Longfleet Drive Open Space - Proposed Management of Woodland/Shrubs And

AGENDA ITEM 5BOROUGH OF POOLECANFORD HEATH EAST AND WEST, CREEKMOOR AND OAKDALE AREA COMMITTEE2 JANUARY 2008REPORT OF HEAD OF LEISURE SERVICESLONGFLEET DRIVE OPEN SPACE - PROPOSED MANAGEMENT OF WOODLAND/SHRUBS AND IMPROVEMENTS/CONSTRUCTION OF PATHS1. Purpose of Report1.1 To consider changes to a proposed programme of woodland management for the open space at Longfleet Drive following guided walks held to explain the proposals to the public.2. Recommendations2.1 Members of the area committee are recommended to:(i) note the high level of interest generated by the proposed works and the comments, both supportive and critical, made on the proposals; (ii) acknowledge the importance of the site in landscape and ecological terms and the concerns and interests of those who use the site or live nearby; (iii) give their support to the revised programme of works, including the changes made as a result of public comments.3. Background information3.1 Longfleet Drive open space lies either side of the brick path way running from Canford Heath Road to Canford Heath Nature Reserve. It consists mainly of semi-natural woodland, some parts of which have a dense under-storey of evergreen Rhododendron. The majority of the site is surrounded by residential properties, with approximately one hundred properties directly backing onto the site.3.2 A programme of management works, including the removal of Rhododendron, thinning of existing trees and the creation of a new path network was recently prepared for the site aimed at: (i) encouraging the development of existing tree stock by selective thinning to give individual trees more opportunity to grow and develop, and allow more light to reach the woodland floor, thereby encouraging the development of the woodland under- storey plants;1 (ii) provide a better network of paths allowing more accessibility of the site, these to be surfaced for site users with mobility problems and to create a range of walks available in inclement weather; (iii) reducing the fear of crime and anti-social behaviour, by removing cover; (iv) reducing the risk of fire on the site; (v) encouraging natural regeneration of trees and native under- storey plants to ensure the long-term survival of the woodland by removing non-native shrubs such as Rhododendron aided, where appropriate, by planting; and (vi) discourage fly-tipping, particularly of garden waste3.3 The work programme followed on from similar works (phase 1-3) carried out on some parts of the site during the winters of 2005-2007. 4. Issues raised during and following guided walk4.1 The proposed works for this coming winter were explained at two guided walks held recently. Approximately twenty members of the public and one ward Cllr attended the two walks; correspondence was also received from two other persons.4.2 A number of generally supportive comments were made regarding the proposed work and acknowledging that the wood would benefit from the woodland management proposed. However, some concerns were also expressed regarding particular issues and these are summarised below:(i) Path network and opening up of gladesAlthough some of those attending the walks acknowledged that the wood used to be more open and was better for that, others expressed concern that the glades and the proposed enhancements to the path network would make the wood too open. There was also a general feeling, for some, that the level of path provision was too great and the paths would be unnecessarily wide and, in one place, gave views into a nearby property. Some also felt that not all paths needed a gravel surface as the existing surfaces were adequate for most users.(ii) Boundary treatment to woodland at Sandhills CloseSome comments were made that the woodland needed to be kept secure against travellers, other unauthorised vehicles and fly tipping, but the opening up of the glades and paths could increase the risk of such problems. Equally some were concerned that the fence proposed along the edge of the wood would be visually intrusive and not effective (alternatives such as stone boulders, a hedge or wooden “dragons’ teeth were mentioned – but it was acknowledged that most options had both good and bad points).2 (iii) Rhododendron removalThe issues associated with dense stands of rhododendron were acknowledged (including an observation that there had been lots of fires in such vegetation in the past). However, it was requested that one area proposed for clearance (at Winterhayes Close) was retained to provide privacy and also that an additional area was cleared (behind Cheddington Close) as this had been a particular problem with anti-social behaviour. Requests were also made that if Rhododendron is flailed, the mounds of arisings are removed as soon as possible as these had attracted antisocial behaviour in the past.(iv) Provision of a seat on Longfleet DriveAlthough the value of a seat was acknowledged (especially for the elderly), there was a concern that this itself could become a focus for anti-social behaviour.