and Parkeston has a population of 20,800 (TDC 2006). It is the second largest town in Tendring. Essex as a whole is just within the least deprived 20% of counties within England; however Tendring is the most deprived district within the county. Of the 40 SOAs in Essex in the most deprived 10% nationally The town of Colchester has a population of approximately 12 are within Tendring (11 in Clacton and 1 in Harwich). These 103,000. It is considered to be a relatively prosperous town relate to factors such as high levels of older people (32.5% of the although average earnings are lower than those in the rest of population), the highest percentage of households with limiting East of England and Colchester has the third lowest wage levels long term illness (41% compared to the county average of 32%), compared to its “family group” of similar local authorities. There the fourth highest levels of one parent families in the region and are pockets of deprivation in parts of both the town and rural lower levels of academic achievement. (TDC 2006a). areas (CBC 2006). Harwich shares a number of factors with Felixstowe including its Colchester is greatly influenced by its history, primarily its origins location at the end of a peninsula and the scale of its port. There as the first Roman town in Britain and as a garrison town for  are proposals for further expansion of the port. coupled with lower average incomes and higher unemployment rates than the regional average, means that it is more important for there to be good quality green space that is easy to reach 1.2.3 Ipswich either on foot, cycle or by public transport. It also has the highest proportion of young people in the County with 26.1% being under 20 years old. Similarly young people will require more local facilities as they will have more limited opportunities to travel to reach sites.

Ipswich forms the main growth centre in Suffolk and currently The surrounding land comprises areas of heathland, one of the accounts for 18% of the County’s population with a total of most threatened habitats nationally. Over time areas have 117069 people recorded during the 2001 census. The town has a already been built on and it is likely that the proposed new relatively high population density, with an average of 29.7 people building would destroy other areas. per hectare, which is the 6th highest in the region and among the densest 15% nationally. This clearly makes the provision of The current proposals for housing provision in and around Ipswich adequate green space vital. would lead to over 20000 new properties being constructed.

Ipswich has grown up around its links to the River Orwell. In the nineteenth century Ipswich developed a range of industries including engineering, agricultural manufacture, clothing and 1.2.4 Felixstowe tobacco. The docks and railway developed at this time. There is still a commercial dock within the town and significant amounts of industry and other commercial buildings, much of it close to the river; however there have been major closures in recent years. There has been a growth in insurance and IT businesses (One-Ipswich 2004) The total population for Felixstowe and the Trimleys was 29669 Seven of the borough’s sixteen wards are among the 20% most in 2001. Of these 19.1% were below 16 and 11.9% were over deprived in England. Census data for 2001 shows that Ipswich 75. There were 23% of households with no car and 28% with has the highest proportion of households with no car, 29.3%, in more than two. Suffolk, and is also below the national average of 26.8%. This is the 4th lowest car ownership level in the eastern region. The Felixstowe is situated at the eastern end of the peninsula formed numbers of households with two or cars was 23.8% compared by the estuaries of the Rivers Orwell and Deben extending into with a national average of 29.4% and the second lowest level the North Sea. The southern side of the town is dominated by in the region. This lower than average car ownership, which is the container port, the largest in the UK. By contrast the town  and promenade north of this maintains much of its Victorian and links were not already mapped so base maps were created character. showing them on a GIS OS base. This stage involved a process of listing, mapping, checking with officers from the districts, Felixstowe and the Trimleys forms a major employment area amending maps to evolve green space maps and existing main linked to the port. This is underpinned by the potential future links for each town. Definitions of ownership and public use are expansion of the port, a decision on which is awaited (Tyms et still being investigated in Colchester where there are substantial al 2005). areas of MOD land with some public access.

Despite the importance of its employment areas Felixstowe still has SOAs within the most deprived 20-40% band. 2.2 GREEN SPACE Its location together with the scale of the port means that there AUDITS are limited opportunities to gain easy access to the countryside. This is further exacerbated by the limited crossing points over the A14.

All green spaces and key links were visited and an audit was carried out for each site above 2ha in size in the four towns. A 2.0 METHOD total of 81 sites were audited in total. A standard audit form was designed to capture information on functions listed in the CIAT initiative and to investigate the scope of these (see Appendix 2.1 INITIAL MAPPING II). Sites were visited by at least two professionals, comprising one landscape architect and an assistant landscape architect. One of the staff also had many years experience working with rights of way and greenways and he assisted with work in Ipswich and Felixstowe. Each site was photographed and these photos were added to the completed audit forms.

The first phase of the study involved identifying all green spaces A list of all of the audited green spaces is given in Appendix III in the four towns that were over 2 ha and any in the district which and the audits are included in Appendix IV and V. were over 100 ha. These were measured on GIS to determine size of area. The main links, primarily rights of way or designated cycleways, were also identified. The information was confirmed with each relevant authority. In most cases the green spaces 10 This helped to identify factors such as areas of deprivation and 2.3 PROCESS some data on the usage of key countryside sites that would have a bearing on the types of provision that would be required. The process that developed during the project was one of involvement with all the officers from districts who had the detailed At this stage there has been no public consultation to establish knowledge and ideas for development of their resources. This the views of the wider community, although this would be was achieved through a number of meetings, site visits, phone undertaken by the Districts in developing green space strategies calls and emails. Ideas were constantly incorporated into the and Local Development Frameworks. evolving plans which were printed and circulated for comments and amendments at a number of stages. What outcame was a large project team into which everyone could feel they had a 2.4 IDENTIFYING GREEN SPACE developing input. The project allowed us to develop ideas with FUNCTIONS AND POTENTIAL the district officers, and share their ideas with those from the other authorities. The project included training officers in auditing IMPROVEMENTS, NEW SITES AND sites, so that Ipswich Borough Council audited a number in their LINKS area contributing to the project resources. Workshops were held with officers from the Towns in each county and a morning Through the mapping of existing provision, undertaking the workshop with officers from all four towns. This helped to start individual site audits and the discussions with officers from the some networking amongst officers in the Haven gateway towns. local authorities it was possible to develop an initial list of actions Another spin off was auditing sessions with Colchester borough that the project team believe would enhance the value of existing council so they could start to carry out a PPG17 assessment for sites and improve links between them. The key factors that were their whole borough. The process built on work that had been being considered were: previously done in organising PPG17 workshops in Suffolk and Essex by the county councils. » Visual enhancement – e.g. could unattractive views be better screened, or a more coherent landscape created » Functional improvements – e.g. was there adequate play provision » Biodiversity - could more be done to enhance biodiversity within a site either through changes in the management regime or habitat creation An examination was made of the national and regional policies » Accessibility within or to the site that were relevant to the study and these are set out in Appendix » Community involvement - e.g. were there Friends groups VII. In addition data was collated to identify key social, economic or volunteers for the various sites and environmental factors that were significant to the study. 11 Section 4.2 sets out a number of issues that were found in common with most sites with the four study towns. 3.0 SUMMARY OF RESULTS It was not possible within the scope of this study to prepare detailed proposals for each of the sites however Appendix VI 3.1 COLCHESTER gives the key issues that were recorded through the audit and officer liaison. It is hoped that these could form the basis for a The existing green spaces and main links map of Colchester future programme of works. (Map1) shows the pattern of green space in the town. The functions map (Map 2) graphically shows the range of functions Similarly it was not possible to carry out a detailed study of the of each of these spaces and the audits provide detailed information rights of way network or the wider countryside although visits for each. were made to areas such as the Gipping Valley close to Ipswich which were known to offer significant potential for people and The river is an important natural feature running through the wildlife. A more extensive study of these countryside areas is town connecting green spaces. Castle Park provides the central required to achieve a better understanding of the opportunities and best used park in Colchester linking to the green spaces for site enhancement here. around the river. Wivenhoe Park is a (registered) historic park on the east side of the town. Colchester was a very significant town during the roman occupation of Britain and many sites have the remains of roman walls, or foundations of the previous town beneath the ground.

While the parks and green spaces help to divide the town and to provide open space within walking distance for most residents, there are many links required to join up the network. Access to the countryside to the north is severed by the A12 in some cases making walking, riding and cycling routes convoluted.

It has a total of 1,578ha of green spaces over 2ha. This is distributed over approximately 57 (out of 138) parks and open spaces. Many of the larger sites are sited around the perimeter of the town with relatively few within the central area. Highwood Country Park is the only public open space of over 100ha (total 151ha) within the town.

12 13 14 3.2 HARWICH

The existing green spaces and main links map of Harwich (Map 4) shows the pattern of green space in the town. The functions map (Map 5) graphically shows the range of functions of each of these spaces and the audits provide detailed information for each.

Harwich has the fewest areas of green space of the four towns. It has a total aproximately of 129ha in spaces over 2ha. Most of this however is associated with the promenade and associated playing fields and there are a total of 8 (out of 30) sites over 2ha and these are mainly sited by the promenade on the south- east side of the town. The designed parks are much in need of more and improved facilities and restoration.

Apart from the link provided by the promenade there are few links between the green spaces nor along the Ramsey Creek between Parkeston and Ramsey.

The series of nature reserves situated along the offers a total of 380 ha if one includes the estuary itself (Section owned by RSPB). The Essex Way runs through these reserves and ends in Harwich Port.

15 16 17 parks and play areas. Several sections have been designated 3.3 IPSWICH LNRs. There are sections of cycleway and footpaths linking the areas. The park bounds the southern edge of Stoke Park, a key The existing green spaces and main links map of Ipswich (Map7) residential area, thereby providing easy access to it along its shows the pattern of green space in the town. The functions length. A significant disadvantage is that its southern boundary map (Map8) graphically shows the range of functions of each is the A14 which means much of it suffers from near traffic noise. of these spaces and the audits provide detailed information for In addition when the road was constructed most of the rights of each. Ipswich currently has 40 (out of 63) parks and open spaces way were cut without any provision being made for safe crossing. that are larger than 2ha. In addition there are two sites of over This severely limits access to the wider countryside. There is 100ha; these are Belstead Park and Orwell Country Park, both little green space or access along the river through Ipswich. The situated to the south of the town. There is a total of 561ha of engineered nature of the river banks and surrounding industrial public open space within the town over 2ha. uses create a poor environment through this key feature in the town. However some areas are being opened up for recreation The three main urban parks, Christchurch, Holywells and Chantry with walks being developed beside the river. The cycling network in Parks, have all developed on historic sites. Christchurch Park Ipswich is very poor with a need for substantial improvements. has recently been awarded an HLF grant to restore its historic features and other improvements. It is planned to make future The larger urban fringe parks are situated to the south of the applications for the other two historic parks for their restoration. town with no provision directly to the north. The management of a number of areas have been improved to enhance their ecological value.

Most of the remaining green spaces are relatively small and mainly comprise smaller playing fields. Mostly these contain amenity grass with some play equipment. There are two areas of high ecological significance that are available for informal recreation that form the SSSI, Purdis Heath and Martlesham Heath, both remnants of the former extensive heathland of the area. Martlesham Heath, however, appears to be suffering badly from recreational pressures and misuse. It was assessed by English Nature in April 2006 as being in an unfavourable declining condition due to inappropriate management and fire.

