South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan As a Basis for Its Future Management

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TO: COUNCILLOR IAIN McCRACKEN EXECUTUVE MEMBER FOR LEISURE 9 DECEMBER 2005

SOUTH HILL PARK GROUNDS CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN (Director of Environment and Leisure)

1 PURPOSE OF DECISION

1.1 To adopt the South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan as a basis for its future management.

2 RECOMMENDATION

2.1 That the South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan be approved.

3 REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS

3.1 To improve the visual environment of the Borough.

3.2 To conserve and maintain the heritage importance of the site.

3.3 To maintain and improve the recreation provision of the site.

3.4 To aid communication and working partnerships between the various landowners / leaseholders, stakeholders and local residents and users.

4 ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED

4.1 Having had a grant of £42,200 from the Heritage Lottery Fund to write this Plan, the alternative option would be to disregard the outcomes and revise sections of it.

4.2 Not to approve a Plan would involve returning the grant monies.

5 SUPPORTING INFORMATION

Background to the Management Plan

5.1 The Parks and Open Spaces Strategy categorises South Hill Park grounds as a Borough park, whilst the site is also listed in the English Heritage Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest. As such, it is of strategic importance in the borough’s open space network. The grounds have the potential to be improved and utilised for greater public amenity.

5.2 A grant of £42,200 was obtained from the Heritage Lottery Fund to pay for the development of a ten year management plan.

5.3 Land Management Services were contracted to undertake the preparation of the Conservation Management Plan and a partnership steering group was established to guide the process.

Scope of the Management Plan

5.4 The land ownership and maintenance operations of the site are complex, with the following partners involved: BFBC, Bracknell Town Council, South Hill Park Arts Centre, Thames Water, English Partnerships and local residents group, North Lake Management Committee. The management plan process, working alongside the partner groups, addressed the following issues: land ownership, leased areas, park management structure, maintenance responsibilities and a ten year financial plan.

5.5 The history and historic landscape of the site is intrinsic to its character. A detailed historic evaluation of the site was conducted. The history of the site is included in the management plan, and focuses attention on the site’s future use and management needs to protect and enhance this aspect of the park.

5.6 A full assessment of the existing facilities provision and landscape condition of the site was undertaken, including neighbouring land use, roads and parking, heritage trees and vegetation, the balancing ponds, paths and bins, play areas and public sculpture.

5.7 The views and wishes of local residents and users were considered though a variety of means, which included: a widely distributed questionnaire, a special interest workshop, an on-site visitor survey, and an on-site public consultation on the possible options proposed in the document.

5.8 A range of issues were considered during the consultation, including park management, wildlife and heritage issues, youth involvement, links to the Arts Centre, art in the park, means of access/parking provision, toilet facilities, park staffing and policing.

5.9 All information was assessed in relation to local and national policy context.

5.10 An Audience Development Plan was also produced as a supporting document to the main Conservation Management Plan.

Outcomes of Management Plan

5.11 A vision statement which draws on its history and strong arts connection to aim for a vibrant and safe park asset for the Borough: To revitalise the Park as a thriving, vibrant, varied open space which builds on the special qualities of its historic landscape, its natural beauty and its arts activities, as a safe and attractive oasis in Bracknell town which benefits the whole community.

5.12 A range of general policies aimed at ensuring strong management and maintenance, including: management and security, landscape and setting, structures and planting, archaeology, ecology, access, sources of information, the relationship between the arts centre and the park, and its use for arts, heritage and educational activities.

5.13 A range of capital improvement options, broken down by scale, cost and priority. Further discussion on priorities will follow and will depend upon the availability of resources. Future works/issues to be considered are also suggested, split into smaller interventions and larger projects.

6 ADVICE RECEIVED FROM STATUTORY AND OTHER OFFICERS

Borough Solicitor

6.1 There are no specific legal issues that arise from this report.

Borough Treasurer

6.2 The Borough Treasurer is satisfied that there are no significant financial implications arising directly from this report. Should any of the capital improvements be considered in the future than these will be subject to a separate report.

Impact Assessment

6.3 Approval the Management Plan poses no implications beyond raising expectations in the minds of local residents who have already been consulted.

Other Officers

6.4 None

7 CONSULTATION

7.1 The steering group partners (see 5.6) were consulted on the draft version of the Management Plan and returned comments to consultants Land Management Services before the final plan was prepared.

Method of Consultation

7.2 Steering group meetings between partners took place in January, April, June and September.

Representations Received

7.3 Comments from partners on the draft Management Plan were made to Land Management Services and incorporated into the final document.

Background Papers

Parks and Open Spaces Strategy. February 2002 Draft PPG 17: Stages 1 & 2 Open Spaces Assessment. Strategic Leisure Ltd. October 2005 BF 1500 Recruitment Survey Report. July 2005

Contact for further information

Helen Tranter, Environment & Leisure – 01344 354102 [email protected]

Doc. Ref. Insert name of document, folder etc]

SOUTH HILL PARK CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN

Bracknell Forest Borough Council Land Management Services Ltd Time Square With Market Street Sarah Couch Historic Landscapes Ltd Bracknell The Tourism Company Berkshire RG12 1JD

November 2005

CONTENTS

Summary Page

1.0 INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 Background to the Project

1.2 Purpose and Scope of the CMP

1.3 The Conservation Management Planning Process

1.4 Presentation of Material and Structure of the Document

2.0 SITE DESCRIPTION AND CONSTRAINTS 9

2.1 Location

2.2 Current ownership and management

2.3 Neighbouring land

2.4 Roads

2.5 Geology and topography

2.6 Hydrology

2.7 Vegetation

2.8 Facilities

2.9 Site services

2.10 Planning status and designations

2.11 Policy context: Local policies

2.12 National policy context

3.0 UNDERSTANDING THE ASSET: EVOLUTION OF THE SITE 24

3.1 Chronology of the site

3.2 Period 1: Early history to 1750

3.3 Period 2: 1760- 1810 William Watts’ ownership

3.4 Period 3: 1810-1853 Limerick – ownership: expansion and Tithe map of 1843

3.5 Period 4: 1853 - 1930s: High Victorian period

3.6 Period 5: 1940 - 1963 institutional ownership

3.7 Period 6: Arts Centre and public ownership 1973 - 2005

4.0 UNDERSTANDING THE ASSET: CURRENT CONDITION OF THE SITE 62

4.1 Introduction

4.2 Natural features: ecology survey

4.3 Historic Landscape: Surviving features

4.4 Social use

4.5 Management and maintenance

5.0 SIGNIFICANCE 118

5.1 Introduction

5.2 General statement

5.3 Natural features: Geology, Hydrology, Topography and Nature Conservation

5.4 Designed features: Archaeology, Landscape and Setting, Structures

5.5 Social features

5.6 Conclusion

6.0 VULNERABILITY 132

6.1 Introduction

6.2 General issues

6.3 Natural features

6.4 Designed features: Archaeology, Buildings, Structures, Landscape and Setting

6.5 ‘Social features’ past and present use

7.0 Policies 148

7.1 Introduction

7.2 General Issues: Understanding and protecting the significance of the site

7.3 Natural Features: Geology, Typography, Hydrology and nature Conservation

7.4 Designed Features: Archaeology, Landscape and Setting, Buildings, Structures

7.5 ‘Social’ features past and present use

8.0 OPTIONS APPRAISAL AND OUTLINE PROPOSALS 164

8.1 Introduction

8.2 Options appraisal

8.3 Consultation results: ideas for improvements

8.4 The Future: A Phased Masterplan

9.0 MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE RECOMMENDATIONS 194

9.1 Character Area A: North Woodland

9.2 Character Area B: East Park

9.3 Character Area C: West Park

9.4 Character Area D: North Lake

9.5 Character Area E: Balancing Pond

9.6 Character Area F: Arts Centre

9.7 Character Area G: South Lawns

9.8 Character Area H: Birch Hill Banks

9.9 Character Area I: South lake

9.10 Character Area J: Shrubbery

9.11 Character Area K: Birch Hill Woodland

GAZETTEER

1 Geology, topography, landform and views

2 Ecology

3 Archaeology and early landuse

4 Parkland

5 The lakes

6 Woodland and trees

7 Ice house

8 Shrubberies

9 Front forecourt

10 Terrace and gardens

11 Kitchen garden walls

12 Site Boundaries

13 Access and path network

14 Social history and public use

Appendices

Appendix A: Brief

Appendix B: Drawings

Appendix C: Statutory Designations

Appendix D: Consultation

Appendix E: Options Appraisal

Appendix F: Schedules

Appendix G: Leases and Licences

Appendix H: Ecology Survey

Appendix I: Bibliography

SOUTH HILL PARK CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN

A SUMMARY

November 2005

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Bracknell Forest Borough Council (BFBC) is seeking to conserve and enhance South Hill Park, a significant and historic open space south of Bracknell town centre. Land Management Services Ltd, with Sarah Couch Historic Landscapes and the Tourism Company, has been appointed to write a Conservation Management Plan (CMP) and Audience Development Plan (ADP) for South Hill Park.

The CMP has been written in accordance with the brief prepared by BFBC, based on guidance issued by the Heritage Lottery Fund. The full report includes historic survey, site survey, wildlife survey, analysis of use and management, and range of proposals to address the issues identified.

The development of the report has been supported by extensive consultation and work with partner organisations including Bracknell Town Council (BTC), Thames Water (TW) South Hill Park Arts Centre (SHPAC or the Arts Centre) and North Lakes Management Company (NLMC).

Land Management Services • Sarah Couch Historic Landscapes • The Tourism Company The following vision statement has been adopted by the partners and approved in public consultation:

‘to revitalise the Park as a thriving, vibrant, varied open space which builds on the special qualities of its historic landscape, its natural beauty and its arts activities, as a safe and attractive oasis in Bracknell town which benefits the whole community’

The CMP contains numerous historic and modern illustrations, historic overlays, survey plans, schedules and maps. A very small selection is reproduced in this summary to indicate the scope and style of the final document.

2.0 UNDERSTANDING THE ASSET: Summary Of Site History

The site originated as part of Windsor Forest, which was a heathy, partly wooded royal hunting forest; some time in the mid C17 it was enclosed, probably illegally, as many parks were in this area. By 1679 there was a Mansion called South Hill, in a park of about 100 acres, with fields, orchards, woods and a pond or ponds.

During the C18, the park developed many of the features typical of landscape parks of the period: the stream was dammed to form a series of serpentine lakes winding through parkland which was planted with clumps of trees and enclosed by a belt of woodland. The kitchen garden was moved out of sight of the house in the south of the park

South Hill Park surveyed in 1757

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Summary page 2 During the first half of the C19, the estate was enlarged by the Earl of Limerick from 148 to 346 acres (60 to 140 ha) and the pleasure grounds south of the house began to be developed. Sir William Hayter created new geometric gardens, terrace, shrubberies and serpentine walks in the mid century and remodeled the house in the Italianate style (see Tithe map on following page). In the later C19, the house and terraced gardens, with steps and balustrades and forecourt, took on their current form, to the designs of the prominent architect Temple Moore.

The front of the mansion c1900

In the 1940s, South Hill Park housed several institutions, but the C17 enclosed park, the gardens, lakes, carriage drives and productive kitchen garden were all maintained until the development of the new town, which had the greatest impact on the park in its history.

In 1963 South Hill Park was acquired by Bracknell Development Corporation and in 1973 the house became an arts centre with 15 acres (6 ha) opened as a public park. The lakes were reduced, Ringmead constructed, car parks were added, and the new housing areas were built over approximately two thirds of the area of the original enclosed park and inside the walled garden. The remaining central third of the park flowed into the surrounding area of the new town via numerous paths; it was adapted to its new function, the lakes were adapted again and over the years the planted garden areas were reduced.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Summary page 3

TITHE MAP 1843 Registered park boundary shown (red); current position of Ringmead, lakes and Arts Centre shown (green) for comparison. Tithe map apportionment numbers are shown in brackets. 1 (693) House and pleasure ground; circular paths and enclosed lawn south of house: stable yard shown to west of mansion 2(690) Lakes extended to form a continuous chain with three major lakes, the third a small lake to the west of the stables. 3 (682, 684,685) Parkland with scattered trees including a line of trees running south east-north west. 4 Circular clumps of trees in parkland 5a(695) Wooded pleasure ground 5b(690,691) Continuous shrubbery west of southern 2 lakes 6 (681,683,685,686) Arable fields 6 (688) ‘Barn Field’ (grass) 7(696) ‘Walled Garden’ - large building in northwest corner 8 Entrance drives from forecourt to north west and south east 9 (689) ‘Bailiffs House, Stable and Homestall’ (Home Farm) with (697) ‘Garden’ and (699) ‘Nursery’ to south (687) ‘Belt of Timber Trees’ (700) ‘Garden Field’ arable (701) ‘Heath’

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Summary page 4 3.0 UNDERSTANDING THE ASSET: Summary of current condition

Although many people experience South Hill Park simply as a beautiful natural park, a significant amount of the historic fabric survives. A series of overlays of historic maps were prepared and compared with a detailed site survey (an example is given above). Each area has an overriding character relating to a period of its development eg the parkland and lakes are fundamentally C18 landscape features; the area around the house owes its character to the late Victorian formal gardens.

Although approximately two thirds of the park has been developed, its setting altered and new functions inserted, much remains of the designed and natural features of four centuries of development. It still retains the essential structure and features of the C17 park, as adapted in the mid C18, with its late Victorian house, terraces and pleasure grounds and a great range of landscape features and habitats (woodland, grassland, wetland and open water), within a compact area.

However, despite a relatively well tended appearance, much of the underlying character and richness of the site is eroded, neglected, obscured and misunderstood. Examples include the fragmentation of the landscape, impact of recent development around and within the site, loss of views and quality of hard and soft landscape and the unrealised potential value of its habitats, due mainly to current maintenance practice.

There are extremely complex arrangements of ownership, leasing and management, involving six parties in many different, overlapping functions (See plan on following page).

Nevertheless the site is well used and well loved for an unusual range of artistic and recreational activities, which could be further enhanced by unlocking the site’s distinctive qualities.

The park is divided and the Arts Centre Much of the south lake is overgrown obscured by Ringmead, parking and and of little amenity or ecological planting interest

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Summary page 5

The park has complex arrangements of ownership, leasing and management.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Summary page 6 4.0 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANCE: why the park is important

South Hill Park is a designed landscape of national and local importance. It owes its significance to its situation, its many layers of history and to its past and present use. It offers a wide variety of natural and designed landscape features within a compact area.

The surviving central third of the original park still provides good examples of several phases of landscape history: the C17 enclosure of Windsor Forest, a characteristic C18 landscape park and C19 formal garden design with remodeled house of the same period. It also contains a significant tree collection spanning three centuries and has been associated with important national characters. This legacy is all the more important in the context of the new town, where any connection with history is at a premium.

The combination of an important designed landscape with a vibrant Arts Centre adds further richness to current and future use, understanding and enjoyment and engenders an unusual and striking mix of heritage and modern creativity.

Pyrotechnic display in Italian garden Holm oak planted by Prime Minister William Gladstone

5.00 SUMMARY OF VULNERABILITY: issues and problems

The current park is a fragment of the former site, with new uses superimposed. The significant aspects of the site are highly vulnerable due to lack of knowledge and understanding, incomplete protection, demands of current use, complex disjointed ownership and management, inadequate resources and natural decline. Consultation highlighted issues including concerns about security and antisocial behaviour, coupled with a lack of facilities for young people and lack of park toilets or basic refreshments; concern about the condition of important features, notably the terrace gardens and lakes; lack of information and educational resources; access problems and the absence of a unified park identity.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Summary page 7

Signs do not mention the park The park is a popular hangout for young people

People are concerned about the condition of the lakes and formal gardens, note the eroded grass

6.00 SUMMARY OF POLICIES

General and specific conservation policies should be adopted by partner organisations to safeguard the significant aspects of the site, to deal with issues to which the site is vulnerable and to increase understanding and enjoyment. Policies cover management and security, landscape and setting, structures and planting, archaeology, ecology, access, sources of information, the relationship between the Arts Centre and the park, and its use for arts, heritage and educational activities.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Summary page 8 7.00 SUMMARY OF OPTIONS AND OUTLINE PROPOSALS: the solution

There is considerable enthusiasm for giving South Hill Park the extra attention it deserves. Local people have demonstrated enormous affection for the park, and there is a strong case for building on its strengths and unique qualities, both as an important piece of local and national history and as the home of an innovative Arts Centre.

There are many ideas for interventions, varying in scale from modest changes to large scale redesign of parts of the site. Some changes could be achieved within current resources, others with small amounts of additional funding, but many others would require significant additional funds. However quickly or slowly work is implemented, it is important to work to a comprehensive masterplan which will safeguard the park’s future and allow funding to be sought.

A phased approach to implementing the masterplan is therefore suggested, with the phases tailored to resources. A first phase would include essential changes to management and a range of smaller interventions to gain public and political support and fire enthusiasm, together with one or two of the larger projects to raise the profile of the park.

Smaller interventions would include: better management and security involving people access and wildlife improvements facilities for young people simple improvements to designed landscape features information, interpretation and events

The larger projects should demonstrate commitment both to conserving heritage and to current users of the park by including at least one high profile repair to an important part of the landscape and one new element, which will make a real difference to the way people use and perceive the park. These could be: the repair of parts of the terrace gardens, with infrastructure for performances, or work to the lake and provision of a well designed kiosk and information point to act as an entrance to the park at the west end of the house.

The first phase could include involvement of the artistic and local communities in developing ideas for later phases of work, such as repair and redesign of the terrace and immediate Arts Centre surroundings, new gardens, redesign of car parking and approach to the Arts Centre, extension of infrastructure for outside performances and repair and interpretation of the ice house.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Summary page 9

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Summary page 10

The café terrace and Italian garden at the rear of the Arts Centre

The lake in the north park

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 1 Section 1 • Introduction

Section 1 Introduction

1.1 Background to the Project References

Bracknell Forest Borough Council (BFBC) is seeking to conserve and enhance South Hill Park, a significant historic open space south of Bracknell town centre.

In 2004, BFBC successfully applied to the Heritage Lottery Fund for a Project Planning Grant. As a result, Land Management Services Ltd, with Sarah Couch Historic Landscapes and the Tourism Company, was appointed to write a Conservation Management Plan (CMP) and Audience Development Plan (ADP) for South Hill Park.

The following document comprises the CMP and it is hoped that the Plan will be used to support a further application to the Heritage Lottery Fund to develop the proposals outlined below.

1.2 Purpose and Scope of the CMP

This CMP has been written in accordance with the brief prepared by BFBC. That brief was based on guidance issued by the Heritage Lottery Fund. App A

The aim of the plan, as stated in the brief, is ‘to help retain the significance of the heritage landscape while ensuring effective management of the Park and allowing for its enhancement and the development of new projects.’

The plan sets out to record and analyse the history of the park, to assess its current condition and to draw up a masterplan for its repair and conservation. It also draws conclusions from the Audience Development Plan and Access Plan, which were developed as part of the project process.

1.3 The Conservation Management Planning Process

The process of preparing the plan involved a thorough assessment of all aspects of the park. In particular, it included information gathering, analysis of that data, wide ranging consultation, preparation of a park gazetteer, formulation of outline proposals, and preparation of a final masterplan and Audience Development Plan on which to base future work.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 2 Section 1 • Introduction

Drawing of South Hill Park by a student at the Pines Junior School

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 3 Section 1 • Introduction

Information gathering was carried out by documentary research, site survey and through consultation. A variety of documentary sources were used during the preparation of the plan and a full list is contained within Appendix I (Bibliography). Major sources of information included:

• Information from English Heritage, including the file of the Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest.

• ‘South Hill Park, Bracknell, Berkshire: History of the Landscape’ prepared for BFBC by Phillada Ballard, 2004.

• Reports, policies, strategies and other information from Bracknell Forest Borough Council.

• Archival, library, map and visual material from libraries and county record office.

It should be recognised that the process of collecting information will continue beyond completion of the current project and that there may still be much information to be added to this study.

Documentary sources have been supplemented by a series of site surveys conducted over several months. These include tree survey, ecology survey, view analysis, management and maintenance review, user and visitor surveys and survey of remaining historical features. Further details can be found in Section 4 below and the Audience Development Plan.

Consultation is crucial to the development of a CMP and consultation formed a significant part of the information gathering process as well as in evaluating and developing proposals. Discussions with the widest possible range of organisations and individuals was felt to be essential to ensure that specialist and local knowledge was drawn upon.

Information gathering consultation included:

• Regular partner meetings with all those who own or are involved in the management/maintenance of South Hill Park: Bracknell Forest Borough Council (BFBC), Bracknell Town Council (BTC), Thames Water (TW), South Hill Park Arts Centre (SHPAC or the Arts Centre) and North Lakes Management Company (NLMC).

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 4 Section 1 • Introduction

Exhibition at the Big Day Out

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 5 Section 1 • Introduction

• Extended structured interviews with a range of key stakeholders, (mainly professional staff including those responsible for maintenance, youth workers, arts and access officers and community police). • An evening workshop session with stake holder groups and special interest groups in March 2005. • Questionnaires for stakeholder groups and for individuals (the latter made available at the BFBC offices, libraries, help shops and web site). • A survey of visitors to the park and a survey of those who do not visit the park (carried out between the end of March and the beginning of May), resulting in 396 interviews. • Local primary and secondary schools were contacted and some submitted their ideas.

Further details of the consultation process is given in Section 8 and Appendix D.

The preparation of proposals was carried out in three stages. Following analysis of the information and data collected, initial proposals were presented to the partner organisations in June and then to the public in a staffed exhibition mounted at the ‘Big Day Out’, a free festival hosted in the park by the Arts Centre, in July. Comments were invited on a questionnaire. The exhibition and questionnaires were also displayed in Bracknell library and on the council website.

Views and comments received at this stage were evaluated and incorporated into the proposals and a draft CMP and ADP presented to the partner organisations in September. Comments were received and a final draft was presented in November 2005. Presentation of the final document in …..

1.4 Presentation of Material and Structure of the Document

When presenting the results of the project, the history of the site has been divided into 6 periods, the site has been divided into 12 character areas A-L, and its features grouped into three broad categories (natural features, designed features and social features).

Throughout the report references to drawings, illustrations, archival and library material are given in the right hand margin. Full lists of these references appear in the Appendices.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 6 Section 1 • Introduction

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 7 Section 1 • Introduction

The majority of the illustrations and drawings are included in this volume at A4 size for ease of reference; some are reproduced in a larger format and bound together in volume 2 to provide greater detail.

The document itself has been divided into 9 sections, following the brief. A highlighted summary appears at the beginning of each of sections 3-8.

• Section 2 provides a general description of South Hill Park and its current constraints.

• Section 3 describes the history of the site’s development.

• Section 4 describes the current condition of the site, derived from site surveys of natural features, designed historic features and ‘social’ features.

• Section 5 describes the significance of the site as a whole and of its natural, designed and social features.

• Section 6 identifies issues which affect the significant features of the site, identified in section 5, and sets out their vulnerability.

• Section 7 sets out the conservation policies which should be adopted to protect the significance of the site and address the issues identified in section 6.

• Section 8 examines the options for translating the conservation policies into action, by dealing with the issues identified in section 6.

• Section 9 sets out management actions required and a timetable of proposed actions.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 8 Section 1 • Introduction

SHP/S/01: Location Plan NTS

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 9 Section 2 • General Description

Section 2 Site Description and Constraints

This section provides a brief description of the park and its context and reviews the constraints and designations on the site. A more detailed description of the current condition of the park is provided in Section 4.

2.1 Location

South Hill Park lies 2km to the south of Bracknell town centre, in the parish of Bracknell (formerly parish of Easthampstead), within the Borough of Bracknell Forest (see map opposite). The park extends SHP/S/01 to 23ha and is divided into two sections by Ringmead, a road constructed in the 1970s, when adjacent housing areas were under development.

The Grid Reference of the house SU 8766.

2.2 Current ownership and management

Bracknell was a small Berkshire village until the area’s designation as a new town, and the setting up of the Bracknell Development Corporation, in 1949. The new town was developed largely between the 1950s and 1970s and South Hill Park was acquired by the Corporation in 1963 as part of an extension to the town.

Bracknell Development Corporation was dissolved in 1982, passing housing to Bracknell District Council which, in 1988, became Bracknell Forest Borough Council. However some remaining assets, including land at South Hill Park, were passed to the Commission for the New Towns, which became the regeneration agency, English Partnerships, in 1999.

The northern part of the park is still owned by English Partnerships, and it is anticipated that the land will be transferred to BFBC in 2006. Most of the southern part of the site was transferred from the Development Corporation to the then Easthampstead Borough Council (now part of Bracknell Forest Borough Council) in the late 1980s.

The lakes in both parts of the park, and the 25 year flood zone between the lakes, are owned and managed by Thames Water.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 10 Section 2 • General Description

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 11 Section 2 • General Description

The majority of the north of the park is leased and managed by Bracknell Town Council, apart from a strip east of the north lake which is leased and managed by the North Lakes Management Company (responsible for the adjacent residential area). The majority of the south park is managed by BFBC, although BTC leases and manages a significant section.