(v) Potential impact on protected speciesProtected species are known to visit some of the properties near the woodland in Sandhills Close. Although the woodland management work and rhododendron removal were intended to improve the habitat, for example food supply should be better in woodland with a more varied structure, there was a concern that loss of cover or disturbance whilst work was being carried out could adversely affect the animals and a request that expert advice be sought on the issue.REVISED WORK PROGRAMME FOLLOWING CONSULTATION NOVEMBER 2007 ORIGINAL PROPOSALS ARE SHOWN IN BOXES WITH ANY AMENDMENTS BENEATH IN ITALICSBreakdown of worksORIGINAL PROPOSALS1. Rhododendron between Sandhills Close and Stourpaine Road, (adjacent to red brick path) also beside Winterhayes and Willwood CloseThis will be removed as in previous years, to create a light, open, more user friendly area. This work will also be beneficial to wildlife. This will be done by: Use of a tractor mounted flail in order to complete the work as rapidly as possible and minimise the disruption3  Trees within the Rhododendron to be carefully worked around and retained.  There will be three Rhododendron bushes retained along the path edge. Depending on their form, it may not be possible to retain them as wished, if this is the case then they will be cut along with the rest but then allowed to re-grow in the desired locations.  These will provide a link back to the history of this once ornamental drive to Canford House. These bushes will be at alternate spacings in conjunction with the bushes already in situ on the opposite side of the path.ORIGINAL PROPOSALS Depending on how much mulch is generated it will probably be necessary to bring in a digger to scrape up this material for removal.  Some planting of native shrubs, such as Hawthorn and Hazel will be undertaken along with some sapling trees.  The Rhododendron beside Willwood and Winterhayes to be removed completely, this operation will be with chainsaws and not the flailConcerns were raised about protected species within the main area, as previous survey work was very difficult to carry out due to the Rhododendron being denser than other areas, and as such the exact wildlife usage was unclear. For this reason a new survey was carried out, this did reveal some evidence of protected species having occasional use of the area. Advice given from experts in the particular field required, state that if the correct procedures are followed that works could commence in July 2008 and that in the long run the works will be beneficial to the species.However it is the Council’s decision to defer this area of work to a later date. The Council will work with local experts and will undertake further monitoring and take advice as needed.The time scale for when this work will now be undertaken will be dependant on continuing survey work in the area, the earliest would be autumn 2008. This will also allow at least one further year for the continuing re-generation of vegetation along the drive and more time for wildlife to adjust to the changes.There was also concern about the piles of Rhododendron chippings and humus if left, as this looked unsightly and there were issues regarding antisocial behaviour. Any scraping of such materials would be removed from site during the process as with the previous phase of work.The Rhododendron beside Winterhayes and Willwood Close in the view of the Council will not have their privacy adversely affected due to distance from and height of the property’s above the footpath. This criteria has been applied throughout.1a Removal of Rhododendron clump between Sandhills and Cheddington Close. (Please see amended map)4 This clump of Rhododendron is an addition to the original work plan, as it was raised during the walks as being particularly bad for anti-social behaviour, with one lady mentioning that she has had to report several fires in this one location. The removal of this clump will also improve safety as it falls on a junction of well used paths. A general comment was made that the fires had ceased between Cheddington and Bettiscombe Close where previously there were a number that occurred in the Rhododendron, this was seen as very positive.ORIGINAL PROPOSALS 2. Woodland adjacent to Sandhills Close and to the south of Stourpaine RoadThis woodland is subject to a Woodland TPO (tree preservation order). The senior Arboriculture officer has had the details of our proposals as well as having been on site and is happy in principle with the proposed works. No trees are to be removed over 20cm diameter at breast height (DBH) except for health and safety reasons (at present it is anticipated only one needs to be removed for this reason). Full permissions are subject to a formal tree application being submitted, this will be done after Leisure services have carried out consultation.A detailed map showing the extent of the management within this woodland (approximately 30% of woodland area to have some tree felling) can be found at the end of this report. The aims are to: Remove only dead trees in the north east sector. (Shown as orange on map).  Remove dead, dying and suppressed trees where these hinder the development of better trees in the south east sector, approximate thinning of around 50 %. (Shown as brown on map). No live trees to be removed over 20cm DBH (unless found to be unsafe).  Some standing dead wood away from paths will remain as well as some lying dead wood for ecological benefit.  Leave clumps of trees to protect views across woodland.  Remove all Rhododendron clumps and other non-native shrubs, this will be done by chainsaw and not the tractor mounted flail used on the large tract of Rhododendron mentioned above.  