Belstead Park in reality is a series of linked smaller parks and natural areas. It includes the ancient Spring Wood, a section of river, alder carr and reed beds as well as more traditional 18 19 20 3.4 FELIXSTOWE

The existing green spaces and main links map of Felixstowe (Map10) shows the pattern of green space in the town. The functions map (Map11) graphically shows the range of functions of each of these spaces and the audits provide detailed information for each. Felixstowe has a total of 14 (out of 25) parks and open spaces above 2ha within the main town, which mainly comprise small local Victorian parks and playing fields. Trimley Marshes Nature Reserve to the north-west of the container port has limited public access. There is currently a total of 154ha of green space available.

There is a promenade along the eastern, seaward side of the town from Old Felixstowe south. It is not continuous however being interrupted by sections of private cliff and groynes. North of the town it comprises mainly open close mown grass looking out to sea. There are few features. The section within the town centre has maintained it Victorian character containing formal gardens and small play area.

The only area of woodland within the town is at The Grove, an area of ancient woodland of approximately 3ha adjacent to large playing fields. A Woodland Trust “Woodland on your doorstep” scheme has been planted immediately to the west of this. This will double the woodland area in the future.

Most of the existing parks and open spaces are not linked at present.

21 22 23 Although it appears obvious that regular exercise in good 4.0 ANALYSIS surroundings is essential for physical health and well-being, recent research by Professor Pretty at Essex University backs 4.1 DEFINING NEEDS up research from overseas and provides further statistical proof. Natural England is promoting this approach in Thames Analysis of social factors Gateway with a network of those involved in spatial planning, health provision and environmental projects exchanging good The census data referred highlights the fact that whilst much of practice. This provides a very useful model for the development the Haven Gateway area is relatively affluent there are significant and regeneration of Haven Gateway. pockets of social deprivation, some of which are the worst in the region. There are a total of 9 wards in Ipswich, Colchester and The key need is for a linkage from doorstep to spaces providing a Harwich that are among the 10% most deprived wards in the range of functions for the whole community. The improvement of region. These wards are characterised by having: spaces, making them more varied and attractive is an important aspect in this. There is also a need for events and organised » Low car ownership activities to encourage exercise. Involvement in these spaces » Higher levels of young and/or older residents through community projects and social events is another need. » Low incomes and higher levels of unemployment The provision of environments and facilities to encourage play, » Higher levels of disability or long term illness and a higher young people’s activities and groups with particular needs is vital. percentage of those describing their health as “not good” The sense of ownership of a green space through use, projects and development is a particular need which can have great value » Lower educational attainment in areas where the communities lack resources. Open spaces » Lower number of rooms per household can provide a resource for training and education, particularly important for communities and schools which can easily visit People living within such areas are historically under-represented them. At the same time nature conservation objectives must in countryside recreation and schemes such as walking for health. be developed in green spaces to fulfil biodiversity need and to In addition to actual difficult of accessing the sites there is often satisfy our feelings for the natural world in an increasingly built little history of usage that results in low take up even when environment. opportunities exist. In such cases pro-active schemes such as rangers working with schools or community groups or Walking for Health initiatives can target specific community groups or doctors surgeries. It is necessary therefore to consider how these elements can be provided in addition to the actual difficulty on the ground. The low levels of car ownership, low incomes and higher levels of disability make it vital that there is local multi- functional green space for these communities. 24 Standard of existing provision Only Colchester has any form of green wedges leading into the town centre. Ipswich’s riverside is predominantly industrial. Much of the existing provision is suffering from chronic under Not only is it visually unattractive, the docks potentially form a investment that is leading to the deterioration or closure of physical barrier to public access. Regeneration of the docks area facilities. Major improvements are only being made when has begun and it is important that access is assured. resources become available for example through the Heritage Lottery Fund. Many of the smaller green spaces have minimal The opportunities for residents of both Felixstowe and Harwich facilities and suffer from a lack of design. to access the countryside are constrained by their location at the end of a peninsula. This is exacerbated further by the large scale » Information about the site is not usually available on site or ports situated on the landward side of the towns. With expansion on websites. planned for both ports this situation is likely to become worse. Harwich Garden (left) » Many areas are under-valued and under-developed.

» The best of the green spaces are semi-natural, where the natural landscape and its vegetation are dominant; strong elements set against the large eastern counties skies. These spaces are often part of a larger landscape experience, for example heathland, estuaries, or salt marsh.

» The worst of the green spaces are the more recent man- created, lacking in interest, diversity or function.

» There are a few outstanding designed landscapes in the towns however (Christchurch Park in Ipswich and Castle Park in Chantry Park, Ipswich (right) Colchester are examples). Colchester has been awarded green , Colchester (below) flags for two of its parks. These are exceptions to the quality of most of the towns parks.

» There was considerable scope for improving the river corridors in the towns for access, biodiversity and recreation.

Detailed results of the audit for each green space are given in Appendix IV and V. 25 Location of existing provision – short falls Particular social needs

Within the urban centres of each of the towns the provision The study has identified areas of social deprivation in all of the has largely been the result of historic association, (for example study towns, although Felixstowe has the lowest levels. While the 3 main parks in Ipswich and Castle Park in Colchester) or Ipswich has the largest number of deprived wards Colchester through past usage (for example the promenades in Felixstowe has the most deprived ward (St Andrews) within the four towns and Harwich). It is clear that in most of the areas where there (EEDA 2003) is the densest housing and clearest social need for good green space there is a shortage of provision and limited scope for new 4.2 COMMON ISSUES areas to be created. The audits carried out on the main green spaces identified a Green corridors/greenways number of common themes throughout each of the four towns.

Due to the piecemeal development of green space provision in » Green spaces appear to be very dependant on their history the past there are usually few greenways available at present for their facilities, use and character, and to have changed little except in some parts associated with a river running through the since their original development. town. » There appears to be a history of under investment in green There is an increasing realisation of the importance of developing spaces, which is in line with the national situation. ecological networks whereby existing sites are enlarged where possible and corridors and “stepping stones” are created to » Providing links between green spaces is a relatively recent provide a means for biodiversity to move. Such an approach concept, not often seen in the towns. requires working at a landscape scale. The Haven Gateway Recognition of the importance of ecology/nature conservation strategic approach provides the opportunities to undertake this, » is relatively recent and this is reflected in the ornamental flora of with benefits to people through linked access as well as to wildlife. many parks and green spaces and their style of management. There are good examples of this approach in the Gipping Valley and Colne Valley Countryside Projects. » Many green spaces created in the 1950s-80s appear to have not been designed. The results are often grassed treatment to a Key policies flat area, perhaps with a few poorly growing trees.

It is clear from all of the policies that inform the Haven Gateway » Our standards and the expectations of the public have grown (e.g. HGP 2006, EERA 2004, ECC 2006a, ODPM 2002) that to in what is wanted from the external environment. achieve sustainable communities it is vital to develop a green space infrastructure that provides good quality links between » Playing space provision is below the minimum standards as open spaces that benefit both people and biodiversity. 26 defined by the NPFA six acre standard. routes provide an opportunity for interesting ways out so long 4.3 ACCESS TO THE WIDER as they connect to suitable cycleways or bus routes to enable COUNTRYSIDE people to reach the countryside. From Ipswich there are few easily accessible routes out of the While the main focus of this study has been the examination of town into the wider country that are suitable for walkers and/or the green space in the study towns, some consideration was also cyclists. The runs into the centre of Ipswich from given to the accessibility of the countryside around the towns. the north-west and forms one of the key walking routes that pass through a series of nature reserves, small parks and towns Ramsey Creek, Harwich and villages along the way. The landscape quality is variable with some sections for example containing views of poorly restored landfill sites. The railway line between Ipswich and follows the valley providing opportunities for linear walks and catching the train back. There are also bus stops in villages. The route out of Ipswich however follows through a predominantly industrial area along a relatively narrow riverside path before passing under the A14.

The Greenway Project is promoting a route whereby people catch the train to Westerfield Station and walk back into Ipswich. It A critical factor limiting access were the physical barriers that costs approximately £1.60 per person. made it difficult to reach the nearby countryside without a car. The A12, A14, railways and key industrial and commercial sites, The Ipswich and Gipping Valley Local Nature Reserve Management particularly the major ports impacted on all of the towns. In Wildspace Project operated for 3 years in the Ipswich and Gipping addition, the location of Felixstowe and Harwich, being situated Valley area until April 2006. The project helped its partners, at the end of peninsulas with river estuaries either side, provides Suffolk County Council, Mid Suffolk District Council, Ipswich a major constraint to where people can go. Borough Council and Greenways, to achieve a wide range of practical improvements on ten Local Nature Reserves as well as There are examples of opportunities to overcome some of these promoting their existence and value. Five LNRs were declared barriers. There are pedestrian ferry links between Felixstowe during the time of the project. These were (SCC); Ferry and Bawdsey during the summer and Felixstowe to Harwich Millennium Wood (Greenways); (Greenways), and Harwich to Shotley Gate. There are up to 25 crossings a day (Greenways) and the Dales Open Space (IBC). in the peak season between Harwich and Felixstowe, with the Existing LNRs that were part of the project included Alderman ferry taking up to 12 passengers on the 15 minute crossing. Canal, Spring Wood, Bourne Park Reedbeds, Bramford Meadows They also provide ½ hour river trips during the summer. These 27 and . The project helped to establish the Friends of Belstead Brook Gateway. It is important that this work is undertaken to help Park. Other project outcomes included organising walks, events, shape the strategic green infrastructure provision that could work parties and the production of site information boards and provide a clearer picture as to where residents from the study leaflets. towns visit. A Suffolk Coast and Heath Visitor Survey was carried out in 2004 in part to develop a clearly picture of the visitors The residents of Harwich have access to a series of nature coming to the area (EETB 2004). This showed that the AONB reserves situated along the Stour Estuary totalling 380 ha if one attracted over 500,000 overnight stays and 4.1 million days visits includes the estuary itself (a section of which is owned by RSPB). in 2003. This high level of use, primarily by visitors arriving by The Essex Way runs through these reserves. The railway runs car is leading to increasing congestion as people leave the A12 to through this area. Wrabness station provides ready access to join the minor roads leading to many of the visitor ”honeypots”. this area, and offers the opportunity for people to have to only It is felt that the road network is already at capacity and that walk one way. To the south of the town is Hamford Water which there is a need to encourage more sustainable transport options totals over 1,820ha; however much of the area is inaccessible (FC 2005). being salt marsh. Opportunities for circular routes are restricted by the limited nature of the footpaths in the area. The Haven Gateway contains parts of two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Suffolk Coast and Heaths and Dedham Vale) The largest single site that is available for recreation in the which together total nearly 500 sq km. Haven Gateway is Rendlesham Forest which totals approximately 1,426ha and is both a SSSI and Special Protection Area. In Suffolk there is an objective within its draft Rights of Way Rendlesham Forest together with Tunstall and Dunwich Forests Improvement Plan (ROWIP) that it should “provide and protect a plus two small sites make up the Forests which total more continuous network that provides for the requirements of 3,110ha. Dunwich Forest is outside the Haven Gateway area all users.” It aims to “provide a joined up useable network that and Tunstall Forest currently has more limited pubic access. The will support public needs and provide transport, economic, health Sandlings Forests Recreation Strategy states that its largest and social benefits to local communities”. The assessment that user group are made up of day visitors and that “residents informed the ROWIP recognised: from elsewhere within the region and beyond … regularly use the forests especially at weekends and holidays periods. Key » The lack of bridleways in many parishes which limits the settlements such as Norwich, Ipswich and Colchester are within opportunities for horse riding and cycling one hour’s drive time of the Suffolk coast” (Forestry Commission 2005). This highlights the shortage within the region of large » Access to and from the countryside via rights of way in scale, good quality informal recreation provision. the urban fringe needs to be improved and promoted. Local disability groups saw the urban fringe as the most important There are currently limited amounts of visitor data available area for improving rights of way to high accessibility and British for the areas in and around the Haven Gateway area. No data Safety Standards was found that gave the destinations for the residents of Haven 28 » There should be better access via rights of way for walking, cycling and riding to recreation sites, through Open Access areas 4.4 MEETING GREEN SPACE and within Forestry Commission access dedicated land STANDARDS » Coastal and estuarine paths are some of the most popular Rendlesham Forest is the largest single area of accessible natural walking routes for residents and visitors providing substantial green space in the Haven Gateway. It is just within 10km of benefits to the local economy, but in places they are already lost the eastern edge of Ipswich. With much of the proposed new or subject to coastal erosion and are likely to be under serious development being likely to occur on the eastern side of the threat in the future town this is likely to become an increasingly important facility. Its heavy use (FC 2005) highlights the fact that such large-scale The ROWIP sets out a range of actions that include sites are so limited within the region.