The house, terrace and lawn are leased to South Hill Park Trust (SHPT) which runs the Arts Centre. SHPT also manages aspects of the adjacent car parking areas. See map of ownership and management. SHP/S/02 A fuller description of management appears in section 4.4.

2.3 Neighbouring land

The site is largely bounded by residential development to the north, south and east. To the west is the centre of Birch Hill, with shopping, health centre, community centre and schools and more housing.

2.4 Roads

South Hill Road runs along the north west boundary and Ringmead (a local distributor road) bisects the site immediately north of the house. A series of residential cul de sacs extends into the former parkland.

2.5 Geology and topography

The lower western parts of the park lie on Bagshot (sand) beds; the land rises to the north and east of the site on Brecklesham (loam) beds. See map on following page. The land rises by some 10m between the house and the hill to the south east, with a similar rise from the north park to the hill in the north east. Areas surrounding the lakes are near level. There is recent mounding on the boundary of the current park south west of the house associated with the development of the new town.

2.6 Hydrology

The north and south lakes were established on the line of Glorimor Brook, a stream which emanates from the broad shallow valley enclosed by Pudding Hill and Caesars Camp, in Bracknell Forest to the south.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 12 Section 2 • General Description

Geology: South Hill park lies on Bagshot and Brecklesham beds (Plan NTS)

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 13 Section 2 • General Description

The line of the brook is now largely set in a culvert (part underground). A number of surface water drains feed into this local system (some flow directly into the lakes) and these form the principal source of water feeding into the lakes.

The south lake is linked to the north lake via an underground culvert, which runs beneath the existing car park and Ringmead.

Water flows via an artificial dam and sluice at the northern end of the north lake into the balancing pond and then via an underground culvert beneath South Hill Road. The line of the current stream broadly follows that of the original Brook westwards and flows into Mill Pond on the western edge of Bracknell.

2.7 Vegetation

The park contains open grassland, mainly close mown, with one small area of species rich acidic grassland. There are two large areas of ornamental and secondary broadleaved woodland, predominantly of English oak and sweet chestnut with beech on the areas of higher sandy ground, but also with ornamental species such as lime and a dense understorey of rhododendron, bamboo, holly and yew. There are also numerous exotic specimen trees, areas of garden flowers and shrubs and a wooded shrubbery belt. The lakes support marshy vegetation, particularly in the balancing pond in the north park.

2.8 Facilities

Since the site became a public park in 1973, various facilities have been added and adapted over time. These include the very large 200 space car park serving the Arts Centre, a smaller car park north of Ringmead, a play area and a trim trail to serve the north park, play areas south of the Arts Centre and near the Birch Hill shops, new paths and steps connecting the park with surrounding housing, seating, bins and some lighting. The Wilde Theatre was built to the east of the Arts Centre in 1984.

2.9 Site services

Foul and surface sewers cross the site to the north and east of the lakes in the north park and west of the south lake.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 14 Section 2 • General Description

SHP/S/12: Utilities

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 15 Section 2 • General Description

2.10 Planning status and designations

Designations:

English Heritage Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest Grade II.

Listed buildings:

South Hill Park Mansion: Grade II

Garden walls, steps, gate piers and gates adjoining South Hill Park on the east: Grade II

Archaeological sites:

None on the site.

Near the site: SMR 00387.00.000-MBF811, near Southill Road, find spot, Mesolithic find (10,000BC to 4001BC).

2.11 Policy context: Local policies

2.11.1 BFBC Parks and Open Spaces Strategy February 2002

Section 2.3 Objectives and Proposed Actions, includes:

A) PROTECTION OF EXISTING PROVISION

• Existing parks and open spaces of recreational value will be protected.

C) APPROPRIATE PROVISION AT INDIVIDUAL SITES

• Management plans will be prepared for all Borough Council sites.

D) COMMUNITY USE AND INVOLVEMENT

• Broader community use of open spaces…by all members of the community and broader community involvement in the management of sites will be sought.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 16 Section 2 • General Description

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 17 Section 2 • General Description

E) EDUCATION

• Public understanding of environmental and cultural issues relating to parks and open spaces will be sought.

F) STRATEGIC APPROACH TO FUNDING

• A strategic approach to funding parks and open spaces will be adopted and additional funding will be sought

KEY PRINCIPLES include:

• Partnership working

• District, neighbourhood and town centre provision: Consideration should be given to designating…South Hill Park as [a] district park (providing experience not achievable in neighbourhood parks and which are accessible and suitable for all) Vehicular travel to parks …should be reduced and equal access to opportunities should be sought.

• Management plans Interrelated areas in different ownership should be considered and managed as a whole Consideration of distribution of facilities in the local area

• Sustainability The principle of sustainability should apply throughout the management of parks and open spaces of recreational value

2.11.2 BFBC Local Plan adopted 2002

The park is covered by:

Policy EN4: Wildlife Heritage Site

Policy R1: Open Space of Public Value

Policy EN12: Historic Park or Garden

Policy EN14: River Corridor

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 18 Section 2 • General Description

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 19 Section 2 • General Description

2.11.3 BFBC Local Environment Strategy 1998

2.11.4 Local Agenda 21 Strategy Key issues include: 1: A healthy caring community 3: Conserving and enhancing wildlife and habitats 5: Reducing the production and disposal of waste 6: A safe community 7: Education for all – for life 10: The sustainable use of transport 12: A vibrant participative and active community

2.11.5 The Countryside in the Borough of Bracknell Forest , a strategy for leisure, landscape and wildlife 1993 Identified the importance of information, education and advice and the role of play.

2.11.6 Leisure Strategy 1997, updated 1998 Detailed the importance of long term management of sites taking account of factors including design, historic context, habitat, recreation and access and recognised the need to develop provision for young people.

2.11.7 Council’s Corporate Objectives Parks and open space provision plays a central role in fulfilling the Council’s seven primary corporate objectives.

2.11.8 A Landscape Strategy for Berkshire 1995/Bracknell Forest Landscape Strategy 2000

2.11.9 Bracknell Forest Biodiversity Action Plan 2000-2005

2.11.10 Service Best Value Review 2000 Commitment to broadening the range, type and timing of activities to young people aged 11-19.

2.11.11 Survey of Residents 1999 and 2000 These are discussed in BFBC Parks and Open Spaces Strategy February 2002 and this highlighted the need to meet the needs of young people.

2.11.12 Community Safety Strategy 1990-2000

2.11.13 Arts Audit 2000 Noted the limited provision of outdoor public events and the importance of the arts for young people.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 20 Section 2 • General Description

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 21 Section 2 • General Description

2.11.14 Local Transport Plan 2001-2006 Emphasis on reducing vehicular transport and encouraging walking and cycling

2.12 National policy context

• Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA)

• Planning Policy Guidance 9: Nature conservation

• Planning Policy Guidance 15: Planning and the historic environment

• Planning Policy Guidance 16: Archaeology and planning

• Planning Policy Guidance 17: Planning for Open Space, Sport and Recreation

• UK Biodiversity Action Plan 1994

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 22 Section 2 • General Description

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 23 Section 2 • General Description

3.00 UNDERSTANDING THE ASSET: EVOLUTION OF THE SITE

SUMMARY OF SITE HISTORY

The site originated as part of Windsor Forest, which was a heathy, partly wooded royal hunting forest; some time in the mid C17 it was enclosed, probably illegally, as many parks were in this area. By 1679 there was a mansion called South Hill, in a park of about 100 acres (40 ha), with fields, orchards, woods and a pond or ponds.

During the C18, the park developed many of the features typical of landscape parks of the period: the stream was dammed to form a series of serpentine lakes winding through parkland, which was planted with clumps of trees and enclosed by a belt of woodland. The kitchen garden was moved out of sight of the house in the south of the park.

During the first half of the C19, the estate was enlarged by the Earl of Limerick from 148 to 346 acres (60 to 140 ha) and the pleasure grounds south of the house began to be developed. Sir William Hayter created new geometric gardens, terrace, shrubberies and serpentine walks in the mid century and remodeled the house in the Italianate style. In the later C19, the house and terraced gardens, with steps and balustrades and forecourt, took on their current form, to the designs of the prominent architect Temple Moore.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 24 Section 3 • Understanding the site

South Hill Park from the north in 1819, showing a characteristic landscape park with serpentine lake, picturesque groups of trees, people and animals

By permission of the British Library; Reference K TOP VIII 48.2

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 25 Section 3 • Understanding the site

3.1 Chronology of the site

The site was well researched for BFBC by Phillada Ballard (PB). This work has been supplemented by reviewing original documents, analysis of map information and further research at the National Monuments Record, British Library manuscripts department, local studies library, record office etc.

The development of the site is summarised in the table below and design changes highlighted in the paragraphs that follow, with accompanying annotated plans and illustrations.

Date Event Source

Pre Part of Windsor Forest - heathy, partly wooded PB C17

mid Park enclosed, probably illegally PB C17

1679 Mansion existed called South Hill, probably about ARC 1683 100 acres, with fields, orchards, coppices and pond or ponds.

1750 Known as Fisher’s Lodge ARC 1759

1753 2 acres added: house in centre of estate, a series ARC 1759 of ponds formed from stream and a collection of buildings in the centre of the park and circular pond to the west of the house and enclosed garden to the east of the house

1757 Kitchen garden woods to east with rides and walks, Ballard fields to west shown 1757 Plan

By Enclosed park in heathy area, stream and Rocque 1761 rectangular canal to NW, house called Fisher’s 1761 plan Lodge

1760s William Watts ownership: estate enlarged, house ILL 1819 remodeled and new farm built to SW; park developed as C18 landscape park

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 26 Section 3 • Understanding the site

The north front of the mansion c 1900 from Hickson 1984

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 27 Section 3 • Understanding the site

1792 Known as South Hill Park, C18 alterations shown - Ordnance drives and lodges to NW and SE, lakes enlarged, Surveyors’ parkland and perimeter planting shown. C18 Drawing alterations probably also included ice house.

1801 John Soane - minor alterations to house Soane Museum - PB

1827 Earl of Limerick’s ownership (1810-1847). Estate Enclosure enlarged from 148 to 346 acres (60 to 140 ha) with Map land added to N, E and much to S. Total ownership 765 acres. Pleasure grounds shown, string of 4 pools to W of house, circular lawn to S

1843 Pleasure grounds extended, tree planting Tithe Map

1853 House remodeled in Italianate style for Sir William Pevsner Hayter. New geometric gardens, terrace, shrubberies and serpentine walks 1st edition OS

1891 House remodeled and refaced by Architect Temple Brandwood Moore in ‘Queen Anne’ style for Arthur Divett 1997 Hayter. Lake near house drained and new bridge OS 1896 north of house. New balustrades and hard landscaping north and south of house, yew walk made and terraces extended. Estate c 800 acres. Later, pool added north of house.

1930s Margate Sea Bathing Hospital evacuated during Tozer 1978 war Collins 2000

1940s Divided into flats, an unsuccessful venture Ideal Home May 1948

1953 BBC offices and studios Tozer 1978

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 28 Section 3 • Understanding the site

The new Arts Centre and park in 1973

Photo courtesy Bracknell Local Studies Library

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 29 Section 3 • Understanding the site

1963 Site acquired by Bracknell Development Tozer Corporation as part of extension of new town 1978 Hutchison 1977

1965 Let to Ferranti Ltd as offices Tozer 1978

1973 Arts Centre and 15 acres opened as public park Hutchison Lakes reduced, Ringmead constructed, car parks 1977 added

1974 Birch Hill housing constructed Henry 1981 Collins 2000

1984 Wilde Theatre opened Hutchison 1977 Press cuttings

1982, Car parks extended PB 1995

2005 Total area 23 ha (60 acres) - in several ownerships, leases and management

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 30 Section 3 • Understanding the site

John Norden’s map of 1607: ‘Southhill’ is shown, unenclosed, within ‘Easthamsted walke’; Easthamsted park and Bagshott Rayles are shown as enclosed parks.

Detail of deer in Windsor Forest from Ballard’s plan of 1757

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 31 Section 3 • Understanding the site

3.2 Period 1: Early history to 1750

South Hill in Windsor Forest

3.2.1 Until some time in the C17, the site was part of Windsor Forest. The Forest was predominantly open common, with large open, heathy areas with scattered trees, a landscape known as wood pasture. Rackham 1976 The Crown had rights of timber and deer pasturage.

Norden’s description and maps of Windsor Forest of 1607 describe Norden 1607 ‘the Castle, Forests, Walkes, Parkes, Rayles, Lodges &c’. There SHP/H/01 are large scale maps of the ‘Walkes Parkes and Rayles’. The forest was divided into nine walks, containing ‘Parkes and Rayles’, which were areas enclosed from the forest. Each walk had a keeper who was responsible for the deer; the number of deer was listed.

Easthamsted Walk (containing Easthampstead Park and South Hill), contained a Lodge, pasture, red deer and scattered trees. The keeper of Easthamsted Walke was one Jespar Giles, who kept 40 deer. Sir Richard Conisby was the keeper of nearby ‘Easthamsted Park’, which was described as ‘A ground heathie and barraine’ and contained 180 fallow deer. At this time Norden identified South Hill as an unenclosed area within Easthamsted Walk. The enclosed Swimley Rayles and Walke lay to the east of South Hill.

In 1663 a Record of Deer in Easthampstead Park expressed concerns about the poor state of the deer, ‘timber trees coppices and vert’ caused by the negligence of the officers - ‘the Wardens, Keepers and Rangers of Chases Parks and Warrens’. ARC 1636 William Trumbull was given permission to fell trees and regenerate underwood as coppice ‘for the benefit of the Ver & Venison in her majesties Forest.’

At some point in the later C17, South Hill passed into private ownership, perhaps enclosed illegally as were many parts of the forest. By 1683 the property had passed to William Samrooth, who paid Ann Bagley £950, for the ‘messuage & tenements Lands…with the appurtonances… known by the name of South:hill in the parish of Easthampstead.’ The deed of purchase lists a ‘mantion ARC 1683 house called South Hill’, fields including Rill Close, Pond Close, Coppice Close, Glormory Close, arable meadow and coppice, ‘the meade before the house….Outhouses, Buildings Barnes Stables Coachhouses, Yards Gardens Orchards hedges ditches woods underwoods wayes waters watercourses’ ie it was already a substantial property of meadow, wood, gardens with at least one pond.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 32 Section 3 • Understanding the site

Detail from John Rocque’s survey; surveyed in the 1750s, published 1761. Note geometric canal and avenue shown north of buildings

Drawing SHP/H/03 based on survey of 1759 (ARC 1759); see key opposite

Registered park boundary shown red

C17 park boundary shown dotted

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South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 33 Section 3 • Understanding the site

3.2.2 Map evidence: John Rocque’s survey published in 1761 , but Rocque 1761 surveyed in the 1750s, shows some surprising elements, which are SHP/H/02 possibly a misinterpretation of Ballard’s surveys. Ballard was reported as the surveyor for Rocque’s map of Berkshire in Gough’s British Topographies of 1780 (se Paul Laxton’s introduction to Margery 1973). Josiah Ballard surveyed estates around Reading between 1750 and 1763. Margery 1973

The Rocque survey shows the brook running to the northwest of the site, but a geometric pond or canal is shown further to the east, with an avenue of trees running along its western bank. This feature does not appear on any other surveys, although could be interpreted from the 1759 survey. Otherwise the key features of park boundary, house, arable field to southwest and wood to south east agree with other surveys.

3.2.3 Map evidence: 1759 survey A plan of 1759, surveyed in 1753 by Josiah Ballard, accompanies an Indenture between William Trumbull of Easthampstead Park and Lord of the Manor and Brice Fisher of ‘Fishers Lodge’. These documents relate to the purchase of two small additional areas to the north and west; however the plan shows more detail around the house and suggests the main features listed below:

Main features of 1759 survey (original may not be reproduced see ARC 1759 redrawn version opposite). SHP/H/03

1 House (known as ‘Fishers Lodge’) and service buildings 1a a courtyard or possibly a garden with steps is shown to the east of the northeast building 2 Glorimoor brook- possibly running northwest on a different course to the lakes 2a Brook widened to form a string of lakes, including an oval pond close to the house. 5 Woodland: two small areas added to the park to north and south 6 Fields

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 34 Section 3 • Understanding the site

Drawing SHP/H/04 detail of South Hill Park from Josiah Ballard’s survey of 1757 (Berkshire Record Office) See key opposite Registered park boundary shown red C17 - C18 park boundary shown dotted green

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 35 Section 3 • Understanding the site

3.2.4 Josiah Ballard’s survey of 1757 comprises two coloured sheets approximately A1 in size; parts are very worn but the main elements can be discerned. The map shows the roughly triangular enclosed park of c77 ha, marked ‘South Hill’, with a group of buildings at the centre of the park and the brook running north to south, close to the house. Much of the south of the parish is shown as open wood pasture with depictions of deer. The western point of the park is marked ‘Hooks Corner’; ‘Gormoor Pond’ is marked on the brook, south of the park. To the south east of the park ‘Gravelly Hill’ is marked, with rough pasture.

Summary of main features of the mid C18 park ARC 1757 as shown on Ballard’s Survey of 1757 (see plan opposite). SHP/H/04,5

Park Boundary 1 House and ancillary buildings - 5 detached buildings shown with forecourt to north 2 Glorimoor brook 2a Brook widened to form long narrow curved lake to north, smaller lake to south 3 Parkland east and west of house and brook 4 Clumps of trees in parkland 5 Woodland: large wood to southeast bisected by two rides, small area of woodland west of south lake 6 Fields enclosed by trees and hedgerows 7 Kitchen garden divided into 4 quarters by paths 8 Entrance drives from northwest and southeast

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 36 Section 3 • Understanding the site

Drawing SHP/H/08 Enclosure map of 1827 (Berkshire Record Office) Note development of pleasure gardens, including ornamental planting around the lawn south of house Registered park boundary, position of Ringmead, arts centre and Wilde theatre shown in red Outline of current lakes shown in blue

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 37 Section 3 • Understanding the site

3.3 Period 2: 1760 - 1810 William Watts’ ownership

Enclosures of 1760 and the enclosure of Windsor Forest

3.3.1 William Watts, who had built up assets in India, was responsible for ARC1777 rebuilding the mansion on its current site in 1760 and it is likely that the remodelling of the landscape park is attributable to his ownership. He enlarged the site, as shown by records of additional areas of ‘the Heath’ to be enclosed by William Watts in the mid C18. In return he proposed to rebuild ‘several poor or Church Houses’, to pay £300 for the benefit of the poor, and to ‘make good the Road from Glorimore Brook to Hooks Corner’, together with another road ARC c1760 and their subsequent maintenance. The charity he endowed still Collins 2000 survives.

Although many areas were already enclosed during the C17 and C18, the Windsor Forest Enclosure Act was not passed until 1813 and enclosures were recorded in the Enclosure map of 1827. SHP/H/08

The character of the area changed after enclosure from heathland to woodland, with plantations of scotch fir and larch planted for profit, while in other areas forest grew up as there were no longer deer and cattle to browse. By 1806 there were only 318 deer in the 11,700 acres of the forest and the remaining deer were driven into Windsor Great Park 1817-18. Menzies 1904

In 1807 a Crown Commissioner found 35 manors claimed in the forest, but the majority were unofficial as only 12 could be proved. By this time there were many unofficial enclosures and the old forest laws had largely fallen into disuse.

Pride’s map of 1790 (Berkshire Record Office) showing ‘Southill Lodge’

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 38 Section 3 • Understanding the site

SHP/H/06 Ordnance Surveyors’ drawing of 1792 (British Library map collection)

Registered park boundary shown in red

SHP/H/07 Tracing of Ordnance Surveyors’ drawing of 1792

Registered park boundary shown in red

See key opposite

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South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 39 Section 3 • Understanding the site

3.3.2 Map evidence

By the mid C18 the main landscape features were established, best recorded by Ballard in 1757(see above).

Maps of the later C18 are at a smaller scale and show less detail. Pride 1790 For instance, Pride’s map of 1790 shows an enclosed, fenced park, two long lakes, the house (called ‘Southill Lodge’) in the centre of the park, scattered with trees, and the kitchen garden with a building to the north. See previous page.

Further details are shown by Ordnance Surveyor’s drawing of SHP/H/06 1792. It is a small map, only 2” to the mile, but this is the first SHP/H/07 accurate survey (see opposite):

1 Mansion 2 2 long serpentine lakes 3 Parkland, marked ‘South Hill Park’ 4 Clumps, scattered parkland trees and possible alignment of trees 5 5, 5a, b, c blocks of woodland and continuous perimeter woodland belt 6 Fields 7 Kitchen garden appears as two separate enclosed rectangular gardens 8 Carriage drives

Several landmarks are indicated near the park, including ‘New Cott Hill’ to the northeast, ‘Park Corner Woden Hill’ to the west, ‘Hogshead Hill’ to the south and South Hill Star to the south east.

In the early C19, the MP George Canning acquired the estate and the Prime Minister William Pitt was a visitor at South Hill Park; Canning himself was later Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister. In 1801 the eminent local architect John Soane designed minor alterations to the house.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 40 Section 3 • Understanding the site

SHP/H/09: Tithe map of 1843 (Berkshire Record Office)

Registered park shown in red

Apportionment numbers and key numbers shown (see key opposite)

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 41 Section 3 • Understanding the site

3.4 Period 3: 1810 - 1853 Limerick ownership: expansion and Tithe map of 1843

3.4.1 Under the Earl of Limerick’s ownership, the estate of South Hill Park was greatly enlarged and is recorded in detail on the Tithe Map and apportionment of 1843, which is largely based on the Enclosure Map of 1827. (There are minor differences such as more ornamental planting around the lawn south of the house shown on the enclosure map).

3.4.2 The Tithe Map shows a great deal of detail, especially the development of the early C19 pleasure grounds, as shown on the SHP/H/09 annotated plan opposite:

Tithe map apportionment numbers are shown in brackets. 1 (693) House and pleasure ground; circular paths and enclosed lawn south of house: stable yard shown to west of mansion 2(690) Lakes extended to form a continuous chain with three major lakes, the third a small lake to the west of the stables. 3 (682, 684,685) Parkland with scattered trees including a line of trees running south east/north west. 4 Circular clumps of trees in parkland 5a(695) Wooded pleasure ground 5b(690,691) Continuous shrubbery west of southern 2 lakes 6 (681,683,685,686) Arable fields 6 (688) ‘Barn Field’ (grass) 7(696) ‘Walled Garden’- large building in northwest corner 8 Entrance drives from forecourt to northwest and south east 9 (689) ‘Bailiffs House, Stable and Homestall’ (Home Farm) with (697) ‘Garden’ and (699) ‘Nursery’ to south (687) ‘Belt of Timber Trees’ (700) ‘Garden Field’ arable (701) ‘Heath’

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 42 Section 3 • Understanding the site

SHP/H/11 1st edition Ordnance Survey of 1871(Berkshire Record Office)

Registered park shown in red

Key numbers shown (see key opposite)

See also overlay SHP/H/15 in Appendix B

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 47 Section 3 • Understanding the site

The completed work is shown on the third edition Ordnance survey of 1912 (see opposite). SHP/H/14

1 House with remodelled and extended terrace garden, with steps to lawn and upper terrace with fountain; conifer planting along drive to new forecourt; trees on lawn reduced; shrubbery north east of house thinned/removed; terraced gardens to south and east of the house 2 Middle lake removed and southern end of north lake reduced to accommodate new entrance court 3 Parkland 4 Clumps, scattered parkland trees - a few trees lost 5a SE wooded pleasure ground defined to current boundary 5b Shrubbery west of south lakes thinned where middle lake removed 5c N woodland extended and path shown 6 Fields subdivided 7 Kitchen garden: new building; no planting shown 8 Carriage drives as previous 9 Home Farm: yards extended to north

The last private owner was Major Rickman who died at South Hill Park in 1940.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 48 Section 3 • Understanding the site

Postcard of front of South Hill Park, after 1900, showing gates to forecourt and lake extending to arched bridge. A. H. Etchells, photographer, Bracknell, Berks (BFBC)

Postcard of rear of South Hill Park c1900, showing newly planted yew walk and borders . 101812 Lawrence Stores Series (BFBC, also reproduced in Grant 1912)

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 49 Section 3 • Understanding the site

3.6 Period 5: 1940-1963 institutional ownership

3.6.1 During this period there were several occupants of the house, but from surviving aerial and other photographs it appears that there were no significant changes to the grounds.

The Royal Sea Bathing Hospital was evacuated from Margate to South Hill Park during the war.

The subsequent division into flats was unsuccessful, despite a glowing description in Ideal Home of ‘the well tended gardens Ideal Home and woodlands surrounding the house, which are a blaze of 1948 colour …when the azaleas and rhododendrons are in bloom, …The orchard and vegetable garden have been retained as well as the fishing pools – and the evergreen oak tree which Mr Gladstone planted in 1893’. The 60’ loggia was described as the showpiece of South Hill Park.

From 1953 the house was occupied by the BBC as offices and studios.