Remove encroaching trees and non-native shrubs from existing glade which faces onto Sandhills Close, these are predominantly around the perimeter. (Shown as cream on map)  European Gorse along Sandhills Close to be cut, and then mown annually to manage fire risk, some small pockets of western gorse will be kept. (shown as green on map)A concern was raised about both the re-creation of the glade and the removal of the gorse as this would open up a large area. It would be preferred if a5 natural edge to the woods was retained with natural growth allowed to block and define the boundary to the road. The same person was also not aware of fires and felt that the Council could not destroy habitat because of anti-social behaviour and that it is illogical and would only move the problem elsewhere. The glade is a natural feature already in existence adjacent to the road, this will soon be lost to encroaching vegetation if no management is carried out. This would cause the loss of the lower growing plant species that need sunlight and also the range of insects associated with these other plant species. Being south facing this also is a good suntrap and is quite sheltered, again ideal for insects. The gorse has now become very leggy and offers little in the way of cover and is generally in poor condition. Normally such gorse is coppiced to create a denser lower standing form. This would then need re- visiting about every 5 years, as the area in question is small it would be easier to manage on a mowing regime along with the glade, it will also aid the control of anti-social behaviour as the fire risk will be massively reduced. The height here is off particular concern as if it did catch fire there is a lot of combustible material and the flames would easily reach the tree canopy. It will mean that this area will merge with the glade and therefore will offer the same benefits, but cover would be very much reduced due to the annual cut never allowing more than a year’s growth. This will be addressed by cutting areas on a rotation, this will create a more varied structure and some interface between the glade and the wood. Depending on the plant species some may be left for several years and others will be cut annually.ORIGINAL PROPOSALS Create two additional glades where wood is already fairly open to benefit ground flora (Shown as cream on map).This will be reduced to one additional glade at present; the second will be carried out at the time of the deferred rhododendron.ORIGINAL PROPOSALS Clear some trees so as to create a new path diagonally across the site SW-NE. This will be two metres wide with a one metre mown strip along each side, creating a ride which will allow landrover access if necessary.Several points were raised regarding the necessity of a new diagonal path through the woodland, in particular the width and the gravel surface being very obtrusive in a small woodland. The Council believe there is a balance that can be struck between both people and nature and therefore aim to continue with this diagonal path but will reduce the width from 4 to 3 metres and will not lay a surface so as to reduce the overall impact. This will then be left as a natural path but mown on an annual basis to keep the vegetation under control.6 The line chosen for the path takes into account the more open areas and therefore limits the amount of felling. This would be the only additional path to those already in existence and would allow people access to the middle of the wood and thus providing a wider choice of available walks. The extra light reaching the woodland floor from the creation of the path also has additional benefits for ground flora and invertebrates adding to the overall diversity of the site. This may be revised in the future and upgraded to a more formal pathORIGINAL PROPOSALS The additional paths that run from N – S and E – W will be formalised (see point 3 below) minor tree works will be carried out along these lengths to create a manageable width as above and for safety, i.e. dead dying or dangerous wood over footpath.Again points were raised about the width and surfacing taking away the natural beauty and intimacy of these current footpath/desire lines. The same will be applied as above, with the paths that run from N – S i.e. not surfaced and reduced to a three metre mown width.Two points were raised about the path that has its entrance/exit point in the turning circle of Sandhills Close, one being that the exit is directly opposite one property and two, the widening of this would create a view through to this particular property. This path will have the end curved a little, which will move the line of sight as walkers exit the path and where possible will meander slightly, though this will be restrained by the current tree line.Also the point was made about the other path that runs from N – S having two entrances/exists in close proximity (this is where the path joins Sandhills Close approximately half way along) and were both actually needed. This was agreed upon on the site walks and so will be reduced to one.The path which runs E – W behind Stourpaine Road will remain as stated, i.e. 2 metres surfaced and a metre width on each side. This path line is already open and there has been some attempt of formalising in the past as some imported path material is visible in places. Again these paths may be revised in the future.ORIGINAL PROPOSALS One large pine over 35cm DBH will be felled due to safety concerns and its proximity to a glade and the route of path. (shown as grey circle on map)7  The area of Birch woodland particularly in the north western side of the wood is all of a very similar age and there is little natural regeneration beneath. Birch is a relatively short-lived tree, with this in mind approximately 50 whips will be planted within this piece of woodland so there is a stock developing for their future replacement.  