Westmorland Park Management Plan 2014-2019 · Westmorland Park Management Plan 2016 - 2026 January 1, 2017 . This Management Plan sets out the key aims, actions and outcomes for Westmorland

Parks& Coun1ryside Service 01344 354441 [email protected]

www.bracknell-fores1.g0v.uk/parksandcountryside

Westmorland Park Management Plan 2016 - 2026 January 1, 2017

Westmorland Park Management Plan

2016-2026 (Reviewed 2019)

1 Parks & Countryside Service 01344 354441 [email protected]

www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/parks

RoseWi

White BFC stag logo

Hayley Green Wood

Parks & Countryside Service 01344 354441

[email protected]

www.bracknell-forest.gcv.uk/parksandcountryside


This Management Plan sets out the key aims, actions and outcomes for Westmorland Park until 2026. It is a Plan for - the local communities, site visitors, organisations that support the site and the important wildlife and landscape value. The plan will highlight the various local sporting facilities used on site for football, tennis and baseball. In addition the grounds are used by various clubs and community groups such as the Bracknell Herons fishing club, Brownies, Forest Schools and local dog walking groups. It will ensure that BFC purposes are being delivered whilst contributing to the aims and objectives of other strategies for the area.




[email protected]



Contents

Section Page no.

1 Context….…………………….. 6

1.1 Key function 6

1.2 Vision 6

1.3 Purpose of plan 7

1.4 Management aims 8

2 Site Overview….……………. 9

2.1 Location, shape and size 9

2.2 Topography, geology and hydrology 9

2.3 Boundaries, adjacent land and access 9

2.4 Legal and planning framework 12

2.5 Site history 13

2.6 Landscape heritage 13

2.7 Habitats, flora and fauna 14




[email protected]



3 Resource evaluation….……………. 18

3.1 Community resource 18

3.2 Recreation facilities 20

3.3 Landscape heritage 21

3.4 Biodiversity value 21

3.5 Green Infrastructure 22

3.6 Interpretation, signage and marketing 23

4 Management…………………………. 26

4.1 Quality standards 26

4.2 Quality criteria 26

4.3 Quality audit 26

4.4 Consultation & monitoring park use 28

4.5 Environmental sustainability 29

4.6 Capital projects 31

4.7 Revenue spend 32




[email protected]



4.8 Work Plan 35

36 4.9 Action Plan

57 5 Appendices………………………….……....….

A Site maps 57

B Strategic background 65

C Green Flag Award criteria 71

D Bracknell Forest Council core quality criteria 73

E Site species and habitats 74

F Dog Walkers Code of Conduct leaflet 75

G Veteran Tree guidance 75

H Health and safety advice 76




[email protected]



1 Context

1.1 Key function Site DescriptionWestmorland Park is located on the north eastern perimeter of Bracknell New Town and serves as the main local open space for the residents of Whitegrove. The site was established as part of the public open space provision within the Whitegrove Housing Development in 1989 and adopted by BFC in 1999. Westmorland Park benefits from a sloping aspect, irregular shape and a matrix of different habitats including a lake, meadow, amenity grassland,woodland, park trees and shrubs. Together these allow for a higher usage of the site without making it feel over-crowded. These characteristics also add visual character and a high level of biodiversity to the site. Formal recreational facilities include football pitches, baseball diamond, children’s play area and basketball hoop, all-weather tennis courts, open grassland, sports pavilion, car park and a footpath/cycleway network. The tennis courts are targeted for local need and the tennis club is currently managed and led from a community level to encourage ownership. By encouraging the use of these resources, it fulfils a community development function as well as providing a health / sports facility. In 2002 the site was extended by 2.07 hectares with the incorporation of an adjacent area of woodland known as Hayley Green Wood. In 2003 this was designated as a Local Nature Reserve under a Wildspace Grant received from English Nature (now Natural England) / New Opportunities Fund. In 2016 the site was further extended by the addition of the northern section of Edmund’s Lane, which runs to County Lane.

The total area of the combined site is now 9.69 hectares.

1.2 Vision for Bracknell Forest

The vision for Westmorland Park draws on existing policy and strategy for green space provision within Bracknell Forest Borough, as summarised in the Parks and Open Spaces Strategy.

Parks See Appendix B.

To provide a sustainably managed, high quality park for the community which is accessible, safe and enjoyable whilst conserving and enhancing its natural and heritage features along with offering appropriate facilities for informal and formal recreation.




rangers@bracknel I-forest .gov .u k

www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/parksandcountryside


1.3 Purpose of Plan The purpose of the plan is to guide management and maintenance of Westmorland park for the next 10 years. The plan will: • Enhance general understanding of the site for rangers, officers, councillors, local residents, visitors, the wider

community and other interested parties • Relate management of the site to wider strategies and policy • Set objectives for site management and identify management requirements to achieve these objectives • Prioritise action • Identify and define the monitoring requirements to measure the effectiveness of management • Assess, prioritise and secure resources • Enable communication with the public, organisations and other sites • Provide a base line to use as part of future monitoring and management • Ensure continuity of effective management including opportunities for volunteering…

Who is the plan for? The plan is for practical use and reference of: Parks & Countryside staff, contractors, all sporting clubs, volunteer groups such as Warfield Environment Group and Bracknell Conservation Volunteers (BCVs) and other local people who use and enjoy the park.

The plan will be reviewed annually but it is intended to cover a 10-year period.







1.4 Management Aims:

A

B

C

D

E

F

See 4.5 Action Plan for management objectives and prescriptions.

To maintain the site as an attractive, clean and safe place. Refer to Green Flag Award® assessment criteria 1, 2 & 3 detailed in Appendix C.

To maintain and enhance the historic landscape character of the park and the features of nature conservation value. Refer to GF criteria 5.

To manage the park in a sustainable way Refer to GF criteria 4.

Coordinated management and maintenance through collaborative working between project partners Refer to GF criteria 6 & 8.

Promote public enjoyment and understanding and community involvement in the park Refer to GF criteria 6.

To survey, monitor and report on the delivery of the management plan aims and objectives Refer to GF criteria 8.







2 Site Overview

2.1 Location, shape and size Description: Westmorland Park is a 9.69 hectare park (including Hayley Green Wood at 2.07 hectares), that is located in the Parish of Warfield, in the borough of Bracknell Forest. Address: Westmorland Drive, Warfield, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG42 3QW OS Reference: SU 886 708 A location map can be found in Appendix A.

2.2 Topography, geology and Topography hydrology The land slopes gently westward towards the balancing pond which is owned by Thames Water and was

created in the early 1990s when extensive remodelling of the land form took place to achieve the present contours. Geology and soils Westmorland Park lies on London Clay formations of clay, silt and sand. Hydrology Land drains for the recreational pitches were installed as part of the original site implementation works. Further work has been undertaken in 2015 to improve the drainage of the lower football pitch. The balancing pond is designed to flood from time to time. The top of the bank is designed to accommodate the volume of storage required for a 25-year storm. After heavy rain the water level will rise rapidly as the pond fulfils its flood storage role. Hayley Green Wood is very wet in places and contains a number of ditches and seasonal ponds.

2.3 Boundaries, adjacent land Boundary responsibilities

and access All site boundaries are either fenced or are defined by the edge of the highway along Westmorland Drive. Where fencing adjoins housing, this is the responsibility of the householder. The ballstop fencing along the northern boundary of the pitches is maintained by the council and was







originally constructed as part of the planning consent. A thick tree belt has been planted to the rear of this fencing to improve the visual appearance of this boundary and also to give added protection against balls from recreation pursuits.

Adjacent land Westmorland Park is surrounded by housing to the south. The northern boundary of the site adjoins Forest Road and North Lodge Farm. The eastern boundary of the site is woodland. The western boundary is defined by the Bullbrook stream. Hayley Green Woods is bordered by housing, other woodland, farmland and a track. The latter has a fence running along its length that was put in by Warfield Parish Council. However, the actual edge of BFCs land is represented by six foot concrete posts which were erected by Warfield Park.

Within the site is a balancing pond owned by Thames Water. The boundary with this land is marked on site by concrete edgings which have been laid flush to the ground. The area of the pond is 1.3 hectares.

Access There are numerous pedestrian access points into the park:

• Westmorland Drive entrance • Forest Road to the north of the park • From County lane, which is a shared footpath / cycleway • Three minor pedestrian access points leading directly from residential developments

Disabled access is available from the main entrance and from Forest Road. A shared footpath / cycleway runs along the western edge of the site, and connects to Edmunds Lane.

Site vehicular access is only permitted from the main entrance off Westmorland Drive where there is a tarmac car park for approximately forty cars. Two bays located nearest to the pavilion are reserved for wheelchair users or Blue Badge holders. Maintenance vehicle access to the pitches is from the car park.

Access by bike can be gained from County Lane, which is a shared footpath / cycleway (see left). There is a bike rack just outside the pavilion.

The nearest bus stops are located on County Lane (access via Westmorland Drive) and Forest Road (access via Edmund’s Lane). See Appendix A Site Access Map.






Left - Westmorland Drive welcome sign at main entrance and Right –cycleway along western boundary.







2.4 Legal and planning framework

Land ownership Westmorland Park was established as part of the public open space provision (s106 agreement) within the Whitegrove Housing Development in 1989. A Management Plan for most of the public open spaces in Whitegrove was produced by the North Bracknell Consortium in July 1991 and this guided the implementation and subsequent maintenance of the open spaces until transfer to the Borough Council. The twelve month pre-adoption maintenance period for the Westmorland Drive open space commenced on 1 April 1994. Subsequent adoption was delayed owing to discussions about release of the covenant that restricts use of the land to public open space. “That the Open Space Land shall not be used except as public open space…..including any built facilities

ancillary to such public open space.” The land was transferred to Bracknell Forest Borough Council in 1999. The shared footpath / cycleway west of the pond is adopted by the Borough Council’s Highways Department. A small strip of land to the east of the pond is in private ownership, with the owner living in Dorset. This area was never included in the original Section 106 agreement; however, this area appears as though it is part of the recreation ground and, in practice, is managed by BFC.

If opportunities arise, BFC will consider additional land purchase to extend ownership of the Hayley Green Wood LNR - but this no longer forms part of budgeted plan.