3.6.2 The village of Bracknell had been designated as a new town in 1949. The new town originally covered 1860 acres (753 ha) and South Hill Park was acquired by the Bracknell Development Corporation in 1963 as part of the extension of the new town. Adjacent housing areas, such as Birch Hill, were some of the latest to be developed in the 1970s. Bracknell Development Corporation leased South Hill Park to Ferranti Ltd as offices until it became an Arts Centre in 1973. Collins 2000

View of garden from the yew walk in1962 (Bracknell Local Studies Library)

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 50 Section 3 • Understanding the site

SHP/H/16 Aerial photograph of 1950 (National Monuments Record)

Registered park boundary shown red

C17-C18 park boundary shown dotted green

See key opposite

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 51 Section 3 • Understanding the site

3.6.3 Aerial photo 1950 (opposite) shows the following features: SHP/H/16

1 House and terrace etc largely unchanged 2 Lakes maintained 3 All areas appear as parkland - no obvious field boundaries 4 Further parkland trees lost 5a Woodland and belts - Black Hill may be partly cleared. 6 No obvious arable fields 7 Kitchen garden: fully cropped 8 Carriage drives and lodges as previous 9 Home Farm: yards to north removed

The terrace in 1962 (Bracknell Local Studies Library)

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 52 Section 3 • Understanding the site

View of garden from the east in 1962 (Bracknell Local Studies Library)

View of Italian garden from the east in 1962 (Bracknell Local Studies Library)

The south-facing loggia and grassy terrace dated 1974, but possibly earlier (Bracknell Local Studies Library)

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 53 Section 3 • Understanding the site

1960 6” Ordnance Survey map showing park still intact

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 54 Section 3 • Understanding the site

View of border south of the terrace in1974 (Bracknell Local Studies Library)

The park in 1978 (Bracknell Local Studies Library)

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 55 Section 3 • Understanding the site

Ice House in the 1960s or 1970s (Bracknell Local Studies Library)

Interior of Ice House in the 1960s or 1970s (Bracknell Local Studies Library)

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 56 Section 3 • Understanding the site

Aerial photograph of South Hill Park in 1972, showing work to lakes and Ringmead in progress (Bracknell Local Studies Library)

A festival at South Hill Park in the 1970s (Bracknell Local Studies Library)

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 57 Section 3 • Understanding the site

3.6.4 The 1960 aerial photograph shows the landscape largely SHP/H/16 unchanged; former field boundaries can be seen in the open App parkland.

3.7 Period 6: Arts Centre and public ownership 1973 - 2005

3.7.1 This recent period brought the greatest changes to the park in its history of more than 300 years. Work began at Birch Hill in 1974, making it one of the latest parts of Bracknell New Town to be developed. Henry 1981 Construction can be seen underway in the photograph opposite: the new road of Ringmead was constructed just north of the house, necessitating truncating the south of the north lake and leaving the arched bridge high and dry. The water course through the park was re-engineered with new dams, an extra balancing pond and a culvert made under the new car park area west of the house. The rectangular pond north of the house was filled in to accommodate the road and parking area. A footbridge over the south lake was added in 1977.

Approximately two thirds of the park was given over to housing although large mature trees, such as the cedars, were retained within the housing areas, as was part of the original park boundary and perimeter woodland belt.

A large part of the park was given over to a car park, twice extended, and in 1984 the Wilde Theatre was built behind and overlooking the Italian garden wall, and extended in 1988. Houses were also built inside the walled garden.

3.7.2 The Arts Centre always intended to make full use of the grounds Hutchinson and the first folk festival was held in 1975. The park has inspired 1997 many artistic projects: for instance, a poetry group published ‘Poems in the Park’ in 1986. From the start there were also events in the north park, (which has always been separately managed) including fireworks, hot rod cars and a model craft spectacular. However press cuttings reveal complaints about noise from music festivals and ‘filth’ from campers in the 1980s and 1990s.

In 1989 there was an idea to call the Arts Centre ‘the Park’.

Photographs from the 1970s of events in the grounds show that initially planting beds were maintained, but over time planting areas have been lost completely or greatly simplified. The lake banks have become overgrown and views lost; these issues are discussed in more detail in the next section, which describes the current condition of the park.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 58 Section 3 • Understanding the site

Event at the new public park and Arts Centre in 1973 (Bracknell Local Studies Library), with loggia enclosed

An undated sketch of the Arts Centre, with new fountain in lake

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 59 Section 3 • Understanding the site

In 1974, the iron gates to the entrance forecourt were removed Ballard and since then much of the ironwork has been lost. 2004

3.7.3 In 1983, a landscape architect, Jeremy Purseglove, prepared proposals to replant flower borders, restore water to the Italian garden pool and fountain above and replant the yew walk with western hemlock and pleached limes. The plans, costed at £17,000, were not implemented.

The gardens were again affected by work to the former stable court west of the house and demolition of the service courtyard garden walls which enclosed this area, in the late 1990s.

Former stable yard and herb garden showing new extension to Arts Centre, 2005

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 60 Section 3 • Understanding the site

SHP/H/19: Aerial photograph of 2000 with registered park boundary in red, former park boundary in green and Arts Centre and lakes outlined

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 61 Section 3 • Understanding the site

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 61 Section 4 • Current site condition •

4.00 UNDERSTANDING THE ASSET: CURRENT CONDITION OF THE SITE

Summary of current condition

There are extremely complex arrangements of ownership, leasing and management, involving six parties in many different, overlapping functions.

Nevertheless the site is well used and well loved for an unusual range of artistic and recreational activities, which could be further enhanced by unlocking the site’s distinctive qualities.

4.1 Introduction

This section builds on the documentary research outlined in section 3. Additional information is drawn from a series of site surveys, information from council officers and consultees and is compared with documentary sources.

The site analysis has led to the division of the site into twelve distinctive ‘character areas’ which relate to the designed and natural features of the park. The character areas are used to structure the site descriptions below. See character areas plan on following page. SHP/S/03

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 62 Section 4 • Current site condition

SHP/S/03 Character areas

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South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 63 Section 4 • Current site condition •

Each character area is evaluated under the three main categories of:

• natural features: ecology

• designed features: a survey and analysis of remaining historic features with a summary of history included where relevant.

• ‘social’ features: description of current use, facilities and management.

4.2 Natural features: ecology survey

4.2.1 An ecological survey of the Park was completed in June 2005 as part of the preparation of this CMP. The full 2005 survey forms Appendix H of the CMP. Figure SHP/S/10 shows the habitats plotted as part of the survey.

South Hill Park is designated as a Wildlife Heritage Site. The designation covers the bulk of the park area, but excludes the car park and part of the eastern boundary, within the North Lakes Management area.

The July 2005 survey confirms the Local Wildlife Heritage Site status of South Hill Park, being of predominantly local ecological interest. The main ecological value of the park lies in the range of habitats across the park (woodland, grassland, wetland and open water), although the potential value of this habitat is, to a large extent, not fully realised due mainly to current maintenance practice.

4.2.2 The ecological interest of the Park is summarised in the July 2005 survey as follows:

“The park consists mainly of open grassland and ornamental planting reverted to woodland of fairly low ecological value.

There are two habitats of some ecological significance in the locality; the balancing pond in the northern section of the park which supports a range of marsh and wetland vegetation and a small fragment of short acidic grassland, on the fringes of the lawns to the south of the house.”

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 64 Section 4 • Current site condition •

SHP/S/10 Habitat Survey

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South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 65 Section 4 • Current site condition •

4.2.3 Protected Species

The site is likely to support a range of protected species.

These include:

• likely populations of amphibians especially near the balancing pond

• small numbers of reptiles in rough, open vegetation

• numerous species of common birds

• the park does not appear to be of conservation significance for badger

In the main body of the 2005 report it is also noted that the old culverts within the car park may provide suitable hibernation sites for bats and that the habitats across the park will provide ‘good feeding grounds for many common species of bats’.

4.2.4 The sections below present a summary of the survey findings by Character Area.

Character Area A: North Woodland The northern most woodland has a relatively open, broadleaved character with english oak and sweet chestnut the principal canopy trees on the lower slopes and beech on the areas of higher ground. There are also a number of good sized birch and mountain ash. Understorey species include rhododendron, holly, elder and hawthorn. There is good natural regeneration of a range of tree species on the woodland edges and in the few larger clearings within the wood. The Town Council has an ongoing programme of rhododendron removal and vegetation management along the main footpath routes through the wood. This work has contributed to the open woodland structure.

Character Area B: East Park Close mown grass with a predominance of finer grasses, and two small clumps of semi mature woodland (oak, field maple, birch and poplar, rhododendron and bramble).

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 66 Section 4 • Current site condition •

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 67 Section 4 • Current site condition

Character Area C: West Park Close mown improved grassland with occasional trees.

Character Area D: North Lake Open water with a limited amount of marginal vegetation, concentrated towards the southern end of the lake. The lake is mainly bordered by semi improved grassland with a number of self sown trees (poplar, willow and birch). There is no evidence of significant water pollution and from the marginal vegetation the lake appears to be neutral in acidity and fairly low in plant nutrients. There are a number of tame wildfowl on the lake.

Character Area E: Balancing Pond The balancing pond supports a rich mix of swamp/wetland and marsh plant communities together with scrub woodland, and provides an important local habitat for a range of wetland animals, including amphibians, birds and invertebrates.

Character Area F: Arts Centre The Arts Centre character area comprises the formal gardens and car parks. The principal ecological interest lies in the mature trees and shrubberies which will provide cover for a range of animals including nesting birds. The bulk of the grassland is improved and close mown, although there are a few areas of less frequently mown grass within the shrubberies.

Character Area G: South Lawns Most of the grassland on the South Lawns is close mown, improved grassland. The grassland on the shallow banks around the main lawns is of more interest and includes a small area of species rich acidic grassland, on a bank in the eastern section of the lawns.

Character Area H: Birch Hill Banks Birch Hill Banks is primarily close mown improved grassland, but also includes a number of mature parkland trees including the evergreen oak and cedars. These, like a number of the other older, parkland trees have ‘veteran tree’ features such as dead timber, rot holes, splits, hollows, loose bark and sap-runs and may support a range of specialist fungi, invertebrates and larger animals such as bats and birds.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 68 Section 4 • Current site condition

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 69 Section 4 • Current site condition

Character Area I: South Lake Similar in character and condition to the North Lake but with more limited marginal and other aquatic vegetation. The eastern edges of the north part of the lake are bordered by close mown grassland and a few self sown goat willow and birch. The southern part of the lake is silted and the banks have dense native and exotic vegetation. Both the north and south likes are described as Mesotrophic in the 2005 survey, a condition of lakes that is characterized by moderate concentrations of nutrients, algae, and water transparency.

Character Area J – The Shrubbery The woodland to the west of the lake is mainly broadleaved, with a range of native and exotic species including oak, sweet chestnut, lime, yew, false acacia, copper beech and cedar. There is a dense understorey of rhododendron, bamboo, holly, bramble and bracken on the woodland edges. The woodland has been subject to a policy of non-intervention and sections were fenced off as a ‘nature reserve’, although this fence has now fallen into disrepair.

Character Area K – Birch Hill Woodland The largest woodland in the park is on the higher ground to the south east of the house; an area known locally as Birch Hill. The central section of the wood supports a dense canopy cover of broadleaved species, mainly oak, sweet chestnut and sycamore, with beech on the upper slopes. There is a dense understorey of rhododendron, bamboo, bramble, holly and yew. As a consequence, the ground flora within the wood is limited with limited natural regeneration although, where there are breaks in the canopy cover, there are some seedlings of ash, sycamore and birch. There is a small plantation of field maple, hazel and wild cherry in the southern most section of the wood which, it is understood, was planted for commemorative reasons. The woodland becomes more open around the open air theatre, where rhododendron and bamboo clearance has been carried out, although there is still only limited natural regeneration within these areas. The predominance of exotic, specimen tree species increases in the northern sections of the wood, as does the density of the rhododendron cover. The Habitat Map reflects this in the classification of much of this woodland as evergreen shrubs.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 70 Section 4 • Current site condition

SHP/S/05: Tree survey: a larger version is in Appendix B NTS

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 71 Section 4 • Current site condition •

4.3 Historic Landscape: Surviving features

This section describes the surviving features which can be related to the site’s history. It is set out by character area and the overall character of each area is assessed in terms of its landscape history. Detailed descriptions of features can be found in the gazetteer.

Methodology

This survey was conducted by comparing the series of overlays of historic maps (see section 3) with evidence on the ground. Several site surveys were conducted between March and July 2005 and surviving features were identified on site and recorded by annotating current ordnance survey maps. No topographical or measured survey was undertaken.

4.3.1 Tree survey

A partial tree survey was conducted; approximately 100 significant mature trees were measured and plotted approximately on the base map. These are shown on drawing SHP/S/5 (opposite: larger version in appendix B) and are analysed on the tree SHP/S/05 schedule in Appendix F. SHP/T/03 Many of the trees had been tagged at different times, suggesting App F that they must have been surveyed previously; however no existing survey documents were known by BFBC at the time of this survey.

Estimating the age of trees

The estimation of the age of trees is an essential first step in the analysis and interpretation of site evidence. This then helps to build up a picture of the planting history of the site.

A combination of methods has been used, including average growth rates for tree species derived from various sources, including Mitchell, Piggott, and analysis of data from various sites by the author. Mitchell1974 However, many factors affect the growth rate of trees, which can be highly variable, and estimation from girth alone is only a guide. Piggott 1989

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 72 Section 4 • Current site condition •

SHP/S/06: Plan showing surviving trees which were shown in 1871, some of which may date from the C18 or earlier. NTS

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 73 Section 4 • Current site condition •

SHP/S/07: Plan showing trees which were shown in 1871, which are now lost.

NTS

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 74 Section 4 • Current site condition •

Beech F01 near theatre (TPO 199) Cedar 47 (and young atlantic cedar 48) both probably dating to C18

Cedar 69, one of several which still dominate adjacent housing (no TPO), probably C18

Deodar on lawn K40 an unusual evergreen oak H49, probably dating part of Victoria pleasure ground to C18

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 75 Section 4 • Current site condition •

The girth of the sample trees was measured. These results were compared with the documented history of the site and approximate planting dates suggested on the tree schedule. This analysis suggests that of the 98 trees recorded, 27% could have been planted before 1800, including beech, oak, an unusual evergreen oak (believed to be a variety of Lucombe oak), sweet chestnut, lime and possibly the magnificent cedars of Lebanon, many now within areas of housing. There are also some stumps of a clone of common lime (nos 84 and 85) which was very popular in geometric plantings of the C17 and C18 and which are now coppicing; they may well be the remnants of the C18 planting along the carriage drive, or the alignment of trees shown by Rocque and on the SHP/H/02 enclosure map. SHP/H/08

A further 32% of trees were probably planted between 1800-1850. The majority of larger trees are of C19 planting or replanting. The very large wellingtonias probably date to the mid C19. There are several splendid specimens of a good range of species and this makes a significant collection.

Many of the trees recorded are in the precise locations shown on SHP/S/06 the 1 st edition OS map of 1871, although there are many fewer than previously shown. See plans SHP/S/06, 07.

No trees were available for ring counting and any future opportunities for ring counting should be taken, to refine the data and our understanding of the site.

Sweet chestnut K39 is about 300 years old Welingtonia and Douglas fir K67, 68

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 76 Section 4 • Current site condition •

SHP/S/04: Remaining historic features: see key opposite. NTS

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 77 Section 4 • Current site condition •

4.3.2 Summary of surviving historic features

Although much of the park has been developed, its setting altered and new functions inserted, it still retains the essential structure and features of the C17 park, as adapted in the mid C18, with its late Victorian house, terraces and pleasure grounds.

See drawing SHP/S/04 opposite. SHP/S/04 Surviving features are as follows, in approximate date order:

1 Parts of original C17 park boundary, as planted in C18

2 Woodland: dating from C17/C18

3 Tree clumps and belts: largely from C18 park, a few from C17

4 Serpentine lakes: dating from C18 park

5 Kitchen garden walls: moved here in C18, in use in1960s

6 Ornamental ‘pleasure ground’: from early C19

7 Mixed shrubbery: early C19

8 North embankment of south lake: early C19

9 Ice House: by mid C19

10 Carriage drives: mid C19

11 Terrace gardens and house remodeled: late C19

12 Site of waterfalls on south lake: late C19

13 Arched bridge formerly at head of north lake: late C19

For each character area, the historical development is summarised, its overall character defined in landscape history terms and its current condition described.

Character area A: North Wood and extension Overall character: a block of semi-natural, mixed deciduous woodland, retaining the overall character of the C18 ornamental woodland and belt which enclosed the parkland, running along part of the original boundary of the park.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 78 Section 4 • Current site condition •

Path running north from playground in ‘North Wood’ (area A) in north park marks the route of the northwest boundary of the C17 enclosed park; there is chestnut, some coppiced, to west the of the path

This path is a remnant of the C17-18 park perimeter planting on the northeast boundary, now outside the park

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 79 Section 4 • Current site condition •

Boundaries and boundary planting: C17 (in part) On the 1757 survey there is a faint (worn) suggestion of SHP/H/04 perimeter belt planting in this area, as is clearly shown on other parts of the boundary; the 1792 Ordnance Surveyors’ SHP/H/06 Drawing also appears to show this. By the 1843 Tithe map, SHP/H/09 continuous perimeter belt planting is clearly shown. Current condition of boundaries Several parts of the original park boundary can still be discerned; there is a section in the north west of the park along South Hill Road and another long stretch of the eastern boundary, the majority of which is now outside the park and runs along a footpath alongside the Crown Wood housing. The section in area A2 is marked by a pleasant footpath, providing a valuable link between the late C20 housing and the park. The earliest surviving trees appear to date from the early to mid C19 and include beech, sweet chestnut, oak and evergreen oak, with a dense understorey of rhododendron and laurel, probably originating from C19 planting. There is also a large lime on the northern boundary which is approximately 200 years old. This part of the park is enclosed by timber garden fences.

Character Area A1: North Wood C18 plantations and recent extensions On the 1757 survey, a circular clump is shown within an open woody area. By the 1843 Tithe map, this area is shown as a block of woodland with a conifer plantation in the far northern tip, outside the original park boundary. Continuous perimeter belt planting is also clearly shown. Current condition The perimeter path heads southwest from the northern boundary towards South Hill Road, following the line of the former park boundary, as already noted. Beyond this line, there is semi mature sweet chestnut and some coppice. On the higher ground to the north, beech dominates and is regenerating; much of the rhododendron here has been cut back, giving an open woodland. Lower parts of the woodland contain mature oak, silver birch and rhododendron. There is a playground in a clearing adjoining South Hill Road with a shelter, hard surface, goal and basketball hoop. There are banks created as a BMX bike track.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 80 Section 4 • Current site condition •

Postcard of c1960 showing cedar in north park and wildflower meadow extending to south lake

A similar view March 2005, showing site of recently felled cedar

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 81 Section 4 • Current site condition •

Character Area B: East Park This a fragment of the parkland on rising ground extending east from what became the north lake, in the C17 enclosed park. The planting of clumps and belts is typical of C18 landscape design. By 1871 all the field boundaries in the north of the park had been removed to form uninterrupted parkland scattered with clumps of trees. A photograph of c1960 shows that the park north of the pond was managed as a wildflower meadow. The overall character is still as a fragment of C18 parkland, part bounded by woodland but also by new housing. However changes in management, planting and setting, and loss of trees and views, have eroded the character over time. Current condition All grass areas in the northern park are maintained as close mown informal recreation grassland. Area B is relatively densely planted, with some dense groups of young and semi- mature oak with some hazel, cherry and silver birch; there are recently planted shrub beds adjoining the housing. On the hill to the north are the remnants of cedars and oaks. There are considerably fewer cedars than shown on historic maps and some of those remaining have lost major sections of their crown. A young blue Atlantic cedar has been planted on the northern slope.

Character Area C: West Park parkland of C17 origin This is the only large area of parkland remaining from the C17 enclosed park; the planting of clumps and belts is typical of C18 landscape design. The amount of parkland was significantly reduced in the 1970s with the development of the new town. The overall character is of C18 parkland, as it would have matured in the C19, with serpentine lake and clumps of trees. However changes in management and setting, and loss of trees and views have eroded the character over time and much of the character is more of a recreation ground than park. Illus1819

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 82 Section 4 • Current site condition •

Detail of 1843 Tithe map showing alignment of trees in west park

North park from park car park: the flat area has acquired the character of a recreation ground, clear of trees. An ancient oak (79),can be seen in the centre background

North park from northern hillside; funfair Newly planted ash, with mature limes on on flat area line of former carriage drive

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 83 Section 4 • Current site condition •

Current condition The grass is maintained as close mown informal recreation grassland. The main area is occasionally used as a venue for events such as the funfair. Over the years trees have been lost (see below), particularly from the centre of the flat area. Clumps of trees in parkland: C18 with C19 replacements. Parkland with scattered clumps was shown on plans from the C18; the 1 st edition OS map of 1871 recorded individual tree locations accurately, indicating a fairly dense scattering of individuals and groups of mature deciduous and coniferous trees. Some of these had their origins as hedgerow trees along field boundaries shown, for instance, on the 1843 Tithe map and later absorbed into the park. By 1912, some park trees had disappeared and this trend continued. The Tithe map also showed an alignment of trees running northwest, possibly the avenue shown by Rocque; by 1912 only three of these trees survived and only two in 1961. All have now gone. Current condition See notes on tree survey in 4.2.1 above. SHP/S/05 This area includes oaks, cedars and limes of the C18 and SHP/S/06 C19. SHP/S/07 Of particular interest are the stumps of common lime (nos 84 and 85) mentioned above, which may be the remnants of the C18 planting along the carriage drive. There is no other trace of the avenue or line of trees shown in the mid C19, and overall there are approximately 50% of the mature trees shown in 1871. An ancient oak (79), growing close to the pond, is at least 250 years old; its cavities have been filled with concrete and its crown recently pruned. There is some recent planting, notably an avenue of ash planted along the sinuous footpath, a former carriage drive, running northwest from the house. There remain some mature oaks and a lime along this path, so the lines of ash are not complete. Ash is a somewhat unusual choice of tree as there are no other ash on the site and it is a species not usually known as an avenue tree.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 84 Section 4 • Current site condition •

South Hill Park from the north in 1819, showing landscape park with serpentine lake and trees

By permission of the British Library; Reference K TOP VIII 48.2

Postcard of c1900 of north front with arched bridge at head of lake

BFBC

A similar view in 2004

The lake has been shortened, Ringmead and car parks constructed and poplars conceal the front of the Arts Centre.

The artificial islands are largely constructed of tyres.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 85 Section 4 • Current site condition •

Character Areas D and I : North and South Lakes Glorimoor brook and lakes: the two main lakes are of C18 design. They have C17 origins and minor C19/C20 adaptations. There was at least one pond recorded in 1679 and the brook was dammed in stages during the C18 to create a series of serpentine ponds or lakes. Two long serpentine lakes were shown in 1792, with a third lake west of the house by 1843. This third lake was removed in the late C19 and north and south lakes adapted in the mid C20. The overall character derives from the C18 parkland design.

Character Area D: North Lake Current condition The banks of this lake are generally more open than the south lake, with a little willow and alder along banks to the north. It has therefore maintained a better relationship to the surrounding parkland. It is used as a fishing lake and numerous fishing platforms have been constructed along the banks and artificial islands made of tyres etc. It is retained by an unsightly concrete and brick C20 dam. The water and silt have not yet been tested, but the water in the northern lake appears relatively clear, although the fishing club has concerns over water quality. Views across the lake to the house are obscured by a line of Lombardy poplars planted south of Ringmead.

Character Area E Balancing Pond: The northern balancing pond was not created until the 1970s. Water flows through this shallow marshy pond to leave the site to the north west.

Current condition The pond is a reed bed which is scrubbing up and already supports trees such as willow. The pond is unmanaged but has considerable wildlife interest (see section 4.1); however, views are blocked and there is little access to the banks.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 86 Section 4 • Current site condition •

The lake in 1978 and a similar view in 2005, showing overgrown banks

The C19 embankment to the south lake and the inlet, site of former waterfalls

View south to the inlet and the bridge added in 1977

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 87 Section 4 • Current site condition •

Character Area I South lake: Current condition This lake, shortened in the 1970s, has lost much of its landscape setting; its banks are very overgrown, particularly in the southern section where there are some invasive exotics such as bamboo ( Sasa sp.). Views towards the house are obscured. The inlet at the southern end, once marked as waterfalls (1912) is now an unattractive utilitarian area. There is an unmade path running along the eastern bank which slopes down steeply to the lake. Access to the west of the lake has been restricted by the recent enclosure of a wildlife area in the C19 shrubbery (character area J). The fence is partly broken down but the area and the serpentine path are overgrown and there is no practical access to the water’s edge; some of the best potential views across the lake to the park and mansion are also inaccessible. A timber bridge, constructed in 1977, crosses the lake near the kitchen garden. The quality of the lake is compromised by overshading, accumulation of silt and rubbish and poor aquatic vegetation. The silt and water quality have not been tested. The main wildlife interest is waterfowl. The remains of the previous stone embankment at the north end of the lake are visible in an area of lawn. The C20 dam, of concrete and brick, is somewhat unsightly and the watercourse continues in a culvert under the carpark towards the north lake.

Character Area F: Arts Centre Mansion House, terraces and setting: C19 adapted from C18 house, on site of C17 house A house occupied the present site from the earliest evidence, ie almost certainly from the C17 with map evidence from 1759. However in the C17 and C18 there was a group of ARC 1759 buildings in the centre of the park, and it was not until the early C19 that the current footprint was shown. The house achieved its current form, forecourt and terraces in the 1890s.