» Trying to provide a more joined up and useable network It was beyond the scope of this study to measure how each town compared to the ANGST; however by plotting the main open through the use of Public Path and Creation Orders spaces and assessing their key features from the site audits it is clear that none of the study towns met the standard even prior » Working with local authorities and the Haven Gateway to any increase in their population. Partnership to develop green space strategies to ensure they link with and help to implement ROWIP aims Colchester has the best current provision with a number of larger sites containing natural features such as woods or sections of » Work with site managers to improve public access to, within river within the urban area. High Woods Country Park is the and from sites largest such site within any of the four urban centres being over 151ha and within 1 mile of the town centre. Also especially to » Identify, develop and promote easy access routes the south there are larger areas of woodland associated with the Roman River valley, most of which has at least accessible public » Identify and improve urban-countryside links through local footpath. However there are still large parts of the town that are authority green space and other strategies further than 300m from a 2ha site.

» Improve, upgrade and create bridleways and cycle tracks Felixstowe has the least accessible natural green space at where there is a demand present with most of its current green space being very formally managed. Languard Nature Reserve and the Grove are both » Increase opportunities to use public transport to access the small sites (32ha and 20ha respectively) with the larger Trimley countryside (SCC 2006) Marshes (62.8ha) being over 1 mile on foot from the nearest housing. Most other areas around the town are privately owned with little or no public access. 29 This study has considered how current provision relates to existing standards (Appendix VII) however these are generic standards that it is not always feasible to achieve depending on historic factors. It is clear from this study that there is likely to be limited scope to increase the areas of natural green space significantly within the existing urban areas as there are few areas of undeveloped land. Some of our proposals recommend biodiversity improvements to some existing parks; however for most this is likely to be limited in extent as they need to cater for a wide range of functions. As a result this places added significance on ensuring that there is adequate green space View of Hamford Water, Harwich provision within the new development areas and that significant natural green space is retained in particular to avoid the loss of Similarly within Harwich there is very little accessible natural some key habitats such as heathland. New development around green space at all within the town. However there are more towns extends the distance that existing residents will have to extensive areas within 2 miles of the centre with Copperas Wood travel to reach the countryside so again it is vital that good quality (28.3ha) and Stour Wood (54.8ha) and coastal marshes along links are provided to enable people to reach it without needing the estuary to the west and the extensive coastal marshes of to use cars. New local standards are required therefore that will Hamford Water to the south. There is also a new park on the address the existing shortfall in provision not just address the edge of the countryside being developed close to Ramsey. Other need of the new housing. than these sites most of the surrounding countryside comprises arable farmland with limited public access. Future provision will need to address the following issues that have been identified during the audit process: Large parts of Ipswich’s residential areas are more than 300m from any sort of green space. Work is being undertaken to maintain » There are already shortfalls in existing green space natural areas in some of the larger parks such as Chantry and provision Holywells Parks, and Belstead Park to the south contains areas of Local Nature Reserve. There are two SSSIs within the urban » Proposed new development will result in the loss of significant area; and Purdis Heath (part of the Ipswich Heaths areas of existing urban fringe countryside, including important SSSI). Many of the other green spaces however have few natural habitat areas areas. There is also a concern that future development to the east would result in the loss of current natural areas. » The need to protect and enhancement of areas of existing biodiversity significance

30 » Ensure that links are made with the rights of way network Table 4 . Overview of current provision of open green and new routes are provided to promote sustainable transport space and outdoor playing spaces on each town.

» Ensure that there is good access to sites by public transport Colchester Harwich Ipswich Felixstowe

» Ensure the good quality of design of new green space provision Population 103,000 20,800 117,069 29,669 and the resources for ongoing maintenance No. of open green spaces 138 30 63 25 Current provision of outdoor 83 ha 15 ha 118 ha 27 ha playing spaces The National Playing Fields Association Six Acre Minimum standard of Standard outdoor playing space 165 ha 33 ha 187 ha 47 ha required This study has looked at the outdoor playing spaces in the four Deficiency 82 ha 18 ha 69 ha 20 ha towns in relation to The National Playing Field Association’s Six Acre Standard (Appendix VII).

The definition of playing space in the NPFA 6 Acre Standard 4.5 OPPORTUNITIES is very specific. The playing space in the four towns has been measured using GIS on aerial photographs and OS maps to Examples of good practice compare with this standard and is based on all the information available. Despite the apparent large quantity of green space CABE Space (2005) sets out examples of good practice in in some of the towns all of them are deficient in playing space developing good quality green space provision. It stresses the when assessed against the NPFA standard as shown in table 4. importance of a well planned, well designed and well maintained green infrastructure that reflects the local needs.

It sees regional and sub-regional green space planning as allowing cross-border integration and links with regional special strategies that will govern all elements of sustainable development over the next 15 -20 years. These plans should influence the preparation of regional spatial strategies, local development frameworks and site-specific plans.

The South Essex Green Grid Strategy offers a sub-regional approach that has sought to place landscape at the heart of the development process (CABE 2005). This has enabled a detailed 31 assessment of the whole area to be made; including its geology, CABE Space (2005) identifies eight qualities of successful green hydrology, topography, biodiversity, access and movement, spaces urban form, archaeology, historical and cultural resources, current provision of public and private open space and landscape 1. Sustainability character. 2. Character and Distinctiveness 3. Definition and Enclosure This informed the Strategic Opportunities Plan and Strategic 4. Connectivity and Accessibility Framework for the whole sub-region. Parks and open spaces, 5. Legibility landmarks and other features are to be linked by strategic 6. Adaptability and Robustness corridors. These corridors comprise: parkways and urban green 7. Inclusiveness roadways, riverways, railways, and greenways such as footpaths 8. Biodiversity and cycleways. The CIAT approach provides a way of analysing and developing Such an approach can only be successful if there is partnership proposals to create a network of greenspaces. These spaces, working to ensure that all elements are addressed and that well linked and easily accessed would be multi-functional, the plans can cascade into local development frameworks, encouraging a wide range of activities to promote sustainable masterplans and other development proposals, which should communities. have a real effect in implementing these opportunities. A Green infrastructure strategy will be carried out for Haven Gateway following this study. 5.0 PROPOSALS FOR ALL TOWNS

33 5.1 GREEN SPACE STRATEGIES

All the green spaces larger than 2ha have been audited as part of this study, and this information provides a valuable starting point for the subsequent Green space strategies to be undertaken in accordance with PPG17 by the authorities.

This additional auditing of green spaces has already started in Colchester and Ipswich. Training on auditing has been given to officers in Ipswich and Colchester borough councils and Suffolk Coastal District Council to help the authorities carry out this more detailed process using their own staff.

The public consultation involved during the green spaces strategy process will be vital in further developing proposals for green spaces and determining priorities. Standards will be set for the quality and quantity of green space within new developments. 34 ACCESS

Improving access from where people live to the parks and The quality of routes is very important. For example, what is it green spaces, to cycle routes and urban centres, fulfils many of that prevents children from cycling to the park from their homes? the CIAT objectives. It is of vital importance to encourage people Part of the answer is in pavement widths adequate to cycle on to exercise, to socialise, and to enjoy the environment in and and local roads where traffic moves too fast for safe cycling. around towns. It is at the heart of sustainability, and the way in Streets are often not attractive, are open and windswept. Traffic which our towns can develop to provide a richer and healthier noise is a major factor in stopping other users. Careful traffic environment. The whole experience should be considered and management of a number of streets may be possible to reduce this starts when you leave your front door and finishes when you road traffic speed and noise, creating quiet routes to key parks return with the journey as an important part. and green spaces and to cycle routes.

The photo above from a model of a high density development in the centre of a town shows car-free routes between buildings for pedestrians and cyclists.

Home Zones are an important initiative in creating this type of safe environment in towns.

Street trees and avenue planting can create a green route which visually connects with a green oasis in an urban area and could be used to complement this type of quiet route. 35 GREEN LINKS

The connecting of green spaces through green links is important Footpath around for biodiversity and can also be part of providing green routes for A14, A1156. people. The linking of habitats through the town and the connection Ipswich of these habitats to the countryside is vital. The development of habitats along natural features such as rivers, ridges and valleys can help create a connecting green infrastructure of immense value for nature conservation.

Footpath by Lexden King George Field. Colchester

Footpath along Riverside. Colchester

36 NEW FUNCTIONS FOR PARKS AND OPEN SPACES

Major improvements in the parks and green spaces are proposed as part of this study. Using the CIAT definitions, these green spaces are a vital asset for the towns as ‘Places for Sustainable Living, Cultural Legacies, a Classroom, A Health Centre, A Nature Reserve, with scope for acting as An Engine for Regeneration and A Recycling and Renewable Energy Centre’.