Wayleaves and Easements A foul trunk sewer is located on land south of the pond. Information on file suggests that a connection to North Lodge Farm was constructed in the early 1990s and that the line of this connection is through the open space to the east of the pond. A surface water sewer flows into the southern end of the balancing pond. An outflow exists at the north-western end of the pond.

Public Rights of WayThere are no Definitive public rights of way that run through the site.

Designations The land is shown as open space in the Borough’s Local Plan, which is currently being reviewed.

Hayley Green Wood is a Local Nature Reserve (LNR) and forms part of ‘Big Wood’ Local Wildlife Site (LWS).







2.5 Site history

2.6 Landscape heritage

Hayley Green Wood is covered by area TPO 142 – “oak with silver birch; south of Forest Road”.

See TPOs designation map in Appendix A.

ByelawsThere are currently no byelaws for the site. General legislation is currently considered appropriate to meet needs in addressing issues which may be anticipated at Westmorland Park. This accords with current guidance (which states “…If there is general legislation to cover the subject causing concern, byelaws are not generally considered suitable...” Should it be considered that there is a need for site specific byelaws these will be developed in-line with relevant national guidance and legislation.

Prior to the construction of the recreation ground, the land was open fields and formed part of Warfield Park, an extensive estate which was owned by Colonel John Walsh in 1766. Pride’s map of 1786 shows the land as open fields with scattered trees.

The site has seen more recent industrial uses, but during 2002 Hayley Green Wood was incorporated into Westmorland Park. The balancing pond was created in the early 1990s to store excess water during heavy rainfall. It is owned and maintained by Thames Water.

The original drive to Warfield Park ran approximately 10m to the west of its current location; it was believed to have been moved during the Second World War when the American Army occupied the manor and its grounds.

The old drive appears to have been sunken, possibly surfaced with gravel, and had lime trees planted on each side forming a Lime avenue. The avenue is largely intact across the site, but its line has been destroyed elsewhere.

No archaeological investigations have been conducted on the site.







2.7 Habitats, flora and fauna Green Wood Local Nature Reserve

This mixed deciduous woodland of oak and silver birch contains remnants of the parkland planting from its days as part of Warfield Park. Its ground flora includes bluebell, self heal and foxglove and its supports a variety of other notable species including grass snake and bullfinch. A small woodland pond has been created which now acts as a natural pool that supports frogs, dragonflies and birds. The wet areas around the edges of the pond support plant species adapted to wet conditions, such as ferns and mosses. Management objectives for the woodland mostly relate to conserving and enhancing its biodiversity value. The woodland is managed to maintain a varied age-structure in order to enhance ground flora and deadwood habitats are retained where appropriate. See 4.7 Work Plan and 4.8 Action Plan for a full overview of woodland management objectives. The woodland is also managed with public access in mind, with paths kept clear of encroaching vegetation and signage where appropriate. Consideration is being given to provide further directional signage in the woodland to better guide people around the circular paths.






Balancing Pond The prime function of the pond is to store excess water during periods of heavy / sustained rainfall and then release it slowly back into the urban drainage system. The pond is well stocked with fish, such as carp, tench and roach and is home to water birds including ducks, moorhens and swans. The pond has little submerged vegetation and therefore is unlikely to support rarer species such as Great Crested Newts. The management of the pond is the responsibility of Thames Water, who Bracknell Forest Council work with in order to ensure the life belts are accessible and any changes in water quality are reported and actioned accordingly.






Meadow areas Parts of Westmorland Park are managed as a meadow through an annual hay cut in order to allow wildflowers such as oxeye daisy, bird’s-foot trefoil, cowslip and ragged robin to flourish. This in turn attracts bees, butterflies, grasshoppers and other insects. The photo below taken in 2015 shows a newly established wildflower area as part of site quality improvement works carried out in 2014 (see 4.5 Capital Projects).




[email protected]



The Bullbrook and Parkland Trees There are small areas of ancient wildlife habitats across the site including the banks of the Bullbrook stream and old parkland standards (oak trees).

The Bullbrook (pictured left) rises in the Crown land of Swinley Forest and heads in a Northerly direction before joining The Cut (river) at Newell Green. For much of its course the stream follows an engineered culvert or disappears through underground culverts. The course of the Bullbrook forms linkages between open space and travels through sites such as Worlds End Savernake Pond and Allsmoor. At Edmunds Green the Bullbrook emerges and follows a more natural course and bank and links the sites of Edmunds Green, Edmunds Lane and Westmorland Park. Along this stretch Kingfishers (a BAP species) and Herons are often seen fishing in the water. The watercourse is managed by the Environment Agency.

Some of the Parkland’s trees still remain today and are managed as key heritage features and for the important habitat they provide for nesting birds, bats and rare invertebrates. The table below identifies two veteran trees that can be found on site. Veteran trees are those defined as being of interest biologically, culturally or aesthetically because of their age, size or condition. They could provide unique conditions for a range of wildlife, illustrate past land use so marking out history or they might simply be visually appealing.

Table 1: Species Quercus robur Quercus robur

Common name Pedunculate Oak Pedunculate Oak Site name Westmorland Park, hill above pond (pictured) Near Westmorland Pavilion / Westmorland drive near park Grid ref SU8855570905 SU8866570765 Vice county Berks Berks Access term Public access Public access Setting term Public or Open Space, Bank, Parkland Tree as habitat term Lichen Girth (m) 5.36 3.4







3 Resource Evaluation

3.1 Community resource

We work to manage, protect and preserve the important trees in the borough including those at Westmorland Park. The trees are monitored as part of our 6 monthly site tree inspections and any remediation work is carried out where required using the specialist knowledge about tree management within our in-house ranger’s team and in consultation with the Council’s Tree Team. Management prescriptions include mulching around the root plates of trees helps to prevent compaction to their roots and help to prevent drought. Any work has to be done gradually so that the effects can be monitored. Too much change at once can harm the tree.

In a wider context, we support the work of volunteers to identify veteran trees in the borough. The Bracknell Forest Veteran Tree Survey involves groups such as Warfield Environment Group (pictured after undertaking work at Long Copse) to carry out surveys to identify our important Veteran Trees in the borough. This ultimate aim of this project, which is also being supported by Bracknell Town Council and the Bracknell Forest Natural History Society, is to develop a database of Veteran Trees in the borough. By identifying and recording where these trees are they can be better managed and protected.

Profile

Westmorland Park lies just inside the northern boundary of the ward of Warfield Harvest Ride, which has a population of 8220. With the ward covering 178.38 hectares, this equates to just over 46 persons per hectare (pph). This is quite a high population density compared to the Borough as a whole (10.79 pph) and the neighbouring wards:

- Priestwood and Garth: 35 pph (224.29 ha 7853 persons) - Bullbrook: 37.9 pph (166.71 ha 6318 persons) - Binfield with Warfield: 4.2 pph (2097.8 ha 8964 persons) - Winkfield and Cranbourne: 1.97 pph (2450.73 ha and 4819 persons)







Resident Population Estimates by Ward, Office for National Statistics, mid-2014. Of those in Harvest Ride, 29% were under 19 and 12% were over 60 (compared to 25.7% and 18.5% respectively for the borough as a whole). The site is well used for walking and dog walking, with popular routes including those through Hayley Green Woods and the path around the edge of the pond.

The northern section of Edmunds Lane has now been incorporated into the boundary of Westmorland Park. This new addition is a strategic north-south shared footpath/cycleway that runs from County Lane in a northwards direction, meeting the former site boundary, where it continues along the western boundary before emerging at Forest Road. This cycleway extends southwards beyond County Lane, providing a valuable link into the wider Bracknell cycleway network. The site contains several key sports facilities for the local area, including football pitches, tennis courts and a baseball diamond (see 3.2 Recreation facilities). The sports pitches at Westmorland Park and Priory Field are the only publically accessible recreational pitches in Warfield and are therefore a key recreational resource. They also add to the supply of pitches in Bracknell as a whole. The tennis courts are targeted for local need and the tennis club is managed and led from a community level to encourage ownership. Encouraging the use of these pitches fulfils a community development function as well as providing health/sports facility.

The pavilion serves these recreational pitches and includes 4 team changing areas, toilets and a small area for refreshments. A room is also available for hire for events and activities.

Fishing takes place in the balancing pond which is owned by Thames Water. The fishing rights are leased to Bracknell Herons Angling Club who manages a permit scheme for the site.

Parks & Countryside work with The Great Big Tree Climbing Company to run events at Pope’s Meadow. These popular events see participants scaling the dizzying heights of selected park trees to get fantastic views of the surroundings.

In addition to sporting clubs, a wide range of other community based user groups use the park including: • Montesorri Nursery (Busybees) • Pilates







3.2 Recreation facilities

• Brownies • Forest School • Dog Training • And other ad-hoc hirers

Football pitches are let to Whitegrove Football Club football club on a season by season basis in the winter and Bracknell Baseball Club use the area in the summer months. The tennis courts are managed as a facility for local residents, with administration co-ordinated on a community level by Westmorland Park Lawn Tennis Club.

The pavilion serves the recreational pitches and includes 4 team changing areas, toilets and a small area for refreshments. A room is also available for hire for events and activities.

Sports facilities: • Football pitches • Baseball diamond • Basketball hoop, • All-weather tennis courts,

The play area was refurbished in 2016 using £70,000 BFC capital money. See pictures left. Facilities now include:

• Rotating cradle swings • Spinning bowl • Springy duck • Springy frog • Multi unit • Mini basket swing






3.3 Landscape heritage

3.4 Biodiversity Value

• Trim trailJungle climber • Nexus Duel • Goal • Basketball hoop • Rope end swinger • Community shelter

The original driveway (the Lime Avenue) is still relatively open but in places has scrub and bramble encroachment whilst the limes have developed quite a large amount of epicormic growth which needs to be managed in order to preserve the historic integrity of the Lime Avenue. See Objective B3 of the Action Plan.

The maintenance of the driveway is included under objective B3 of the action plan. See Table 1.