Other areas to have some planting will be in the place of the Rhododendron, this will be in the year after clearance due to treatment of the Rhododendron re-growth.  All litter and fly tipping (mainly green waste) to be cleared from site. The area will be monitored and future green waste dumping will be investigated and appropriate action taken.ORIGINAL PROPOSALS3. New Pathways There will be a new network of paths, mainly to be created on the largest area of the site. These will be 2 metres wide and gravel surfaced.  These will be mainly between Sandhills Close and Stourpaine Road, Cheddington Close and Bettiscombe Close and with the exception of one near the Halstock play area.  These will link existing paths and provide further access.  Appropriate popular desire lines will be made up.  Any new paths will be kept at suitable distances from neighbouring properties.  They will be disability and pushchair friendlyAll pathways within the woodland off Sandhills close have been covered in point 2 of the work programme. The remaining paths will be reduced having re-assessed ones that are not currently desire lines and would have been in close proximity to property. Also removed is one that would have been located through the main block of Rhododendron (This may be revisited at the time of the Rhododendron removal). All others will be formalised as originally stated linking existing paths and forming circular walks, these all generally follow desire lines. ORIGINAL PROPOSALS4. Boundary fencing and access.Improvements will be made to access points and the boundary of the site with Sandhills close. Post and rail fence to be erected along woodland boundary adjacent to Sandhills Close to discourage fly tipping and parking on the site edge.8 There was great interest in the new proposed fence line along Sandhills Close. It was generally agreed that this edge of the site was an eyesore and needed attention, most being happy with the proposed management of an open grass/heathy glade and woodland edge, this being managed by occasional mowing. The need to therefore fence along the edge of this with the road was also understood. There were very mixed opinions between residents living opposite, some feeling that a post and rail fence (suggested by Council) would be very intrusive and that wooden bollards would look visually better. Others felt that boulders would be more appropriate as they are robust and would prevent travellers gaining access, however these can be a gathering place for youngsters as can be used as seats or just provide general recreation (which could cause disturbance). Another suggestion was a low post and three strand wire fence, though for most this is seen as unsightly, it also carries bigger maintenance issues. An alternative could be knee rail (timber) but this will not be a big deterrent to fly tippers and will not keep people on the desired paths. A hedge was also suggested but this may result in green waste being thrown over, as it would easily conceal it, and would create problems with vegetation at times overhanging the road. The main aims are to prevent issues such as parking, garden waste being wheeled onto site and keeping the access and exit points to desired locations; for these reasons the council feel that post and rail fencing is the most appropriate and fitting form of fencing for this semi-natural location. The area behind the fence which will be open, will be softened by allowing some areas to grow for more than a year along its line, these will then be cut on a rotation. The fence will be of a sufficient height that most will not climb it, the rails are of close enough spacing that a wheelbarrow would not fit through and for the location a sufficient barrier to vehicles. The Council could not specifically state that travellers would not try and access the site, but it would not be a location that they would desire. In general they do not like entering sites that are closely overlooked by a number of properties and this likely hood needs to be balanced against the management of the site. Below shows an example of the type of fencing to be installed9 ORIGINAL PROPOSALS The fence along with the clearance of the gorse will transform this close, creating a presentable and cared for boundary to the site.  Within this fence line there will be gaps left for pedestrian/mobility/pushchair access, these gaps will have staggered fencing so as not to form a clear through route, but will be wide enough to cater for the differing users mentioned.  