Improvements would seek to develop these functions, getting local communities involved in the management, and making major improvements to the facilities and the park management. This will be the main area for many in the community to experience nature, to play, to have exercise, to take part in sport, to mix with others and to learn through these activities. There is enormous scope here for focussing on what is special about each place One example is how Ipswich Borough Council is investigating while understanding how it fits into the whole green space and developing the old walled garden (above) at Chantry Park for the park resource in the town. community to grow produce. This may involve training people with special needs in horticulture, and selling organic produce in There are few other facilities which can serve such a wide range a visitor centre. This type of initiative aims to make the most of of ages and interests, and be so effective in bringing communities the resources the authority has, and develop new functions for together in a safe environment. In many ways they can be used to places. celebrate diversity of what they offer and the diverse community that they serve. Providing a range of interesting events and activities helps bring the community to the green space. There are many groups who There are many good examples in the UK which can be looked could use green spaces as a focus for their activities. These include at to see how public parks are reinventing themselves, finding schools, sports, theatre, nature conservation, natural history, new functions and using public or lottery funding to develop. local history, archaeology, and health centres, adult education Creating a sense of security in parks and greenspaces is vital to classes and art. Green spaces can also provide facilities like attract users. Management and security are an important aspect meeting rooms, cafes, and restaurants to help develop a sense of this. a community. 37 INFORMATION AND EDUCATION

An easily accessible map of the parks and green spaces and routes to them would be a great asset to the community. New ways of accessing information about parks and open spaces are being researched as part of the Thames Gateway project, including using mobile phones for residents to gain information on history, nature conservation and features, as well as facilities, opening times and events. Information board Generally many open spaces in the four towns are fairly at anonymous, and apparently not valued by the authorities. Naming these would be a key start to recognising their value and potential. Midway Community Gardens Planting day display boards. 2004, Jaywick

Park sing for a Doorstep Green with artwork by local school children, Jaywick

38 The evidence is more convincing than ever: people of all ages IMPROVING HEALTH who are generally not active can improve their health through physical activity. Physical activity can help to

» Control weight » Control high blood pressure. Mental and physical health is improved through nature, landscape, » Reduce risk for type 2 diabetes, heart attack, and gardens and plants as demonstrated by research by a number of colon cancer leaders in the field such as Professor Pretty, Essex University and » Reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety papers compiled by the Countryside Agency/Natural England/ » Reduce arthritis pain and disability Groundwork. » Prevent osteoporosis and falls

The Countryside Agency (now Natural England) has long These conditions are experienced by communities in deprived recognized the value of green space for health promoting specific areas and can all be addressed by encouraging activity. programme such as ‘walking for health’. Improving Skills and Qualifications The Health Education Authority recommends that “all young people should participate in physical activity of at least moderate BTCV and the Countryside Agency projects have shown how intensity for one hour per day. Examples of moderate intensity people from deprived areas have taken up training to help activities for all young people may include brisk walking, cycling, with a project. Examples are courses in bookkeeping, chairing swimming, most sports or dance” (Cavill, Biddle & Sallis 2001). a meeting, and learning crafts which these programmes have funded.

Group of volunteers from the Green Team, helping

to create the Doorstep Green, Jaywick

Health Walks sign in High Woods Country Park, Colchester 39 In Essex, the Tendring Community Voluntary Services have The Natural England’s Doorstep Green initiative was very provided a large number of subsidised courses in basic skills to successful in involving communities in improving their green help communities to organise and undertake projects. spaces. Using project creation grants, simple applications for funds and providing help and encouragement led to the development Building Confidence and Improve Social skills of hundreds of greens nationally. There were a large number of these established in the eastern region. Developing projects with local people is very valuable in the confidence built up through organizing, working together and achieving improvements. Groundwork UK have developed this process working in many of the most deprived urban areas in the country. BTCV and Natural England have both contributed to this through a range of initiatives.

Midway Community Gardens planting Countryside Agency. Doorstep Green day. BTCV Peoples Place Project. planting day. Jaywick, 2005 Jaywick, 2004

40

5.2 COLCHESTER

Access

From this study, proposed access improvements for the future » Links from the north into High Woods and south connecting have been shown diagrammatically on Map 3 ‘Potential with the Colne riverside open space and Castle Park (L.C.5, L.C.6, greenspace network and links’. These proposed links connect L.C.7, L.C.16) parks and green spaces, providing a structure that enhances pedestrian movement and biodiversity. They comprise: » Link from Brainswick down to riverside Meadows (L.C.10)

» Link along river (photo below) connecting Wivenhoe Park, » Link from Roundabout OS, through Lexden Park along Lexden Castle Park and riverside open spaces through to the Colne River Dyke, West End and Shrub End Sports Grounds to junction of Meadows (L.C.33) Berechurch Road and Roman Way (L.C.17, L.C.18, L.C.23)

» Link beside Berechurch Road south to Friday Wood (L.C.23)

» Links from Bellhouse Landfill restored site to the north and north-east (L.C.23, L.C.25)

» Links from Woodland around Roman River to connect with public rights of way network (L.C.19, L.C.22, L.C.21) » Link from Colne River through Distilery Pond area to Colchester cemetery (L.C.31) » Links from Eight Ash Green Area to connect with public rights of way network to the north and north-west (L.C.8, L.C.9) » Link along east edge of town from Wivenhoe Park north- East to Ardleigh Reservoir (L.C.1) » Link connecting Wivenhoe Park to Greenstead (L.C.35)

» Links around Ardleigh Reservoir to existing rights of way » Improved cycle network network (L.C.1, L.C.2)

41 42 Parks and Green Spaces

Drawing ‘Functions of Green Space in Colchester’ shows the existing open spaces and parks assessed against CIAT functions.

Colchester Borough Council is developing a strategic approach to planning and developing new and existing parks, green spaces and green connections. While this strategy is being developed in accordance with PPG17, several key objectives have been Park Hierarchy identified with the borough at this stage in line with CIAT Colchester vision.

43 » Castle Park to be developed with restoration of historic » The improvement of a ring of parks and open spaces around features and a new play area. This park will be developed to Colchester to provide a range of functions to a high quality, become a key park serving the whole borough and wider area selected to serve the greatest number of residents possible. with a range of functions focussing on education, heritage and tourism. The nearby development of the new Firstsite Art Gallery » Raising standards through benchmarks and good examples and its surrounding park will add by creating a contemporary park in this historic setting, and will provide an exciting contrast. » Continual management and enhancement of the landscape along the main approaches to the town to promote the town’s image

» Managing and enhancing the green wedges of countryside that extend right into the centre of the town

» Creating a better link between High Woods Country Park and Parkland around the river which connects with Castle Park

» Developing gateways to the town at major junctions through improved landscape design and management

» Extending the number of friends groups and community involvement

» Increasing biodiversity throughout sites Castle Park, Colchester illustrates high standards of horticulture in traditional bedding, arboriculture and conservation. » Improve interpretation of sites, particularly those of historic and nature conservation interest » Improvements to lower Castle Park to develop the biodiversity beside the river and visually enhance the river valley » To develop links and green spaces in relation to objectives in landscape. the Colchester Regeneration plan.

» Riverside parkland improved and extended through the Hythe A draft list of proposed improvements for parks and open spaces and East Colchester. The riverside walks to be extended and new in Colchester from the audits is outlined in Appendix VI. access developed to create an attractive ‘riverside park’ through the town. 44 5.3 HARWICH

Access

Improvements to links and new links are proposed to connect The key improvements are: the green space network. These are shown diagrammatically in Map 6 ‘Potential Greenspace Network and Links’ » Improved cycle network

» Improved link along Dovercourt seafront (L.H.2)

» Enhancement of route with park improvements see below (L.H.2)

» Improved/new link around Harwich Harbour (L.H.1)

» Improved/new link on west side of Bath Side (L.H.3)

» Link from Dovercourt Station to Cemetery (L.H.4)

» Improved/new link on east side of Parkeston (L.H.5)

» Improved and enhanced links from sports ground through edge of playing fields north-west to the A120 (L.H.15, L.H.16)

» Link along Ramsey Creek from Parkeston to Ramsey – see parks and green spaces improvements above (L.H.6, L.H.8)

» Link from Ramsey Creek to Copperas Wood (L.H.7) Extended of Map 6 ‘Potential Greenspace Network and Links’ » Link from footpath by East Newhall to Copperas Wood (L.H.9) 45 » Link through Michaelstowe Hall to community park (L.H.14)

» Link connecting Pond Hall Farm to Michaelstowe Farm (L.H.13)

» Links connecting Bath Side and south of the A120 to Dovercourt seafront (L.H.23, L.H.24, L.H.25)

Other proposed improved links include

Enhanced route around Seager’s Farm to Copperas Wood (L.H.10, L.H.11)

Enhanced link from Ramsey to Stour Wood (L.H.12)

Enhanced link on NE side of Dovercourt Caravan Park (L.H.22)

Enhanced links along Dean’s lane and connecting routes (L.H.21)

Enhanced route from Little Oakley to Long Bank footpath (Essex Way) (L.H.20)

Link beside Clacton Road (L.H.19)

Enhanced link from Hamford Water to Little Oakley Hall (L.H.18)

46 47 Parks and Green Spaces

A number of improvements to the green spaces have been identified with Council Officers to develop the functions that the spaces provide with reference to the CIAT approach.

The proposed parks and links are shown on Map 6 ‘Potential Greenspace Network and Links’. This aims to connect Harwich and Ramsey to the surrounding countryside and provide opportunities for local schools to use the landscape for education, exercise and development of children. It enables the local communities to enjoy the countryside through walking, riding, cycling, play and a range of activities. Some of these would be organised with the churches, local schools and other community groups.

Major improvements are proposed at:

» Cliff Park and Promenade » St Michael’s – Ramsey open access » Beacon Hill Fort » Dovercourt Bay Sports Grounds » Ardenne Close Open Space Park Hierarchy These major projects relate to the needs of the community. Harwich They connect deprived areas with opportunities for health, education, information and social development for all age groups as part of the provision of resources for the whole population.

A draft list of proposed improvements for parks and open spaces in Harwich from the audits is outlined in Appendix VI.

48 Substantial improvements are proposed to Cliff Park (below) and the Victorian gardens beside the promenade. Development will provide better facilities for the residents of Harwich and provide a resource for the adjacent primary school.

Views of Beacon Hill Fort

St Michael’s Community Park

The area has recently had planning approval as a country park, and plans are being developed with the parish councils, the Beacon Hill Park church and the local schools.

There is great scope in developing this area of wartime bunkers, The functions being explored are education (related to the tunnels and buildings for education and enhancing its nature curriculum), recreation for fitness and health, and community conservation interest, linking it to the coastal walk, and adjacent enrichment through the variety of functions and events. Much of Cliff Park. It could provide a park of regional significance, relating the lower part of the site is flood meadows important for water to the Landguard Fort across the estuary in Felixstowe explaining management. The design of the area will evolve from its various the importance in defending the coast and the ports. functions, and grants will be sought to develop these.