Hayley Green Wood was designated a Local Nature Reserve in 2003. It also forms part of ‘Big Wood’ Local Wildlife (Heritage) Site (WHS 211), which is comprised of mixed deciduous woodland: ash, willow, silver birch and sycamore with specimens of horse and sweet chestnut, oak and yew. Its entry on the LWS Register shows that BAP species Ragged Robin and Bullfinch were recorded in Big Wood in 1997 and that the area includes wet area with streams and springs, some willow carr and sphagnum mosses.

As a Local Wildlife Site, the woodland is part of an ongoing monitoring programme for the Bracknell Forest Biodiversity Action Plan, which is due for review in 2017.

The records held by Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre (TVERC) show the presence of the following species for Westmorland Park / Hayley Green Woods:

- Mallard, Anas platyrhynchos - Common Toad, Bufo bufo - Common Cuckoo, Cuculus canorus

In addition, Red Kites are regularly spotted hunting over the park.

Recent improvements to the landscaping have also created new habitats that are maturing to create



Function Characteristics


[email protected]



features of wildlife interest (See 4.5 Capital Projects).

See Appendix A: Wildlife designation map

3.5 Green Infrastructure Westmorland Park is part of a network of strategically planned high quality green spaces and other environmental features. It is designed and managed as a multifunctional resource capable of delivering a wide range of environmental and quality of life benefits for local communities. It is a key part of green infrastructure, acting as a buffer between housing developments and helping retain the identity of settlements.

Green infrastructure can be identified according to the primary functions being served:

Play Spaces providing opportunities targeted towards children and young people. This is becoming increasingly significant in relation to encouraging healthy, active lifestyles and enabling social development. Provision can range from specific, equipped play areas; to less formal places allowing for and encouraging unstructured, imaginative play and / or socialising

Sport Sites supporting sport and leisure activities such as outdoor ball games and keep fit Formal Designed, landscaped areas specifically laid out as publicly accessible green space.

This includes parks and gardens. In addition (especially within urban settings), formal green space encompasses civic spaces such as squares, public art, planted borders and flower beds

Informal This can encompass semi-natural land with low key or ‘defacto’ public access Natural Biodiversity rich spaces including heathland, meadows, river corridors, ponds and

woodlands Linear Public Rights of Way, Cycle Tracks and trails Buffer Highway verges, embankments and boundaries




[email protected]



Climate Change

This recognises the vital role that green infrastructure plays in climate change mitigation and adaption, including by helping to address the environmental impacts arising from increasing development pressure and associated pollution. Examples include creating balancing ponds to alleviate flood risk; carbon sequestration by trees plants and soil; and reducing the urban heat island effect caused by the extent of contiguous urban area (exceeding 30 square kilometres)

3.6 Interpretation, signage & marketing

The 'strategic' intention is to increase the amount of Open Space of Public Value in the Borough and to improve how this is physically connected (e.g. Westmorland Park to Cabbage Hill). See Warfield Supplementary Planning Document for further information. www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning/planning-policy/supplementary-planning-documents-spds/warfield-supplementary-planning-document This is a long-term aspiration, as it is dependent on planning applications coming forward that will deliver the new infrastructure (such as new pedestrian and cycleway links) required.

In 2016 Bracknell Forest Council commissioned a Green Infrastructure audit to identify how open spaces and other green areas in the borough function to support the wellbeing of communities and the environment. This study forms part of the evidence base for the new Comprehensive Local Plan that’s currently in development. https://www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/draft-bracknell-forest-local-plan/evidence-base

Interpretation and signage

Westmorland Park is signed at the junction of the roads Westmorland Drive and Harvest Ride, an important local route that’s just under 1km from the site.

Signs are located at the main entrance off Westmorland Drive (see photo below left), at Forest Road and County Lane. These three signs contain basic information about who owns and manages the park and a ‘Parks and Countryside Helpline number’.

An interpretation board with site map, history and wildlife information was installed in 2014 and was funded using capital money (via developer contributions). The adjoining noticeboard is updated on a regular basis



https://www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning/planning-policy/supplementary-planning-documents-spds/warfield-supplementary-planning-document



https://www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/draft-bracknell-forest-local-plan/evidence-base




with information on events, activities, relevant management and local groups. There are also information points at the tennis courts entrance and within the pavilion.

Two wooden, carved feature archways help link Hayley Green Wood with the rest of Westmorland Park. Fingerposts at various locations across the site help signpost and connect the various areas of the park. Further directional signs to and around Hayley Green Woods are now available to help guide people around the circular paths.



Three tennis courts are available to use through a membership with Westmorland Park Lawn Tennis Club. To find out more about the club or to apply for membership visit our website.

www.brackneH-forest.gov.uk/ outdoorsportspitchesandcourts

Other key features and facilities • A pavilion that is available to hire for

activities such as aerobics and Tai Chi

• Play areas with equipment suitable for children aged 2 to 14 years

• A community shelter

• Sports facilities which include tennis courts, football pitches a basketball hoop and baseball diamond

• Cyclepath that runs from Forest Road to Harvest Ride via Edmund's Lane

Directions On fool I by bicycle

There are entrances off Westmorland Drive , Forest Road, County Lane, which is a shared footpath / cycleway and three that lead directly from housing estates

By bus / train The nearest bus stops are located on County Lane (via Westmorland Drive) and Forest Road (via Edmund's l ane) The nearest station is in Bracknell, which is 1.8 miles away according to Google Maps

By car There is free car parking for 40 vehicles, with 2 disabled parking bays. For further directions by car, please use Google Maps

https://maps.google.co. uk/

Contact Bracknell Forest Council, Parks & Countryside Service, The Look Out Discovery Centre, Nine Mile Ride. Bracknell , RG 12 7QW T: 01344 352000 E: rangers@bracknell -forest.gov.uk Have your say about Bracknell Forest parks http:1/consult.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/portaLI leisurelparkviS1t

Copies of this leaflet may be obtained in large print, Braille, on audio tape or in other languages. To obtain a copy in an alternative format, please telephone 0 1344 352000

~~ ~ Bracknell

__.t Forest Council

Recreation ground and Local Nature Reserve in Warfield

Westmorland Park Veteran ~---~Trees

Balancing Pond

This was created in the early 1990s to stOfe excess water during heavy rainfall . The pond is owned and maintained by Thames Water and is an attractive feature that is home to fish including carp, tench and roach and water birds such as ducks, moorhens and swans

These areas are managed through an annual hay cut so that wildflowers such as oxeye daisy (pictured), bird's-foot trefol, cowslip and ragged robin can flourish. This attracts insects such as bees, butterflies and grasshoppers

Bracknell Forest Counci manage the veteran trees, which are remnants from the Warfield Pan< estate, as key

- cr1r..un:• ooru heritage features

The woodland is home to a wildl ife including grass snake, bullfinch (pictured right) and wildflow8fS such as bluebell, self-heal and foxglove

andfOfthe important habitat they provide for nesti11g birds. bats and invertebrates



7


MarketingA new site leaflet has been produced for the park, which includes information about the site’s recreational facilities; its heritage and wildlife value and is available free of charge across the borough’s libraries, information centres, council offices and community centres. The leaflet can be ordered or downloaded from the council’s website.

Westmorland Park is also featured in the BFC leaflet ‘Discover the Parks & Countryside of Bracknell Forest’ and on the council’s website, where it has its own dedicated webpage. www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/parks-and-countryside/parks-visit/westmorland-park

BFC have their own Twitter, Facebook and Instagram pages meaning that the public can access latest news and events from the following addresses: http://facebook.com/bracknellforestcouncil http://twitter.com/bracknellforest http://instagram.com/bracknellforest



https://www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/parks-and-countryside/parks-visit/westmorland-park

http://facebook.com/bracknellforestcouncil

http://twitter.com/bracknellforest

http://instagram.com/bracknellforest/





4 Management 4.1 Quality standards

4.2 Quality criteria

4.3 Quality audit

A key priority is to sustain and raise quality standards of Westmorland Park together with the provision of facilities that are of a sufficient size to meet the recreational demands of a growing residential population.

See Appendix B Strategic background, for an overview of quality standards, as set out in the Parks and Open Spaces Strategy.

Bracknell Forest quality assessment is based on criteria similar to Green Flag Award®, a scheme that is the benchmark national standard for parks and green spaces in the UK. It encompasses all the critical elements advocated within Planning Policy Guidance 17.

Linked to this, there are basic criteria which should be considered as standard.

See Appendix D for a list of Bracknell Forest Council’s core quality criteria. In 2012 Bracknell Forest Council commissioned an audit of public open spaces in the borough to provide updated information on their quantity and quality.

Consultants who carried out the Borough's PPG17 report in 2006 were employed again to quality audit 25% of green spaces managed by the Council’s Parks and Countryside Service and using the method developed with the consultants, a further 50% were audited by P&C officers, senior rangers and park managers. The audit for Westmorland Park was carried out in 2014 by BFC officers. The site achieved a quality score of 70% which puts it into the category rating of Very Good. This is an increase in its rating of approximately 8% from when the park and then Hayley Green Wood which was counted as a separate site was audited as part of the PPG17 study in 2006.

The remaining sites were audited by a difference external consultant in early 2016, who also audited all town and parish council managed parks and open spaces. The data produced was used to inform the Local Plan Review and to prioritise improvement work. Parks and Countryside officers will continue to quality audit their sites over a four to five year cycle, with a review due for Westmorland Park in 2019.






A sports facility quantity and quality audit is also underway, leading to a Playing Pitch Strategy for the Borough.

See Appendix B for further information about the Play, Open Spaces and Sports (POSS) Study.



Very good

� Good

_J Fair

� Poor

Very poor

� No opinion

� Don't know





4.4 Consultation & monitoring park use

How would you rate the accessibility of the Park / Open Space? i.e. does it have surfaced paths, wheelchair ramps where required? Is the interpretation / signage easy to read?

Consultation

Understanding the quality of our parks/open spaces and how the public feels they are being managed and maintained, helps the Council to take action to inform management objectives, prioritise investment and raise site quality standards (e.g. Green Flag Award).