Overall character: the late C19 exterior, its terraces and gardens survive, but in a modified setting with modern alterations and additions. The car park has a major impact.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 88 Section 4 • Current site condition •

Detail of front forecourt from postcard c 1900, showing gates

The forecourt in 2005; a fragment of wall has been incorporated into a sculpture

Detail of 1970s aerial photo of stable yard and newly remodeled former stable yard in 2005

Approach to Arts Centre and park from west Ringmead, March 2005

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan 89 Section 4 • Current site condition • Current condition A detailed consideration of the building is not part of this study but the building, with its terraces and formal gardens, is the essential focus of the landscape. Since 1973 the building has been an Arts Centre and a series of developments has altered the setting of the building and its relationship with the landscape. Although it retains its overall appearance as remodeled in the late C19, the following alterations are significant to the current landscape:

• The house is isolated from the northern park by Ringmead and Arts Centre parking. The design of the car park and its planting is not well integrated into the landscape and detracts from the approach to the mansion.

• The approach to the house and forecourt setting has been altered by the parking and traffic circulation and also by the construction of the theatre, in the early 1980s, to the east of the house and overlooking the Italian garden.

• The stable court and screen wall west of the house were largely demolished and altered as part of major works to the Arts Centre in the 1990s. Many of the trees which screened this area have been removed.

• At the same time, the 1970s enclosure of the south facing loggia was remodeled to form the new bar.

• The terrace has been partly resurfaced in modern paving and many parts of the stone walls, balustrades, steps and ironwork have been damaged or removed. The flower border south of the terrace has been lost and temporary barriers inserted around the steps to assist management of café clientele.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan 90 Section 4 • Current site condition •

The Terrace and steps in 2005

Italian garden in 1962 and in 2005

Yew walk c1900 and in 2005 (right and below left) herb garden (below right)

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan 91 Section 4 • Current site condition • • The planting and layout of the Italian garden has been maintained but the box hedges are in poor condition; the bedding is not the best quality nor the best choice of species.

• The small herb garden west of the terrace had only just been reinstated in 2005 following earlier building work in the Arts Centre, but was not thriving; it is exposed on its north side as a result of alterations to the former stable court. It is partly enclosed by established and new yew hedges.

• The yew walk which runs south from the herb garden has been barely maintained and now adjoins a play area; some Irish yews survive, but no herbaceous planting remains.

• Fragments of the former design are now out of context and uninterpreted, such as the arches which formerly marked the southern end of the north lake.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan 92 Section 4 • Current site condition •

The lawn south of the house in 1962 showing azalea bank and borders

The lawn in 2005, showing azalea bank (above left), summer picnics (above) and Big Day Out festival (left); Playground in area H (below right)

Banks screen new town development 2004/5

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan 93 Section 4 • Current site condition • Character Area G: The Lawn C19 pleasure ground In the mid C18 there were ancillary buildings here set within parkland; by 1843 a network of paths was laid out with a near circular path enclosing the lawn, backed by the wooded pleasure grounds. By 1871, the circular path had given way to a lawn with scattered trees below the banks of the terrace, which was later replaced with the balustrade and steps. Overall character : of the late Victorian pleasure ground design, but with much less planting. Current condition This area is largely flat, amenity grassland, clear of trees with very little ornamental planting, save surviving azaleas on a bank near the house. This is also the site of rare acid grassland. Specimen trees, which were on the fringes of the lawn, are generally absorbed into the flanking woodland. There is no longer any flower planting below the terrace or along the yew walk.

Character Area H: ‘Birch Hill Banks’ fragment of parkland, greatly altered. Throughout its documented history, this area was part of a large field with scattered park trees. It was bounded on the east side by a drive, and this was backed by a shrubbery from the C19. In the 1970s the great majority of this land was given over to new construction.

Overall character: despite retaining some magnificent trees, this area relates more to the new town and Birch Hill centre than the historic park and has a relatively municipal character. Current condition This area acts as a buffer between the amenities of Birch Hill - shops, schools and health and community centre etc - and the park. Mounding was made, as elsewhere in Bracknell, to screen new development of the later C20. There are some exceptional cedars and an evergreen oak of the late C18/early C19. The area accommodates a young children’s playground and teenage shelter, and the banks provide a popular sitting place .

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Section 4 Current site condition

The north of the shrubbery seen from Ringmead

The shrubbery west of the lake The overgrown shrubbery west of the lake shown on the 1871 O S map

The shrubbery seen from the west View from within shrubbery across lake

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan 95 Section 4 • Current site condition •

Character Area J: C19 Shrubbery This strip of land west of the south lake was planted as an ornamental shrubbery in the early C19, with serpentine paths shown in 1871. Overall character: an overgrown mixed shrubbery. Current condition The serpentine path is overgrown and inaccessible due to the recent enclosure of a wildlife area. The chain link fence is partly broken but the area is largely impenetrable. There is a good range of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs including mature copper beech, sweet chestnut, oak, rhododendron, yew and holly. There is a tall cedar near the new bridge and path which bisects the shrubbery. The northern part of the shrubbery, which was made on a bank west of the former middle lake, now screens and separates the car park from the Arts Centre. The planting includes mature yew, holly, sweet chestnut and lime, of approximately mid C19 planting. A narrow path leads from the car park to the herb garden and terrace; informal paths link the park and the car park.

Character Area K: Birch Hill Wood C18 plantations and C19 wooded pleasure ground The southern part of the southeast woodland originated as the northwest section of a roughly square plantation shown on Ballard’s survey of 1757. Overall character: ornamental/semi-natural woodland with some clearings; declining, mature trees and largely unmanaged evergreen shrubs. Current condition This area contains some of the oldest woodland trees, notably some large beech of the later C18/earlyC19. The woodland was extended towards the house in the first half of the C19 as part of the pleasure grounds. Although much overgrown, it still displays C19 ornamental plantings including common lime along one of the C19 paths, as well as holly and yew and numerous sweet chestnut dating form the late C19. On the fringes there are large wellingtonia, probably of mid to late C19 planting and cedar, which derive from the ornamental belt north east of the house shown in 1871.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan 96 Section 4 • Current site condition •

Beech (20 ) and wellingtonia trunk (42)

Sweet chestnut in pleasure ground

Theatre in clearing in woodland

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan 97 Section 4 • Current site condition •

Laurel, rhododendron and patches of bamboo ( Sasa sp.) are suppressing the shrub layer. To the west side, this woodland has now absorbed some ancient trees dating back to at least the C18, notably some very large common lime and some sweet chestnuts, which may be relics of the C17 park planting. Much of the woodland is unmanaged, many mature trees are in decline and the area has an unbalanced age structure. In an area cleared of rhododendron a simple amphitheatre of terraces retained by logs has been used for theatrical performances in recent years. Some time ago an area of woodland east of the south lake was railed off and managed by volunteers as a conservation area of coppice woodland with some success, but management has not been sustained and the flora is still limited. The majority of paths are unsurfaced, some sections are steep, inclined to be muddy and rather overgrown. In the south east corner there is a series of steps and steep tarmac ramps linking housing areas to the Birch Hill shopping centre.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan 98 Section 4 • Current site condition •

The ice house, probably photographed in the 1970s, entrance and interior

The exterior of the ice house in 2005

Detail of ice house entrance arch in 2005

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan 99 Section 4 • Current site condition •

Character Area L: Ice House C18 or C19 The date of the ice house is not clear, and it is not shown on the ordnance survey maps. Ice houses were frequent features of the C18 and C19 estate, where winter ice from the lake would be stored to cool drinks and desserts and later to store food. From the mid C19 most estates would have an ice house. Ice houses were commonly constructed as a domed brick structure built into a hillside, as was this one. Overall character: the ice house is now obscured within an unremarkable, overgrown, green patch within housing which obscures a typical feature of the C19 estate. Current condition It appears that the ice house was filled in and covered over when the housing was built in this area in the 1970s. It now stands in a small courtyard off a pathway, overgrown with sweet chestnuts and laurel and only small section of a brick arch visible.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan 100 Section 4 • Current site condition •

Housing inside former kitchen garden walls

Yew tunnel, probably a former hedged walk, running alongside the west wall of the kitchen garden

Detail from 1972 aerial showing former rectangular pond

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan 101 Section 4 • Current site condition •

4.3.3 Lost features

Several features of the park have been lost, many of them apparently in the later C20 as part of the development of the new town, including:

• The Lodge at the entrance of the carriage drive near South Hill Road

• The productive kitchen garden (although the walls remain)

• Home Farm

• The carriage drives, although one is now marked by a footpath

• Major parts of the park boundary and planting

• Waterfalls on the south lake and earlier lake layout

• Rectangular pond north of house

• Large areas of parkland and planting

• Flower and herbaceous borders and rose arches

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 102 Section 4 • Current site condi

Drawing of nature trail: by student at the Pines Junior School

Enjoying wildlife is frequently stated as an activity in the park

Fishing on north lake: much of the lake’s maintenance is undertaken by the fishing club

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 103 Section 4 • Current site condi

4.4 Social use

Information on the current use of the park has been assembled from user surveys and questionnaires undertaken as part of the Audience Development Plan and access plan. Much useful information has been gathered during the wider consultation process.

Consultation was regarded as a key part of the process for developing the CMP and was designed to provide input from professional officers with responsibilities for the park or for actual or potential park users, local organisations and interest groups, local residents, park users and those who did not use the park. Further details of consultation methodology may be found in Section 1, consultation on proposals is set out in Section 8 and consultation material and results are included in Appendix D.

4.4.1 Key points from Section 5 of the ADP “what we know about existing audiences”

The following information is derived from visitor surveys. Further details are ALSO available in the ADP (section 6.7 Key Conclusions and section 7 Different Audiences and their needs):

• The park attracts an estimated 80,000 visits a year but fewer individuals

• Three-quarters comes from within a mile

• Its users are very representative of the local catchment area

• The park is used for a wide variety of informal recreation activities over the course of a year as well as a venue for some events.

• The presence of the Arts Centre adds a unique dimension. Fishing is also an important activity.

• There are some concerns about anti-social behaviour chiefly caused by groups of teenagers

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 104 Section 4 • Current site condi

Music Festival the ‘Big Day Out’ Summer 2005

Young people relaxing in south park

Funfair and informal games in north park

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 105 Section 4 • Current site condi

Park users may be grouped as follows:

4.4.2 General park users

Surveys and consultation have revealed several different types of user and patterns of use:

• Adults and family groups, who live locally and who use the park regularly, most frequently for walking and enjoying the greenery and wildlife, walking the dog, and taking children to play during the day. At least half the sample surveyed had also used the Arts Centre/ café, and at least a fifth had also picnicked or attended an event. At the time of the survey, user numbers were relatively low, but casual observation on warm summer afternoons suggests that user numbers rise significantly at certain times. The majority make at least some use of the Arts Centre and café.

• Anglers on the north lake account for an estimated 10,000 fishing visits, either as members of Bracknell Herons Angling Club or with day permits, involving a very wide age range.

• There are also regular users who pass through the park on the way to shops, schools or other local services.

4.4.3 Arts Centre users

Arts events attract users from further afield, many of whom do not use the park and are unaware of its status as a public park (see Big Day Out survey Appendix D). It is estimated that the Arts App D Centre attracts c.116,000 users to paid events and activities each year, in addition to free events in the building and park. The greatest use is in the evening.

4.4.4 Young people

The park provides a valuable meeting place for young people. On summer afternoons, groups are seen relaxing with friends and playing games. Students at Brackenhale secondary school value it as a chill out space, to go fishing or go to the fair. Primary school children report frequent use of all parts of the park, Arts Centre, events and festivals, one year six student (age 10/11) concluding that ‘I would always say that Southill is a wonderful day out.’

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 106 Section 4 • Current site condi

Play area in north park and shelter near Birch Hill shops

The playground near the Arts Centre and well equipped and popular with young families

BMX course in north wood and a favourite place to hang out and have a drink

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 107 Section 4 • Current site condi

Consultees reported that in the evening numbers increase and can give rise to anti-social behaviour, which deters other users later in the evening. Equally, young people feel insecure using the park at times. Activities include lighting fires in the woods, motorbiking, eating, drinking, and some drug abuse, which can all cause problems. This issue is discussed further in Section 6: vulnerability.

4.4.5 Facilities to support public use

Since the site became a public park, various facilities have been added to support public use. These include a play area and a trim trail (now partly dismantled) in the north park (Character Area A), play areas south of the Arts Centre (Area G) and near the Birch Hill shops (Area H), new paths and steps connecting the park with surrounding housing, seating, bins and some lighting. There is also the very large 200 space car park serving the Arts Centre and a smaller car park on Ringmead to serve the north park.

Current condition of facilities Of the play areas , the one near the Arts Centre has the newest and best equipment for younger children. It has been recently relocated here. It is in a good location for supervision from the café terrace and lawn, although it does have an impact on the setting of the mansion and has isolated the remnants of the yew walk.

The play area in the north park has older equipment including basic swings and facilities to appeal to older children, a basketball net and football goal. This is a good location for this group, close to the road for casual surveillance, but not too close to houses. Shelters have recently been added to this and the play area near the Birch Hill shops: the latter is also conveniently located adjacent to the school and shops and does not have a major impact on the main part of the park. The trim trail in the north of the park is no longer being maintained and equipment is gradually being removed.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 108 Section 4 • Current site condi

The car park in north park, looking towards Arts Centre

Main Entrance to arts centre from main car park

Main Main car park serving centre, from south

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 109 Section 4 • Current site condi

The main car park covers an extensive area of former parkland with some large parts devoted to grass and rather ineffective planting; this results in inefficient use of space and poor integration into the landscape.

The car park serving the north park is rather awkwardly sited: too close to some significant trees but otherwise unscreened from the park and contained with unsightly trip rails and barriers, giving poor integration into the landscape. (In 2005 BTC was intending to plant a hedge around this car park).

The Arts Centre houses a relatively sophisticated café, bar and toilets, which can only be reached through the building (the ladies is upstairs). There are no dedicated park toilets or refreshments. There is no point of contact with park staff or source of information on the park. Teenagers and children report that they are denied access to Arts Centre facilities unless they are with an adult.

4.4.6 Access

Access is thoroughly assessed in the Access Audit, in Section 4 of the ADP and is also raised in Section 6.5.6 below.

The quality of paths is variable, as noted in the description of character areas above. Major paths are tarmac, but many are gravel or unsurfaced; in woodland areas paths are steep and inclined to be muddy. Access to the park from the southeast is via steep steps and ramps. There is only one, steep grass ramp from the terrace at the rear of the Arts Centre to the main lawn.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 110 Section 4 • Current site condi

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 111 Section 4 • Current site condi

4.5 Management and Maintenance

4.5.1 From 1986/7 Bracknell District Council maintained the soft landscape, with the Arts Centre maintaining the car park and hard landscaping. Over the years the local authorities have taken on most of the maintenance except litter picking around the Arts Centre and lawn.

4.5.2 Ownership and Management Summary

The current land ownership and leasing at South Hill Park is complex. Table 1 summarises the current ownership, leases/ licences and management responsibilities for the park. This table should be read in association with the Land Ownership Drawing SHP/S/02. SHP/S/02

The origin of the current circumstances can be traced back to the development of the new town by the then Bracknell Development Corporation on behalf of the Commission for the New Towns (now English Partnerships). Copies of current leases and licences are included in Appendix G App G

North Park

The bulk of the land in the northern section of the park (north of Ringmead) remains in the ownership of English Partnerships. The majority of this land is leased to Bracknell Town Council, under a 99 year lease, under which the Town Council carry out all maintenance operations (Area 1 ).

The eastern section of the northern park (Area 2 ) is leased to the North Lake Management Company, which retains responsibility for maintenance of this section of the park, together with other public areas within the estate to the east of the park, lying outside the park boundary (Area 2).

Thames Water owns all land up to and within the 25 year flood level (Area 3). This includes the main north lake, the balancing pond and surrounding areas, which fall within the 25 year flood zone. General maintenance of the lake edges (mainly litter and limited vegetation management) is carried out by Bracknell Town Council, under an annual licence, which also allows for use of the lakes. Operational maintenance of the lakes remains the responsibility of Thames Water.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 112 Section 4 • Current site condi

Table1: South Hill Park: Current Ownership, Leases and Management

Location and Ownership Leases Management Comments Character Area North Park English Full repairing 99 yr Bracknell Town Assumes ownership Area 1 Partnerships lease to Bracknell Council (in house boundary extends to 25 yr (EP)* Town Council (BTC) DSO team) flood level on lakes (Thames Water) and is therefore consistent with lease covering Area 3 North Park English North Lakes John Mortimer Agent Area 2 Partnerships Management to NLMC (EP)* Company (NLMC) (Waterers Landscape Contractors)

North Park Thames Water Annual Licence with TW – Operational Bracknell Herons (Angling Area 3 (TW) Bracknell Town Maintenance Club) assist BTC from Council (BTC) for time to time with ‘use of the lake’ BTC – Litter and maintenance eg of fishing vegetation platforms management South Park Bracknell Forest South Hill Park Trust BFBC DSO Team + BFBC maintain areas Area 4: Borough Council Rangers leased to Trust. No (BFBC) ‘formal’ agreement – BTC have assisted in maintenance is seen as some work in part of BFBC support for woodlands the Arts Centre (see plans) SHPT Trust litter pick and sweep around house & east of car park South Park BFBC None BFBC DSO Team + Volunteers (Natural Area 5 Rangers History Society) have Kitchen Garden carried out tasks in the Wall – assume woodland + Lakeside ownership and ‘Nature Area’. maintenance BTC have also carried out liabilities lie with rhododendron control house owners South Park Thames Water None TW – Operational Appears to be no formal Area 6 (TW) Maintenance arrangement for maintenance of grassed Babtie maintain areas – currently carried structures (bridges out by BFBC and railings) No litter or vegetation Fountain – BFBC? management in lake or lake edges Grassed areas - BFBC

South Park Thames Water SHPT BFBC DSO Team Maintenance of car park Area 6A (TW) and formal gardens

South Park BFBC BTC BTC DSO Team Mainly grass cutting to Area 7 mounded areas

Character Area H

All areas EP*/BFBC/TW As above BFBC maintain paths Tarmac paths, and lighting (cleansing lighting and and repairs) structures Babtie maintain structures (bridges and railings)

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 113 Section 4 • Current site condi

South Park

The bulk of the land south of Ringmead is owned by Bracknell Forest Borough Council.

The land was transferred to the then Easthampstead Borough Council (now Bracknell Forest Borough Council) in the late 1980s by the Development Corporation.

Much of the land is leased to South Hill Park Trust (Area 4 ), although the Borough Council is responsible for the maintenance of all areas (with the exception of some minor tasks including litter collection and sweeping of the terrace and car park). The bulk of the remaining areas are owned and maintained by the Borough Council (Area 5 ).

Thames Water owns all land within the 25 year flood zone which includes the lake, and much of the car park (Area 6 ). Operational maintenance of the lakes remains the responsibility of Thames Water. No other maintenance is carried out within the lake itself. The areas of the car park which fall within the Thames Water land ownership are leased to South Hill Park Trust and maintained by the Borough Council with litter picking by the Arts Centre (Area 6a). Drawing SHP/S/02 shows that there are areas which are currently maintained by the Borough Council, but remain within the ownership of Thames Water, but for which there is no formal leasing or licence arrangement.

The grassed areas and mounding which form the western boundary of this section of the park (Area 7) are owned by the Borough Council but maintained by the Town Council under a 99 year lease.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 114 Section 4 • Current site condi

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 115 Section 4 • Current site condition

4.5.3 Land Transfer Negotiations

English Partnerships are currently in negotiation with Bracknell Forest Borough Council regarding the transfer of all remaining land to the Borough Council.

This would rationalise land ownership in South Hill Park as follows:

• All land outside the 25 year flood level would fall within the ownership of Bracknell Forest Borough Council

• All land within the 25 year flood zone would remain in the ownership of Thames Water

It is anticipated that current lease and management responsibilities (as shown on Drawing SHP/S/02 and summarised in Table 1) would transfer with the change in ownership.

It is currently anticipated that land transfer will be completed within the next 12 months (late 2006).

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 116 Section 4 • Current site condi

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 117 Section 5 • Significance

5.00 SIGNIFICANCE

Summary of Significance

The combination of an important designed landscape with a vibrant Arts Centre adds further richness to current and future use, understanding and enjoyment, and engenders an unusual and striking mix of heritage and modern creativity.

5.1 Introduction

This section defines the importance or significance of the site as a whole and of its natural, designed and ‘social’ features. This analysis leads to the development of policies and actions to protect and enhance the significant aspects identified.

5.2 General statement

The site contains major elements which are recognised through their statutory and non-statutory designations as being of national significance. These are the listed buildings and structures associated with the house and the registered garden.

The park owes its richness to the many layers of its development, from its origins as part of Windsor Forest, its early enclosure as a park and designed elements dating from the C17, C18 and C19, parts of which can be traced on the site today.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 118 Section 5 • Significance

North lake from Arts Centre 2005

South Lake 2005

South Lawn2005

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 119 Section 5 • Significance

Some less well recognised elements which add to the heritage merit can be grouped as follows:

• Natural features: geology, topography, water courses and nature conservation.

• Designed features: archaeology, buildings, structures, landscape and setting, deriving from different historical periods, tree collection.

• Social features: associations with past owners and occupiers, public and community use.

5.3 Natural features: Geology, Hydrology, Topography and Nature Conservation

5.3.1 Geology, Topography and Hydrology

The geology and landform of the site and surrounding area are significant for the following contributions to the character of the site:

• Views which connect the garden to the wider landscape.

• The sense of enclosure of both parts of the park.

• The vegetation: for instance beech woods on higher sandy slopes and small areas of acid grassland; conditions for rhododendrons and azaleas.

• The water bodies, formed and adapted many times from Glorimoor Brook and forming a watercourse which flows into Mill Pond on the western edge of Bracknell.

5.3.2 Nature Conservation

The ecology of the site is significant to the past and present character and future management of the park.

The site’s origin was as a relatively open heath, with scattered trees, and was part of the Windsor royal hunting forest. After enclosure, the landscape became increasingly wooded, and now supports a good range of habitats with many ancient trees, secondary woodland, grassland, water bodies and wetland, and areas of ornamental planting. Despite the diversity of habitats, the park is considered to be primarily of interest at a local level.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 120 Section 5 • Significance

Open Water: North Lake Woodland Glade: North Woodland

Wetland: Balancing Pond Mown Grass: West Park

Shrub Edge: South Lawn Ancient Trees: Birch Hill Banks

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 121 Section 5 • Significance

The balancing pond, ancient and ‘veteran’ trees and a small area of acid grassland south-east of the mansion are the habitats of greatest ecological interest.

The park provides potential habitat for a range of protected species. These include:

• likely populations of amphibians especially near the balancing pond

• small numbers of reptiles in rough, open vegetation

• numerous species of common birds

• bat feeding and roosting habitat The park has significant ecological potential. It is likely that recent management techniques or lack of active management have reduced ecological interest but this could be reversed. For instance, mid C20 photographs of the south park show flowering meadow grassland, and photographs of south lake show that it was previously less overgrown and shaded, which would encourage a healthy aquatic habitat. The pleasure grounds have also changed in character to become dense woodland with laurel and rhododendron dominating the shrub layer which suppresses other flora; where rhododendron has been controlled, ground flora such as bluebells has re-emerged.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 122 Section 5 • Significance

Windsor from the Forest, engraved by Greig, from Dugdale, The new British Traveller, 1819

Stag in Swinley, Windsor Forest

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 123 Section 5 • Significance

5.4 Designed features: Archaeology, Landscape and Setting, Structures

5.4.1 Archaeology

There are no known archaeological sites within the park, although there is some evidence of Mesolithic activity (10000 BC to 4001 BC) nearby in South Hill Road. There may, however, be significant archaeological remains associated with the earlier landscape; probable areas of interest would be the former carriage drives and water courses, evidence of past structural planting (eg the avenue shown by Rocque), the ice house and former paths in the pleasure garden.

5.4.2 Landscape and setting

The landscape owes its significance to:

Origins as part of the royal hunting forest of Windsor Forest, much of which was an open, heathy, wood pasture, grazed by the King’s deer. There were enclosed parks and ‘walks’ within the forest, prior to the probable illegal enclosure of parks such as South Hill, in the C17. After enclosure the landscape became more wooded, both as a result of planting and due to natural regeneration following the decline and removal of deer.

Views to the wider landscape, particularly the view from high ground at the north of the park, south to the Crown Estate Swinley Forest, which links the site to its origins as part of Windsor Forest. (In fact this area of forest was originally part of Sandhurst Walk, but takes its modern name from Swinley Walk, which was further north and east.)