The staggered barriers on the tarmac path connecting the main drive with the south side of Stourpaine Road will be moved and placed further back on the path between numbers 8 & 10 Stourpaine. Either fencing or wooden bollards will run off to the sides up to the neighbouring properties.At the area Committee on the 21st November it was noted that no barriers were being installed behind number 8 Stourpaine Road and that a van did once gain access from this point to commit a burglary. A concrete Bollard will now be installed at this location to prevent such access.ORIGINAL PROPOSALS5. Site Furniture A new combination dog/litter bin will be provided on the section of redbrick path between Sandhills Close and Stourpaine Road.  A seat will be provided at the half way point of the drive from Canford Heath Road to Canford Heath Nature Reserve; this will be close to the litter bin. This will provide a useful rest point for shoppers returning to the west side of the estate from ASDA or for walkers taking a stroll up/down the drive.Strong concerns were raised about the seat and it is appreciated that they can attract the wrong usage (unfortunately), but the Council should not be dictated to by a small minority who take pleasure in causing disruption/distress/vandalism. The seat will be a great aid to the elderly or young families when walking the site, or returning from the nearby shops with heavy bags. The Council therefore propose to install the one seat but on the basis that if big problems arise that the seat may have to be removed.ORIGINAL PROPOSALS A finger post will be erected where the connecting paths from both Culliford Crescent and Sandhills Close form the junction with the red brick path. This will aid new residents and visitors who may be looking for the shops or to get a general bearing. It will have directional fingers to the neighbourhood shopping centre, Canford Heath Nature Reserve, Sandhills Close (leading to Tollerford Road) and Canford Heath Road/Halstock Play area.10 Further copies of this report including the maps are available from the contacts below or by contacting Leisure Services, Northmead House, 30/32 Northmead Drive, Creekmoor, Poole, Dorset BH17 7RP. (email [email protected]).CLIVE SMITH Head of Leisure ServicesOfficer contacts: Terry Elborn (tel 01202 261364) / Nick Woods (01202 261334)11 PondTumuli Canford HeathPondCanford Heath Proposed management of woodland/Shrubs & improvement/construction of paths Winter 2007/8 (Phase 4)Ke y t o w o r k s El Sub Sta Rhododendron clearance 24.7mRhododendron retained E l Sub St a on coppice cycle (DEFERRED TO A LATER DATE) Area of Rhodoendron clearance (DEFERRED TO A LATER DATE) LB Woodland to have some management 47 Area of woodland managementBM 25.69m (DEFERRED TO A LATER DATE) Tennis Courts GTrennisa Courtsvel paths to be laid down. Some limited tree felling oE lnSub St a 2 sections of proposed paths 1 to enable construction and El Sub for future maintenance Sta Areas of tree and shrub clearance to accomadate informal 3m mown 20.4m paths 18.8m18.3m 12 LB18.3m18.3mGas GovHealth Centre15.0m 17.0mSidney Smith 15.2m Court Surgery 16.9mLB St Paul's ChurchHall17.1m El Sub Sta Car Park13.4m Posts 12.3m13.2m17.8m Shetl erEl Shelter Sub StaBM 17.34mPlayground 15.4m 2 2 5 314.4m THORNCOMBE CLOSE 7 0 113.1m13.1m11.4m El Sub Sta Leisure Services Pump House BM 10.94m 12.4m 9.8m tel.no (01202) 265265 L Twr 41 11.8m L Twr 10.6m L TwrSubway 11.1m L TwrL TwrL Twr L Twr BOROUGH OF POOLE CONTRACT: L Twr SITE REF: Running Track 25 0 25 50 75 100 125 150 175 200 SITE NAME: L Twr LEISURE SERVICES Metres SCALE: L Twr L TwrEl Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey mapping with the perLm Twrission of Grounds MaSub Stia ntenance DATE: Medical Centre the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. © Crown Copyright. L Twr Unauthorised reproduction Li nTwrfringes Crown Copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Licence No. 100024248 LB 12El Sub StaHaymoor Middle School 20.4m Works to woodland 18.8m off Sandhills Close18.3m15m12m 27mNB - No trees to be felled over 20cm DBH (diameter at breast height) excluding health & safety17.0m I Areas of tree felling to create Woodland TPO boundary, I glades - followed up with AREAS WITHIN THIS BOUNDARY I THAT ARE UNSHADED WILL HAVE occasional mowing (glades NO WORK UNDERTAKEN. I already in partial existence) 15.2m ------I------I Large Pine over 35cm DBH Area of woodland to have I just dead wood removed I to be retained - drawn on I for general marker ------I Large Pine over 35cm DBH Area of Woodland to I to be felled for health and be thinned by 50 % I safety reasons ------I------I Predominantly gorse Path to be improved I (includes a few young trees) (2m wide gravel surface) I to be cut to ground - followed 1m mown strip either side I up with occasional mowing ------I------Areas of tree & shrub clearance I to accomadate informal 3m I Rhododendron clearance 13.4m mown paths I ------I------I Area of Rhododendron Area to have suppressed trees I clearance DEFERRED removed only (very limited I Rhododendron retained TO A approx 12 trees in each block) I on coppice cycle LATER DATE i I Glade managementCONTRACT: BOROUGH OF POOLE SITE REF: LEISURE SERVICES SITE NAME: 5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 SCALE: Metres Grounds Maintenance DATE: Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey mapping with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. © Crown Copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown Copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Licence No. 100024248 13

Longfleet Drive Open Space - Proposed Management of Woodland/Shrubs And

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