49 5.4 IPSWICH

Access

From this study, proposed access improvements for the future » Improved cycle network have been shown diagrammatically on Map 9 ‘Potential greenspace network and links’. These proposed links connect » Link from Claydon to Chantry Park (L.I.1) parks and green spaces, providing a structure that enhances pedestrian movement and biodiversity. They comprise: » Link connecting Bramford Lane open space (Westbourne) to public rights of way to the north towards Claydon and to Akenham, north-eat (L.I.2)

» Link from Westbrook (Whitton area) to public rights of way to the west (L.I.4)

» Link between Castle Hill Recreation Ground and Christchurch Park through The Dales and Broom Hill Park (L.I.31)

» Link from Cemetery Road to Millennium Cemetery to the north and public rights of way to the north-east (L.I.28)

» Links around Great Bealings and Little Bealings to the west (L.I.10, L.I.12), east (L.I.14) and to the south around Martlesham area (L.I.13)

» Link from Martlesham area to the west (L.I.17)

» Link from Martlesham area to the north-east connecting to rights of way towards River Deben (L.I.16)

» Link from Alexandra Park to Martlesham area to the east (L.I.18) Extended of Map 9 ‘Potential Greenspace Network and Links’ » Link connecting Alexandra Park, Christchurch Park and 50 Alderman Canal and Recreation Grounds (L.I.27) Parks and Green Spaces » Link along River Orwell connecting east of to Holywells Park and Patteson Road (L.I.25) A number of improvements to the green spaces have been identified with Ipswich Borough Council to develop the functions » Link connecting south-west of Brookhill Wood to Bucklesham that the spaces provide with reference to the CIAT approach. Map Road, south of Golf Course (L.I.19) 9 ‘Potential Greenspace Network and Links’ shows the existing and proposed green spaces and the main functions. » Link from to rights of way network to the east (L.I.21)

» Link from Nacton to Bucklesham, to the east and to the north across A14 (L.I.22)

» Link from south Holywells Park to the south, south-east through Landseer Park and Brazier’s Wood connecting to public rights of way network (L.I.23)

» Link from Bourne Bridge down to Cutler’s Wood (L.I.38)

» Link connecting The Street, south-east of Belstead to Cragpit Farm and Tattingstone White Horse (L.I.37)

Other proposed improved links include: Park Hierarchy » Enhanced route around Chantry area connecting to public Ipswich rights of way network and Chantry Park (L.I.34) The main proposals that Ipswich are developing are the significant » Enhanced route from Bramford Common along River Gipping improvement of three historic parks through lottery funding: to Bridge Street (River Orwell) (L.I.32) » Christchurch Park » Holywells » Chantry Park 51 Other proposals are for the improvement of parks as a local resource, focusing on involvement of the more local community:

» Portman’s Walk » Belstead Brook Meadows » Bobbits Lane » Bourne Park » Bramford Lane Open Space Views of Christchurch Park » Braziers Wood » Orwell Country Park These will become substantial resources, the focus of facilities, » Broomhill Park events and activities. They have particular value for heritage, » Brunswick Road Recreation Ground education, tourism and recreation. Public involvement is to be a major aspect in their restoration and development. » Cherry Lane Recreation Ground » Dales Open Space The Orwell Country Park and its adjacent green spaces should » Ellenbrook Open Space continue to be developed as access to the natural landscape » Landseer Park beside the estuary. They provide a unique experience for the » Newbury Road Recreation Ground whole of Ipswich. Improvements to parking and signing and » Pipers Vale interpretation should be appropriate to its natural setting. » Sherrington Road Recreation Ground » Spring/Millennium Woods A number of the larger parks should be improved to provide a » Whitehouse Park greater range of functions and serving their part of the town. A draft list of proposed improvements for parks and open spaces These could include: in Ipswich from the audits is outlined in Appendix VI. » Alexandra Park » Gippeswyk Park » Stonelodge Park » Bramford Lane Recreation Ground » Castle Hill Recreation Ground » Dumbarton Recreation Ground

52 53 5.5 FELIXSTOWE

Access » Enhanced route between Shotley and Shotley Gate (L.F.1)

The existing parks and open spaces are not linked at present and » Link through Docks from Landguard to the north (L.F.13) a number of proposed links have been identified and illustrated on Map 12 ‘Potential Greenspace Network and Links’. » Link from north of Landguard nature reserve north-west to link with right of way (L.F.12)

» Link from Beech Station Caravan Park to the North-East to The Grange open space with link to sustrans route at Mill Lane (L.F.6)

» Link from Crescent Road north and short link north from High Road East linking rights of way (L.F.8, L.F.9)

» Enhanced route connecting proposed open spaces in local plan (L.F.5)

» Link through large proposed open space in Trimble St Mary west to Trimley Marshes (L.F.4) They are: » Link connecting rights of way north of Trimley Marshes » Improved cycle network (L.F.2)

» Improved link between Harwich and Felixstowe Ports (this Link at Trimley connecting rights of way west side of the A14 could be improvements in regular ferry crossings) (L.F.14) (L.F.3)

» Improved link between Harwich and Shotley Gate (this could » Enhanced route along seafront from Landguard Point up to be ferry access) (L.F.15) Felixstowe Ferry (L.F.10)

54 55 Parks and Green Spaces

A number of improvements to the green spaces have been Improving a number of parks to increase functions, facilities and identified with Suffolk Coastal District Council Officers to develop community involvement as key local parks is also proposed at: the functions that the spaces provide with reference to the CIAT approach. » The Grove and Abbey Grove » Langley Avenue A new country park is proposed on the north side of town to » The Coronation Sports Ground serve the proposed expanded areas of housing. » Old Felixstowe Park Allenby Park Improvements are proposed to all the green spaces and » connections along the sea front particularly the Cliff Road Sea Improvements are proposed for these parks to develop particular Front, the Town Sea Front, and Landguard Nature Reserve linking functions: down to the Landguard Fort. This would provide an upgraded environment relating to the town’s historic and natural heritage of tourist value and important for the town’s profile in a developing » Grange Farm Avenue region. » Langer Park » Philip Avenue » Recreation Lane » Roman Way » Seaton Road » Trimley Nature Reserve » Wesel Avenue

A draft list of proposed improvements for parks and open spaces in Felixstowe from the audits is outlined in Appendix VI.

Views of the Sea Front

Park Hierarchy 56 Felixstowe East of England Development Agency 2003. Deprived wards in 6.0 REFERENCES the East of England - Policy Briefing

Bussey, S. 1995. Woodlands as a Community Resource: The East of England Development Agency 2005. East of England Public Use and Perception of the Woodlands of Redditch. In Mapping Exercise Community Forestry in an Urban Context. Ed Coles. R.W. East of England Regional Assembly 2004. Draft Regional CABE Space 2005. Start with the park: Creating sustainable Strategy for the East of England urban green spaces in areas of housing growth and renewal East of England Tourist Board 2004. Suffolk Coast and Heaths Colchester Borough Council 20XX. 2001 Census Atlas of Area of Outstanding Beauty Visitor Research 2004 Colchester Essex County Council 2006a. Draft Haven Gateway Framework Colchester Borough Council 2006 Colchester Profile – www. for Growth colchester.gov.uk/Info_page_two_pic_2_det.asp?art_ id+19738sec_id=632 Essex County Council 2006b Local Transport Plan 2006 - 2011

Countryside Agency and Groundwork Trust 2005. The Forestry Commission 2005. Recreation Countryside In and Around Towns: A Vision for connecting town Strategy and country in the pursuit of sustainable development Gunton, T 2000 Wild Essex Department of Health 2004. Choosing Health: Making healthy choices easier. Cm 6374 Handley, J. et al 2003. Accessible Natural Greenspace Standards in Towns and Cities: A toolkit for their Department of Health 2006a. Health Profile for Colchester Implementation 2006 Harrison, C., Burgess, J., Millward, A., Dawe, G. 1995. Department of Health 2006b Health Profile for Ipswich 2006 Accessible Natural Greenspace in Towns and Cities: A Review of the Appropriate Size and Distance Criteria Department of Health 2006c. Health Profile for Suffolk Coastal 2006 Haven Gateway Partnership 2006. New Growth Point Submission Department of Health 2006d. Health Profile for Tendring 2006 57 National Playing Fields Association 1992. The NPFA Six Acre Standard

Royal Haskoning & GHK. 2005 Haven Gateway Regeneration Study

Pretty, J et al. 2005 A Countryside for Health and Well-being: The Physical and Mental Health Benefits of Green Exercise

Pretty J. 2004. How nature contributes to mental and physical health. Spirituality and Health International 5(2), 68-78

Suffolk County Council. 2006. Draft Suffolk Rights of Way Improvement Plan

Suffolk Strategic Partnership 2004. Altogether a better Suffolk – Suffolk’s Community Strategy

Tendring District Council 2006 – Tendring District Replacement Local Plan – Local Plan Inquiry September 2006 – Topic Paper - Housing

Tendring District Council 2006a – Regeneration Statement 2006 -2021

Tyms, R and Partners. 2005 Haven Gateway Partnership – Strategic Residential and Infrastructure Study

Walking the way to Health Initiative. 2006 Summary of Local Health Walk Evaluations

58 7.0 APPENDICES

Appendix I Project Brief

Appendix II Green Space Audit Form

Appendix III List of Audited Green Spaces

Appendix IV Audits of Green Spaces - Colchester and Harwich (CD-ROM)

Appendix V Audits of Green Spaces - Ipswich and Felixstowe (CD-ROM)

Appendix VI List of proposed improvements from audits

Appendix VII Relevant Policy Initiatives; Open Space and Recreation Provision Countryside In and Around Towns Accessible Natural Green Spaces Health and Green Space and Access Education Objectives of the Haven Gateway Sustainable tourism Rights of Way Improvement Plans Biodiversity Action Plans

59 To take forward actions in the Suffolk and Essex (both in draft) APPENDIX I - Brief Rights of Way Improvement Plans

The Haven Gateway sub-region Strategy: 2. Objectives of the strategy – Phase 1 Access to the ‘countryside in and around towns’ » To produce a map of accessible natural green sites and strategic routes in the Haven Gateway 1. Aims » To identify the existing quality and role of these sites. To improve health and well-being, learning, experience and social cohesion of existing and new populations in the Haven Gateway » To use this information to identify and justify priority needs by: for future investment in terms of: creating new routes and sites » developing green corridors which provide access (walking, managing existing routes and sites cycling, riding) between urban areas and the countryside through » To develop an approach which will contribute to, and is well managed accessible green spaces such as parks and nature consistent with, the work being carried out by Districts in their reserves. PPG17 work

» developing access (walking, cycling riding) from the urban 3. Actions – Phase 1 fringe to the high quality landscapes within the Haven Gateway (AONBs / estuaries / Rendlesham Forest etc). 3.1 January 2006

To illustrate how well managed ‘countryside in and around towns’ To map: can help meet public priorities such as health, quality of life, citizenship, sustainable transport and economic development » ‘Strategic’ accessible ‘semi-natural’ green spaces of more and therefore meet targets in strategies such as. than 2Ha in and around Ipswich, Colchester, Felixstowe and Harwich. In Ipswich sites will be within the Greenways Project » Suffolk and Essex (draft) Local Area Agreements » Community Strategies Area. Boundaries for mapping sites in Colchester, Felixstowe » Suffolk Cultural Pathfinder (Stepping Out in Suffolk + and Harwich to be identified. Volunteering Projects) » Local Plans and Local Development Frameworks » Large sites (> 100 ha) outside these boundaries which are » AONB Management Plans accessible by public transport and car and provide opportunities » Countryside Management Project Strategies for people to enjoy large semi-natural areas e.g. Rendlesham Forest. 60 » ‘Strategic’ footpaths, cycle ways and bridleways which allow Opportunities for links to waste recycling work such as access in and out of Ipswich, Colchester, Harwich and Felixstowe composting?) and provide access to green spaces and to high quality landscapes (estuaries / AONBs / FC sites etc). » A productive landscape (food production? Any income from the site via food / timber production?) 3.2 February – March 2006: » A cultural legacy (historic interest? Suitable management / To identify the existing and potential quality and benefits of these promotion?) green spaces and routes through carrying out quality audits of sites (see Appendix 1 for a draft quality audit). » A place for sustainable living (how well is the site used by local people? Connections to public transport?) The quality audits should include an assessment of the extent to which the green spaces / routes meet the ten key functions for » An engine for regeneration (community involvement in the ‘countryside in and around towns’ identified by the Countryside site?) Agency. » A nature reserve (wildlife value? Suitable management? » A bridge to the country (does the site / route form part of a Favourable condition?) green corridor – could it? Can residents safely access the site on foot or by bike?) (need to make sure that any information collected is going to be useful….how will it be used??) » A gateway to the town (does the site provide a positive contribution to the landscape / help to provide a positive impression of the area?) 3.3 April – May 2006:

» A health centre (opportunities for formal and informal To produce a consultation report (maps + summary of audits) recreation? Health walks? What more could be done e.g. trim which can be discussed at a workshop(s) with local communities tracks? is the route used to get to work / school?) and relevant organisations.

