Contact: Andrew Smith Tel: 020 8583 6794 E-Mail: andrew.smith1@.gov.uk

Chiswick Area Committee – 24 th January 2012

GUNNERSBURY TRIANGLE LOCAL NATURE RESERVE Capital Works Specifications & Site Management Costs

Report by: Director of Environment .

Summary

This report sets out the proposals and budget costs for the improvements to the grounds and external infrastructure at Triangle Local Nature Reserve, Bollo lane, following a consultation exercise carried out on the site during May to July 2011 by the (LWT).

This is in relation to S106 monies received pursuant to a s106 agreement (“deed of variation”) dated 25 September 2002 in relation to Chiswick Business Park, Chiswick High Road (the former Chiswick Bus Works Site – scheme 189, agreement C70), which modified the original s106 agreement dated 24 August 1995 (scheme 189, agreement C62). On the basis of this development, S106 monies were received totalling £525,399.40 which also includes any expenditure to date.

1.0 RECOMMENDATIONS

1.1 Members agree in principle to the proposals set out in paragraphs 6.1 to 6.17 of this Report and the associated expenditure set out in paragraph 7.2 1.2 Members note the findings of the consultation carried out in 2011 1.3 Members approve Option 1 or Option 2 from paragraph 6.2 regarding the existing car park area 1.4 Subject to: (a) Receipt of written approval of the proposed expenditure first being obtained from the London Borough of , and (b) Receipt of satisfactory assurances and / or undertakings from the London Wildlife Trust, and (c) Receipt of firm and compliant tenders and/or quotations, and a satisfactory programme for delivery for the proposed works (set out in paragraphs 6.2 to 6.17) from the London Wildlife Trust, Members approve in principle the commitment, expenditure and release of S106 funding of £336,386 to the London Wildlife Trust 1.5 Subject to and following the increase in the key decision threshold to £500,000 and subject to the criteria in paragraphs 1.4(a), (b) and (c) being met, Members delegate authority to the Chair of the Chiswick Area Committee in consultation with appropriate officers (who shall advise in relation to any legal, procurement or other issues) to approve release of s106 monies to the London Wildlife Trust in accordance with the provisions of this Report.

2.0 Background and History

2.1 The Gunnersbury Triangle Nature Reserve is 2.71 hectare or 6.68 acre triangle which, since the Second World War, has been left for woodland and wildlife to grow naturally. It is managed by London Wildlife Trust, in association with its volunteers

During the 19th century, map evidence shows Gunnersbury Triangle as an area of orchards with gravel extraction activity. In the 20th century, the site was used as railway allotments during the 1940s. After this it is thought that the site was left to colonise naturally, and anecdotal evidence tells of it being used by children for ‘various adventures’.

In 1981, a proposal was put forward to develop the site for commercial use. The development proposal met with strong opposition from the local community. The Chiswick Wildlife Group formed in March 1982, as a local group of the London Wildlife Trust, to challenge the proposal. The case went to a Public Inquiry in July 1983. The Inspector's decision in favour of nature conservation as the future land use for this site paved the way for the site to become a nature reserve and set an important precedent for urban nature conservation.

In the report summarising his conclusions from the Inquiry, the Inspector noted, “I consider that the importance of the Gunnersbury Triangle from an ecological point of view is the variety of habitats in a fairly small area and the presence of a significant number of flora and fauna within them, including a limited number of locally uncommon species.”

He also acknowledged the significance of the site to the local community and the strength of local feeling:

“Many of those who live in the area clearly regard the site as being of ecological importance, as well as being a valuable amenity feature.”

The land was purchased from British Rail by London Borough of Hounslow in 1984 and the first Management Licence granted to London Wildlife Trust in spring 1985.

After initial site preparation by local volunteers, the first public open day was held later that year. Local Nature Reserve status was formally granted for the part of the site within the Borough of Hounslow in 1987 (and the Ealing section was similarly designated in 1991).

2.2 The main objectives for the site are:

• Ecological – to maintain conditions which allow examples of natural succession in each of the main habitat types

• Aesthetic – to preserve as far as possible the feeling of naturalness and remoteness from the city.