Bracknell Forest Residents’ Survey 2017: The most frequently mentioned best aspects that respondents said they liked about the borough continue to relate to access to green spaces (parks, open spaces, and the countryside (54%), with a disparate array of other aspects also mentioned. Parks User Survey: This borough wide survey was started by BFC in early 2015 to help them better understand the views of users of local parks and open spaces. The survey which is available to the public on BFCs website (paper copies are available upon request), asks questions about visits to parks/open spaces, such as method of travel, the reason for the visit and length of time spent there. This helps to build a picture of visitor use.

People are also asked to rate the park’s design, maintenance, facilities, accessibility, wildlife features etc. and are given the option to provide feedback about what improvements they’d like to see. At the end of the survey those that would like to be further consulted or involved, for example via visitor surveys, regular newsletter etc. can leave their contact details. Feedback for Westmorland Park relating to accessibility is shown to the left. This is based on feedback from 68 people, where 56 rated the accessibility as good or very good. This survey also helped to identify that people were unhappy with a recent upgrade of the play facilities, as they would like to see equipment for a greater age range. P&C are acting on this feedback by providing a new junior swing.

Further feedback is encouraged via advertising the Park User Survey on BFCs social media pages and including information in site noticeboards.

Feedback received overall for P&C managed parks / open spaces, has generally been very positive, with 639 respondents out of the 729 who completed the survey (just over 87%) either satisfied or very satisfied with the parks and open spaces they visited.







4.5 Environmental Sustainability

Recycling

The need for management and maintenance efficiencies resulting from reductions in annual park maintenance budgets has results in the use of low input management regimes which reduce costs and are more sustainable. For example native planting and creation of wildflower meadow areas helps to replace high intensity measures such as floral displays, summer bedding and frequently mown amenity grass. In addition to reducing maintenance requirements and associated revenue costs, these measures are more sustainable in the long term and directly contribute to the delivery of Biodiversity Action Plan targets.

Other examples of environmentally sustainable management practices are listed below.

Recycling is a borough wide priority, managed by professional waste officers and is not subject to site by site variation. All BFC Parks and Countryside sites are made available to support the borough wide re-cycling initiative. There is a borough target of providing a glass recycling station for every 1000 properties, with additional re-cycling opportunities being sited alongside the glass depending on the size and capacity of the site. The Warfield and the Westmorland catchments are already well covered, with the local Tesco site and the BFC Larks Hill site. A new recycling bin is now available on site in the car park area, with other bins signposting people to it.

A bin is included in the pavilion kitchen for recycling plastic bottles, tins and cardboard.

There is a facility on site, where grass cuttings, leaves and other green waste is composted.

The Parks and Countryside service don’t use peat based products on their sites. Peat / pesticide use

Suppliers of peat free products are as follows :-Cave Folly Nursery – Worcs Peat Free Plants – Sussex







Building energy conservation measures

4.6 Capital projects

Paddock Plants – Southampton Where possible the Parks and Countryside service minimise use of herbicide by favouring non-chemical management techniques. Herbicides are only used when it’s absolutely necessary and when it is felt that the environmental benefits outweigh the environmental costs. Best practice techniques used include: • Using the minimum active ingredient to achieve effective control. • Using products that will not persist in the environment or be bio-accumulative • Only using spot treatment on weeds on hard surfaces – no blanket spraying • Using non-hazard rated formulations of active ingredients.

The heating system within the pavilion has been reviewed and a new system of heating management introduced which is more cost effective and relevant to users and environmental sustainable.

All 57 lamps have been replaced with LED lighting, which will have environmental benefits and save on long term replacement costs.

A park quality improvement project was carried out during 2013/14, funded by S106 contributions from residential developments in the Warfield area. The capital expenditure for these works totaled £100,000.

The principle works carried out included:

• Construction of new self-binding gravel paths to improve all-season access and to link different areas of the park

• Constructing a new tarmac path from the car park to the play area • Increasing the area of grass managed as wildflower meadow • Providing a new map and interpretation board to improve orientation and

awareness of the scope of the whole site • Carrying out new mixed planting near the main site entrance (pictured left) and

pavilion using perennials, ornamental grasses and shrubs




[email protected]



• Installation of new carved wooden gateway features on the two main routes between Hayley Green Wood and the sport pitch area of the park, to better link these 2 areas and to encourage further exploration of the park.

In 2018 a developer funded path was constructed from The Limes development site (14/00711/FUL) through the edge of the woodland belt to the east of the main sport pitch area. The development of 14 houses was approved following a planning appeal, and the path connection will improve the sustainability of the development by providing pedestrian links to community facilities, including local shops and a school. The path is mainly a no-dig construction using permeable material.

This forms part of a new network of paths provided around the site to increase access for all and provide better connectivity between its key elements e.g. woodland, pond, meadows, grass amenity areas etc.




[email protected]



4.7 Revenue spend Financial management summary Introduction The Bracknell Forest Council Parks and Countryside Service directly manage approximately 312 hectares of publicly accessible land, providing a wide range of outdoor recreation opportunities across approximately 80 sites. The work is completed collaboratively in a diverse range of partnerships and collaborations to provide residents with a network of green spaces that are shown to be well used and highly valued by the residents of Bracknell.

This financial summary presents the financial picture of the Parks and Countryside Service as a whole, in order to provide the financial background against which Green Flag sites are delivered.

It is not practical to separate out detailed costs for individual sites as the entire Parks and Countryside service plays a collaborative part in the retention and expansion of the number of sites formally holding a Green Flag award.

Policy In challenging financial times the delivery of any public service has to be supported within policy. Bracknell Forest Council has adopted a Council Plan 2015 – 2019 and this has identified six strategic themes. The provision of high quality parks and countryside sites is considered to support the delivery of all six themes, but most specifically relates to ‘A clean, green, growing and sustainable place’. A performance indicator within this theme is ‘Satisfaction with parks and open spaces’. The achievement of independently assessed awards is considered to be an important part of delivering and demonstrating the quality of open spaces within the borough. Performance within the Green Flag awards is reported within the council and is widely monitored, particularly by councillors, and this underpins the financial support for the delivery of high quality open spaces.

Responsibility A variety of staff share the responsibility for the financial management of the service. The Head of Parks and Countryside is ultimately accountable, with specific responsibility for budgets assigned to individual site managers through a scheme of delegation. Individual site managers specify works in accordance with the management plans, maintenance regimes or ad-hoc projects. Authorisation limits are in place for each role




[email protected]



in the team, with higher value orders authorised by increasingly senior officers.

Parks and Countryside Staff Structure Chart 2018

Head of Parks & Countryside ELC001

Development Manager ELC015

Senior Ranger ELC005

Senior Ranger ELC003

Heritage Parks Gardener (LHP)

ELC 021

Ranger ELC010

Ranger ELC010

Ranger ELC010

Ranger ELC010

Heritage Parks Manager

Play Area Inspector (P/T)

ELC011

Ranger ELC 014

Ranger ELC014

Ranger ELC014 (P/T)

Projects Officer ELC018

Landscape Designer (P/T)

ELC016

Biodiversity Officer ELC017

Asst. Tree Officer

Principal Tree Officer ELC100

Asst. Tree Officer ELC103

Tree Officer ELC101

Heritage Parks Gardener (SHP)

ELC 025

Heritage Parks Gardener

Admin support

Within the borough council the Finance Department monitor expenditure, prepare reports and provide an internal audit function. Each service has assigned financial officers and accountants and work closely with them on budget monitoring and expenditure.

Procurement Bracknell Forest Council is a large organisation with strict guidelines for the expenditure of public funds. Processes are in place for raising official works orders, paying invoices, tendering for works and so on. Purchase of goods or services are supported by multiple quotations where this can reasonably be achieved. Where appropriate, goods and services are procured through framework agreements to take advantage of the scale of the collective council operation.




[email protected]



Budget The Parks and Countryside expenditure in the financial year 2017/18 for revenue and capital programmes was:

2017 application 2018 application 2019 application Staff costs £781,803 £776,780 £792,315 Maintenance £321,802 £358,397

Revenue budget £584,035

Vehicles £38,339 £41,350 Other costs £21,793 £84,460 Contractors £315,075 £162,200 Income £202,547 £130,250 £135,000 (estimated) Capital £321,600 £245,600 £324,000

Total (Rev+cap) £2,002959 £1,799,037 1,835,350

Total (Rev) £1,681,359 £1,553,437 £1,376,350

Exceptions There are many centralised functions of the council which are available to the Parks and Countryside Service to support the delivery of open space, but which will not show within the above budget. Examples would include: website provision, marketing and social media coverage / monitoring, health and safety expertise and information technology support.

Review The borough financial management process is cyclical and includes operations for budget setting and reporting on variations to planned expenditure and this provides the mechanism by which expenditure can be matched to the actual costs experienced in delivering the commitments within the council plan. Future budgets are then adjusted to reflect the requirement.

This table is to be used by the site ranger in conjunction with the compartment map (at end of table) as a tool to monitor the management requirements of the site. Further details about specific Objectives and Management prescriptions can be found in the Action Plan. See 4.8.




4.8 Work Plan

Table 2. Compartment Action Notes Yr Month Monitor/evaluate

No Habitat J F M A M J J A S O N D A1 All Hand out copies of the dog walking

code of conduct leaflet on site All x x Fewer reports of dog

waste incidents A1 Advertise Paws in the Park Notice Boards All x A2 All General litter pick All x x x x x x x x x x x x A2 Various Maintain site signage and furniture

(benches, noticeboard, litter bins etc)

All x x x x x x x x x x x x

A2 Adjacent to footpaths /properties

Reduce risk from climbing plants on trees close to footpaths / properties

All x x Reduced number of public queries

A2 All Inspection of trees, paths, furniture, structures to manage risks to site users.

All x x Reduced number of public queries

A2 Compartment 6

Make life belts safe and accessible. Thames Water are responsible – to be reported to them

All x x x x x x x x x x x x

A2 Bullbrook (Compartment s 5 and6)

Remove water blockages and prevent overflow issues.