» A classroom (training opportunities through volunteer To feed this information into the Haven Gateway Strategic groups? Links to schools? Other events held at the site? Framework + Local Development Frameworks Potential for improvement?)

» A recycling and renewable energy centre (role that the site plays in water management such as flooding? Biofuels? 61 4 - Phase 2 - 2006

4.1 To carry out a needs assessment through public consultation.

4.2 To develop quantity / quality / accessibility standards for accessible semi-natural green space.

4.3 To identify both ‘gaps’ and ‘opportunities’ for green space / access provision (makes links to Landscape Character Assessment and Biodiversity mapping work?).

4.4 To develop a list of costed projects which help to meet the overall aims.

62 APPENDIX II - Green Space Audit Form

63 64 65 APPENDIX III - Audited Greenspaces

Ref Name Size (Ha) Ref Name Size (Ha) COLCHESTER HARWICH C.01.P Welsh Wood.doc 3.7 H.01.E Aderne Close OS.doc 3.1 C.03.E Castle Park, Colchester.doc 19 H.01.P St Michaels Country Park.doc 21 C.03.P Riverside South of East Hill.doc 9.5 H.02.E Dovercourt bay promenade.doc 10.6 C.07.E Greenstead Rec Gnd.doc 4.9 H.03.E Dovercourt Sports Ground.doc 25.1 C.09.E Juniper Way Rec Gnd.doc 10 H.04.E Hamford Water.doc 1,861.5 C.14.E Recreation Ground (by river).doc 7.6 H.05.E Harwich Gardens.doc 2.1 C.16.E Riverside Walk.doc 1.5 H.06.E Stour Wood.doc 54.8 C.23.E Wilson Marriage Road Rec Gnd.doc 7.7 H.07.E Cooperas Wood.doc 28.3 C.02.P Shrub End Landfill.doc 107 H.08.E Welfare Park.doc 2.5 C.06.E Gosbeck park.doc 72 C.10.E King George Field, Lexden.doc 8.6 FELIXSTOWE C.04.E Colne River.doc 66.6 F.01.E Allenby Park.doc 1 C.12.E Lexden Park.doc 11.6 F.02.E Cliff Road Sea Front.doc 5 C.17.E Roman Kiln.doc 32.4 F.03.E Grange Farm Avenue.doc 3.3 C.18.E Roman River.doc 68 F.04.E Langer Park.doc 4.8 C.19.E Salary Brook.doc 19 F.05.E Langley Avenue.doc 3.9 C.20.E Shrub End Sports Ground.doc 14.6 F.06.E Landguard NR.doc 32 C.21.E Spring Lane Park.doc 6.2 F.07.E Old Felixstowe.doc 1.2 C.22.E Spring Lane Roundabout.doc 2 F.08.E Philip Avenue.doc 5 C.01.E Ardleigh Reservaoir.doc 51 F.09.E Recreation Lane Rec.Ground.doc 2.5 C.02.E Bourne Mill.doc 9 F.10.E Roman Way.doc 2.5 C.04.P Proposed Distillery Pond.doc 2.2 F.11.E Seaton Road Rec.Ground.doc 2.1 C.05.E Firie way.doc 3.6 F.12.E The Coronation Drive Sports G.doc 4.1 C.05.P Proposed Bullock Wood.doc 27.6 F.13.E The Grove & Abbey Grove.doc 20 C.08.E High Woods.doc 151 F.14.E Town Centre Sea Front.doc 2.6 C.11.E King Georges PF, Wivenhoe.doc 30 F.15.E Trimley Nature Reserve.doc 62.8 C.15.E Rec Grnd Recreation road.doc 8.3 F.16.E Wesel Avenue.doc 1.7 C.24.E Wivenhoe Park.doc 80 C.25.E Cemetery.doc 20.7

66 IPSWICH I.01.E Alderman Canal and rc.doc 5.7 I.02.E Alexandra park.doc 4.4 I.03.E Belstead Brook Meadow.doc 148 (34.4) I.04.E Bobbits Lane.doc 148 (7.6) I.05.E Bourne Park.doc 148 (52.1) I.06.E Bramford Lane os.doc 4.9 I.07.E Bramford lane rc.doc 5.9 I.08.E Braziers Wood.doc 148 (45.1) I.09.E OrwlCP.doc 41.4 approx. I.10.E Broomhill park.doc 8.2 I.11.E Brunswick road rc.doc 2.4 I.12.E Castle hill rc.doc 2.9 I.13.E Chantry Park.doc 49.9 I.14.E.Cherry lane rc.doc 0.8 I.15.E Christchurch Park.doc 34 I.16.E Dales os.doc 5.7 I.17.E Dumbarton os.doc 6.3 I.18.E Ellenbrook os.doc 148 (4.6) I.19.E Gippeswyk Park.doc 17.7 I.20.E Holywells Park.doc 22.8 I.21.E Landseer Park.doc 25.7 I.22.E Newbury road rc.doc 1.5 I.23.E Pipers Vale.doc 21 approx. I.24.E Sherrington road rc.doc 1.5 I.25.E Spring millenium woods.doc 148 (44.3) I.26.E Stonelodge Park.doc 2.9 I.27.E Whitehouse park.doc 4.5

67 Re-design as major park within large housing area linked to APPENDIX VI - Lists of Proposed Wilson Marriage Rd Recreation Ground Improved facilities Improvements from Site Audits Paths Attractive planting COLCHESTER Features Community Garden Castle Park Activities for health Increase biodiversity at north end Interpretation Increase interpretation Schools Use explored Develop as special park within region Restore historic elements Wilson Marriage Rd Recreation Ground Make it and keep it exceptional Increase biodiversity Link site to other sites in the town Re-design as major park within large housing area linked to Replace seats and other furniture with special bespoke Wilson Marriage Rd Recreation ground De-municipalize where you can Improved facilities Paths Greenstead Recreation Ground Attractive planting Increase biodiversity Features Re-design as major park within large housing area Community Garden Improved facilities Activities for health Develop Paths Interpretation Improved planting Schools Use explored Create features Management Plan Community Garden Activities for health Recreation Ground by Castle Park Increase biodiversity Welsh Wood Re-design as high quality park linked to Castle Park More Interpretation Improve facilities Explore use for education Improve planting Increase biodiversity Features Management Plan Community Garden Activities for health Juniper Way Recreation Ground Interpretation Increase biodiversity 68 Schools Use explored along river Riverside South of East Hill King George’s Field Increase biodiversity Increase biodiversity Re-design as major riverside route for pedestrians and cyclists Re-design to develop areas with more and varied functions Improved facilities Develop links with paths and cycle routes Paths Features Features Activities for health Activities for health Interpretation, particularly of Archaeology Interpretation Schools Use explored Schools Use explored Links to other sites explored Management improved Replanting with more appropriate species Management Plan Management Plan

Riverside Walk Shrub End Landfill Increase biodiversity Increase biodiversity Re-design as major riverside park with routes for pedestrians Connect to links to adjacent sites and cyclists Features Paths Improve area through community planting Features Community Area Activities for health Activities for health – Green Gym Interpretation Interpretation Schools Use explored Schools Use explored Replanting with more appropriate species Management Plan Improve links to riverside walks through the town Management Plan Lexden Park Increase biodiversity Restore elements of historic landscape Activities for health Interpretation Community activities/work programmes Schools Use explored Improve links to adjacent related sites Management Plan Encourage Friends of Lexden Park Group

69 Shrub End Sports Ground Ardleigh Reservoir Improve variety of spaces and functions Improve links to other sites Improve sports facilities Improve access and circulation by agreement Develop as a major sports area in the town Increase biodiversity Develop a major play area Improve Interpretation Improve access to and around the site Potential for major health benefits through increasing access Connect better to other sites Schools Use explored Increase planting and informal areas for walking etc Explore developing wider functions Create a park-like envelope around the sports facilities Management Plan Develop planting to create shelter Bourne Mill Spring Lane Park Improve management and maintenance Interpret site history Increase biodiversity Restore historic landscape elements Lake restoration and management Improve access and circulation around park Screening of lake from road Increase biodiversity Develop interpretation Resource for health Explore potential for use by schools Improve facilities Management Plan Increase functions Explore school use Colchester Cemetery Potential for community involvement Increase biodiversity Management Plan Use site as link from south to east Colchester Develop interpretation Spring Lane Roundabout Park Management Plan Improve links to other sites Improve access and circulation Firlie Walk Increase biodiversity Explore school use Improve Interpretation Additional planting to enhance and encourage use Schools Use explored Paths and links Explore developing wider functions Increase biodiversity Management Plan Community garden Create features Management Plan

70 Playing Field/Bullock Wood High Woods Country Park Design the space Continue to develop quality and functions Planting to improve views and create diversity Park to become one of major country parks in region Increase biodiversity Increase events Potential for play development Continue /develop interpretation Create paths Management Plan HARWICH Proposed Distillery Pond Design area with network of paths Cliff Park & Promenade Connect to ROW Develop questionnaire and workshops for park users about what Develop as a major natural park in area improvements they would like Explore educational resource Create focal point for area and residents Increase biodiversity Develop friends group from process Improve lake margins and desilt as necessary Develop Biodiversity and link to other sites Management Plan Improve Play Area to create a major facility in the area Historic Landscape Restoration Recreation Rd Rec Ground Improve Café facilities Improve planting Develop Interpretation Increase biodiversity Develop management plan Develop for health Park would make good subject for lottery bid Management Plan This will provide a range of new or improved functions