• Education and Amenity – To develop education and amenity use compatible with the conservation of the wildlife habitat

2.3 The Council has been working in partnership with London Wildlife Trust and the Gunnersbury Triangle Steering Group to prioritise capital improvements to the Triangle and proposals for its long term management. The main aim of these management proposals is to increase public engagement (particularly of under-represented communities) whilst conserving the reserve’s ecological value and protecting as best possible its tranquil feel.

The majority of community engagement activities at the Triangle to date have been provided by volunteers and a part-time Summer Warden (funded by LB Hounslow). The wardens have engaged over 30 local primary schools, running environmental education sessions linked to the National Curriculum. Feedback on these sessions has been consistently positive. The wardens have also organized free summer holiday and weekend family events, as well as hosting young people on school placements, Duke of Edinburgh Award and community groups.

A Volunteer Officer has also been based part time at the Triangle, coordinating trainees and volunteers including groups with learning disabilities and corporate volunteer sessions. In addition, Gunnersbury Triangle Steering Group runs an annual programme of free guided walks by wildlife experts and a Grand Open Day in June featuring a range of family activities.

However, the lack of a visitor centre and facilities is a significant barrier to public engagement. The existing portacabin is too small to host schools in wet weather or indoor public events such as wildlife talks.

2.4 Gunnersbury Triangle is a secluded wildspace, bordered by railway tracks and overlooked by Chiswick Business Park and the new Burlington Green housing development. It comprises habitats such as birch/oak woodland; carr, acid grassland and ponds. It is home to rare and species such as sparrow hawk, green and great spotted woodpeckers, hedgehog, wood mouse, common frog and toad, smooth newt and slow-worm. It is visited by a broad range of the local community, and is particularly popular with families.

2.5 Like most open spaces in Hounslow, the reserve has suffered from successive years of underfunding and few improvements, despite the best efforts of the Trust and local volunteers to fundraise. In addition to the amenity improvements identified in the 2007 report, the reserve’s northern boundary fence is insecure and beyond repair, the entrance area is insecure, easily overlooked and not disabled/buggy accessible. Understaffing has resulted in inadequate habitat management which should be addressed.

There have been recurrent problems with burglary and vandalism, as well as persistent rough sleeping, particularly when the Triangle is `unstaffed.

2.6 Recommendations from report of January 12 th 2011

Resolved: That in the light of the above discussion, the Chiswick Area Monitoring Committee agreed amended recommendations as follows:

1. Members noted the enclosed proposals as set out in the report. 2. Members agreed to take the proposals for consultation. 3. Members agreed that the London Wildlife Trust draft proposals for the design of the education building through a RIBA architectural competition and include this within the consultation process. 4. Members agreed to the release of a portion of the S106 funding to meet the cost of the consultation exercise. 5. Members agreed that the result of the consultation should be brought back to the Chiswick Area Committee for further comment and decision.

3.0 S106 contribution

Transport for London was given planning permission to develop land situated at Chiswick Business Park, Chiswick High Road. On the basis of this development, S106 monies were received totalling £525,399.40 which also includes any expenditure to date.

This is to be used for the following purposes:

“For the furtherance, promotion, maintenance, improvement and/or enhancement of the Gunnersbury Triangle Nature Reserve by The London Wildlife Trust to whom Hounslow will disburse such funds from the Triangle contribution as The London Wildlife Trust may request in writing from time to time for specific purposes in relation to the Nature Reserve Provided that any such disbursement shall first be approved by the ”.

4.0 Limitations/restrictions

4.1 Hounslow shall repay to the owner that part of the triangle contribution (together with interest) which has not been applied in accordance with the agreement within twenty years of receipt of the final instalment of the triangle contribution having been received from the owner. 5.0 Consultations

Following our presentation to Chiswick Area Committee in January 2011 it was agreed that a full consultation will be required to ensure that the proposals listed are agreed by all parties involved.

5.2 Parties to consult: • Chiswick Area Committee • Members and Ward Members of Hounslow and Ealing • Officers of Hounslow and Ealing • Local Residents • Visitors to the Reserve • Visitor to specific reserve events • Visitors to Reserve Summer Open Day • Current Reserve volunteers • London Wildlife Trust • Other ‘Friends of’ Groups • Local Schools • Community Groups

5.3 In March 2007, London Wildlife Trust commissioned an extensive 12 month local community consultation on behalf of LB Hounslow on the most effective use of the S106 monies to increase the amenity value of the Gunnersbury Triangle.