Elements from the C17 enclosure of the park, including the boundaries, relict carriage drives, parkland, lakes and possibly the kitchen garden.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 124 Section 5 • Significance

Italian garden, steps and upper garden viewed from house, July 2005

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 125 Section 5 • Significance

Design elements of the C18 park including enlarged serpentine lakes, parkland, woodland belts and parkland trees. Although not associated with a named landscape designer such as Lancelot Brown, the design incorporated many features typical of what became known as the landscape style: parkland extending to the house with ornamental clumps of trees controlling views, serpentine lakes, boundary woodland planting, and kitchen garden remote from the house and screened from view. Therefore the C18 landscape, as recorded in the Ordnance Surveyors’ Drawing of 1792, is significant as an example of an C18 landscape park. A few trees of the C18 remain, including some veteran sweet chestnuts, oaks and possibly some of the cedars.

C19 Pleasure grounds associated with the architect Temple Moore. Temple Moore (1856- 1920) was better known as assistant to Giles Gilbert Scott and was one of the leading church architects of late Victorian and Edwardian England. He was responsible for Brandwood approximately forty Gothic revival churches. However, he also 1998 undertook domestic commissions and his remodelling and extension of South Hill Park was his largest such work of the period and a large commission for ‘this relatively untried architect’. It is also unusual and possibly unique, as the design of the terraces and Italian garden is believed to be his only garden work. Here Moore was following prevailing design taste of the time. Formal Italianate gardens, seen as harmonising with the architecture of the house, were popular from the mid C19 and were undergoing something Elliott of a revival in the late C19 with the publication of Reginald Blomfield Blomfield’s The Formal Garden In England in 1892 and H Inigo 1892 Triggs Formal Gardens in England and Scotland in 1902. Blomfield Triggs 1902 (1856-1942) was responsible for several ‘formal’ gardens around the turn of the century and in the early C20.

Significant exotic trees of the mid to late C19 remain, with magnificent examples of cedars, wellingtonia and an unusual evergreen oak.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 126 Section 5 • Significance

The walls of the former kitchen garden are probably the oldest structures on the site

George Canning (1770-1827) William Gladstone: ‘The grand old man later Prime Minister, lived at South Hill chopping wood’ 1877; he planted a tree Park in the early C19 at South Hill Park in 1893

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 127 Section 5 • Significance

5.4.3 Structures

Surviving structures in the site reflect several phases of the site’s history.

The earliest structures are probably the walls of the walled garden, which existed by the C18 in their current position. As stated above, Ballard 1757 the placing of a walled garden at some distance from the house was a common feature in the C18 park. The date of the ice house (east of the site) is uncertain as it was not shown on the earlier OS maps, Buxbaum but again, ice houses became a common feature of the C18 or 2002 early to mid C19 estate.

The house has its origins in the C17 but its present form dates to the late C19, and is complemented by the hard landscape, all to the designs of the architect Temple Moore. The survival of the house and its immediate setting to one design phase is significant.

There are also some relics of Temple Moore’s other alterations, including the four arched bridge and stone embankment, which marked the termination of the north lake before work in the 1970s.

5.5 Social features: associations with past owners and occupiers, public and community use

The park has been associated with several public figures, many of them prominent politicians, such as the MP George Canning, later Prime Minister. Copious political and other correspondence held in the British Library gives some insight into the influence and interests of the occupants, which may also reveal their tastes in architecture and landscape.

For example, there is correspondence from Brice Fisher (owner of South Hill Park in the mid C18) to the Duke of Newcastle, who developed Claremont, a very important and influential landscape garden in Surrey. There is poetry by George Canning; also correspondence between William Hayter and the celebrated scientist C Babbage and with the libarian of the British Museum. Arthur Divett Hayter wrote frequently to William Gladstone (Prime Minister), who planted a holm oak in the pleasure grounds in 1893. He also corresponded with the classical scholar THS Elliott. All these past connections offer opportunities for interpretation and education materials.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 128 Section 5 • Significance

Pyrotechnic performance in the Italian garden , the Big Day Out July 2005

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 129 Section 5 • Significance

Since the creation of the public park and the Arts Centre, the park has become a focus for local and regional sporting, environmnental and arts events, including major arts and music festivals, such as Bracknell Jazz and other festivals including Ciao children’s festival (2005). A major free event, the Big Day Out (2005) attracted at least 2,500 vistors. While many events are organised by the Arts Centre and focus on the south of the park, other events organised by the Borough and Town Councils are generally based in the north of the park, such as funfairs etc, the marathon and, in previous years, an environment fair.

The events are highly valued by the majority of the local community.

5.6 Conclusion

South Hill Park owes its significance to its situation, its many layers of history and to its past and present use.

While the designs are not ground breaking, they are good examples of several phases of landscape history - the C17 enclosures of Windsor Forest, a characteristic C18 landscape park and C19 formal garden design and remodeled house of the same period. These examples are all the more important in the context of the new town, where any connection with history is at a premium.

The site offers a wide variety of natural and designed landscape features within a compact area and also contains a significant tree collection spanning three centuries.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 130 Section 5 • Significance

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 131 Section 6 • Vulnerability

6.00 SECTION C: VULNERABILITY

Summary of vulnerability

6.1 Introduction

This section describes the issues which affect the significant aspects of the site, as identified and described in the previous section 5. These conclusions are drawn from site surveys, meetings with partner organisations, structured interviews, stakeholder workshops and public consultation as described in the ADP and outlined in Section 4 above. Initial issues were ADP3 identified in table SHP/X/4 in appendix D and were developed App F during consultation as the project progressed.

6.2 General Issues:

6.2.1 Understanding and protecting the Significance of the Site as a whole There is relatively little information about the site available to people working in or visiting the park, and signage and information on site generally relates to the Arts Centre rather than the park. Those who have an interest in the site do not necessarily have an understanding of the site’s importance and its distinctive qualities and features which may require specialist care. This has meant that the provision of new facilitates within the park has not always taken the designed landscape into account.

6.2.2 Ownership and management One of the most crucial issues is the complex arrangement of ownership, leasing and management within the site as described in section 4.3. There are parties involved in at least nine combinations of ownership, leasing and management. There is currently no forum for communication between all parties and no co-ordinated landscape management strategy or plan for the park or yet any system to implement or review the CMP.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 132 Section 6 • Vulnerability

Rubbish in the lakes is a common complaint

Chainlink fence on western boundary with school

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 133 Section 6 • Vulnerability

There are also detailed management issues of importance to users, for instance control of litter and dog mess, lines of communication between the public and park staff and concerns about safety and inappropriate behaviour, discussed in 6.5 below.

6.2.3 Inadequate investment In common with many public parks, there has been inadequate investment in maintenance of some key landscape features in recent years. This contributes to an air of neglect, particularly in the formal gardens around the house and the lakes, although some other areas are relatively well maintained.

6.2.4 Current boundaries The current boundary is a largely arbitrary line and the park flows into surrounding areas through multiple entrances. This means that the park is impossible to secure. Boundary treatment is very variable and often unsightly. The original park boundary is poorly defined (see section 6.5.3 below). There is also an ambiguous boundary between the Arts Centre itself, the boundary of the bar premises and the lawns of the public park, which are leased by the Arts Centre but largely maintained by BFBC.

6.3 Natural features

6.3.1 Nature Conservation Geology, Topography and Hydrology

There is a wide range of habitats but their ecological value is generally limited and local and the potential interest and diversity is not realised. Some areas, such as parts of the woodland and lakes, are largely unmanaged and conservation projects, initiated by volunteers, have not been sustained. Interpretation of wildlife, such as the tree trail, needs updating.

The natural habitat is particularly vulnerable to changes in management and maintenance. Current maintenance practice could be modified to enhance the ecological value of the park.

There is a general need for co-ordinated maintenance and resolution of particular issues, for instance a perceived conflict between fishing and the welfare of swans on the north lake.

There is currently no monitoring of water quality within the lakes and no programme of management to maintain or enhance the health and biodiversity value of the lakes.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 134 Section 6 • Vulnerability

The balancing pond will become increasingly wooded if it is not managed, but it holds some of the greatest current and potential wildlife interest on the site

The kitchen garden walls and ice house may well date to the C18, but have no statutory protection

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 135 Section 6 • Vulnerability

6.4 Designed features: Archaeology, Buildings, Structures, Landscape and Setting

6.4.1 Archaeology

There are no archaeological records for the site, but given the known history of the park there is archaeological potential throughout the site.

The photographs of the ice house in the public display at the Big Day Out ( July 2005) generated considerable interest and this indicated both the lack of information available and the potential interest of history and archaeology to the public. This is particularly valuable in the context of the new town, which many believe to have little history. The ice house has no statutory protection.

Site archaeology is not well understood with little investigation and recording in the past, leading to loss or damage to features. There is the future risk of further damage to buried or field evidence from work on site or uncontrolled activities such as BMX bike courses.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 136 Section 6 • Vulnerability

SHP/S/08 Analysis of existing views NTS

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 137 Section 6 • Vulnerability

6.4.2 Landscape, setting and views

The surviving area of park is largely surrounded by late C20 housing development; much of the park’s setting is lost but the sense of an enclosed green space is largely maintained by screens of woodland. This makes the integrity of the remaining park highly vulnerable to the future loss of trees within the park and also within the adjacent housing areas. The park is also vulnerable to development around and in the site, including the use and treatment of the road (Ringmead), which bisects the park. Traffic on the road and car parking dominate views of, and the approach to, the Arts Centre. Views to the wider landscape, particularly the view from high ground in the north of the park, south to Swinley Forest, are vulnerable to changes in tree cover and intrusive development.

A glimpse of the overgrown view from the old lake embankment to the house

The Arts Centre car park and poplars dominate views from the north park

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 138 Section 6 • Vulnerability

Stage in Italian garden July 2005 and repairing damage to stonework

Much of the listed stonework is in a very poor condition

Many paths are unsurfaced with some areas badly eroded

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 139 Section 6 • Vulnerability

6.4.3 Surviving elements from the C17 and C18 park may be vulnerable to loss or damage, particularly:

• Significant parts of the C17 park boundary remain, the largest section being outside the current park and therefore at risk of inappropriate management.

• The kitchen garden walls, which now form private garden walls and which have no statutory protection.

• Ancient trees, which are declining in number and require a specific programme of management and replacement; many now in settings outside the park.

• Important features such as the enlarged serpentine lakes, parkland, woodland belts and parkland trees derive from the C18 landscape park but changes in management and use have tended to erode the character and relationship of parkland and lakes, trees and the house.

6.4.4 The C19 Pleasure grounds and formal gardens are in poor repair:

• Listed walls and steps of terrace gardens are damaged with missing sections of stonework and metalwork.

• Planting of the Italian and herb gardens has lost quality and detail and been affected by building development of the Arts Centre.

• Wooded pleasure grounds and shrubberies have become largely unmanaged, overgrown woodland dominated by rhododendron and laurel with bramble etc and with poor shrub layer and poor access. Many areas are suffering from erosion.

• Current use: large numbers of people attend outdoor theatre and events, some of which are staged in the terrace gardens and wooded pleasure grounds. This entails temporary or semi permanent adaptations.

• Recent terrace and forecourt paving is inappropriate and uninspiring; the terrace as a whole does not match the quality of the Arts Centre.

• Remnants of redundant structures, such as the arched bridge north of the Arts Centre and the south lake embankment are ignored and uninterpreted.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 140 Section 6 • Vulnerability

Signs relate to the Arts Centre rather The Arts Centre attempts to control than the park the ambiguous boundary between the café terrace and public park

There is a demand for family-friendly park refreshments; a drawing by a student at the Pines Primary school

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 141 Section 6 • Vulnerability

6.5 ‘Social features’ past and present use

6.5.1 Identity - the park has no clear identity: ‘South Hill Park’ ADP5 means the Arts Centre and the two parts of the park function separately.

6.5.2 The history of the park , its origin as part of Windsor Forest, its history as a designed landscape and its associations with past owners and occupiers of national interest are little understood.

6.5.3 Demands and conflicts of current use There is a wide variety of park users and activities but the different uses are not fully integrated.

The park functions as a local, public greenspace but also as the focus of regional events attracting large numbers of people to events in the park. The grounds provide the setting for performances and festivals as well as providing space for quiet enjoyment at other times.

The visitor survey has shown that the most frequent uses are for quiet enjoyment, ie taking a walk, children’s play and dog walking. However, consultation has also shown that another significant group attends events such as the funfair in the north park and arts based events in the south park. The park also provides an important ‘hangout’ for young people.

6.5.4 Facilities The lack of a basic park café serving drinks and ice creams, and lack of park toilets were highlighted in consultation, as was the difficulty in contacting park staff and the lack of information about the park. There were also requests for more seats and a drinking fountain. ADP6.1.2

6.5.5 Sources of information for the public and schools Many commented on a lack of information about the park, its facilities, disabled access, events, history etc and poor signage. Information (maps, old photos etc) supplied to schools during consultation for this CMP was well received and suggests that it would be well worth developing resources for schools.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 142 Section 6 • Vulnerability

SHP/S/09 Analysis of existing access

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 143 Section 6 • Vulnerability

6.5.6 Access Access is discusssed in detail in the access audit in section 4 of the ADP. Further information was given by BFBC’s access officer. ADP4 The lack of information on access is noted in 6.5.5.above. There is no obvious park entrance and the south park is perceived as private and hidden behind the Arts Centre. Bus stops are inconvenient for the Arts Centre and the centre of the park. Car parking is poorly designed and planted and inadequate for some events, resulting in informal parking on verges etc. The Arts Centre places signs in adjacent streets to deter nuisance parking.

Main routes are of tarmac and many are shared cycleways and footpaths. In some aspects circulation is poor and lacks all weather circular routes suitable for those with mobility difficulties, particularly in the north park. There are no surfaced paths in woodland areas and gravel paths are poorly maintained. Access from the terrace to the lawn is by a steep and potentially dangerous grass ramp.

The steep grass ramp from the terrace and the series of steps and ramps in the south east of the park

Informal parking during the Big Day Out

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 144 Section 6 • Vulnerability

Campfires in the woods Stonework dislodged from balustrade

Arts events appeal to a wide age range

Entrance to the Arts Centre from the car park is unwelcoming and does not advertise the presence of the park

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 145 Section 6 • Vulnerability

6.5.7 Lack of provision for young people The park is an important meeting place for young people, although there are few facilities or activities which welcome this group, which is often seen as a problem to be controlled rather than a positive force to be engaged. There is a recognised lack of youth facilities in this part of the Borough, echoed by feedback from secondary school pupils and youth workers. AppE A problem for park users, particularly teenagers, is that the only café and toilets are within the Arts Centre, to which they may be denied access.

The lack of youth facilities was highlighted as one of the causes of antisocial behaviour in the consultation report Young peoples views on community safety (October 2003).

6.5.8 Safety concerns and antisocial behaviour In common with many public parks, consultation revealed a high level of concern about antisocial behaviour. The park is a recognised police ‘hot spot’. Some activities cause annoyance or even threat, others cause real or potential damage to the fabric of the park.

In a twelve month period to the end of March 2005, the police recieved 44 reports relating to South Hill Park, concerning the behaviour of sometimes large groups of youth. Complaints relate to verbal abuse, underage drinking and drugs use, motorbikes in the park and problems at the Arts Centre late in the evening. The Fire Service recorded seven fires in the park.

6.5.9 Appropriate events to serve the community There is a range of views about the appropriate number, type and scale of events and some pressure from neighbours to limit large events. Many support events and would like to see more free community events and more connections between the Arts Centre and the park; others have concerns about noise and disruption.

6.5.10 Perceptions Some people believe that the Arts Centre is elitist and ADP4.3.1 unwelcoming and that the south park is part of the Arts Centre. ADP4.4.6

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 146 Section 6 • Vulnerability

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 147 Section 7 • Policies

7.00 POLICIES

Summary of Policies

General and specific conservation policies should be adopted by partner organisations to safeguard the significant aspects of the site, to deal with issues to which the site is vulnerable and increase understanding and enjoyment of the park. Policies cover management, landscape and setting, structures and planting, archaeology, ecology, access, the relationship between the Arts Centre and the park, and its use for arts, heritage and educational activities.

7.1 Introduction

The following vision statement has been agreed and adopted by partner organisations as part of the project development:

This section sets out policies which flow from the understanding and analysis of the site’s many aspects, respond to the issues identified in section 6 (vulnerability) and which will safeguard the significant aspects of the site, as set out in section 5.

The policies are the end result of the conservation planning process and their adoption will underpin the future care of the park.

Relevant issues from section 6 are summarised in the general section and sections covering natural, designed and social features below.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 148 Section 7 • Policies•

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 149 Section 7 • Policies

7.2 General Issues: Understanding and protecting the significance of the site

It is essential that those involved in the management of the site are aware of its significance, which derives from its long history. Issue : The significance of the site as a whole is not understood by all parties, who may lack necessary specialist skills. Issue: Ownership and management are divided between many parties which have no forum for communication. Issue: Inadequate investment in maintenance of landscape features in recent years. Issue: Lack of a co-ordinated landscape management strategy or plan for the park. Issue: Arbitrary ‘leaky’ boundaries.

General policies:

Policy 1 Adopt Conservation Plan: Plan to be adopted by all partners to ensure that all those making decisions which might affect the site do so with reference to the adopted policies, with the aim of conserving the site’s significance.

Policy 2 Staff development : Identify need for, and provide training in, specialist skills or knowledge, including use of CMP and heritage impact assessment.

Policy 3 Management: Develop a co-ordinated structure of management and maintenance for the whole site based on the CMP led by a park management co-ordinator, reporting to a joint organisation or steering group, to allow partners to work together.

Policy 4 Future management of the site should be based on an understanding of the site’s significance as an historic landscape and seek to conserve the historic fabric (with special attention to ancient trees, replacement planting and management of woodland, grassland and water bodies), while acknowledging modern needs.

Policy 5 Management Plan: Develop a long term plan and implement a 10 year management and maintenance plan for the whole site, to be implemented and reviewed by a joint organisation or steering group comprising all partners, to ensure a longer term, controlled management process.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 150 Section 7 • Policies

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 151 Section 7 • Policies

Policy 6 Assessment: Set up a system of assessment against the conservation plan and review of the plan. Assess any new work against the conservation plan, using a heritage impact assessment.

Policy 7 Recording: Keep accurate records of all works affecting built and landscape features and make records available.

Policy 8 Funding: Secure funding to implement conservation and enhancement of the park.

Policy 9 Materials: Use historically accurate materials and techniques for restoration and repair work, unless there is evidence of past failure of such techniques or designs.

7.3 Natural Features: Geology, Topography, Hydrology and Nature Conservation

Issue: The natural habitat is vulnerable to changes in management and maintenance.

Issue: There is a wide range of habitats but their ecological value is generally local.

Issue: Some areas of the park are largely unmanaged.

Issue: Current maintenance practice could be varied to enhance the ecological value of the park.

Policy 10 Natural Landscape: Have regard to the wider impact of change on the landscape as a whole, both from within and from outside the site.

Policy 11 Nature conservation: Adopt management techniques which will conserve and enhance the range and diversity of habitats, respecting the design intentions of the historic landscape features. Prioritise areas where there is known continuity of habitat and therefore significance: for example, ancient trees, water bodies and pasture. Contribute to targets within the Bracknell Forest Biodiversity Action Plan and those of partner organisations.

Policy 12 Sustainability : Adopt environmentally friendly management practices in accordance with best practice and other Borough wide strategies and plans, notably the Community Plan and the Environmental Partnership or other appropriate organisations.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 152 Section 7 • Policies

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 153 Section 7 • Policies

Policy 13 Green Flag: Seek to attain Green Flag status or Green Heritage Site status.

7.4 Designed Features: Archaeology, Landscape and Setting, Buildings, Structures

7.4.1 Archaeology

Issue: Site archaeology is not well understood and there has been little investigation and recording; archaeology has no specific planning status.

Issue: Ice House is covered over and little known and with no statutory protection; other fragments of past landscape (eg watercourses) are little understood.

Issue: Little information available.

Issue: Field archaeology may be damaged by uncontrolled activities such as BMX bike courses

Policy 14 Archaeology : Develop a programme of investigation and recording and interpretation. Any essential excavation should be monitored, recorded and reported under an archaeological watching brief in accordance with PPG16. Field archaeology should be recorded before any heavy equipment is brought in. Any investigation should be undertaken to a properly considered and properly set out programme, carried out under relevant expertise.

7.4.2 Landscape and setting

Issue: origin as part of Windsor Forest - little interpretation of origins as part of the royal hunting forest of Windsor Forest.

Issue: landscape setting and views - much of the park’s setting is lost and vulnerable to future loss of trees and development.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 154 Section 7 • Policies•

This beech, (F01), is at least 200 years old and is one of the oldest trees on the site; it is covered by a Tree Preservation Order and needs sensitive management

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 155 Section 7 • Policies

• The park is largely surrounded by late C20 housing development. • Approximately two thirds of the former park is developed. • C18 park trees and woodland belts survive within the housing areas. • Remaining areas of woodland provide a valuable screen to modern development. • Ringmead cuts the park in half and car parking dominates views of and approach to the Arts Centre. • The park has no clearly defined boundary and appears to ‘flow’ into the surrounding residential areas.

Issue: Elements from the C17 enclosure of the park, including the boundaries, relict carriage drives, parkland, lakes and kitchen garden. • Boundary of original park enclosure survives in part, partly outside the current park, but lacks protection and interpretation • Ancient trees are fragile and do not have specific management; safety work to be seen in light of the value of the trees themselves. • Kitchen garden walls are in multiple ownership, unprotected, uninterpreted and vulnerable to actions by individual householders.

Policy 15 Promote and enhance the supporting planning policy framework: extend protection of elements of the designed landscape including the ice house, kitchen garden walls and ancient trees. Consider providing Supplementary Planning Guidance relating to the park and areas of the former park and /or designating areas of high archaeological potential . Advice needed from planning department on wording, with reference to the Local Development Framework.

Policy 16 Interpretation: develop and implement an interpretation and education strategy and develop resources and activities for families, school, youth and special interest groups and the general public. Support study, particularly the humanities curriculum. Include site on BBC Hreitage Tree trail.

(See Policy 4 above: future management of the site should be based on an understanding of the site’s significance as an historic landscape)

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 156 Section 7 • Policies

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 157 Section 7 • Policies•

Policy 17 Views and the wider landscape : the future management of the site should respect key views within the park and wider landscape, maintain, protect and replace trees and woodland which derive from the former designed park and which provide the sense of enclosure of the remaining part of the park.

Policy 18 Take steps to mitigate the impact of Ringmead and of car parking .

7.4.3 Designed landscape features

Issue: elements from the C18 park are fragmented and losing their distinctiveness

• The number of parkland trees is severely depleted.

• The lake banks are overgrown, limiting access and views.

• The relationship between lakes, park and house is damaged.

Issue: C19 Pleasure grounds are in poor repair; planting is of limited interest and quality.

• Current use: the grounds need to accommodate outdoor theatre and events, some of which are staged in terrace gardens and wooded pleasure grounds.

• Damage to listed walls and steps of terrace gardens.

• Planting of Italian and herb gardens has lost quality and detail.

• Wooded pleasure grounds and shrubberies have become largely unmanaged.

• The ‘setting’ of many of the specimen trees has been lost

• The terrace and recent external works do not match the quality of the Arts Centre.

Policy 19 Gardens: Develop and adopt a strategy to repair and enhance the pleasure grounds and gardens and to facilitate sensitive use.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 158 Section 7 • Policies

Part of the sculpture trail: there is scope to repair and possibly expand the trail

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 159 Section 7 • Policies

Policy 20 New design : seek opportunities to involve artists and the community in the design of new elements of hard and soft landscaping such as areas adjoining the Arts Centre, to complement and interpret historic features,

Policy 21 Site style . Develop a joint style for signage, posters and other information to present a unified image throughout the park and Arts Centre, with the Arts Centre as a point of reference.

7.5 Social features past and present use

Issue: Associations with past owners and occupiers of national interest are little understood or interpreted.

Issue: Demands and conflicts of current use - t he park functions as a local, public greenspace but also as the focus of regional events attracting large numbers of people.

Issue: Perceptions - some people believe that the Arts Centre is elitist and unwelcoming and that the south park is part of the Arts Centre.

Issue: Information and communication - lack of information and no easy point of contact with park staff.

Issue: Facilities - no dedicated park refreshments or WCs .

Issue: Safety concerns and antisocial behaviour.

Issue: Access and circulation inadequate for some users.

Issue: Inadequate youth facilities and activities or opportunities for youth involvement.

Issue: Appropriate events to serve the community - many support events and would like to see more free community events; others have concern about disruption.

(See also Policies 3 &5 above: Management)

Policy 22 Set up a Friends Group and support community and youth involvement in the development and implementation of plans for the site.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 160 Section 7 • Policies

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 161 Section 7 • Policies•

Policy 23 Safety strategy: adopt management regimes, activities and designs to enhance the safety of all park users.

Policy 24 Events: develop and implement a co-ordinated events programme to appeal to all sections of the community, with an emphasis on the arts and heritage.

Policy 25 Management Base: provide a stronger management base within the park providing a focus for visitor enquiries and park maintenance.

(See also Policies 3 & 5: Management above and Policy 16: Interpretation and education above)

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 162 Section 7 • Policies

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 163 Section 8 • Options analysis

8.0 OPTIONS APPRAISAL AND OUTLINE PROPOSALS

Summary of options and outline proposals

There is considerable enthusiasm for giving South Hill Park the extra attention it deserves. Local people have demonstrated enormous affection for the park, and there is a strong case for building on its many strengths and unique qualities, both as an important piece of local and national history and as the home of an innovative Arts Centre.