As required – minimum 6 monthly

All x x

A3 All compartments

Remove encroaching vegetation next to footpath by flailing/strimming and branch/shrub clearance

Footpaths to have at least 1 metre clearance from vegetation on each side

x x x x x Highways responsible for cycle path

A3 Compartments 1,2,3,4,5 and 6

Improve sight lines across the site. x x x x x x x Reduced vegetation and open views

A3 Compartments 2,4 and 8

Improve path network across site. New path links created where appropriate e.g. Lime Avenue. See

Paths installed




[email protected]



Compartment Action Notes Yr Month Monitor/evaluate No Habitat J F M A M J J A S O N D

no. 4.4 Capital Projects

A4 Site boundaries

Removal of tree branches that are touching or potentially damaging neighbouring properties.

Where practical a 1 metre gap should be retained

x x Reduced number of public queries

A4 Compartment 7

Clear scrub and vegetation on fence line

Where practical a 3 metre gap should be retained

x x Kept clear for easy access for maintenance and looking for lost balls etc

A5 All Regular site patrols – on-site presence might help to deter anti-social behaviour

x x x x x x x x x x x x Reduced fly tipping, graffiti, garden waste etc.

A6 Compartment 8

Erect and Dismantle goal posts Supervise contractor

x x Completed on time

A6 Compartment 8

Scarify, seed, fertilise, harrow and verti drain pitches

Supervise contractor

x Completed on time

A6 Compartment 8

Mow pitches Supervise contractor

x x x x x x x Completed on time

A6 Compartment 8

Line marking – baseball pitch Supervise contractor

x x x x x x Completed on time

A6 Compartment 8

Line marking - football pitches Supervise contractor

x x x x x x x x Completed on time

B1 Compartments 3 and 4

Cut grass, leave arisings to dry out over 1-2 days, then remove to either sell as hay or for biomass fuel

Now carried out in-house

x x - Reduced dominance from vigorous grasses - Increased species richness and diversity


Introduce additional wildflower diversity by sowing or planting plug plants

Every 3 years x x Increased species richness and diversity

B1 Compartments Selectively remove trees (focus on Remove on a 3 x x x x x x x x Increased variety in tree




[email protected]




1,2,3,5 and 6 non-native and those in poor health). yearly cycle height , maintain mix of native tree species

B1 Compartments 1,2,3,5 and 6

Logs from felled trees to be stacked in part-shade or buried up-right for a beetle loggery. Log piles to be no larger than 1m by 2-3m long.

See above x x x x x x x x Presence of species that favour deadwood habitats including stag beetle and fungi

B1 Compartments 1,2,3,5 and 6

A small amount of standing dead wood (dead or dying branches on trees) should be retained where practicable to do so

See above x x x x x x x x - No more than 5% standing deadwood. - No deadwood poses risk to members of the public

B1 Compartments 1,2 and 6

Active bulb planting. Every 3 years x x At least 20% ground cover of bluebells , wild garlic, red campion etc.

B1 Compartment 5 and 6

Remove part of the bramble and nettle from the bank.

x x x x - Bramble, holly and nettle covers no more than 50% of the stream banks

B2 Compartments 1and 3

Control extent of rhododendron and laurel and by cutting, pulling, and chemical treatment.

- Less than 10% cover from rhododendron and laurel.

x x x x x x x Remove all laurel and Rhododendron


Removal of dogwood in certain areas

(See link to plan) x x x x x x x

B2 All Maintenance of dogwood and snowberry formal planting

Cut back on 3 yearly cycle (See link to plan )

x x x x x x x

B3 Compartment 2

Preserve ‘Lime Avenue’ Plant young lime trees to re establish ‘avenue’ line

x x x Avenue line created

B3 Compartments 1,2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

Conserve specimen trees and veteran trees

(1) Regular tree inspections.

(2) Remediation work for damaged/diseased

x x (1) Tree inspections recorded

(2) Remediation work completed in appropriate



I I I I I I I I ·------· ...


[email protected]




trees. (3) Top up the mulched bark area around the base of the veteran tree roots

x

time-scale

(3) Mulched based maintained around the veteran tree roots

Work Plan Map




[email protected]



4.9 Action Plan

Aim A: To maintain the site as an attractive, safe and accessible place for informal recreation

Objective Management Prescriptions Location Indicator(s) of success

By Whom Time Scales /Frequency

A1. Encourage responsibledog ownership

Publicise dog walking code of conduct leaflet on websites and on social media.

Public paths Decreased dog fouling

BFC Officers (P&C in liaison with Environmental Protection)

T/P Council

Leaflet continuously available on P&C pages. Ad hoc publicity on BFC social media

Hand out copies of the dog walking code of conduct leaflet on site.

All Decreased dog fouling

Site Rangers / Managers / Community Volunteers

Targeted dates throughout the year (minimum of twice yearly)

Advertise Paws in the Park; a free event which promotes responsible dog ownership, pre and post publicity.

Notice boards Decreased dog fouling

Project Officer / Site Manager where event is to be held

Advertise 2 months before the event (Jul/Aug) and publicise after.

Provide dog waste disposal facilities. Various Presence of combined use dog/waste bins

Site Ranger Contractor -Continental Landscape Limited (CLL)

8 bins provided on site which are emptied approximately 3 times a week

A2. Ensure site is clean, safe and well-maintained

General litter pick. All Site free from litter Site Ranger / Volunteers

Co-ordinate with work programme




[email protected]






Routine emptying of litter bins. Refer to site furniture location map in Appendix A

Litter bins not overflowing

CLL 3 times a week

Routine litter pick within play area and car park

Play area Play area free from litter

CLL 3 times per week

Maintain site signage and furniture (benches, noticeboard, litter bins etc.)

Various - Signs and furniture are clean with no signs of damage - No graffiti present - Information up-to-date

Site Rangers / Volunteers

Monthly, or as required

Keep play areas clean/safe and ensure equipment is safe to use.

Play area (compartment 4)

- No glass/rubbish - Fully functioning equipment - Play area borders are kept clear of vegetation.

Play area inspector / Site Ranger

Weekly, plus a 6 month external inspection

Reduce risk from climbing plants on trees close to footpaths / properties.

Adjacent to footpaths/ properties

Potentially hazardous climbers removed

Site Ranger Minimum 6 monthly

Inspection of trees, paths, furniture, structures to manage risks to site users.

All Inspections carried out and recorded and actions taken on issues identified

Site Ranger in consultation with the BFC Tree Team

Minimum 6 monthly

Make life belts safe and accessible. Pond boundary (compartment

Life belts present and in good working

Thames Water are responsible -

Monthly or as required




[email protected]






6) order defects/problems are seen they are to be reported to Thames Water by Site Ranger

Remove water blockages and prevent overflow issues.

Bullbrook (compartments 5 and 6)

No debris in stream Site Ranger /Environment Agency

As required

Ensure health and safety procedures are followed and reviewed regularly. See Appendix H

N/A Site is safe to use by all users

Site Ranger Continuous

A3. Ensure all access pointsand paths are safe and usable.

Remove encroaching vegetation next to footpath by flailing/strimming and branch/shrub clearance.

All compartments See map in Appendix A

Footpaths have at least 1 metre clearance from vegetation on each side

Highways are responsible for the sweeping of the cycle path and the Site Ranger is responsible for the remaining paths

(Mainly Apr -Sept)

Improve sight lines across the site. Compartments 1, 2, 3, 4,5 and 6.

Reduced vegetation and more open views

Site Ranger Sept - Mar

Improve path network across site. Paths in compartments 2, 4 and 8

- New path links created where appropriate e.g. Lime

Contractor/Site Ranger/Project Officer.

As funding comes available.




[email protected]






Avenue. See no. 4.5 Capital Projects.

A4. Maintain site boundaries Removal of tree branches that are touching or potentially damaging neighbouring properties.

Site boundaries Where practical a one-metre gap should be retained between trees/branches and buildings/fences

Contractor/ Site Ranger

Dependent on 6-monthly site inspection findings

A5. Address and report anti-social behaviour

Monitor and record anti-social behaviour. Report significant/serious occurrences to police.

All Reports recorded on CADIS for fly tipping, graffiti, garden waste

Site Ranger As required

Regular site patrols – on-site presence might help to deter anti-social behaviour

All Reduced fly tipping, graffiti, garden waste etc.

Site Ranger Once a week

Communicate issues on anti-social behaviour with site users and local residents.

Site and its surrounding neighbourhood.

Reduced fly tipping, graffiti, garden waste etc.


Liaise with other public services who are employed as part of the neighbourhood teams.

N/A Key locations patrolled through collaborative working

Site Ranger, Police, Fire Brigade and PCSOs

As required




[email protected]






A6. Maintain sports pitches Erect and Dismantle goal posts Compartment 8 Completed on time Contractor September and May

Scarify, seed, fertilise, harrow and verti drain pitches

Compartment 8 Completed on time Contractor Spring (after season ends)

Mow pitches Compartment 8 Completed on time Contractor April to October Fortnightly

Line marking – baseball pitch Compartment 8 Completed on time Contractor April to September – Weekly

Line marking - football pitches Compartment 8 Completed on time Contractor September to May - Weekly




[email protected]



Aim B: To maintain and enhance the historic landscape character of the park and the features of nature conservation value.

Objective Management Prescriptions Location Indicator of success


B1. To maintain and improve the nature conservation value and interest of the habitats and associated species Grassland Improve

structure and biodiversity value of existing meadows.

Cut grass and make hay, which we sell or burn as biomass

Compartments 3 and 4

- Reduced dominance from vigorous grasses - Increased species richness and diversity

Site Ranger/Contactor Annual cut in August/September

Introduce additional wildflower diversity by sowing or planting plug plants


Increased species richness and diversity

Site Ranger/Contactor/Volunteers

Early Spring, Once every 3 years (to be reviewed)

Woodland Maintain a varied age-structure to enhance ground flora

Selectively remove trees (focus on non-native and those in poor health). Where natural regeneration of tree/shrubs is not possible, try to use locally sourced stock for tree planting. Keep ivy where safety permits.

Compartments 1, 2 and 6

- Increased variety in tree height - Maintained mix of native tree species - Increased richness and biodiversity of ground flora

Site Ranger /Volunteers / Contractor

Annual rotation

Hazel Coppice Compartments 1,2,4,5,6

- Increased variety in tree height

Site Ranger /Volunteers / Contractor

On third every 4 years




[email protected]






- Maintained mix of native tree species - Increased richness and biodiversity of ground flora

Improve composition of woodland ground flora

(1) Active bulb planting. (2) Refer to B2. control of invasive species.