267 people from a wide cross section of the community were consulted, using a range of engagement methods including specific targeting of communities under-represented in reserve visitor statistics.

Following on from this initial consultation and discussions with LB Hounslow, London Wildlife Trust prepared a report outlining the specifications and costing’s for capital works that were detailed at the Chiswick Area Committee meeting of 12 th January 2011.

5.4 A second public consultation took place between May and August 2011.

311 local residents and visitors to the reserve were asked to complete a questionnaire stating if they were supportive of the prioritised recommendations of the initial consultation.

The results of the two public consultations are as follows:

Both consultations strongly conclude that the Triangle should be “ kept wild ”, but recognise that improvements are broadly needed, primarily in the appearance of the entrance, the issues of security and safety, some necessary infrastructure enhancements (e.g. boundary fencing), and disseminating its appeal to a broader audience.

5.5 The LWT 2007 report’s recommendations include:

• New” ecobuild”, visitor centre including a classroom to host school, community and other user groups • New entrance area with interpretation board and map • Facilities including benches and picnic tables • Improve existing posted nature trail and accompanying leaflet • Promote the site and services provided to a wider audience, particularly underrepresented communities • Year round staffing of the reserve, to increase safety, welcome / inform visitors and run a programme of events for families and community groups throughout the year • Consider including facilities such as a café and picnic area to attract new visitors

5.6 The 2011 consultation showed that the majority of respondents supported all these recommendations, except for the café (which, according to the 2007 report, is unlikely to be economically viable).

5.7 The majority of respondents also supported reserve infrastructure improvements not considered in the 2007 report but detailed in the proposals below.

Improvements can be prioritised as follows:

1. Carry out ecological surveys 2. Employ a ranger for a minimum 2 days per week 3. Replace cabin with eco-building with information space 4. Replace northern boundary fencing 5. Replace front gate and fencing Replace front gate and fencing 6. Resurface entrance area 7. Improve signage into and around the reserve and provide suitable interpretation. 8. Install new “rustic style” benches 9. Install litter bins 10. Install a wider dipping platform and rail beside the pond 11. Resurface main path 12. Install picnic tables

5.8 2011 Consultation findings – The full documented findings of the survey will be included in the appendices attached.

5.9 Members Concerns – At the area committee on the 12th January 2011, members raised some very valid questions that should be addressed going forward, the main concerns have been addressed within the proposals but to summarise they were:

Sanitising of the site – all works will be carried out to retain the original woodland theme and care will be taken when installing any hard landscaping.

Security of Site – Any fencing installed will be screen planted with natural hedging to soften the fencing appearance

Car Park – We will be pricing up 2 options for the car park to see if a naturalised grasscrete material could be installed, this will be dependant on actual costs.

Future Maintenance Funding – LWT will be actively sourcing new funding for the site but ultimately the cost of maintenance after 2022 will revert back to the Leisure department’s core grounds contract.

Budget Monitoring – LBH will be fully responsible for the allocation of S106 funding for this site and a separate cost centre is set up to monitor all spend on the project.

6.0 Site Proposals

6.1 Front Fencing Budget Cost = £4,522.00

• Necessary preparatory tree works grubbing out and removing all existing shrubs and trees • Remove existing fencing and dispose • Provide and install new post and rail fencing 1400mm three rail high • Provide and install new Equality Act 2010 compliant kissing gate 1500mm high • Provide and install new timber gate in keeping with above

6.2 Existing Car Park Area Budget Cost = £12,492.00

Option 1 • Take up and re-site 2 new signs • Grub out weeds and vegetation to front of car park • Excavate for new car park and dispose of arisings • Provide and lay MOT type 1 stone and compact • Provide and lay 70mm thick of ac 20 dense binder course and 30mm thick of ac 10 close graded surface course • Sweep and apply tack coat emulsion k1-40 • Provide and lay 30mm thick of ac 10 close graded surface course • Take up existing low level timber rail and re site • Mark out car park bays including disabled bays