Wivenhoe Park St Michael’s – Ramsey open access Enhance site with new planting Develop links Refer to management plan Improve Church car park for joint use by Church and Park Increase biodiversity users Community garden Restore hedgerows De-Institutionalise where possible Develop riverside landscape Management Plan Develop friends group Provide educational resource for schools and create links with schools Explore potential for SUDS with Environment Agency. Develop joint projects with Church and Parish 71 Develop management plan Note: Planning permission exists for a country park here New open spaces potential: Park would make good subject for lottery bid Bathside Bay Riverside Parkeston to Ramsey Replacement salt marsh habitat Create access along river to connect to rights of way Recreation area by Low Road Explore potential for SUDS with Environment Agency Management plan for riverside IPSWICH Beacon Hill Fort Investigate feasibility of creating archaeological park Christchurch Park If developed this could provide an educational resource of Major improvements are planned with Heritage Lottery Funding regional or national importance which would have an impact on which is secured by IBC. The scope of the works is largely the regeneration of the area determined and includes improvements to the historic features, information and interpretation of the site Dovercourt Bay Sports Grounds Improve planting Holywells Increase biodiversity Improvements proposed using Lottery Funding. The scope of the Improve boating and model boat lakes as features in park bid is being defined by IBC Relocate waste and recycling area Develop management plan Chantry Park Develop questionnaire and workshops for park users about what Harwich Gardens improvements they would like This area is included under the Harwich Masterplan Develop friends group from process Refer to Old Harwich Streetscape Design Guide Continue to develop Biodiversity and link to other sites Create a substantial Play Area Stour and Copperas Wood NR Nursery to be developed for production of organic food Improve access Waste to be composted for use at nursery Involving programme to train adults with learning disabilities Ardenne Close Open Space Project could relate to use of other land such as unused Improve planting and street furniture allotments Increase biodiversity Historic Landscape Restoration Develop management plan Improve Café facilities Develop Interpretation Develop management plan Park would make good subject for lottery bid 72 Portman’s Walk Bramford Lane Open Space Develop canal side walk and planting Increase biodiversity Develop areas of park with distinctive character Improve park furniture Develop management plan Improve site interpretation Improve interpretation Improve setting of play area Improve maintenance Alexandra Park Develop management plan Improve biodiversity Improve management Bramford Lane Recreation Ground Improve park furniture, railings etc Improve facilities Develop management plan Increase biodiversity Establish friends group Belstead Brook Meadows Develop management plan Increase biodiversity Screen park from A14 Braziers Wood Improve connections to the countryside Develop network of routes Find an access function for the avenue Involve local residents with improvements Develop management plan Connect areas Improve Interpretation Bobbits Lane Develop management plan Cycle route through park Reinstate coppicing Orwell Country Park Develop management plan Improve Information Improve facilities Bourne Park Improve resources for education Increase active management of woodland Develop management plan Improve boundaries Improve interpretation and information Broomhill Park Improve play area Improve habitat management Develop management plan Improve interpretation Increase community input Develop friends group Develop management plan

73 Brunswick Road Receation Ground Ellenbrook Open Space Increase biodiversity Improve links to Belstead Brook Park Improve Entrance Improve entrances and boundaries Plant to screen boundaries and properties Improve play area Develop management plan Gippeswyk Park Castle Hill Recreation Ground Redesign with new facilities and planting Increase biodiversity Develop as gateway site to Ipswich Increase variety of planting and features Improve biodiversity Improve park furniture, structures and park entrances Improve interpretation Develop community events Develop friends group Develop management plan Develop management plan

Cherry Lane Recreation Ground Landeer Park Increase biodiversity Improve biodiversity Increase variety of planting and features Develop planting around sports areas Improve park furniture and site entrance Improve interpretation Screen boundaries Develop friends group Develop management plan Develop management plan

Dales Open Space Newbury Road Recreation Ground Continue to improve biodiversity Improve biodiversity Improve interpretation Develop planting and features Develop friends group Involve local community Develop management plan Develop friends group Develop management plan Dumbarton Recreation Ground Continue to improve biodiversity Pipers Vale Community involvement on improvements Improve facilities Improve interpretation Improve routes and connections Increase variety of planting Redesign footpath network and spaces Screen boundaries Establish views Develop friends group Establish friends group Develop management plan Develop management plan 74 Sherrington Road Recreation Ground Cliff Road Sea Front Improve planting and other features Improve design of grass and planting Improve interpretation Connect site with town centre sea front Increase biodiversity Improve promenade surfacing Establish friends group Create Friends Group Develop management plan Develop management plan Grange Farm Avenue Spring/Millennium Woods Increase functions Establish friends group Re-design space Develop management plan Increase planting Stonelodge Park Increase biodiversity Planting improvements Create Friends Group Improve boundaries Develop management plan Increase biodiversity Improve facilities Langer Park Develop/encourage community events Develop more features in the park Involve local community Restore or remove toilet block Establish friends group Improve entrance by toilets Create Friends Group Whitehouse Park Develop management plan Encourage use of green corridor Langley Avenue Increase biodiversity Add planting to create more interest Establish friends group Increase biodiversity Develop management plan Create more entrances, particularly on north eastern side Create Friends Group FELIXSTOWE Develop management plan

Allenby Park Landguard Nature Reserve Increase and improve entrances Develop nature conservation Screen boundaries Develop interpretation of heritage and nature conservation Create Friends Group Improve car park and access to Landguard Nature Reserve Develop management plan Consider developing a centre to interpret the heritage, nature conservation and history of the area Create Friends Group 75 Develop management plan Old Felixstowe Park Seaton Road Involve community with park Increase planting Redesign sports area Increase biodiversity Develop links with adjacent retirement home and community Create diversity in design and use of areas centre Improve play area as major facility in area Increase biodiversity Create Friends Group Increase planting Develop management plan Create Friends Group Develop management plan The Coronation Sports Ground Increase planting Philip Avenue Increase biodiversity Develop as nature conservation area Screen boundaries Improve access Create diversity in design and use of areas Develop links with surrounding areas Improve play area as major facility in area Create Friends Group Create Friends Group Improve interpretation Develop management plan Develop management plan The Grove and Abbey Grove Recreation Lane Investigate expansion of woodland Manage and plant to improve woodland Additional planting Increase biodiversity Provide surfacing for bicycles Additional planting Create links with Felixstowe Town Centre Increase functions Create Friends Group Plant to screen road from site Develop management plan Create Friends Group Develop management plan Town Sea Front Improve path surfacing Roman Way Introduce features Improve pond management Improve connection with green space across road Increase biodiversity Add site interpretation Improve signage Create Friends Group Create Friends Group Develop management plan Develop management plan

76 Trimley Nature Reserve More interpretation at car parking area Interpretation about many aspects of the area Create Friends Group

Wesel Avenue Additional planting Improve play area as better facility Increase biodiversity Link improvements with those on adjacent sports area Create Friends Group Develop management Plan

Proposed Country Park/rural access area north side of town Area proposed to create access to countryside and recreation for new area of proposed development

77 there are sufficient sites and that they are in the right places it APPENDIX VII - Relevant Policy and is necessary to ensure that they are of high quality, attractive to users and well managed and maintained (ODPM 2002b). In Research Initiatives order to address this PPG 17 was issued. Its long term outcomes it aims to deliver are: There are a number of national, regional and local policies, research and initiatives that relate to the scope of this study » Networks of accessible, high quality open spaces and sport and these have been summarised below. They identify the and recreation facilities, in both urban and rural areas, which importance of green space and natural areas for many aspects meet the needs of residents and visitors, are fit for purpose and of people’s quality of life. economically and environmentally sustainable All of the examples stress the necessity of ensuring that green space provision is part of the integrated infrastructure provision » An appropriate balance between new provision and the and cannot be successfully bolted on afterwards. enhancement of existing provision

Open Space and Recreation Provision » Clarity and reasonable certainty for developers and landowners in relation to the requirements and expectations of local planning The National Playing Field Association’s Six Acre Standard has authorities in respect of open space and sport and recreation long been the standard for the provision of outdoor playing provision space and has been adopted by most local authorities. It seeks to ensure that there is sufficient land set aside in appropriate A key step in this is planning authorities first undertaking local locations to enable people of all ages, especially the young, to assessments of need and audits of provisions. participate in outdoor play, games, sports and other physical recreation. The minimum standard for outdoor playing space is The companion guide for PPG17 set out four ‘guiding principles’ of 2.4ha (6 acres) for every 1,000 people, comprising 1.6ha (4 for assessments acres) for outdoor sport and 0.8ha (2 acres) for children’s play. However it is recognised that these standards need to recognise » Local needs are likely to vary considerably from one place to a range of local considerations to ensure that the appropriate another, even within a single local authority area, according to levels of provision are made; e.g. there needs to be a hierarchy the different socio-demographic and cultural characteristics of of children’s play areas designed to meet the needs of different local communities and the number and type of visitors age groups, in locations based on walking time. » The delivery of a network of high quality, sustainable open Quantitative national standards provide a good starting point spaces and sport and recreation facilities depends not only on but need to be used with care in order to reflect local needs. good planning but also on creative urban and landscape design There is increasing appreciation that as well as ensuring that 78 and effective management. In so far as local authority-owned spaces and facilities are concerned, this can be achieved only » Underpin more sustainable living; by multi-disciplinary working across different departments and in some cases with neighbouring councils, regional and national » Strengthen biodiversity in both town and country agencies

» In many areas, delivering the objectives set out in PPG17 will Ten functions are described in the CIAT vision: depend much more on improving and enhancing the accessibility and quality of existing provision than on new provision. Where 1 A bridge to the Country Networks of new and improved parks, woodlands and other green additional open spaces or sport and recreation facilities are spaces are linked to the urban centre and wider countryside by required they should enhance the network footpaths, bridleways and cycle ways. Urban parks, country parks and other green spaces are joined up to form continuous » The value of open spaces or sport and recreation facilities, green corridors between town and country. irrespective of who owns them, depends primarily on two things; the extent to which they meet clearly identified local needs and 2 A Gateway to the Town the wider benefits they generate for people, wildlife, biodiversity The quality of the countryside in and around towns is an indicator and the wider environment (ODPM 2002b) and advertisement of the quality of a town or city. As a gateway to the urban area it creates a powerful first impression to visitors Countryside in and around towns and possible investors.