Compartments 1, 2 and 6

- At least 20% ground cover of bluebells, wild garlic, red campion, etc.

Ranger/ Volunteers (1) October/November (2) Sept – Feb for main removal, then small patches as required

Improve biodiversity value of wooded area

Refer to B2. control of invasive species.

Compartments 1, 2 and 6.

Remove all laurel and Rhododendron

Ranger/ Volunteers 5 years to average 20% removal each year

Increase the amount of deadwood habitat.

Logs from felled trees to be stacked in part-shade or buried up-right for a beetle loggery. Log piles to be no larger than 1m by 2-3m long.

Compartments 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6.

Presence of species that favour deadwood habitats including stag beetle and fungi

Site Ranger When trees are felled

A small amount of standing dead wood (dead or dying branches on trees) should be retained where


- No more than 5% standing deadwood. - No deadwood

Site Ranger When trees are felled




[email protected]






practicable to do so. poses risk to members of the public

Fallen, rotting deadwood should be left where it is. If this is not possible it should be moved carefully the smallest distance, and left under similar conditions of light and shade and the same way up.


No more than 5% fallen deadwood


Water bodies

To maintain and improve the conservation value in and around the pond and stream inlets/outlets

Keep pond and inlets and outlets free from logs debris etc. Felled trunks can be left whole if not causing an obstruction.

Pond and stream (compartments 5 and 6)

- Increased presence of kingfishers (BAP) - Increased waterfowl individuals - Presence of suitable aquatic invertebrate indicator species for non-polluted water

Site Ranger/ Environment Agency/ Thames Water

As required

Remove part of the bramble and nettle from the bank.

Compartment 5 and 6

- Bramble, holly and nettle covers no more than 50% of the stream banks

Site Ranger Jan - Apr




[email protected]






Reactive approach to monitor and report changes in water quality

Respond to calls about water problems and inspect as part of regular site patrols.

Pond and stream (compartment 5and 6)

Significant drops in water quality reported to the Environment Agency

Site Ranger/ Environment Agency/ Thames Water

6 monthly/ as required

B2. Control of invasive species.

Control extent of rhododendron and laurel and by cutting, pulling, and chemical treatment. Removal of dogwood in certain areas

Compartment 1 and 3


- Less than 10% cover from rhododendron and laurel.

Use volunteer groups for vegetation management. Some specialist work to be done by contractors

Sept – Mar

Cut back on a 3 yearly cycle

B3. Identify and conserve key historicalfeatures (i.e. ancientbarrows, Veteran trees, etc)

See below for individual historic features.

Preserve ‘Lime Avenue’ Plant young lime trees to re establish ‘avenue’ line

Compartment 2

Avenue line created

Ranger/ Volunteers Mar - May

Conserve specimen trees and veteran trees

(1) Regular tree inspections. (2) Remediation work for damaged/diseased trees. (3) Maintain a mulched bark area around the base of the veteran tree root base – top up once a

Compartments 1,2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

(1)Tree inspections recorded (2) Remediation work completed in appropriate time-scale

Site Ranger (1) Six monthly (2) As identified on inspection (3) Once a year




[email protected]






year. (3) Root compaction and drought is limited thus preserving the health of veteran trees

B4. Manage features inaccordance with designations/legalrequirements where relevant i.e. TPOs, SAMs, BAPs, SANGs, SSSIs, etc.

Refer to specific feature and site designation requirements e.g. LBAP species. Hayley Green Woods has a blanket tree preservation order on all the trees. Any work carried out will be in conjunction with the BFC Tree Services team Warfield Environment Group attend working groups on site and assist with vegetation control, tree and bulb planting and other general maintenance tasks

Compartment 1

Compartment 1

All Increased number of sessions attended

Ranger/Contractor

Ranger/Volunteers

As and when required

At least 3 times per year

B5. To maintain and improve the site’s role as a wildlife corridor.

Manage site effectively as part of a Wildlife corridor linking Warfield Chase and Edmunds lane

All Continuously high biodiversity value through stream, ponds, woodlands and meadow

Site Ranger

Improve connections of habitats within the site.

All Reduced habitat fragmentation

Site Ranger




[email protected]



Aim C: To manage the park in a sustainable way

Objective Management Prescriptions Location Indicator of success By Whom Time Scales /Frequency

C1. Use herbicides appropriately

Minimise use of herbicide by favouring non-chemical management techniques

All N/A Site Ranger

Use herbicides only when it is felt that the environmental benefits outweigh the environmental costs and use best practice techniques e.g. • Use the minimum active ingredient

to achieve effective control. • Use products that will not persist in

the environment or be bio-accumulative

• Only use spot treatment on weeds on hard surfaces – no blanket spraying

• Use non-hazard rated formulations of active ingredients.

All N/A All

C2. Recycle waste plantmaterial where practicable

Eco-piles are created out of logs or branches

Compartments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.

Waste disposal costs are kept to a minimum

All

Branches are chipped and used as shrub bed mulch.

All Presence of mulch from site works

All

Leave vegetative waste materials on-site if possible.

All N/A All




[email protected]





C3. Demonstrate high horticultural and arboricultural standards

Don't use horticultural peat Maintenance of dogwood and snowberry formal planting

All No presence of horticultural peat Regular regime for pruning of dogwood and snowberry.

All N/A

Cut back on 3 yearly cycle

C4. Have energy conservation,pollution reduction, waste recycling and resourceconservation measures been implemented.

Where practicable preference will be given to locally sourced products (from within the southeast region). Refer to the council's Procurement Manual 3.2 Sustainable Procurement; 3.4 Small & Medium Sized Enterprises; and 3.5 Voluntary Sector. A Trend Building management system was installed in 2017 (?) which is remotely monitored. Access has been given to the ranger service in the near future. In addition as part of these works the ventilation system was fixed -previously the dampers were left open continuously.

All

Pavilion

50% products sourced locally

Reduced energy consumption

All

All

No plants bought in 2018, but this action will be delivered as required.

Immediate

C5. Encourage sustainable forms of travel and improve links within the Borough

Manage the cycle route through the site, ensuring it’s kept clear with suitable surface and adequate signage

Compartments 5 and 6.

Increased use of cycle path within site

Highway Asset Management

As required




[email protected]





Provide opportunities for cyclists to stop and use the site.

Compartment 8

Maintain cycle racks Ranger As required

Encourage exploration of local cycle routes, using on site map and BFC website

On site and on BFC website

- Map present on site showing main cycle links - Cycling promoted on BFC website - Increased use of local cycle network

Site ranger

P&C Project Officer

Transport Development

C6. Mitigate for effects of climate change

Manage bank erosion, unblock ditches and increase drainage

All Reduced effects of flooding on site


Plant native trees as part of carbon sequestration.

Compartments 1,2, 3 and 4

More younger trees planted in woodland and Lime Avenue

Site Ranger Tree planting carried out by Warfield Environment Group in 2018 (area newly cleared of invasive Rhododendron Ponticum)

C7. Manage site in a cost-effective manner

Identify funding opportunities with user groups tree planting schemes, etc.)

N/A Increased revenue Site Ranger / Manager / SRA

As required

Utilise capital funding (e.g. S106 from the Quality Improvements Programme)

All S106 funds secured. Improved quality

Site Ranger / The time of the next quality audit




[email protected]





to improve site quality standards. standards score from very good to excellent

in 2019




[email protected]



Aim D: Coordinated management and maintenance through joined up working between project partners


D1. Develop a consensus between adjacent landownersand local groups

D2. Liaise with relevant agencies, groups and organisations to gatherinformation for site management

Liaise with adjacent landowners and groups about site management.

On and off site

Decision-making is informed from partnership discussions

Ranger Yearly or as required

Communicate with Natural England, Environment Agency, Thames Valley Police, etc. in connection with site.

On and off site

Advice from bodies used in management of site

Ranger Yearly or as required

D3. Explore and develop commercial opportunities toprovide revenue to supportmanagement andmaintenance.

Investigate pavilion and pitch charges to increase revenue from hirers

Increased income Ranger Annual review or as required

D4. Improve communicationand information sharing on green spaces across the Borough.

Work collaboratively with other Site Managers to share information.

N/A Collaborated data collection and reports

BFC Parks and Countryside staff

N/A




[email protected]



Aim E: To promote community involvement in the park


E1. Involve local community in management of site where appropriate and provide a good provision of information to users.

Work closely with WEG by having regular contact with chairman.

Liaison with all sports users

WEG’s address and onsite

Attendance at meetings and number of working parties

Attendance of rangers when required at WPLTC meetings

Site Ranger Quarterly

Engage with site users to provide opportunities for feedback on site improvements. http://consult.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/portal/leisure/parkvisit

All Completion of online survey by parks users

Site Ranger Park user Volunteers

As required

E2. Gain knowledge of usercommunities and levels of use

Collect regular feedback from the Park User Survey and examine visitor use

All Data collected and analysed from survey

Project Officer and Site Ranger Park

Once per month

E3. Provide opportunities forpractical communityinvolvement

Identify opportunities for practical involvement.

All Delivery of 2 or more task days and events per year on site

Site Ranger Volunteers

Minimum of twice a year

E4. Positively market the site,e.g. events, conservation

Publicise events effectively N/A Increased attendance at events

Parks and Countryside Service.




[email protected]



Aim E: To promote community involvement in the park


tasks, websites, etc.

E6. Promote the site as an educational resource

Provide an events program covering all sites.

N/A Events programme produced, distributed and displayed in site notice boards

Parks and Countryside Service

6 monthly

Provide permanent and non-permanent onsite interpretation facilities, the former should provide a site map and describe the landscape heritage of the site.

Compartments 5,6 and 8

Maintenance of interpretation boards

Site Ranger 3 monthly

Encourage local involvement of schools, colleges and community groups.

N/A Public attendance at events

Site Ranger Yearly

E7. Improve opportunities forpotentially under-represented or excluded groups

Take into account said groups during planning for access and interpretation.

N/A Improved access to site and interpretation facilities for said groups

Ranger and site users/ SRA

Yearly

Identify target user groups and open lines of communication.