Option 2

• Take up and re-site 2 new signs • Grub out weeds and vegetation to front of car park • Excavate for new car park and dispose of arising’s • Provide and lay MOT type 1 stone and compact • Provide and lay Grasscrete blocks • Supply and lay top soil blinding to grasscrete • Take up existing low level timber rail and re site

6.3 Footpath from Entrance Way Budget Cost = £7,599.00

• Use Coxwell gravel to fit in with other path. Ensure Equality Act 2010 compliance • Provide and install new tanalised timber edging 25x 100mm • Sweep and apply tack coat k1-40 emulsion, BS434 • Provide and lay 30mm thick of ac 10 close graded surface course, BS EN13108-1 • Provide and lay 25 mm thick of ac 6 dense surface course, BS EN 13108-1

6.4 Replacement Footpath - Coxwell Gravel Budget Cost = £28,000.00

• Widen existing informal footpath – 1021m2 • Excavate to a depth of 75mm and spread arisings to adjacent ground • Provide and spread 75mm of mot type 2 and compact • Provide and spread 25mm of Coxwell • Compact

6.5 Steps to Pond Budget Cost = £2,200.00

• Refurbish 12 number steps to include timber hand rails

6.6 Perimeter Fencing Budget Cost = £35,000.00

• Take down existing chainlink fencing and dispose

• Provide and install 257lm of new welded mesh fencing system conforming to BS EN 1.8m high x 3.0 m wide panels, aperture width 194mm x 44 mm. 5mm horizontal wire green to Ral 6005

6.7 Picnic Tables Budget Cost = £1,500.00

• Supply and install 2 new heavy duty picnic tables

6.8 Benches and Litter Bins Budget Cost = £6,000.00

• Supply and Install 3 Benches • Supply and Install Litter 3 bins

6.9 Pond Dipping Platform Budget Cost = £15,000.00

• Supply and install new pond dipping platform • Cut back and/or remove encroaching vegetation to the rear of pond platform • Remove and dispose post and chain-link fencing • Replace boardwalk and dipping platform over pond (hardwood uprights and cross pieces, with softwood runner boards and ‘gripdeck’ planks • Install new handrails • Replace boardwalk over wet woodland area with hardwood uprights and cross pieces, with softwood runner boards and ‘gripdeck’ planks • Install new handrails

6.10 Pond Reclamation Budget Cost = £7,500.00

• To carry out pond reclamation works as required • Fell and remove all saplings within 3 metre radius of pond banks • De-silt pond

6.11 Entrance Site Information Sign Budget Cost = £4,500.00

• To supply and install new site information Sign

6.12 Interpretation Boards & Signage Budget Cost = £4,000.00

• To supply and install new Interpretation Signage throughout the site

6.13 Wild Flower Meadow Budget Cost = £2,600.00

• Fell and remove 50% of trees within 2 metre boundary of compartment • Cut back surrounding bramble and scrub surrounds by 2-3 metres, to enlarge compartment • Cut and remove arisings from annual cut, lay on newly cut-back edges to set seed, and then remove • Take up existing low level timber rail Install new low-level timber kick rail, specification to be provided • Re-grade existing grass area where required • Cultivate and prepare for wild flower bed where required • Supply and sow with Appropriate Wild flower mix

6.14 Promotional Material Budget Cost = £5,000.00

• Design and printing costs for educational and promotional material • Design and print site guide (A3 folded to A5, full colour), X2000 copies, available as pdf file • Web-site information - specific Gunnersbury Triangle page on www.wildlondon.org.uk • Based on LWT branding in liaison with LB Hounslow and Ealing.

6.15 Phase 2 vegetation Survey Budget Cost = £19,300.00

• Carry out a range of site surveys including:

o Carry out full Phase II botanical and vegetation survey and impact assessment o Carry out bat survey (and report) to inform future Arboricultural management o Carry out invertebrate survey (and report) to shape future management priorities o Carry out Arboricultural survey, o Carry out Data search, o Prepare and publish revised management plan 2012-17

• Arboricultural Works :

o Thin and remove none indigenous trees o Thin and remove trees to encourage greater structural and species diversity o Rolling planting and Coppicing program of appropriate stock o Supply and plant appropriate tree stock o Supply and plant nectar source plants to all path sides o Create Woodland Glade areas

6.16 Classroom/Visitor Centre – We are still working on the design element of this part of the project and will bring a separate report to members in the near future when we have some firm plans