There are many ideas for interventions, varying in scale from modest changes to large scale redesign of parts of the site. A phased approach to implementing the masterplan is suggested, tailored to resources. A first phase would include changes to management and a range of smaller interventions to gain public and political support and fire enthusiasm, together with one or two of the larger projects to raise the profile of the park. These should demonstrate commitment both to conserving heritage and to current users of the park by including at least one high profile repair to an important part of the landscape and one new element, which will make a real difference to the way people use and perceive the park.

8.1 Introduction

The options and outline proposals in this section flow from the analysis of issues (section 6) and translate the conservation policies (section 7) into action.

This section sets out the options appraisal process. Paragraphs 8.3 and 8.4 summarise the results of the various stages of consultation which have contributed to the process of developing proposals. Paragraph 8.5 describes phased proposals to conserve and enhance the park.

8.2 Options appraisal

Options were developed from an analysis of the documentary research, site surveys and consultation described in the sections above. An issues and options analysis was prepared after the first phase of consultation, drawing together the main findings, on the themes of management and ownership, security, natural features, designed features and ‘social ‘ features. These issues and options for their resolution were refined during later phases of consultation. App D,E

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 164 Section 8 • Options analysis

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 165 Section 8 • Options analysis

8.3 Consultation results: ideas for improvements

8.3.1 This section reports on information derived from the first stage of consultation, which has informed the development of options. More information is found in the ADP and references to relevant sections are in the right hand margin

Feedback from Visitor surveys Feedback was received from interviews and questionnaires ADP6.1.2 completed for the audience development plan. Suggested ADP6.7 improvements can be summarised as follows (in approximate order of number of comments):

Children’s play • ie Adventure play for teenagers, playground for younger children, more children’s events

Park furniture: • More seats and picnic tables

Site management • eg. Cleaning lake, more litter bins

Designed landscape features • Repairing steps and more flowers

Facilities for public use • Improvements to bar and café eg snack bar, better choice, reduce costs • Tennis courts • Improving toilets

Security • Better security eg park warden, controlling vandalism, better lighting

Access • Improvements to paths eg better surfaces, better access for pushchairs and information on accessibility

Ecology • Improve wildlife conservation

Activities and events • More open air events, music festivals

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 166 Section 8 • Options analysis

Drawing of a tree house by a student at the Pines Junior School

Drawing of a safari park by a student at the Pines Junior School

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 167 Section 8 • Options analysis

Other points raised at workshops and in structured interviews ADP6.3

Access: • A better path around the lake, and circular accessible routes • Better access for disabled anglers to the water • Dedicated bus service to alleviate parking problem • Information on accessibility • An easy access to lawn area from terrace • Disabled toilet provision

Information • An information and interpretive centre • Label species and interesting specimens (eg Gladstone’s Oak) • Provide more information on natural history

Ecology • Create a wildlife reserve in the marsh area north of the north lake and make improvements to platforms in lake with reed planting • Better oxygenation of water feed to north lake • Clear woodland undergrowth and poor trees • Control fishing on north lake or move swans to prevent injury • Planting around the lake to provide a screen and wind break and to stop litter blowing into lake

Designed landscape features • Restore formal gardens • Repair/replace sculptures • Restore ice house • Facelift for car park, made safer and more attractive

Facilities for public use • Facilities made more freely available to community groups

Feedback from teachers on educational use: ADP6.4 • Shelter in case of wet weather • Better toilet provision • Resources with humanities focus

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 168 Section 8 • Options analysis

The ‘concrete monstrosity’ in the upper Italian gardens –a potential stage area

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 169 Section 8 • Options analysis

The Arts Centre staff were asked to brainstorm ideas for ADP6.5 improvements to the park from their perspective. These were summarised as a ten point plan set out below:

Information • Signage, poster sites and notice boards, all designed with input from SHP resident artists consistent with the feel of the Arts Centre – pulling people from the woods into the Arts Centre and vice versa. Also extend to north park to help to tie the two parks together

Designed landscape features • Upper Italian gardens – remove concrete monstrosity and replace with stage area • Restore the sculptures in the grounds and have adequate signage for them. Add one or more piece and devise sculpture trail • Clean the outside of the building

Activities and events • Work with Leisure and in particular the Borough’s Arts Officer to define a strategy to develop the use of the grounds for outdoor work • Work with marketing (BFBC and Arts Centre) to link this with audience development • Tie in visits to the Arts Centre with walks in the grounds and produce materials to support this • Set up “Friends of the Grounds” with a Chair appointed from the volunteers at SHP. It would be a partnership organisation and have its own subscription and fund raising capacity. The group would devise nature trails, walks, school trips, events and help to maintain the various routes

Security • Erect a permanent perimeter fence to help control the use of the grounds and prevent constant vandalism

Facilities for public use • Additional toilets adjoining the side of the Arts Centre which can be accessed without crossing the Atrium

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 170 Section 8 • Options analysis

Graffiti wall: a suggestion from Brackenhale School

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 171 Section 8 • Options analysis

Ideas from Brackenhale Secondary School from PSHE classes ADP6.3.5

Activities and events • weekend club or bar for under 18s

Facilities for public use • somewhere to buy cold drinks - family bar/tuck shop • toilets - easy access • water fountain

Play/recreation equipment • quad biking/go karting • pedalos on lake • swimming pool • fenced basketball court • ice rink • graffiti wall • bouncy castle • pool tables • trampoline • glass dome • wacky warehouse

Park furniture • more seating - in sun

Management • dog walking area - on lead

Ideas to involve young people • Teenage advisory groups in each Bracknell Secondary School • Involve in designs • Involve all age ranges • Young people involved in management • Publicity and invite volunteers at schools/via local papers • Competition • Involve Meridian TV

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 172 Section 8 • Options analysis

Drawing of a maze by a student at the Pines Junior School

Drawing of how the ‘maze’ (Italian garden parterre) would be improved by increasing the height of the hedges by a student at the Pines Junior School

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 173 Section 8 • Options analysis

Ideas from the Pines and Fox Hill Primary Schools ADP6.4.1

Children from two local primary schools completed projects on the park during the consultation for this project. The schools were given maps and old photographs of the park by the consultant team and children wrote down and drew their ideas for the park. Although the children clearly enjoyed making good use of the park and the Arts Centre and attended events, many children commented on litter, dog mess and the dirty state of the lake, as well as the difficulty in accessing the toilets and café and lack of a drinking water fountain or suitable refreshments such as ice creams. There were also several suggestions for an adventure playground, play areas for the very young, nature trail, water play, tree houses, a larger maze (many think of the Italian garden parterre as a maze), seats, barbeque area and flowers, as well as tennis/football/golf areas and more ambitious play facilities.

One particularly striking point is that the majority of children attend and enjoy arts events, giving visits to South Hill a special appeal: ‘Overall I think South Hill is fantastic’; ‘The park is very futuristic and cool’ (Year 6 student).

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 174 Section 8 • Options analysis

Part of the exhibition at the Big Day Out

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 175 Section 8 • Options analysis

8.3.2 Consultation on possible improvements

This part is drawn from the second stage of consultation, in which options were presented to the public.

From the ideas outlined above, some clear themes emerged and ADP6.6 these are detailed below. In order to begin to define priorities, a public consultation exercise was undertaken by means of an exhibition and questionnaire at a free festival (the Big Day Out) at South Hill Park, later displayed at Bracknell Library and on the BBFC website. Improvements were grouped into two broad categories:

• Changes in management, information, access, activities etc, which could be achieved with relatively small investment

• A series of more major works for which priorities were sought

The results from the Big Day Out are summarised below: App D

The park’s name

17 people (27%) favoured retaining the existing name and the next most popular choice was South Hill Gardens with 12 votes. A majority of people was in favour of changing the name but there was no consensus.

The vision

58% supported the vision for the park

Small scale improvements in order of priority

• Events

• Involving people

• Encouraging wildlife

• Better security & management

• Better planting

• Better access and facilities

• More information

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 176 Section 8 • Options analysis

Consultation exhibition at the Big Day Out

Improving the condition of the lakes is a high priority

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 177 Section 8 • Options analysis

However at least 75% of respondents rated all improvements as either high or medium priority, with this rising to 95% for the top 3 priorities, so this can be taken as broad support for all these types of intervention. The result is no doubt influenced by the fact that people were attending an event and 13% of respondents were under 24.

Possible large scale projects in order of priority

• Repair paths, entrances and lighting

• Repairs to terraces, walls etc/restore lake (equal priority)

• Redesign entrance & car park

• Design new garden areas

• Investigate/repair ice house

• Reduce impact of Ringmead

• New park entrance

8.3.3 Developing outline proposals

The results of this consultation, together with an understanding of issues affecting the site derived from the surveys and research, have led to a range of proposals, outlined below.

8.4 The Future: A Phased Masterplan

There is considerable enthusiasm for giving South Hill Park the extra attention it deserves. Local people have demonstrated enormous affection for the park, and there is a strong case for building on its many strengths and unique qualities, both as an important piece of local and national history and as the home of an innovative Arts Centre. SHP/P/01

The consultant team and the public have many ideas for interventions, varying in scale from modest changes to large scale redesign of parts of the site. A scheme which includes all the proposals may well be difficult to achieve in the short term. Nevertheless, some of the smaller actions, particularly those which involve the community, would make a positive impact on people’s quality of experience of the park and increase inclusiveness.

Proposed initiatives are also discussed in Section 9 of the ADP. ADP9

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 178 Section 8 • Options analysis

SHP/P/01: A larger version of the masterplan is in Appendix B

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 179 Section 8 • Options analysis

A phased approach is suggested, therefore, with a first phase including a range of smaller interventions to gain public and political support and fire enthusiasm, together with one or two of the larger projects to raise the profile of the park. It is suggested that these projects should show commitment both to heritage and to current use of the park by including at least one element of repair to an important part of the landscape and one new element, which will make a real difference to the way people use and perceive the park. These ideas are discussed in more detail below. A first phase of work should also include preparatory work to pave the way for later projects, as funding allows.

Suggested first phase projects to include:

A Essential changes to future site management

The definition of a clear management structure with clearly defined ADP9.3.2 management and maintenance responsibilities is considered the highest priority project for implementation of the CMP.

The CMP has been built on a partnership between the current landowners and lessees. Impending land ownership changes, principally the transfer of land from English Partnerships to Bracknell Forest Borough Council will rationalise land ownership to two owners (BFBC and Thames Water).

Options to be considered in defining the future management structure for the park are summarised below:

• Retain current management/maintenance responsibilities on transfer of land ownership from EP to BFBC

• South Hill Park Trust takes on an expanded role as managers for the whole Park

• Separate trust set up to co-ordinate management and maintenance of the Park

• Establish a Steering Group to co-ordinate management and maintenance of the Park

• BFBC and/or BTC take on expanded role to lead park management and maintenance – could be based around clear definition of responsibilities between the north and south sections of the Park or maintenance operations eg BTC responsible for all grass cutting.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 180 Section 8 • Options analysis

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 181 Section 8 • Options analysis

The partners’ preferred option is a Steering Group, initially chaired by BBFC, which will seek to establish a park co-ordinator.

Other essential work will include compliance with legal responsibilities, for instance the Disability Discrimination Act.

B Desirable smaller scale projects:

Better security & management (see also section A above )

• Identify someone to act as a known point of contact for the park, possibly locating a ranger on site/in the Arts Centre, at well publicised times, to act as a first point ADP9.3.3 of contact for matters relating to the park and to provide information. A site-based ranger would provide a sense of security and monitoring, would be well placed to spot trouble and support the Arts Centre management, police and anti-social behaviour team.

• Provide a permanent display and information board about the park in or near the Arts Centre.

• Work with partners, police and PCSOs on a safety strategy including setting up lines of communication; improve lighting at key points including the car park.

• Define responsibility for clearing litter and rubbish in lakes and ADP9.3.1 elsewhere.

• Management of the woodlands and main paths to reduce security concerns.

• Identify training needs and set up training programme for staff and volunteers (for instance horticultural/arboricultural skills, working with volunteers/conservation skills for volunteers, Green Flag, understanding an using the CMP, presentation skills etc)

More information

• Prepare and distribute information about access to the park ADP9.4.2 and its special features.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 182 Section 8 • Options analysis

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 183 Section 8 • Options analysis

• Develop a stronger, more coherent identity for the park to raise its profile. ADP9.4.1

• Prepare nature, history and tree trails. ADP9.4.4

• Devise a programme of guided walks by rangers and volunteers with knowledge of the park’s history and wildlife.

• Develop a co-ordinated signage strategy (possibly with artist ADP9.4.3 involvement), making a clear entrance to the park with orientation panels at key locations.

Involving people

• Establish a Friends Organisation with representation on joint ADP9.3.2 (steering) group

• Set up a youth panel from local schools or a group from the ADP9.2.1 youth forum with representation on the joint (steering) group

• Invite group involvement in design and planning of projects.

• Design workshops with artists and young people (and other groups in the local community) for improvements to terrace and setting of Arts Centre, signage and entrances.

• Site based ranger or equivalent to invite new volunteers especially young people and support and co-ordinate the work of volunteers. Develop the educational potential of the site through work with the ‘Friends’, schools and groups, youth projects, leading guided walks, developing conservation projects

• Investigate the possibility of an education worker shared with the Arts Centre to set up organised curriculum based activities and projects between artists and schools to engage and benefit young people (eg via a Young Roots’ HLF grant).

• Develop a schools’ programme; expand the existing ‘Heritage ADP9.4.5 Online’ website to include information and resources for schools - with emphasis on humanities (history and geography).

• Provide resources via an expansion of the existing museums box scheme.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 184 Section 8 • Options analysis

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 185 Section 8 • Options analysis

Better access and facilities ADP9.1

• More seats at viewpoints, resting points and picnic areas (with ADP4.4 bins) suitable for wheelchair users etc; artist involvement in ADP9.2.6 design.

• Begin programme of path improvement and develop a hierarchy ADP9.1.1 of paths, with circuits and paths suitable for disabled access and buggies. Resurface footpath around south lake. Circular routes could also include a path around the marsh area and along north lake and back to Ringmead and routes through the woods and back to the Arts Centre. Clear overhanging vegetation.

• Improve ramp access from terrace (each end). ADP9.1.2

• Seek to make a pedestrian crossing point to link routes across Ringmead.

• Make some fishing platforms accessible to disabled visitors. ADP9.1.2

• Allocate two spaces for disabled users in car park to the north of Ringmead. ADP9.1.3

• Negotiate with bus companies for better bus service direct to the Arts Centre and provide access information at bus station. ADP9.1.2

• Begin programme of improving play areas, starting with teenage ADP9.2.1 facilities and adventure play, possibly improving the existing area in the north park, with involvement of young people. Involve youth ADP9.2.3 bus.

• Improvements to bar and café eg snack bar or other facility to ADP9.2.5 serve park users, with better choice and lower costs; plan for seasonal (mobile) kiosk to serve park visitors with ice creams and snacks.

• Feasibility study on improving toilet provision accessible from ADP9.2.4 outside Arts Centre

• Feasibility study on car park landscape and safety improvements to develop at next stage.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 186 Section 8 • Options analysis

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 187 Section 8 • Options analysis

Encouraging wildlife

• Implement a programme of woodland, lake and grassland ADP9.2.7 management to increase biodiversity and enhance habitats

• Grassland: trial relaxation of mowing regimes to all woodland edges and slopes on the north eastern section of the park reflecting the former heathland character, possibly scarifying and overseeding areas with a locally sourced heath/acid grassland seed mix

• Woodland: develop a co-ordinated woodland management strategy for the whole park, including controlling rhododendron and bamboo, selective felling to create more open character with glades, developing coppice and enhancing historic tree population.

• Water bodies: Water quality and silt sampling in order to establish basis for future ecological management. Dredging of central lake areas. Develop reed bed (balancing pond) as conservation area with some access eg short boardwalk. Control willow/alder scrub growth and cyclical (biennial) cutting of reed mace . Seek to increase aquatic and marginal vegetation cover within the lakes. Resolve conflict between swans and fishing.

Improving designed landscape features ADP9.2.9

• Implement a programme of tree care and replanting; create and maintain tree database.

• Improve planting in terrace gardens.

• Improve views with planting and clearance.

• Repair and maintain sculpture trail and add at least one new sculpture; consider ideas from Youth Forum.

• Carry out survey of terraces, steps and balustrades and devise programme of repairs for later phase.

• Plan for improvements to terrace and setting of Arts Centre, signage and entrances with community/artist involvement (see above).

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 188 Section 8 • Options analysis

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 189 Section 8 • Options analysis

• Plan for and as far as possible implement changes to ADP9.1.4 Ringmead: surfacing and traffic calming to reduce impact of traffic, introducing ‘gateway’ at the entrance to the park and providing a safe crossing point to link footpaths on the north and south of the park.

• Launch competition and/ or community workshops to design a series of new garden areas, perhaps along the former Glorimor brook (Glorimor Gardens?), taking in the waterfalls at the head of south lake, the old stone embankment at the north of south lake, the arched bridge north of the house, the reed bed/balancing pond.

Events

• Build on the unique strengths of South Hill Park in its history and the presence of the Arts Centre. ADP9.3.4

• Establish a regular programme of arts and heritage projects and events in the park, bringing the Arts Centre into the park and vice versa.

• Improve infrastructure for outdoor performances. ADP9.2.8

• More open air events, music and theatre in the grounds - including youth projects. ADP9.3.5

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 190 Section 8 • Options analysis

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 191 Section 8 • Options analysis

C Larger projects for a first phase

Depending on costs and funding, one or two larger projects could be included in a first phase of work, ideally to make a first, visible step towards repairing a part of the historic garden feature as well as improving the experience of current users.

High priorities would be:

• A first phase of work to the terrace gardens eg repair fountain or pond and new planting, or repair main section of terrace balustrade and paving.

• Improvements to lakes, eg de-silt south lake, open up banks, improve acquatic and marginal planting. It will be necessary to carry out further feasibility work on silt quantity and analysis before finalising options.

and

• Improve information, refreshment and access to toilet facilities. This could be through a simple information point which could also act as a ranger base and possibly park snack kiosk, as well as making a gateway to the park.

In addition, it would be desirable to develop ideas and undertake preparatory work for some of the other larger projects, for implementation in later phases, wherever possible involving artists, youth and other community groups.

Larger projects for further phases:

• Repair and redesign terrace and immediate Arts Centre surroundings

• New gardens (as outlined above).

• Comprehensive repair and rejuvenation of terraced gardens

• Redesign of (possibly extended) car parking and approach to the Arts Centre. ADP9.1.3

• Further extend infrastructure for outside performances.

• Repair and interpretation of the ice house.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan page 192 Section 8 • Options analysis

Footpath Edge Treatment: Dense vegetation cover to the footpath adjacent to The shrubbery (Left) compares with the more open character of paths through the North Woodland (Right). The more open character of the North Woodland Path provides a greater sense of security for path users.

Area of unmown grassland in the East Park supports a range of fine grasses, with characteristics of acid grassland

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Page 193 Section 9 • 10 Year MMP

9.0 Management and Maintenance Recommendations

9.1 Character Area A: North Woodland

Issues

• Woodland has a very open structure with limited understorey species

• Rhododendron largely under control as a result of regular cutting back and treatment of stumps

• Fair degree of natural regeneration of canopy tree species in clearings and on woodland edges

• Less of a focus for anti-social behaviour than the Birch Hill Woodland, due mainly to the open character of the wood.

• Bike scrambling widespread, especially in the eastern areas on the steeper slopes.

• Former location for more extensive adventure play area (dismantled for health and safety reasons).

• Existing play area is in reasonable condition

Objectives

To retain the generally open character of the woodland, control rhododendron and promote natural regeneration of both canopy and understorey species as part of an integrated woodland strategy for the whole park, and reinforce the historic planting appropriate to different areas - eg limes in park boundary planting

Management Prescription

Woodland Strategy Prepare overall South Hill Park Woodland Strategy within (Spring 2006)

Regeneration Monitor and protect natural regeneration (as required) to promote new canopy and understorey growth throughout the woodland. Consider transplanting seedlings within the wood, and to Birch Hill Woods, to promote new growth throughout the park woodlands

Rhododendron Control Continue annual programme of cyclical rhododendron control

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Page 194 Section 9 • 10 Year MMP

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Page 195 Section 9 • 10 Year MMP

Paths Maintain the open woodland character along the principal tarmac paths through the wood (understorey to be cut back twice per annum up to 3 m back from the path and street lights to be maintained clear of overhanging branches).

Tree Management Selective fell undesirable species such as sycamore and poor or damaged specimens of other species, in order to create clearings within the woodland, which will promote natural regeneration. Suggest felling of two to three specimens every 10 years. Note: if storm damage creates natural clearings then reduce felling.

Understorey Promote more understorey growth from natural regeneration (see above), in particular in the eastern sections of the woodland, and the establishment of more of a woodland scrub edge, in particular on the borders with the meadow grassland in Character Area B.

Timber management Leave standing and fallen dead timber wherever possible (tree officer to review health and safety issues), and create dead wood piles of branches; other arisings to chipped and re- cycled on site in path surfacing, mulch, etc

Safety and Security Maintain good visibility through the woodland

9.2 Character Area B: East Park

Issues

• Eastern sections of the character area are maintained by the North Lakes Management Company and the western areas by Bracknell Town Council

• Land was historically pasture and heathland

• Magnificent cedar dominates the hillside at the northern end of the character area. Numbers of mature tees depleted. Need to plan for replacement trees

• Longer views down the North Lake towards the house are largely obscured by trees

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Page 196 Section 9 • 10 Year MMP

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Page 197 Section 9 • 10 Year MMP

• New shrub planting fronting properties on the eastern boundary of the park is more formal and ornamental in character

• Clumps of trees break up the eastern edge of the North Lake

• All grass close mown

Objectives

To re-establish the less formal parkland/heathland character over much of the area, reinforce parkland planting using historic species (cedar, oaks), reopen views across the lake, screen intrusive views, manage and maintain mature and veteran trees, whilst accommodating the desire for more formal treatment and security issues around the properties on the eastern park boundary.

Management Prescriptions

Amenity Grass Areas: Maintained to height of 25-75 mm (arisings let fly) Repairs to worn areas, edging of shrub beds and other remedial works as required Locations: Lawns fronting the ornamental shrub beds on the eastern boundary

Meadow Grass Areas: Cut to height of 60-80 mm in August, September and October (cuttings raked off and removed). Monitor Locations: Northern slopes around the cedars and 2 to 3 m wide swathe cuts around the woodland clumps to the east of the lake.

Mature Trees: Five year Condition Survey and annual Safety Inspections by Arboricultural Officer. Need for sensitive approach to management and maintenance of veteran/significant trees. Weekly inspections by Rangers.

Specimen Trees : Check/adjust/remove tree staking and guying as required. Annual inspections by Arboricultural Officer for signs of die back or disease. Formative pruning as advised by Arboricultural Officer

Shrub Planting: Annual pruning to regimes to retain the character and separation between groundcover and shrub planting. Weed control to maintain beds 95% weed free and mulch replacement as required

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Page 198 Section 9 • 10 Year MMP

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Page 199 Section 9 • 10 Year MMP

9.3 Character Area C: West Park

Issues

• Location for major events such as the funfair

• Popular recreational area for informal recreation, picnicking, etc

• Ringmead and other roads impact on the tranquillity of this area of the park

• Existing car park is not integrated within the park landscape

• Major losses of mature trees - character now recreation ground rather than parkland

Objectives

To retain the open, informal character of the west park for recreation and events but reinforce its original parkland character by tree planting and control of views

Management Prescriptions

Amenity Grass Areas: Maintained to height of 25-75 mm (arisings let fly) Repairs to worn areas, edging of shrub beds and other remedial works as required Locations: Main grassed areas.

Meadow Grass Areas: Cut to height of 60-80 mm in August, September and October (cuttings raked off and removed) Locations: 2 to 5 m strips around the balancing pond (Character Area C) and woodland clumps bordering the North Lake (Character Area D)

Specimen Trees: Check/adjust/remove tree staking and guying as required Annual inspections by Arboricultural Officer for signs of die back or disease Formative pruning as advised by Arboricultural Officer

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Page 200 Section 9 • 10 Year MMP

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Page 201 Section 9 • 10 Year MMP

New hedge planting Establishment maintenance – replacement of losses, weed control, watering and formative pruning as required. Maintain at height of 1.5 m (biennial cuts to promote flowering and fruiting) Location: Possible new native species hedge around car park

9.4 Character Area D: North Lake

Issues

• Dual maintenance responsibilities with Thames Water responsible for operational works and Bracknell Town Council for litter and vegetation management

• Need to balance recreational (fishing) and ecological and amenity management of the lakes

• Need to reduce harmful litter (plastic bags, discarded fishing tackle, etc) to prevent injury to wildlife

• Water quality and silt sampling required in order to fully assess future management priorities

• Limited marginal and aquatic vegetation

• Trees on banks to north and east obscure important landscape views

• Ancient oak on west bank need sensitive management.