The Countryside Agency’s document “The Countryside in and 3 A health centre around towns: A vision for connecting town and country in the A more accessible and attractive countryside and green space pursuit of sustainable development”, published in 2005, set out infrastructure close to where most people live and work provides its vision for this “extensive and often overlooked resource”. It an invaluable respite from the stresses of urban living. This must be seen as more than just a place to play, it can offer a makes it more likely that when a GP recommends their patients wide range of social, economic and environmental benefits. to be more active or to take a change of scene, that they will have the opportunities to do so close to home. The principles of the countryside in and around towns (CIAT) initiative provide objectives for improvements. These are to 4 A Classroom ensure that the countryside in and around towns can: The countryside in and around towns provides hands-on learning opportunities in a variety of ‘outdoor classrooms’. This supports » Be made readily available to most people; all parts of the national curriculum with a particular relevance to environmental education and rural studies. » Contribute to the health, wealth and well being of urban and rural communities; 79 5 A recycling and renewable energy centre 9 An engine for Regeneration The countryside in and around towns in recognised as playing Strategies for local regeneration use the countryside on the an important part in the sustainable management of the waste, urban edge to help communities develop their own confidence, water and pollution generated in urban areas. Waste production skills and prospects. Residents in these areas are fully involved has been minimised and waste re-use and recycling schemes are in creating and managing recreational spaces, community further reducing the amount of waste going into landfill. gardens, allotments and in bringing about other environmental improvements to make their neighbourhoods more ‘liveable’. 6 A Productive Landscape Farmers operating close to urban areas take full advantage of 10 A Nature Reserve their proximity to large urban markets, supplying consumers The countryside in and around towns contains historic and newly with high quality local produce through direct marketing as well established woodlands, wetlands, meadows and a broad array as supermarkets. Every large town and city benefits from regular of other natural habitats. The importance of this environment to Farmers’ Markets. biodiversity is fully recognised and reflected in all management and land use decisions. 7 A Cultural Legacy The countryside in and around towns contains many imprints of A key principle is that these elements should be provided in an the history of our towns and communities, their development integrated approach. and expansion or sometimes even their disappearance. Accessible Natural Green Space Standard 8 A Place for Sustainable Living Careful decisions have been taken about where to accommodate This Standard has been promoted by English Nature as a way to the need for new development, especially for affordable homes. ensure that everyone has an opportunity to experience a natural Those decisions have followed an examination of the pros and area and biodiversity as a part of their everyday lives. It is felt cons of increasing housing densities in existing urban areas, that the Standard provides a useful model in the context of this expanding market towns and villages, allowing the selective study. It emphasises the importance for people of being able to expansion of cities, and creating band new settlements. The have easy access to natural areas close to where they live. While incorporation of recycling and renewable energy is an important the original concept was developed to provide everyone with aspect of this. an opportunity to experience wildlife everyday, (Harrison et al 1995), there is increasing evidence that these areas have a more tangible benefit for people’s health and well-being (see 1.3.2. These are likely to be small in the urban setting; however the standard states that no person should be live more than 300m from their nearest area of natural green space which should be at least 2ha. 80 It is important that these areas are not isolated and that where » Provide connected and substantial networks of accessible possible there are links between each. multi-functional green space, in urban, urban fringe and adjacent countryside areas to service the new communities in the sub- It also highlights the need for larger sites with at least one 20ha region by 2021 site within 2km of home and one 100ha within 5km and one 500ha site within 10km (Burgess et al 1995) » Have a multiple hierarchy of provision of green infrastructure, in terms of location, function, size and levels of use, at every A study of the effectiveness of the standard (Handley et al 2003) spatial scale and all geographic areas of the region highlighted the difficulties of incorporating it within existing densely developed areas. The urban fringe was seen as an » Provide and safeguard green infrastructure based on the important area for the provision of larger sites. analysis of existing natural, historic, cultural, and landscape assets, provided by characterisation assessments, and the identification Studies have found that whilst experts stress the importance of “naturalness” and appropriate habitat management they often of new assets required to deliver green infrastructure fail to appreciate that most people visiting such sites want to escape urban life and are more concerned about feeling safe » Identify biodiversity conservation areas and biodiversity when using the sites. (Bussey 1995) enhancement areas, to deliver large-scale habitat enhancement for the benefit of wildlife and people A key action within the Suffolk Community Strategy is to identify the distribution of green space in relation to population to establish » Set targets for the provision for natural green space within areas of deficiency. This study would inform the preparation of development areas. local development documents and the strategies of managing organisations and focus spending proposals. It also includes a It states that “new provision for green infrastructure should target for increasing accessible natural green space by at least extend and enhance existing infrastructures to create a coherent 250 ha during 2006. linked network of green space and deliver ‘liveability’ for new communities. This will be particularly important in the Sustainable The East of England draft Regional Spatial Strategy Policy ENV 1: Communities growth areas...” (EERA 2004) Environment Infrastructure is seen as particularly important in the implementation of the Government’s Sustainable Communities Health and Green Spaces Plan growth areas. It believes that local development documents will: Within the Government’s White Paper “Choosing Health” (DH 2004) one of the overarching priorities was “increasing exercise because it reduces the risk of major chronic diseases and premature death”. It identifies that over a third of people are 81 not active enough to benefit their health, and rates of walking and cycling have fallen over the last 25 years. As a way to begin It concluded that to address this it highlighted the importance of a strategic approach to improving provision for cycling, walking and public » Green exercise brings mental and physical health benefits transport as a means of helping to promote healthier lifestyles. even from short exposure It advocates a “whole town” approach to cycle and walking provision. Also it states that more investment will be available » Many opportunities are available and that these are already to fund links from schools to the National Cycle Network. Such accessed by reasonably healthy people but that there needs to an approach is vital during the planning of the Haven Gateway be much more done for other social groups to ensure that the links are maximised. » Needs investment in good land and group based projects Research carried out by the University of Essex (e.g. Pretty et al 2005) demonstrates the important links between an » Needs a wide range of policy reforms to increase health and attractive environment and health. As well as looking at physical green space dividend. improvements from active recreation the study also looked at the impact on viewing attractive landscape for example from a The Walking the way to Health Initiative has been promoted hospital window. by the Countryside Agency for a number of years. It seeks to developed short walks led by volunteers to encourage those They have developed the “Biophilia Hypothesis” which holds that who do not regularly walk to take part in regular exercise. An we all have an innate sensitivity to a need for other living things, evaluation of the scheme (WHI 2006) reinforced the wide ranging as we have coexisted for 1000’s of generations. benefits experienced by participants both physical and mental well-being, building social networks as well as improving fitness. The study recommended that However it found also that those from socially disadvantaged groups were under-represented. » Planners and developers take account of the value of green space and nearby nature Not only does it help to promote physical activity through » Social Services encourage the value of green exercise for walking etc, it also results in less depression and helps enhance socially excluded groups a general sense of well-being. Schemes such as the Walking the way to Health and Green Gym have sought to encourage people to take more active exercise in the countryside. Within a month of its launch Natural England has embarked upon a campaign to promote the value of outdoor exercise and attractive landscapes.

82 The new Health Profiles prepared on behalf of the Department of Table 5. Comparative health data for each district Health in accordance with the Choosing Health White Paper, collate (DH 2006a, b, c &d) a standard set of local health information that can be linked to other local data sets, thereby enabling some comparison within Colchester Ipswich Suffolk Tendring districts and with others. Those for the districts containing the Coastal four towns in this study highlight a number of issues that are of Life expectancy Male 77.9yrs 76.4yrs 78.9yrs 76.4yrs particular concern regarding health inequalities (DH2006a, b, c, Life expectancy female 82.2yrs 81.6yrs 82.5yrs 81.2yrs d). Tendring has the most significant health inequalities within Obesity 20.2% 23.3% 20.5% 26.3% the study area. The proportion of people who reported “feeling in Early deaths heart & stroke 77.6/100,000 93.8/100,000 65/100,000 93.5/100,000 poor health” was significantly higher than the England average. Diabetes 2.7% 3.1% 3.2% 4.1% There is also a high level of diabetes, again significantly higher “Feeling in poor health 6.3% 7.5% 5.6% 8% than the national average. GCSE achievement 57.3% 51.9% 64.9% 44.6% (5A* - C) Tendring has the highest obesity rate with 1 in 4 being considered obese. Ipswich has “fewer than 1 in 4” and Colchester and Suffolk Coastal have 1 in 4 obese people. Only 1 in 5 people in Tendring and Ipswich ate 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day.

The ward of Ramsey and Parkeston on the edge of Harwich is one of those within the 25% with significantly lower life expectancy at 75.5 years compared to others such as the adjoining Harwich West and Harwich West Central wards that are years 82.7 years. The wards in the northern part of Felixstowe have the highest life expectancy for the four towns in the study at 82.8 years.

83 Education To maintain a vibrant tourism centre it is necessary to ensure that its overall appearance is maintained. Similarly the Suffolk The Regional Economic Strategy Community Strategy sees the increased provision of green space within the county as increasing the attractiveness of the county » “supports the development of higher education provision to for visitors and tourists (SSP 2004) serve the Suffolk area and a new Further Education college in Ipswich” The Haven Gateway Partnership identifies three key barriers to developing tourism: » Facilitates the expansion of the ICT cluster at Adastral Park (in HGP 2006) » Lack of shared ambition » Private/public sector linkages Objectives of the Haven Gateway submission are: » Gaps in products and services (HGP 2006)

Improving access to jobs through education and training is one A tourism working group has been established with a three year area where the partnership can make a real impact upon the action plan to work with partners to maximise visitor spend, future economic prosperity of the sub-region. increase awareness of the industry and to ensure that growth proposals are sustainable (HGP 2006). The partnership will continue to work with others to provide better training and skills The area contains established holidays destinations such as Clacton, Frinton and Walton-on-the-Naze. It also includes parts Sustainable tourism of two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a range of quiet villages and countryside. There is potential for promoting more The Haven Gateway Partnership recognises the importance of sustainable tourism for example cycling trips and holidays. The tourism both in economic and quality of life terms. It sees it as National Cycle Network has two key routes through the Haven a significant part of the economy of the sub-region (it was worth Gateway; Route 1 passes through Colchester and Ipswich en £175.3 million in 2003 (EEDA 2005); however it recognises that route from London to Edinburgh. Route 51 runs from Colchester there are existing organisations in both the public and private to Harwich and Felixstowe then west to Oxford via Cambridge, sectors with tourism initiatives. To avoid duplication it sees its role Bedford and Milton Keynes. There are two medium distance as undertaking research and projects that enhance the potential routes; the Painter’s Trail between Manningtree and Sudbury (69 of the sub-region (HGP 2006). Tourism attracts 5.1 million visits miles) and the Suffolk Coastal cycle route (88 miles). Other to the local area made up of 42000 trips by overseas staying shorter routes include a 26 mile circular route between Harwich visitors, 291000 trips by domestic staying visitors and 4.8million and Mistley and a 17 circular route between Colchester and by day trippers. This creates 4589 jobs (including part time and Wivenhoe. seasonal work), mainly in catering (CBC 2006) 84 The final section of the Essex Way long distance route finishes accessibility and British Safety Standards at Harwich. » The should be better access via PRoW for walking, cycling Rights of Way Improvement Plans and riding to recreation sites, through Open Access areas and within Forestry Commission access dedicated land The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 places a duty on all highways authorities to prepare a rights of way improvement » It also gives examples of tourist buses that operate in some plan. Suffolk County Council has produced its draft plan which is areas to link to stations to the countryside out to consultation. Essex County Council is currently developing its plan. » There are currently 51 PRoW crossings at road level on the A14, A12 and A140, with a further 37 paths stopping at Key objectives of Suffolk’s plan are: these roads. A new bridge is being constructed over the A14 at the Felixstowe dock spur to carry cyclists and pedestrians for A) Provide a better signed, maintained and accessible network commuting and recreation. B) Provide and protect a more continuous network that provides for the requirements of all users » The improvement of the Felixstowe to Ipswich railway line requires changes to the public crossing points along the length C) Develop a safer network of the line. Negotiations are on going to produce safer crossings and improvements in the local rights of way as part of this D) Increase community involvement in improving and managing development the network » General improved maintenance, signage and promotion to E) Produce an up to date and publicly available digitised encourage use Definitive Map for the whole of Suffolk » Links to healthy lifestyle initiatives F) Improve promotion, understanding and use of the network Biodiversity Action Plans There are a number of issues that relate directly to this project. Both Essex and Suffolk have county Biodiversity Action Plans » Under Objective B the plan highlights that access to and that identify key habitats and species within the county, which from the countryside via PRoW in the urban fringe needs to be normally relate to the UK BAP. These BAPs set out actions improved and promoted. Local disability groups saw the urban that are required to prevent further losses and to improve the fringe as the most important area for improving PRoW to high situation. Within the Haven Gateway area there are a range of 85 habitats and species plans that are relevant, including woodland, arable cereal margins and a range of coastal habitats. Key species that are currently only found in the Haven Gateway are the Fisher’s Estuarine Moth (Gortyna borelii lunata) and its food plant Hog’s-fennel (Peucedanum officinale) which are centred on the Walton Backwaters. A key habitat is heathland, with a significant area around Ipswich much of which is under threat from proposed development, fragmentation or the lack of appropriate management. Colchester also has important sites, especially to the south west (e.g. Tiptree and Layer Breton) plus a number of sites such as former mineral workings which could be restored as heathland.

Both plans also have chapters specifically relating to the Urban habitat, recognising the importance that these areas have not only in providing habitat but also providing people with regular access to biodiversity.

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