6.17 10 Year Management Maintenance Program

• These maintenance costs have been identified from task outlined in the current management plan, and in particular include:

o Necessary woodland management including thinning, coppicing, control of non-native species, and annual inspections o Path side vegetation control, to prevent encroachment and encourage diversity o Grassland and glade management to encourage species diversity and prevent woodland encroachment o Bracken control and necessary annual bramble clearance to maintain composition o management, including pruning and gapping-up as necessary o Maintain dead and barriers to protect sensitive areas o Pond management including rotational dredging and phased vegetation cut-back o Maintenance of entrance area, to keep clean, welcome and free of obstructions o Maintain roadside boundary vegetation, keeping free obstructions, as appropriate o Paths and steps maintenance o Litter collection and removal of collected bulk rubbish and debris o Monitor and maintain boundaries, clearing obstructing vegetation as appropriate o Maintain existing gates, fences and furniture and repair as appropriate o Maintain regular risk assessments o Regular liaison with LB Hounslow and LB Ealing officers o Support the local Steering Group o Prepare and publish site monitoring report (twice per year)

• Additional resources, through volunteers, the local group, or secured through contracts and grants, may also be required to further specific aspects of work, such as: o Organise and support volunteer work parties and corporate volunteer events o Carry out educational work with school groups both on site and in local schools o Carry out regular visitor and habitat surveys as appropriate Organise, carry out and support year-round activities and events, including annual open day in liaison with LB Hounslow officers

Budget Cost =

Yr 1 2011/2012 £16,500.00 Already paid to LWT 2 2012/2013 £16,500.00 3 2013/2014 £16,500.00 4 2014/2015 £16,500.00 5 2015/2016 £16,500.00 6 2016/2017 £16,500.00 7 2017/2018 £17,500.00 8 2018/2019 £18,500.00 9 2019/2020 £19,673.00 10 2020/2021 £21,000.00 11 2021/2022 £22,000.00 £181,173.00 Total = £522,386.00

Contingency - £3,013.00

7.0 Chief Financial Officer Comments.

7.1 After deducting any expenditure to date, there is S106 funding of about £525,000 available from the Chiswick Business Park development (deed of variation signed 25/09/2002).

7.2 This report proposes that this be spent on: £000s Works (paragraphs 6.11 to 6.16) 155 Maintenance works (paragraph 6.17) 181 Total recommended 336 Future year scheme 186 Contingency 3 Total available 525

7.3 From 1/4/2022 the Council will be responsible for ground maintenance on this site. At current prices this is about £22,000 per annum.

8.0 Environmental Implication

8.1 The nature reserve has become neglected within its infrastructure.

The main objectives for the site are:

• Ecological – to maintain conditions which allow examples of natural succession in each of the main habitat types • Aesthetic – to preserve as far as possible the feeling of naturalness and remoteness from the city.

• Education and Amenity – To develop education and amenity use compatible with the conservation of the wildlife habitat

Its regeneration will enhance the local environmental quality and restore the area back to a high nature reserve.

The improvements will encourage a range of flora and fauna to establish with the reserve

The improvements will greatly improve the bio diversity of the area

It will assist in the education and promotion of the site to both the school children within the borough and the general public

9.0 Assistant Director Corporate Governance Comments

9.1 The Assistant Director Corporate Governance supports the recommendations in the Report.

10.0 EQUALITIES IMPACT ASSESSMENT

10.1 Environmental and Park improvements enhance the area for all and are appreciated by all sections of society and all age groups.

10.1.1 The Council has to give due regard to its Equalities Duties and in particular with respect to its duties arising pursuant to the Equality Act 2010 section 149. A relevance test has been carried out [the relevance test should be online and a hyperlink to it inserted here] and it is considered that there will be no adverse impacts in respect of protected characteristics. As such, the Council considers that there is no need for an Equalities Impact Assessment to be carried out and that in approving this proposal the Council will be acting in compliance with its duties

Background Papers: Site Plans Gunnersbury Triangle Consultation Questionnaire May-July 2011 Gunnersbury Triangle: Planning for the Future

This report has been or is due to be considered by: Chiswick Area Committee This report is relevant to the following wards/areas: Turnham Green