Objectives

To maintain and enhance the landscape, recreational and biodiversity value of the lake and lake edges and its setting within the landscape, enhance safe access for able and less able bodied

Management Prescriptions

Water Quality Water quality and silt sampling to assess quality and depths of silt and water. Develop strategy for silt and water quality management on basis for sampling results

Marginals: Annual inspections in late summer to determine whether additional measures required to control invasive species or re-define planting edges to

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Page 202 Section 9 • 10 Year MMP

the waterbodies.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Page 203 Section 9 • 10 Year MMP

Planting of selected areas with new marginal and aquatic planting.

Use of geese proof fencing to protect planting

Beaches: Establish shallow shingle beaches in selected areas to provide variation in lake edges and habitat

Amenity Grass Areas: Maintained to height of 25-75 mm (arisings let fly) Repairs to worn areas, edging of shrub beds and other remedial works as required Locations: Main grassed areas.

Meadow Grass Areas: Cut to height of 60-80 mm in August, September and October (cuttings raked off and removed) Locations: 2 to 5 m strips around the woodland clumps bordering the North Lake

Mature/young Trees: Selected removal of self sown trees to open up lake edges and maintain views through to the house Five year Condition Survey and annual Safety Inspections by Arboricultural Officer. Need for sensitive approach to management and maintenance of veteran/significant trees. Weekly inspections by Rangers..

Fishing Platforms Maintenance of platforms by Herons Angling Club.

9.5 Character Area E: Balancing Pond

Issues

• Combination of marsh, swamp and scrub provides some of the most valuable wildlife habitat in the park

• Pond is scrubbing up, impacting on ecological value and obscuring views

• Little access to pond edges

• Lack of detailed survey information, in particular in relation to animal and invertebrate populations

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Page 204 Section 9 • 10 Year MMP

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Page 205 Section 9 • 10 Year MMP

Objectives

To manage the Balancing Pond in order to maintain and enhance biodiversity value, whilst continuing to function as part of the flood alleviation scheme

Management Prescriptions

Survey: Detailed ecological survey to include wetland animals, invertebrates and bird populations to be carried out in spring/summer 2006 Management prescriptions will be influenced by the detailed findings of this survey but likely to address the following:

Swamp/Reeds: Cyclical cutting back, principally of reedmace to provide combination of open water and swamp vegetation

Scrub control: Cyclical removal of scrub (principally grey willow) from swamp areas. If left unchecked scrub will progressively invade and is likely to lead to the gradual drying up of the pond.

Marsh/Meadow edges: Occasional scrub removal and measures to control invasive species

Woodland/scrub edges Cyclical coppicing of grey willow (3 to 5 year cycle) and removal of selected areas to open views and provide access to bankside.

Grassland edges Cut to height of 60-80 mm in August, September and October (cuttings raked off and removed)

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Page 206 Section 9 • 10 Year MMP

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Page 207 Section 9 • 10 Year MMP

9.6 Character Area F: Arts Centre

Issues

• Character area includes the car parks, play area, terraces and formal gardens around the Arts Centre

• Area of fairly intense recreational use. The gardens are also used for outdoor arts performances

• Variable quality of hedges and bedding in formal garden areas

• The character area forms the principal focus for the park and the main point of access for park and Arts Centre visitors

• Line of Lombardy poplars in front of the main house block some of the key historic views of the house from the parkland to the north

• The car park is open, unwelcoming and does not contribute to the visitor experience. There is no clear access route from the car park to the Park. Need to maintain visual separation between the car park and the Park.

• Ringmead forms the northern boundary of the Character Area and, effectively splits the Park in two

Management Objectives

To rejuvenate the character and quality of the formal gardens around the Arts Centre, to re-inforce the link between the north and south sections of the park and re-define the entrances to the park from the car park.

Management Prescriptions

Parterre Bedding 2 no. bedding rotations per annum to specification At each rotation previous display to be removed, and soil cultivated and improved

Possible inclusion of permanent shrub & herbaceous planting within parterre bedding

Rose Beds Annual pruning and in Jan/Feb and dead heading during summer months Manure application in winter months and mulching in spring Hand weeding to maintain beds 95% weed free

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Page 208 Section 9 • 10 Year MMP

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Page 209 Section 9 • 10 Year MMP

Parterre Hedging: Allow for replacement of up to 50% of parterre hedging plants Cut twice per annum in June and September. Weeding to hedge base and removal of climbers (bindweed, etc). Feed following pruning

Yew Hedging: Cut twice per annum in June and September Some areas very poor and need careful pruning to encourage rejuvenation Review need to replace poorest specimens Feed following pruning

Clipped Yews Clipped in June and September to shape

Formal Grass Areas: Maintained to height of 20-40 mm (arisings boxed off) Repairs to worn areas, edging of shrub beds and other remedial works as required Locations: Terrace

Amenity Grass Areas: Maintained to height of 25-75 mm (arisings let fly) Repairs to worn areas, edging of shrub beds and other remedial works as required Locations: Car Park

Mature shrubs: Selective hard pruning of mature shrubs beds on the mound between the car park and park in order to retain visual separation but promote strong re-growth (prune up to 20% shrubs at one time) Remove bramble and climbers from ornamental shrubs bordering the south lawn Annual pruning to regimes to retain the character of the planting and separation between shrubs. Control excess weed growth

Car park Planting: Additional planting of more appropriate and robust species including trees Annual pruning to regimes to retain the character and separation between groundcover and shrub planting. Weed control to maintain beds 95% weed free and mulch replacement as required

Lombardy poplars Remove Lombardy poplars to open up views of the house

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Page 210 Section 9 • 10 Year MMP

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Page 211 Section 9 • 10 Year MMP

Gravel paths Maintained free of weeds and raked on a monthly basis Gravel topped up once per annum in spring

9.7 Character Area G: South Lawns

Issues

• Popular location for informal recreation and events (Big Day Out, etc)

• The lawns provide some of the best views of the house

• Harsh boundary between the lawns and the less formal areas, in particular Birch Hill Woodland

• Area of acid grassland on embankments to the south east of the house

• Erosion of grass near steps and seats

Management Objectives

To retain the South lawns as an area for informal recreation and events, but provide for a less marked transition with the surrounding woodland

Management Prescriptions

Amenity Grass Areas: Maintained to height of 25-75 mm (arisings let fly) Repairs to worn areas, edging of shrub beds and other remedial works as required (may need to relay/reinforce some areas) Locations: Main lawns

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Page 212 Section 9 • 10 Year MMP

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Page 213 Section 9 • 10 Year MMP

Meadow Grass Areas Cut to height of 60-80 mm in August, September and October (cuttings raked off and removed) Locations: 2 to 3 m strips around the Birch Hill Woodland edges and the shrub embankments

9.8 Character Area H: Birch Hill Banks

Issues

• The grass mounding and trees form an important ‘buffer’ between the main area of the park and housing to the west

• There are a number of magnificent parkland trees (cedars and evergreen oak)

• The area is crossed by many lit paths and provides an important access point.

• The proximity of Birch Hill Junior and Infants School and the play areas mean that the area is used by many younger children and youths coming from shops

Management Objectives

To preserve the historic trees, retain the banks as a buffer zone between the park and housing areas.

Management Prescriptions

Amenity Grass Areas: Maintained to height of 25-75 mm (arisings let fly) Repairs to worn areas, edging of shrub beds and other remedial works as required Review potential to plug plant some sections of the mounding with wildflower plugs. If feasible maintain these areas as meadow grassland – regimes appropriate to species planted.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Page 214 Section 9 • 10 Year MMP

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Page 215 Section 9 • 10 Year MMP

9.9 Character Area I: South Lake

Issues

• Thames Water responsible for operational works. Currently little or no litter and vegetation management

• Need to reduce harmful litter to prevent injury to wildlife

• Water quality and silt sampling required in order to fully assess future management priorities

• Limited marginal and aquatic vegetation

• Water inlet at the southern end is unattractive and attracts litter and vandalism

• Views from the bridge towards the house are partially blocked by trees, banks at southern end very overgrown

• No access to banks on west side, steep slope to lake on east side

• Erosion of banks and islands

• Fountain does not function

Objectives

To maintain and enhance the landscape, recreational and biodiversity value of the lake and lake edges and restore its relationship to the landscape as a whole

Management Prescriptions

Water Quality Water quality and silt sampling to assess quality and depths of silt and water. Develop strategy for silt and water quality management on basis for sampling results

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Page 216 Section 9 • 10 Year MMP

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Page 217 Section 9 • 10 Year MMP

Marginals: Annual inspections in late summer to determine whether additional measures required to control invasive species or re-define planting edges to the waterbodies

Planting of selected areas with new marginal and aquatic planting.

Use of geese proof fencing to protect planting

Beaches Establish shallow shingle beaches in selected areas to provide variation in shoreline habitat

Banks generally Re-profile banks to provide shallower gradient?

Repair/ maintain eroded banks

Amenity Grass Areas: Maintained to height of 25-75 mm (arisings let fly) Repairs to worn areas, edging of shrub beds and other remedial works as required Locations: Main grassed areas and path edges.

Meadow Grass Areas Cut to height of 60-80 mm in August, September and October (cuttings raked off and removed) Locations: 2 to 3 m strip bordering Birch Hill Woodland

Mature Trees: Removal of scrub trees to open up the shoreline on the eastern and southern lake edges and selective removal of trees/branches on the western edges, in order to open up and maintain views through to the house

Five year Condition Survey and annual Safety Inspections by Arboricultural Officer. Need for sensitive approach to management and maintenance of veteran/significant trees. Weekly inspections by Rangers.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Page 218 Section 9 • 10 Year MMP

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Page 219 Section 9 • 10 Year MMP

9.10 Character Area J: Shrubbery

Issues

• Southern section bordering the South Lake is now mature woodland. This areas was designated as a ‘nature reserve’ for nesting wildfowl and other birds

• Lack of management has resulted in poor woodland structure with dense rhododendron, bamboo and bramble understorey restricting natural regeneration

• Wide range of tree species including some former parkland trees (copper beech, cedars)

• Network of informal paths within the woodland and potential focus for anti-social behaviour due to dense undergrowth

• Footpath following the western boundary is dark, with dense undergrowth bordering the path. Lighting is obscured in places

Management Objectives

To rejuvenate the woodland shrubbery character of the area retaining the important parkland trees, promoting natural woodland regeneration and renovation of some of the boundary shrubberies as mixed shrubbery with flowering shrubs to provide interest. To minimise the attractiveness of the area for anti-social behaviour and reopen paths, views and safe access to banks

Management Prescriptions

Woodland Strategy Prepare overall South Hill Park Woodland Strategy within (Spring 2006)

Mature shrubs: Remove bramble and climbers from ornamental shrubs bordering the south lawn Annual pruning to regimes to retain the character of the planting and separation between shrubs.

Rhododendron Control: Establish programme of cyclical rhododendron and bamboo control as part of the overall woodland strategy

Paths Maintain open belts bordering the tarmac paths (understorey to be cut back twice per annum up to 3 m back from the path and street lights to be maintained clear of overhanging branches).

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Page 220 Section 9 • 10 Year MMP

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Page 221 Section 9 • 10 Year MMP

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Page 222 Section 9 • 10 Year MMP

Regeneration Monitor and protect natural regeneration (as required) to promote new canopy and understorey growth throughout the woodland.

Tree Management: Selective fell undesirable species such as sycamore and poor or damaged specimens of other species in order to create clearings within the woodland, which will promote natural regeneration. Suggest felling of two to three specimens every 10 years. Note if storm damage creates natural clearings then reduce felling.

Timber management: Leave standing and fallen dead timber wherever possible (tree officer to review health and safety issues) and create dead wood piles of branches Other arisings to chipped and re-cycled on site in path surfacing, mulch, etc

Understorey: Retain denser understorey on the eastern edges (bordering the lake) to provide cover for wildlife in defined areas, but allow access to viewpoints

Safety and Security: Maintain good visibility through the woodland

Amenity Grass Areas: Maintained to height of 25-75 mm (arisings let fly) Repairs to worn areas other remedial works as required Location: Path edges

9.11 Character Area K: Birch Hill Woodland

Issues

• Largest area of woodland (part was Victorian pleasure ground) in the park with a varied character with dense rhododendron cover in the northern sections, more open structure the central sections and mixed deciduous woodland in the south

• Central and northern sections of the wood provide the principal focus for anti-social behaviour in the park

• Outdoor theatre in the central section is used for events

• Dense rhododendron cover has restricted natural regeneration throughout the wood

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Page 223 Section 9 • 10 Year MMP

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Page 224 Section 9 • 10 Year MMP

• Woodland adjacent to the tarmac paths in the eastern and southern sections of the wood is dense and represents potential security issue

• Important link through to the housing area to the east, which also includes the location of the Ice house

• Network of informal paths through the woodland partly overgrown

• There are a number of important parkland trees, principally on the eastern park edges

Management Objective

To rejuvenate the woodland as part of the wider parkland providing landscape, ecological and recreational benefits and to minimise the attractiveness of the area for anti-social behaviour. Seek to manage the woodland as distinctive areas and enhance the character of each following historic precedent eg the Victorian pleasure ground (north part) as open mixed woodland with flowering shrubs along paths, the southern part as mature semi natural wood, the south and west fringes as open specimen planting, relics of the Victorian belts/pleasure ground planting and old conservation area as coppice.

Managem ent Prescriptions

Woodland Strategy Prepare overall South Hill Park Woodland Strategy within (spring 2006)

Rhododendron Control Establish programme of cyclical rhododendron and bamboo control as part of the overall woodland strategy

Paths Maintain open belts bordering the tarmac paths (understorey to be cut back twice per annum up to 3 m back from the path and street lights to be maintained clear of overhanging branches).

Regeneration Monitor and protect natural regeneration (as required) to promote new canopy and understorey growth throughout the woodland.

Tree Management Selective fell undesirable species such as sycamore and individual poor or damaged specimens of other species in order to create clearings within the woodland, which will promote natural regeneration. Initial light thinning suggested throughout southern sections of wood, with subsequent

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Page 225 Section 9 • 10 Year MMP

felling of up to five specimens every 10 years (principally in the southern sections of the

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Page 226 Section 9 • 10 Year MMP

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Page 227 Section 9 • 10 Year MMP

wood). Note if storm damage creates natural clearings then reduce felling.

Understorey: Introduce cyclical management of understorey, principally in the southern sections of the wood through coppicing on 7 to 12 year cycle

Safety and Security: Maintain good visibility through the woodland

Amenity Grass Areas: Maintained to height of 25-75 mm (arisings let fly) Repairs to worn areas other remedial works as required Locations: Grassland on eastern park edges.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Page 228 Section 9 • 10 Year MMP

01 Geology topography landform and views

Number : 001 Recommendations:

Name : Geology Topography • Define and protect desirable Landform and Views views and mitigate intrusive views

Location: All areas • Co-ordinate long term management with all parties Site type: Current site is core of the park enclosed in the C17 • Create long term strategy for tree from Windsor forest. replacement and new planting

Designations: Grade II registered • Co-ordinate with other planning landscape; policies to control intrusive Local Plan policies: development Wildlife Heritage Site Open Space of Public Value River Corridor

Survival: Fair

Condition: Fair

Significance: Local

Issues/Vulnerability: the sense of enclosure and park appearance of the remaining central section of the park depends on landform and on the maintenance of tree screening. Planting and clearing undertaken by North Lakes View of Swinley Forest from the north of the park Management Company is not co-ordinated with other work on the park and could have a major impact. Screening to the west of the south park is not complete and depends largely on some overmature trees.

The park would be vulnerable to loss of trees, and changes to height and design of adjoining development.

Surrounding housing is dominated by some outstanding mature or overmature trees, notably cedars; their loss would have a major impact on the integration of housing into the landscape.

Some long views across the park are Views to the house are interrupted by recent obscured or suffer from intrusive elements. planting, road and car park

1 South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Gazetteer

01 Geology topography landform and views

Historic Information: The setting of the park changed dramatically with the development of the new town of Bracknell in the1970s. Until then, the park boundaries had remained unchanged from their C17 origins. The park was surrounded by the heathy wood pasture of Windsor Forest and there would have been extensive views from high points in the park. The aerial photograph of 1961 shows the situation prior to the development of Bracknell; from the 1970s roughly 2/3 of the site, on the east and west, were given over to housing and community building.

Description: The lower parts of the site lie on Bagshot (sand) beds; the land rises to north and east of the site on Brecklesham (loam) beds and this has affected vegetation in the past, as part of the heathy open woodland of Windsor Forest. The 1961 aerial, showing beginning of development natural landform has become more significant as the park has been reduced in size: the rise in land to the north and south east form a visual enclosure, obscuring more recent development.

The recent mounding south west of the house also acts as a partial screen to housing. The north part of the park is bounded to east and west by housing development, partly screened by trees. To the north, the rise in the land screens The banks of south lake are overgrown, obscuring views housing and from here there is still a long view south to the Crown Estate woodland.

The south part is largely enclosed by landform and planting: to the east by the wooded hill, to the west by the shrubbery belt and artificial mounding. However, the far west section of the site, adjoining the school and local facilities, does not feel part of the park and despite the mounding, development is more obtrusive on the west side. To the south the view is contained by woodland.

Maps/Sources: all Plans and Aerial photos Cedar (98) deep within housing

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Gazetteer

Ecology 02

Number: 002

Name : Ecology

Location: Throughout

Typology: Landscape

Designation: Grade II registered landscape; Local Plan policies: Wildlife Heritage Site Open Space of Public Value River Corridor Balancing pond is scrubbing up

Significance: Local

Survival: Partially Extant.

Condition: Fair

Issues/Vulnerability:

Ecological interest is limited, despite diversity of habitats. The balancing pond and some acid grassland south-east of the mansion are of greatest interest; both are fragile and vulnerable to change. Yelllow flag on south lake: generally there is little marginal vegetation due to overshading The ecological interest would be greatly enhanced by changes to management regimes for the grassland, water bodies and woodlands.

Recommendations:

David W to complete

Grassland

Waterbodies

Woodland

3 South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Gazetteer

02 Ecology

Historic Information: Previously heathy open woodland (wood pasture) as part of Windsor Forest wood pasture. The character of the area changed after enclosure of C18-early C19, from heathland to woodland, with plantations of scotch fir and larch planted for profit. In other areas, forest grew up as there were no longer deer and cattle to browse.

Description: See also ecological survey

The site contains 5 main habitats: Bank with acid grassland 1 Woodland: high forest with shrub layer, often dominated by cherry laurel and rhododendron.

2 Specimen trees: both native and exotic, some displaying ‘veteran tree’ features

3 Grassland: generally species poor, close grown recreational grassland, with the exception of small area of relatively species- rich acid grassland.

4 Open water: the two lakes, the southern edged by dense tree and shrub growth, have fairly low ecological value except as habitat for waterfowl; all lakes probably contain fish.

5 Wetland vegetation: there is some marginal vegetation in the top 2 lakes, with the balancing pond entirely covered in marshy vegetation, providing high ecological value as habitat for wetland birds and invertebrates.

Main interest derives from a) the balancing pond b) a small area of acid grassland

Maps/Sources: ecology survey

4 South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Gazetteer

Archaeology and early land use 03e 03

Number: 003

Name: Archaeology and early land use

Location: Site wide

Typology: Landscape

Designation: Grade II registered landscape; Local Plan policies: Wildlife Heritage Site Open Space of Public Value River Corridor

Significance: Regional

Survival: Fair

Condition: Good Windsor from the forest engraved by Greig, Issues/Vulnerability: from Dugdale, The New British Traveller, 1819 • Little interpretation

• Loss of connection with wider setting

• Little remains of former open heathy landscape with scattered trees and woodland

Recommendations:

• Interpretation

• Maintain views to forest to south

• Conserve areas of acid grassland, mange woodland

• Links with remaining forest could be strengthened

• Archaeology: watching brief, record, investigate, interpret Ballard’s map of 1757; South Hill Park enclosed from the surrounding forest

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Gazetteer

03 Archaeology and early land use

Historic Information: planting (eg the avenue shown by Rocque) the ice house and former The site’s origin as part of Windsor paths in the pleasure garden. Forest is of great interest. Windsor Park extended to 11,700 acres (4,750 Maps/Sources: ha) and contained enclosed ‘walks’ Norden 1607 Hughes 1890 which were managed by keepers or Menzies 1904 wardens who upheld forest laws which As general sources. protected deer for royal hunting. By the early C19 the old forest laws had largely fallen into disuse.

South Hill Park, along with many other areas, was probably unofficially enclosed in the C17. Although many areas were already enclosed during the C17 and C18, the Windsor Forest Enclosure Act was not passed until 1813. In 1807 a Crown Commissioner had found 35 manors claimed in the forest, but only 12 could be proved.

The character of the area changed after enclosure from heathland to woodland, with plantations of scotch fir and larch planted for profit and in other areas

forest grew up, as there were no longer deer and cattle to browse. By 1806 From Norden’s map of 1607, before the there were only 318 deer in the 11,700 park was enclosed acres (4,750 ha) of the forest and the remaining deer were driven into Windsor Great Park (1817-18).

Description:

Little remains of the character of the former forest. Plantations have become areas of dense woodland interspersed with parkland.

Archaeolog y: There are no known archaeological sites within the park, although there is some evidence of Mesolithic activity (10000BC to 4001BC) nearby in Southill Road. There may however be significant archaeological remains associated with the earlier landscape; probable areas of interest would include former park boundaries, Rocque’s survey of 1761 shows features the former carriage drives and water not recorded elsewhere: archaeological courses, evidence of past structural evidence may remain

6 South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Gazetteer

Parkland 04

Number: 004

Name: Parkland - overall landscape character Recommendations:

Location: Entire site • Identify and reinforce key views by clearing and planting as appropriate, Typology: Landscape mitigate intrusive views

Designation: Grade II registered landscape • Carry out full tree survey and management Local Plan policies: strategy to augment tree stock and plan for Heritage Site replacements Open Space of Public Value River Corridor • Consider changes to grassland management to increase biodiversity and Significance: National, Regional & Local: visual interest as a survival of an C17 park enclosed from Windsor Forest, as a characteristic C18 landscape park, and • Investigate options for reducing impact of as a valuable heritage site within the new town. road and parking

Survival: In part

Condition: Fair

Issues/Vulnerability:

Park bisected by new road (Ringmead), intrusive road and car park.

Important features such as the enlarged serpentine lakes, parkland, woodland belts and parkland trees derive from the C18 landscape park but changes in management and use have tended to erode the character and relationship of parkland and lakes, trees and the house. The north park in 2005

Overall loss of mature trees over the years, especially in north park, many trees are now in settings outside the park. Remaining specimen trees are approaching the end of their life. Lack of knowledge about appropriate tree species and management. Intrusive views and inappropriate planting.

Uniform grassland management.

North park has character of recreation ground, rather than parkland. The park from the north in 1819

By permission of the British Library; Reference K TOP VIII 48.2

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Gazetteer

04 Parkland

Historic Information:

The park was enclosed from Windsor Forest in the C17. Parkland, with clumps of trees and perimeter woodland belts, was established by the mid C18 (Ballard 1757) and maintained until the 1970s. During the C18 the parkland acquired the characteristic landscape style with grazed parkland running down to the serpentine lakes, picturesque groups of trees and enclosing belts and blocks of woodland. In the C19 more varied trees were added including wellingtonia (intro. 1853) and deodar (intro. 1831) and other conifers. A gradual loss of trees was shown in OS maps and aerial photos. Parkland was reduced by approx 2/3 in the 1970s with the development of Bracknell new town. Parkland trees now in residential area

Description:

The surviving parkland represents the central third of the former park. Parkland to the north has lost several trees and has a character approaching that of an (informal) recreation ground with wide open grassy areas without trees; all the grass is close mown.

There are some magnificent cedars and evergreen oaks, some maintained within adjoining housing.

Ringmead, a line of poplars, and the car parks cut the mansion off from the park and lake to north.

The remaining park to the south has changed less although key views between the mansion, park and North park in the mid C20 lake are obscured by vegetation growing along the lake. Some notable trees, including cedars, evergreen oak, lime and sweet chestnut, span at least 200 years and their loss will have a major impact on the quality of the site.

Maps/Sources :

Al historic maps, notably Ballard 1757 and Ordnance Survey 1871. British Library view K Top VIII 48.2 Photographs in Bracknell Local study library North park in 2005

8 South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Gazetteer

The lakes 05

Number: 05 Swans and angling - some cases of injury and ongoing concerns. Name: Lakes Recommendations: Location: North and south of mansion. • Co-ordinate management and set clear management aims for each Typology: Landscape. water body Designation: Grade II registered landscape; • Test water and silt Local Plan policies: • Wildlife Heritage Site Manage bankside vegetation to Open Space of Public Value enhance views especially south lake River Corridor. • Manage lakes to enhance wildlife Significance: Regional/national (as major element • ? repair fountain in south lake of a site of national importance) • Improve safe access for a range of recreational activities Survival: Good

Condition: Fair

Issues/Vulnerability:

Several organisations are involved and there is no or overall agreed management strategy and little co-ordination.

The quality and appearance of the lakes is a major concern to the public. Management by TWA is limited to operational works: ensuring that ponds function for flood defence (clearing weirs, grilles, dams, sluices, etc + checking lifebuoys) and as part of the larger watercourse.

Responsibility for amenity management is not fully defined: BTC and BBFC carry out some maintenance tasks eg clearing litter and BTC have done some scrub clearance and work on banks. Bracknell Herons carry out some works to fishing platforms, artificial islands etc.