N/A Attendance at user group meetings or site meetings

Ranger 5 years




[email protected]



Aim F: To survey, monitor and report on the delivery of the management plan aims and objectives


F1. Monitor habitats and keyspecies and evaluate data Meadow Survey species richness. Compartments

3,4 and 8 Species list recorded Biodiversity

Officer/Site Ranger

By end of Summer 2019

Further biodiversity surveys depending on initial survey results.

Compartment 3, 4 and 8

Further survey information recorded and evaluated

Biodiversity Officer/Site Ranger

2015 onwards

Woodland ground flora Map distribution of ground flora species. Survey species cover abundance.

Compartments 1, 2,3,5 and 6

- Distribution map created - Percentage cover recorded

Site Ranger / Volunteers

Annual

Kingfisher Ask local residents to report sightings of kingfisher via BFC website, Site Ranger or Biodiversity Officer.


Kingfisher sightings reported

Local Residents

Annual

Stag beetle population. Ask local residents to report sightings of stag beetles via BFC website, Site Ranger or Biodiversity Officer.

All Stag beetle sightings reported

Local Residents

Annual

F2. Monitor and maintain quality standards (i.e. GreenFlag Award® criteria as a benchmark)

Collect data using the BFC core quality criteria document (see Appendix D). Use this data to inform management of the park.

All TBC Site Rangers/other BFC employees

TBC




[email protected]



Aim F: To survey, monitor and report on the delivery of the management plan aims and objectives


Ensure that routine work as contracted out to CLL is carried out to spec. See maintenance map in Appendix A.

All Litter bins are empty, cycle ways are clear from debris, grass has been mowed.

Site Ranger / CLL

Fortnightly or as required

F3. Demonstrate financiallysound management of the park/open space

Continuously review budget spends for site and evaluate cost-effectiveness.

N/A Within budget spends each year and work programme achieved

Senior Site Ranger

Yearly

Deliver capital projects. N/A Capital projects delivered to set aims and within allocated timescales


F4.The Plan must be activelyimplemented and reviewed

The plan will be reviewed annually but it is intended to cover a 10-year period.

N/A New/amended management plan

Site Ranger /Senior Ranger

Comprehensive review in 2026



Park - location view

Legend

i.:lsite boundary

0 100 200 ------=======iMeters Fi:I Cruwn copyright and database rights 2015

Orctlance Survey 100019488

N

A

December 2015

~>J .)I Bracknell .....--1 Forest

Council


[email protected]

www. brae knell-forest. gov .u k/parksandcountryside


Appendices

Appendix A



Westmorland Park - aerial view

Legend

i,: l Site boundary

o 100 200 -------=======Meters © Crown copyright and database rights 2015

OrdnarK:e Survey 100019488

December 2015

N

A ~~

cJj Bracknell -----1 Forest

Council


[email protected]





Westmorland Park - geology bedrock RCS D

Legend

t:: Site boundary Geology Bedrock ~ CLAY

RCS_D - CLAY, SILT AND SAND

- CHALK GRAVEL

MUDSTONE

SAND

1111 SANDSTONE

1111 SANDSTONE AND MUDSTONE

SAND, Si l T ANO CLAY 1111 SILTSTONE ANO SANDSTONE

o 200 ------c::::=====Meters

100

C Crown copyright and database rights 2015 Ordnance Survey 100019488

December 2015

N

A ~,,) cJI Bracknell

--" Forest Council

Parks & Countryside Service 01344 354441 [email protected]





Legend

~::• Site boundary - Ponds and Inland Water Floodzone3*•

Q Balancing Ponds (Thames Water) ~ Floodzone2~

• Low to medium risk with an annual probabi lity of floo ding c l O_ 1-1_0% from rt;,eFS and 0.1--0,5% fr om lhe sea, "" Hfgh risk with an annua l proba.blllty of fl ooding of 1-0% or grl!ale r from ri11ers, and 0.5% or greater from U,e sea. Flood and drainage dala provided b~ the Environment Agency, July 2014

I I I • I

o 200 -------=======Meters

100

C Crown copyright and database rights 2015 Ordnance Survey 100019488

December 2015

N

A ~,,) cJI Bracknell

--" Forest Council






Park TPOs

Legend

t:: stteboundary e TPO point ~ TPO Poly gon

100 200 •------======= Meters

© Crown copyright and database rights 2016 Ordnance Survey 100019488

January 2016

N

A ~>d ,JI Bracknell

...--A Forest Council


[email protected]


January 1, 2017 Westmorland Park Management Plan 2016 - 2026



i::: s rte bou ndary e:::::::J Nature Reserves LDca l WildifeSile

100 200 -------======= Meters

© Cmwn copyright and database rights 2016 Ordnance Survey 100019488

N

A ~>J ,JI Bracknell

.....--1 Forest Council


[email protected]





Legend

;: : j Site boundary IJ ParkslitterBins Public Rights or Way

- Bridleway :',-.i. PlayAreas

- Byway open to al l traffic

Footpath

- Restricted Byway

200 ------======iMeters 0 100

O Crown copy1ight and database rights 2015 Ordnance Survey 100019488

December 2015

N

A ~,;

.J[ Bracknell ..-A Forest

Council






Park landscape inventory for contracted works

Legend

Landscape Inventory Lines Landscape Inventory Polygons - Banks - 14 Day c ut - Hedge Twi ce Ye arly Cut • • Shrub Maintenance

~ Sttim - 14 Day Fly Cut - flower Beds i. • Meadow One Year c ut D Strim

c:J Site boundary 28 Day Fly Cut - Hedge One Year Cut - Open Space Strimm ing

50 100 ----c::::=== Meters

© Crown copyright and database rights 2015 Ordnance Survey 100019488

N

A ~,;)

,:JI Bracknell ----1 Forest

Council


[email protected]









Appendix B: Strategic background

The Council Plan 2015 – 2019 The Council Plan has defined six Strategic themes, including four that are supported by the Parks and Countryside Management Plans.

• People live active and healthy lifestyles • A clean, green, growing and sustainable place • Strong, safe, supportive and self-reliant communities • A strong and resilient economy

Key measures of success are identified for each strategic theme and the proposed review of the site management plans will act directly to ensure: • Resident satisfaction levels with parks and open spaces is maintained

The plans will indirectly support the key measures of success that: • Development plans provide sufficient open space • Numbers of adults and young people participating in leisure and sport has increased • Levels of volunteering and community action in the borough are increased • High levels of community cohesion are maintained • There are low levels of crime and anti-social behaviour throughout the borough Comprehensive public health programmes are delivered

Parks and Open Spaces Strategy (2012)This Bracknell Forest Council strategy is about the management and development of recreational green space, particularly in the context of contributing to quality of life. The strategy sets out the key objectives to be delivered (featured below), many of which are reflected in the P&C management plans.

A. Provision: Protect and establish public open space for recreation, play, sport, health, biodiversity, heritage and climate change mitigation and adaption that is appropriate to need; strategically located; and adaptable to future requirements

B. Maintenance: Provide safe and welcoming public open space; attain and improve quality standards

C. Use and Enjoyment: Make sure public open space supports well-being; encourages participation; and facilitates social inclusion







Priorities: A key priority set out within the borough’s Parks and Open Spaces Strategy is “sustaining and raising quality standards for parks and open spaces, together with the provision of facilities that are of a sufficient size to meet the recreational demands of a growing residential population. This needs to be achieved in the context of increasing pressure to reduce public expenditure, alongside encouraging greater community ownership and involvement. Core priorities over the next 5 years which specifically relate to quality standards and include:

• Monitor and assess quality standards across parks and open spaces. Manage sites to a high standard; carry out improvement works to sustain and improve quality in line with the Bracknell Forest Council ‘Plus One Principle’ and relevant national guidance.

• Maintain Green Flag status for existing award winning parks and attain additional Green Flag Awards for suitable sites.”

Draft Play, Open Spaces and Sports Study for Bracknell Forest (2016-2036)

1.1 Bracknell Forest Council has undertaken a study of green infrastructure, play provision, open space and indoor and outdoor sport and recreational facilities. This will provide a clear vision and priorities for the future, based on local need. The study runs from 2016 to 2036 to align with the emerging Comprehensive Local Plan period. The study has been prepared in parallel with the Playing Pitch Strategy, of which, both have a shared set of appendices.

1.2 The study embraces one of the main ambitions of the Borough Council to plan positively, creatively and effectively to ensure that there is adequate provision of accessible, high quality green spaces, civic spaces and sports and recreation facilities that meet the needs and aspirations of local people and visitors.

1.3 The report has been prepared with a number of objectives: 1. Quantifying strategic and locally important play, open space and sports facilities. 2. Quantifying planned new provision. 3. To assess the quality, accessibility and availability of existing provision. 4. To assess future demand patterns and gaps in terms of provision. 5. To provide a clear evidence base for future service provision and quality improvements. 6. To provide evidence for changes to existing play, open space or sports facilities. 7. To provide the evidence base for planning policy and guidance requirements, including local quantitative, qualitative and accessibility standards.







Scope of the Study: 1.6 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) guidance requires local authorities to undertake an assessment of provision of open space, indoor facilities and outdoor sports provision. The Council has reviewed existing strategies and has undertaken consultation with the local public as part of the audit. NPPF paragraph 73 states:

“Access to high quality open spaces and opportunities for sport and recreation can make an important contribution to the health and well-being of communities. Planning policies should be based on robust and up-to-date assessments of the needs for open space, sports and recreation facilities and opportunities for new provision. The assessments should identify specific needs and quantitative or qualitative deficits or surpluses of open space, sports and recreational facilities in the local area. Information gained from the assessments should be used to determine what open space, sports and recreational provision is required.”

1.7 This study updates the previous study in 2006 which was produced following Assessing needs and opportunities: A companion guide to PPG17. However this guidance has now been replaced by the Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) on open space, sports and recreation facilities. The PPG recommends that Sport England Guidance is used to assess sports and recreation provision entitled Assessing needs and opportunities guide for indoor and outdoor sports facilities (July 2014). Sport England (July 2014). The Sport England guidance partly replaces the companion guide and is intended for sports only. This leaves an obvious gap in guidance for other topics such as green infrastructure and other non-sport related open space and recreational provision. The Council has therefore taken a pragmatic approach and will follow the stages set out in the Sport England guidance and use it to cover facets of this study that cover play, open space and sports and green infrastructure because many of the recommended stages can be applied wider than just for indoor and outdoor sports. Accordingly, the study follows a 3-stage process:

Stage A – Prepare and tailor the approach (Chapter 2 of this report). Stage B – Gather information on supply and demand (Chapters 3 - 9). Stage C – Assessment – bringing the information together (Chapter 3- 9).