The balancing pond is scrubbing up and reverting to land; the middle lake is managed for fishing and has clear water but also some unsightly installations (eg ‘islands’); the south lake suffers from overgrown banks, accumulation of silt and debris, but little aquatic vegetation and probable poor water quality.

Potential conflict between management objectives of different parties. View from the north in 1819, (British Library; K TOP VIII 48.2), Postcard of c1900 and view in 2004/5

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Gazetteer

05 The lakes

Historic Information: tyres etc. There is a relatively recent and unsightly concrete dam at the The lakes were formed from the Glorimor Brook eastern end. The brick arches which and their overall design has changed several previously defined the head of the times in their history. The earliest documented lake may still be seen in the car park suggestion of ponds is in the deed of purchase of north of the Arts Centre. 1683, which mentions a ‘Pond Close’. By the time of Ballard’s survey of 1757, there were two The banks of the south lake are very overgrown ponds, one north and one south of the mansion, with self seeded trees, which obscure many of and on the Ordnance Surveyors’ drawing of 1792 the views across the lake to the park and they form a near continuous serpentine narrow mansion. The lake is heavily silted, particularly lake, extending north-south nearly to the at its southern end where there is a piped inlet boundaries. There is a suggestion in Rocque’s and brick lined embankments. There is plan of 1752 of a rectangular canal-like lake in relatively recent and unsightly concrete and the north, but no other evidence for this has been brick dam at the north eastern end, while the found. By the first edition 25” Ordnance Survey previous stone embankment is still visible they have been broadened and subdivided into further north. Many sections of bank are three ponds, the middle, smallest pond severely eroded with no safe access to he immediately west of the mansion. By 1912 the water. There are waterfowl but very little middle lake had been drained and the southern aquatic vegetation and biodiversity is limited. end of the north lake was reduced to make way A fountain in the north of the lake does not for a new entrance and forecourt. On this edition, function. ‘waterfalls’ are marked at the southern inlet to the south lake. Finally in the 1970s, the southern lake Maps/Sources: All historic maps and archive was further reduced at its northern end, the photographs northern lake reduced at its southern end to make way for the construction of Ringmead, and a new culverted connection was made west of the mansion. The oval balancing pond in the north park was also excavated.

Description:

The three lakes are very different in character, forming a chain flowing from south to north east across the site .

The balancing pond is a reed bed which forms a good habitat for birds. It is scrubbing up with willow and young oak, some of which was recently cleared by BTC. The tree growth restricts access to the banks and obscures views. The pond collects rubbish.

The middle lake is maintained as clear open water and used by the Bracknell Herons Fishing Club; poplars and other trees have grown up along the banks and are beginning to obscure the lake within its parkland setting. There are few mature trees with the notable exception of an ancient oak (No 79) . The fishing club has added various fishing platforms and artificial islands of South lake in the 1970s and in 2005

10 South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Gazetteer

Woodland and trees 06

Number: 006. Recommendations: • Name: Woodland and parkland trees Full tree survey and management strategy to manage existing trees, augment tree stock Location: Entire site and plan for replacements • Consider more TPOs to protect significant Typology: Landscape. trees • Management plan and protection to include Designation: Grade II registered landscape tree belt along former park boundary to north TPOs - Tree nos east and other trees in surrounding areas F1 (beech):TPO 199 70 (cedar): TPO310a • Tree planting and management to protect 71(oak): TPO310b key views 72 (oak): TPO 359A • Manage woodland for good age structure with diverse flora; maintain visual screen but Local Plan policies: allow some views down into garden from Wildlife Heritage Site woodland areas. Open Space of Public Value River Corridor • Management of laurel and rhododendron etc; selective clearing and replanting of Significance: a significant regional tree beech and ornamental species. Coppice collection some areas of sweet chestnut. • Develop strategy with Police etc for Survival: In part managing youth activities: identify suitable and unsuitable sites and adapt Condition: Mainly good design/restrict access if necessary. Issues/Vulnerability:

Lack of current tree survey.

No tree management plan.

Overall loss of mature trees over the years, especially north park. Remaining specimen trees approaching end of life.

Lack of knowledge about appropriate tree species and management of historic trees.

Very few trees are protected by TPOs.

Many woodland trees overmature with inadequate younger trees giving poor age structure. Dominance of laurel and rhododendron with birch and bramble will inhibit regeneration. Squirrel damage. Ground flora suppressed.

BMX tracks, fires in woods, litter and evening Trees deciduous (circle) and coniferous (triangle) activities shown in 1871 and since lost

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Gazetteer

06 Woodland and trees

Historic Information: Maps/Sources: See also gazetteer No 4 (parkland). As general sources, particularly 1871 The park was enclosed during the C17 and Ordnance Survey some of the oldest trees, such as some ancient sweet chestnuts, may date from this period. Parkland with scattered trees and clumps and perimeter belts was established by the mid C18 (Ballard 1757) and maintained until 1970s. The main blocks of woodland were in existence by the time of the earliest maps, ie mid C18, and the C19 pleasure ground adjoining the woodland in the south of the park has now been absorbed into the woodland. In the C19 more varied trees were added including wellingtonia (intro. 1853) and deodar (intro. 1831) and other conifers. A gradual loss of trees is shown in OS maps and aerial photographs. Park reduced by approx 2/3 in 1970s with the development of new town but trees and belts survive outside the current park boundary. Sweet chestnut K39 is about 300 years old Description:

The survey of significant trees suggests that of the 98 trees recorded, 27% could have been planted before 1800, including beech, oak, an unusual evergreen oak (a ‘corky’ variety of Lucombe oak), sweet chestnut, lime and possibly the magnificent cedars of Lebanon, many now within areas of housing. There are also some stumps of a clone of common lime (nos 84 and 85) which was very popular in geometric plantings of the C17 and C18 and which are now coppicing; they may well be the remnants of the C18 planting along the carriage A splendid evergreen oak H49 (a variant of drive, or the alignment of trees shown by Lucombe oak) probably dates to the C18 Rocque and on the enclosure map. A further 32% of trees were probably planted between 1800-1850. The majority of larger trees are of C19 planting or replanting. The very large wellingtonias probably date to the mid C19.

Ornamental woodland areas have lost their distinctive character of mixed exotic evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs with mature beech on the upper slopes: rhododendron and

laurel with bamboo and bramble, tend to Deodar K40 on lawn dominate. Some areas are now being controlled, while others are still overgrown.

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Gazetteer

Ice house 07

Number: 007

Name: Ice house

Location: South east of Arts Centre

Typology: Designed features: hard landscape

Designation: None (outside registered garden)

Significance: Local

Survival: Partially extant

Condition: Unknown, probably poor

Issues/Vulnerability:

• At present the site is unmarked and overgrown

• No statutory protection

• No interpretation

• No access and current condition unknown

• The photographs of the ice house in the public display at the Big Day Out ( July 2005) generated considerable interest and this indicated both the lack of information available and the potential interest of history and archaeology to the public.

Recommendations: The ice house, probably photographed in the 1970s, entrance and interior • Include in listing (Bracknell Local Studies Library) • Consider archaeological investigation

• Provide information and interpretation

13 South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Gazetteer

07 Ice house

Historic Information:

The date of the ice house is not clear, and it is not shown on the Ordnance Survey maps. Ice houses were frequent features of the C18 and C19 estate, where winter ice from the lake would be stored to cool drinks and desserts and later to store food. From the mid C19 most estates would have an ice house. Ice houses were commonly constructed as a domed brick structure built into a hillside, as was this one.

Description:

The ice house now stands in a small courtyard off a pathway, within an area of housing, and is overgrown with sweet chestnuts and laurel. Only a small The exterior of the ice house in section of a brick arch is visible. 2005

There is no indication of what lies below the surface and here is no access into the ice house.

It appears that the ice house was filled in and covered over when the housing was built in this area in the 1970s.

Maps/Sources: Buxbaum 2002 Bracknell Local Studies Library photographs

Detail of ice house entrance arch in 2005

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Gazetteer

Shrubbery 08

Number : 08

Name : Shrubbery Character Area J

Location: West of south lake

Typology: Landscape

Designations: Grade II registered landscape

Local Plan policies: Wildlife Heritage Site

Open Space of Public Value The north end of the shrubbery: several trees have River Corridor been removed from this area in recent years

Significance: Local with historic reference to the pre C19 phase.

Survival: Extant

Condition: Fair

Issues/vulnerability : • Ageing tree and shrub population • Encroachment on lake and debris in lake; loss of views and visual interest • Encroachment of car park on shrubbery belt and effect of parking on adjacent trees The shrubbery seen from the west • Loss of access to serpentine path through shrubbery Recommendations: • Manage for ornamental and landscape value and to enhance ecology in defined/appropriate areas • Aim to enhance age structure of trees and shrubs • Maintain screen and possibly extend woodland belt in car park area • Review nature reserve status:consider redefining boundaries • Consider opening up access to lake, along a part of the serpentine path through the shrubbery to allow views across lake to house The overgrown shrubbery west of the lake

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Gazetteer

08 Shrubbery

Historic Information:

This was part of the Victorian pleasure grounds, first shown clearly on the 1843 tithe map as a continuous wooded belt immediately west of the south and middle lakes. Shown in detail in 1871 with a serpentine path through a mixed shrubbery bordering the west bank of lakes. The shrubbery also extended to screen the home farm to the west.

Description:

A mature woodland belt and shrubbery of broadleaved and deciduous trees and shrubs. It has been enclosed as a nature reserve (to protect breeding waterfowl) to restrict access. The chain link fence is partly broken but the area is largely impenetrable. The serpentine path is overgrown and inaccessible. This means that some important views across the lake to the mansion are also lost.

There is a good range of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs including mature copper beech, sweet chestnut, oak, rhododendron, yew and holly. There is a tall cedar near the new bridge and path which bisects the shrubbery.

The northern part of the shrubbery, which was made on a bank west of the former middle lake, now screens and separates the car park from the Arts Centre. The planting includes mature yew, holly, sweet chestnut and lime, of c. mid C19 planting. A narrow path leads from the car park to the herb garden and terrace; informal paths link the park and the car park.

Maps/sources: st nd rd Tithe map, 1 , 2 and 3 edition OS 1871 Ordnance Survey showing shrubbery west of lake

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Gazetteer

Front Forecourt 09

Number: 09

Name: Front forecourt

Location: North of Arts Centre

Typology: Designed features: hard landscape

Designation: Within registered garden and conservation area. Detail of front forecourt from postcard c 1900, Significance: Regional showing gates (above, below left)

Survival: Partially extant.

Condition: Fair

Issues/Vulnerability: The character of this part of the landscape has been fundamentally altered by the provision of car parking and the building of Ringmead and the Wilde Theatre in the early 1980s (to the east of the house and overlooking the Italian garden).

Poor visual and pedestrian approach to house, Front courtyard in 2005 difficult and intrusive vehicle circulation The design of the car park and its planting is not well integrated into the landscape and detracts from the approach to the mansion. The stable court and screen wall west of the house were largely demolished and altered as part of major works to the Arts Centre in the 1990s. Many of the trees which screened this area have been removed. Isolated fragments such as the arched bridge which stood at the head of the north lake remain A fragment of wall has been incorporated into Recommendations: a sculpture • Redesign parking and approach to house to reconnect house and north park • New surfacing and pedestrian routes • Repairs to balustrades • Remove conifers and poplars and replant new species to frame rather than obscure view

The arches within parking areas in 2005 and (left) c1900

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Gazetteer 09 Front Forecourt

Historic Information:

Built in the 1890s in connection with remodelling of house by the architect Temple Moore.

A new brick bridge was constructed to take the drive over the head of the northern lake to a new forecourt enclosed by brick plinths with stone balustrades and piers, with ornamental copings and spheres. The c 1900 postcard shows that iron gates, probably painted white, enclosed the forecourt

Description:

The north front of the house is now dominated by car parking and vehicle circulation, with a new access and parking north of the forecourt. View from forecourt, showing conifer lined drive The forecourt survives in fair condition but the

gates and some parts of the balustrades have been lost. The Arts Centre now forms the east side of the forecourt and a displaced fragment is now part of a sculpture. There is new paving with modern surfaces and planting.

The conifers lining the original drive are now outgrown, gappy and unsightly. There is conflict between cars and pedestrians.

The stable court and screen wall west of the house were largely demolished and altered as part of major works to the Arts Centre in the 1990s. Many of the trees which screened this area have been removed.

Maps/Sources:

Ordnance Survey 1895, 1912 Postcard: c1900 Aerial photographs

Detail of 1970s aerial photo of stable yard and newly Detail from 1912 OS map remodeled former stable yard in 2005

Terrace and gardens 10

Number: 10

Name: Terrace & Italian garden

Location: South of mansion.

Typology: Landscape

Designation: English Heritage Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest Grade II.

Garden walls, steps, gate piers and gates adjoining South Hill Park on the east: listed Grade II

Significance: Local and Regional

Survival: Partially extant.

Condition: Fair, parts poor

Issues/Vulnerability: Several sections of the stonework and metalwork have been lost; others are dislodged and subject to continuing damage. Italian garden in 1962 and in 2005 Hedges and planting are in need of rejuvenation. Gardens used as outdoor theatre. The terrace has been partly resurfaced in modern paving. The flower border south of the terrace has been lost and temporary barriers inserted around the steps to assist management of café clientele. The herb garden and yew walk are in poor condition in an altered setting. Recommendations: Fountain on the top terrace 2005 • Full survey and programme of conservation and repair • Consider reinstatement of railings and/or conservation of existing plus new design • Redesign and resurface terrace • Redesign and replant south border, herb garden and yew walk • Make provision for outdoor performances The terrace in 2005

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Gazetteer 10 Terrace and gardens

Historic Information: The yew walk which runs south from the herb garden has been barely maintained and now The terrace has its origins in the 1850s but took adjoins a play area; some Irish yews survive, on its current form in the 1890s. but no herbaceous planting remains. There is no planting south of the terrace The Ordnance Survey map of 1871 records the Maps/Sources: creation of the south terrace. Originally, it was OS 1872, 1895, 1912 a narrow terrace with simple grassed banks to south and steps leading up two banks to the Postcard c1900 east. In the 1890s the terrace was greatly Bracknell Local Studies Library extended and elaborated as part of the photographs remodelling of the house by Temple Moore. The terrace was extended to south, west and Brandwood 1997 east with steps and balustrades. Double flights of steps led to the upper garden to the east and steps led down to a small parterre to the west. A brick wall, partly an adaptation of an earlier wall, with piers surmounted by urns extended east and west from the house. The terrace was retained by a brick wall with piers at the south, with two sets of three-sided steps framed by four piers, each topped with urns and with vertical railings running between the piers. These panels were later replaced with wrought iron, bearing the initials ADH for Arthur Divett

Hayter. The extensions to the north and west necessitated alterations to the lakes. Later Terrace and herbaceous planting in 1974 photographs also show a further set of piers, railings and gates between piers at the eastern end of the terrace. A walk lined with yews, with roe arches and borders, extended south from the west end of the terrace.

Description:

The main structures remain in a somewhat degraded state. On the south terrace, the piers remain but several copings and urns are missing. Only one railing panel remains. The Yew walk c1900 steps up to the upper terrace are in very bad condition, with several sections of copings dislodged or missing. The Italian garden remains, possibly in the original layout, although the box hedges are in poor condition; the bedding is not the best quality nor the best choice of species.

The small herb garden west of the terrace had only just been reinstated in 2005, following earlier building work in the Arts Centre, but was not thriving; it is exposed on its north side as a result of alterations to the former stable court. It is partly enclosed by established and new yew Yew walk 2005 hedges.

Kitchen garden walls 11

Number: 011

Name: Kitchen garden walls

Location: South of park

Typology: Landscape

Designation: None: outside boundary of English Heritage Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest Grade II.

Significance: Regional

Survival: Walls exist - housing within walled garden and new openings made

Condition: Fair

Issues/Vulnerability:

Walls are unlisted and have no statutory protection.

Little understanding of significance of structures. Housing inside former kitchen garden walls Assume individual owners (unknown) have responsibility to repair and there may be no mechanisms to ensure walls are maintained in appropriate way.

Damage from vegetation and domestic garden structures.

Recommendations:

• Include in listing

• Establish ownership and any repair obligations Outgrown yew hedges adjacent to kitchen • Provide owners with information garden walls and guidelines for repair

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Gazetteer 11 Kitchen garden walls

Historic Information:

A kitchen garden is shown in this location on the earliest detailed maps (Josiah Ballard’s survey of 1757) . It may well date to the C17 creation of park. It was a rectangular enclosure divided into four quarters, with a range of buildings and glass houses along the north west boundary.

The 1950 aerial photograph appears to show trees planted along the cross paths, possibly fruit trees. Home Farm and kitchen garden Tithe map 1843

It was still in active use in the 1961 aerial photograph, but during the 1970s housing was built inside the walls, as part of the development of Bracknell new town. Although largely retained, sections of wall have been altered and new openings made.

Description:

Red brick walls in varying state of repair; traces of former building in north west corner. Entire space now divided into house and garden plots. Some new openings include modern gates. Parts of boundary wall now formed by house walls. Kitchen garden from 1871 OS Maps/Sources:

All historic maps and aerial photographs show the kitchen garden.

Kitchen garden from 1950 aerial photograph

Site boundaries 12

Number: 012

Name: Site Boundaries

Location:

Typology: Landscape

Designation: Parts are boundary of registered landscape

Significance: Local.

Survival: Remnants only of original park boundary

Condition: Very poor Path running north from playground in ‘North Wood’ (area A) in north park marks the route of the Issues/Vulnerability: northwest boundary of the C17 enclosed park

Largely destroyed by C20 development.

No interpretation.

Very variable boundary treatment.

Recommendations:

• Protect and enhance remaining sections of perimeter woodland belt.

• Interpretation of previous boundaries

• EH registered park boundary includes later addition at north corner of site and should be redrawn

• More consistent boundary treatment The path running along the eastern park: outside current park boundary

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Gazetteer 12 Site boundaries

Historic Information: Maps/Sources :

The boundary of the park created in the Ballard 1757 SHP/H/04 C17 remained until the 1970s. OSD 1792 (SHP/H/06) 1843 Tithe map (SHP/H/09) and On the 1757 survey there is an later maps indication of perimeter belt planting on most parts of the boundary. The 1792 Ordnance Surveyors’ Drawing also appears to show this. By the 1843 Tithe map, continuous perimeter belt planting is clearly shown and was maintained for the next century.

Current condition of boundaries:

Several parts of the original park boundary and perimeter woodland belt can still be discerned. There is a section in the north west of the park along the path parallel to South Hill Road and another long stretch of the eastern boundary. Only one fragment remains on the site and this contains some significant trees (84-87); the majority of the boundary is now outside Ballard 1757: shows the park boundary which was the park and runs along a footpath largely unchanged until the 1970s alongside the Crown Wood housing. This latter is marked by a pleasant footpath, providing a valuable link between the late C20 housing and the park. The earliest surviving trees appear to date from the early to mid C19 and include beech, sweet chestnut, oak and evergreen oak, with a dense understorey of rhododendron and laurel, probably originating from C19 planting.

There is also a large lime on the northern boundary which is approximately 200 years old. This part of the park is enclosed by timber garden fence.

The current park has no continuous or consistent boundary. There are a great number of entrances into the park and a variety of boundary treatments: timber and chainlink fences, old and modern brick walls and woodland and shrubbery. The Enclosure map clearly defines the park boundary

Access and path network 13

Number: 013 Recommendations: Name: Access and path See also ADP sections 4 and 9 network • Begin programme of path improvement and develop a hierarchy Location : Throughout of paths, with circuits and paths suitable for disabled access and Typology : Landscape buggies • Resurface footpath around south lake Designation: English Heritage Register of Parks and • Clear overhanging vegetation Gardens of Special • Historic Interest Grade II. Improve ramp access from terrace Local Plan policies: • Redesign entrance to park Wildlife Heritage Site, • Open Space of Public Seek to make a pedestrian crossing Value, River Corridor point to link routes across Ringmead • Make some fishing platforms Significance: Local and regional accessible to disabled visitors • Allocate two spaces for disabled users Survival: Partially extant. in car park to the north of Ringmead • Condition: Variable; fair Negotiate with bus companies for better bus service direct to the Arts Centre and provide access Issues/Vulnerability : information at bus station The lack of information on accessibility. No clear or welcoming access points. Main access dominated by Ringmead and carparks. Parking unsightly poorly designed and planted, inadequate at times. Quality of surfaces: no surfaced paths in woodland areas and gravel paths are poorly maintained. Some paths in woodland largely grown over or access restricted (eg west of lake). Entrance to the arts centre from the car park is Bus stops are inconvenient for the Arts unwelcoming and does not advertise the Centre and the centre of the park. presence of the park Lack of all weather circular routes suitable for those with mobility difficulties, particularly in the north park. Access from the terrace to the lawn is by a steep and potentially dangerous grass ramp.

Informal parking during the Big Day Out

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Gazetteer 13 Access and path network

Historic Information: The three main entrance Maps/Sources: as general sources drives from the north west, south (west of lake) ADP and Access Plan 2005 and south east were established by the C18. They were adapted several times, most notably in the 1890s when the new approach to the new forecourt was made north of the house. These drives still appeared to be in existence in 1950 and 1961 (aerial photographs) but were radically changed in the 1970s. The north west drive became a footpath and the boundary lodge was demolished. The drive west of the southern lake also became a footpath and the line of the drive to the south east formed part of the eastern park boundary. A new road was constructed north of the house, giving access to car parks north and west of the house, requiring some removal of trees. Description: Access to the park is one of the least satisfactory aspects of present arrangements. The main (vehicle) access to the park is now from Ringmead which forms a barrier between the two parts of the park. Access points are unclear and the approach is dominated by unsightly parking. Notices suggest that the main car park is only for Arts Centre users and the existence of the southern park is not obvious, nor is the there a defined park entrance: all signs lead to the Arts Centre. The northern park is served by a small and poorly detailed car park.

The current path layout is an extension of the layout which existed in 1912. Local access is made by numerous pedestrian entrances from surrounding housing and facilities. There are The steep grass ramp from the terrace and the no gates: the park is open at all times. series of steps and ramps in the south east of the park Some of the woodland paths have been obscured while others have been added to give access to new adjoining development: eg the steps and ramps leading from housing on the south eastern boundary.

The quality of paths is variable. New paths are generally tarmac; some paths such as those east of the southern lake are gravel of varying quality; in the north park, paths around the lakes are all unsurfaced. In woodland areas

paths are steep and inclined to be muddy. Access to the park from the southeast is via steep steps and ramps. Many paths are unsurfaced with some areas badly eroded There is only one, steep grass ramp from the

terrace at the rear of the Arts Centre to the main lawn.

Social history and public use 14

• Develop and implement strategy Number: 014 for interpretation • Name: Social history and public use Provide educational resources. • Set up a youth panel from local Location: Throughout schools • Invite group involvement in design Site type: N/A and planning of projects. • Designations: Registered park Design workshops with artists Local Plan policies: and young people Wildlife Heritage Site • Investigate options for improving Open Space of Public Value park facilities (play areas, toilets, café) Survival : N/A • Provide information on and off site. Condition : Fair • Set clear lines of communication. Significance: Local (community use), regional (public and arts events) and national (association with national figures in the past)

Issues/vulnerability Information on history, past associations and park facilities limited. Conditions for visitors and those with Playground mobility problems could be improved (see access plan and gazetteer 13). No dedicated park toilets. No park visitor information. No dedicated refreshment facilities. Lack of facilities or events for young people. Antisocial behaviour. Large scale special events and festivals Relaxing in the Summer require temporary facilities and require some reinstatement. Conflict between different types of use. Limited education programme/resources. Perception that south park is private and arts centre elitist. Recommendations • Establish a Friends Organisation Pyrotechnic display at the Big Day Out

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Gazetteer 14 Social history and public use

Historic Information : Maps/sources: As general sources The site has associations with figures of Young peoples views on community safety national importance, many of them (October 2003) prominent politicians. Including: Structured inteviews

George Canning - MP and PM

Earl of Limmerick

Sir Wiiliam Hayter MP and Arthur Hayter - MP who had close links with PM Gladstone. The latter planted a holm oak in the pleasure grounds in 1893 (surviving).

There is copious political correspondence eg with William Gladstone, held in the BL, which indicates a central role in British politics.

More recently the park has become the focus of community and arts based events attracting large numbers of people locally and regionally, to the Arts Centre and park. George Canning (1770-1827) lived at South Hill in the early C19 Description There are several different types of user and patterns of use. These include: Adults and family groups, who live locally and who use the park regularly, most frequently for walking and enjoying the greenery and wildlife, walking the dog, and taking children to play during the day. Anglers on the north lake. There are also regular users who pass through the park on the way to shops, schools or other local services. Arts events attract users from further afield. It is estimated that the Arts Centre attracts c.116,000 users to paid events and activities each year. The park provides a valuable meeting

place for young people which can give rise to problem behaviour and concerns for William Gladstone: ‘The grand old man chopping

other users. wood’ 1877; he planted a tree in the park at South Hill Park in 1893

South Hill Park Conservation Management Plan Gazetteer