1.8 The study will form an evidence base to: • Develop up-to-date planning policies produced in Local Plans and Neighbourhood Plans. • Produce or refresh an authority wide facility strategy for green infrastructure, play, open space and indoor and outdoor sport. • Develop and review standards of provision for planning policy and guidance. • Inform the Borough’s approach to infrastructure planning. • Inform the Development Management process. • Develop a good evidence base for funding bids.







Biodiversity Action Plan 2018-2023

The BAP has the following aims and objectives:

Aim To conserve and enhance biodiversity within Bracknell Forest Borough

Plan Objectives This aim will be achieved through the following objectives:

• Targeted Monitoring – of priority species and habitats. • Proactive Policies – to ensure important sites are protected and get the best result for biodiversity in the planning process. • Positive Management – to maintain, restore and create key habitats for wildlife.

Effective Communication – between partners, landowners and the public to raise awareness, influence actions, encourage partnerships and inform decisions.

The BAP sets out 6 Habitat Action Plans (including associated key species) encompassing grassland; woodland; wetland; heathland; farmland and urban areas.

Local Transport Plan (LTP3 2011-2026)Local goals: 1.1 To improve the connectivity of the transport system to places of work, schools, hospitals and public amenities. 2.4 To promote, support and improve facilities for cycling and walking. 3.1 To promote accessibility to everyday facilities for all, especially those without a car. 3.3 To improve connections to, from and within areas away from Bracknell Town Centre. 3.4 To promote the use of non-motorised transport for local journeys. 3.7 To ensure that new development providing facilities and services is accessible by pedestrians (to include people with disabilities), cyclists and by public transport and to promote improvements to existing development where this is inadequate. 4.2 To promote means of travel that are conducive to better health. 4.3 Encourage more walking and cycling, as both a leisure pursuit and commuting choice.

Objectives To ensure accessibility to everyday facilities for all, especially those without a car. To promote sustainable modes of transport for local journeys.



Your website for disability information

I n partnership witn

MARKS& SPE CER





Of particular relevance is:

Policy TP18: Public Rights of Way

Standards for Accessible Natural Greenspace – ANGSt (Natural England) As set out on the Natural England website; “Accessible Natural Greenspace Standard (ANGSt) provides a set of benchmarks for ensuring access to places near to where people live. These standards recommend that people living in towns and cities should have: • an accessible natural greenspace of at least 2 hectares in size, no more than 300 metres (5 minutes walk) from home • at least one accessible 20 hectare site within two kilometres of home • one accessible 100 hectare site within five kilometres of home • one accessible 500 hectare site within ten kilometres of home • one hectare of statutory Local Nature Reserves per thousand population” ANGSt is based on three principles: a) Improving access b) Improving naturalness c) Improving connectivity

Bracknell Forest Equality Scheme 2017-2020The Council Plan includes a commitment to review all council services over the next 4 years and a new narrative which underlines the council’s commitment to reducing inequalities. The equality scheme has been linked to the service planning process for 2017 to 2018 to ensure that the implementation of the equality objectives will be integrated, wherever possible, into the mainstream delivery and monitoring of services across the council.

Disabled Go The Council and its partners worked in conjunction with Disabled Go, a national charity, to produce an online access guide covering 500 venues across the Borough to help inform and empower people with disabilities. The venues listed on their website include several of Bracknell Borough’s Parks and Countryside sites as well as council buildings, shops, hotels, restaurants and cafes.



Section 1: A welcoming Pl ace

Section 2: Healthy, Safe and Secure

1. Welcome

2. Good and Safe Access

3. Slgnage

4 . Equcll Access for All

Section 4: Enviro nmental Management

This seo1on seer'.:; to ensure then tr-e wciv the ):te 1s managed ho·~ c1 pci~_1t1ve 1inpact on rhe env 11onrnent

lcx:·ullv ond globol!y. bo1h riow u nd for ·1he lurure

Where :.:_ho1ce 0~ cun be n1\Jde tor lu1ure procurernenr

londstap1ng or build rigs they shou ld oirn r'r.:-.1

m 1n1rn1se energy and resource c.onsumpn0n and

wast e. and design 1n benefits t o tl1e loc::il and globa l

environrnenr Po l1 cie:- :;hou ld seet:to el1rn1nore the

use or' peot and chemical·~- tc ,-:-c nt ro! pesrs and o-;:;

fen111-~er~~ Hort1cul ruro l ond o r·b o nc u l1,_ 1rol dec1::iion·~.

-~hould 1etlf'i_ t 1J11 Linde r··;toncJ1ng o1 th~ wnpoch o!

1 lwna le rJ1onge

....... ... .... .... ..... ..... ... .... ....... .. ... ........ ... .... .. .... .. ....... ..... ..... .. ... ..... .... ... .... .... ...... ... ... Section 5: Biod ive rsity LoncJscope This sect ion looks at how well managers 5. Appropriate Provision of Quality ond Heritoge

14. Managing Environmental Impact

15. Waste Minimisation

16. Chemical Use

17. Peat Use

18. Climate Change Adoption Strategies

unde rstand their users' needs, encouraging them Facilities and Activities ······· ······ ····················· ···· .. -··········· ······· ······· ····· ············· ························· ············· ·· ··· ···

to enjoy healthy actIvIt Ies using appropriate. safe- 6. Safe Equipment and Facilities to-use fac ilit ies and actIvItIes, and to feel personally safe and secure

Section 3: Well Maintained and Clean

For aesthetic as well as health and safety reasons, issues of cleanliness and maintenance must be addressed, 111 particular

+ litter and other waste management issues rnus1 be adequately dealt with,

+ groL1nds, bui ldings, equipment and other fearures must be well maInto1ned,

+ po l1c1es on lrtte1·, vc1ndalrsm and maintenance should be In place. 111 practice, and regular·ly rev iewed.

7. Personal Security

8. Control of Dogs/ Dog Fouling

9. Litter and Waste Management

10. Horticultural Maintenance

11. Arboricultural Maintenance

12. Building and Infrastructure Maintenance

13. Equipment Maintenance

Section 6: Community Involvement

Thi·: ·.~,. f1:·;r1 ": ,.-.:irr11(1~ .~ ,~ 1e e·· TI'!! 1t f(1 ... ,h,, t~, f ht

m(1n,1g1r,9. ,-r,1on,;,-:1r1.::n

+ unc,~r )!nnj~ tr1e •:i:,n,mun1fl., 1r ·~ed ~ t(, _,tr.-~

+ •.1-::!1'.-:"'I•, ur1.:J ,1r.,pr,·:,p11._1!elr 1r,·.,·_,l,.1e·; r11~rnt~r, ~.:1

tnt: ( (Jrr1n11_1r11T·l 1fl r11.::,1;-1n,~1 ·..1ci_ ,;t~•n., ;Jt.'(11.JT tt·1t:

_;11e·~. de .. ·~t,_:,prr 1r-::r'1!

, r:-r::,v1i::J~~, •=c•r.H:i1TunrT1".:'5 tor ,J,~T1•,·e c,-:-Jrf1i:1c:i,:Jr1on in

:,1r-= c,101-::cri and

, i:n;ur":'$ rh<JT Tr10::re 1;; '.J~•c•rc,pn.::ne pr<::•111;1,:,r1 -:-r

r-:=,:re,:::n1-:-r11JI f(J-:111'1e::. or·::t :::icr1-.,rT1~-:; tc·r -.:ill ~~,:::t•::•r~

,:if Thi: ,: ,:,rnrn urnT .-

19. Manage ment o f Nc1tuml Fec1tures, Wild FcIuncI cmd Flora

20. Co n serva tio n of Lcmdscop e Feotures

21. Co nservc1tion o f Buildings and St r uct ures

22 . Community Involvement In Management and Development

23 . Approprlale Provision !or Communlly


[email protected]



Appendix C: Green Flag Award® assessment criteria



Section 7: Mark,eting and Communication

1his section seeks to exarrine the ways thal

managers uooerstand the key benefits ot1he site and how they use this information to promote it appwpciatety. They should understa nd w ho

the main user group-5 are, could be or should be, and use a fitting range of interpretatioo and

engagement techniques to communicate wilh them. This basis ensures that appropoote facilities, events and octivities ea n be offered and most effectively promoted, and forms a solidfoundatioo for development now and in the future.

Section 8: Management

llis. section ev:i; uates In ow well the management p'.:Jn fs irr. pie rr.e :-:.led on si'te.

24. Marketing. and Promotion

15. Appropriate Information Chonfl€1s

26. Appropriate Educational and l,nte-rpretational I nfonnation

27. Implementation of Management Plan


[email protected]



http://www.greenflagaward.org.uk/media/1019/green-flag-award-guidelines.pdf



http://www.greenflagaward.org.uk/media/1019/green-flag-award-guidelines.pdf

the Parks and Open Spaces Strategy).


Appendix D: Bracknell Forest Council core quality criteria (from

Entrances: • Tidy • Well-signed • Obvious • Unobstructed • Welcoming • Ease of Use (disabled access, inclusive

design) Signage: • Consistent

• Provision of basic information to include site name; who manages the site; relevant contact details

• Erected at a consistent and appropriate height

• Positioned so clearly visible Boundaries: (e.g. hedges, fences, ditches)

• Appropriate design and materials • Well maintained

Access: • Defined paths • Surface condition • Good drainage • Clear of vegetation

Soft Landscaping / Planting / Grass / Meadows:

• Areas defined • Formal planting well maintained • Natural planting managed positively for

wildlife • Management of invasive scrub • Appropriate grass/hay/meadow cutting

regime Trees: • Good condition (no deadwood overhanging

entrances, paths, boundaries) • Under-storey management • Trees managed positively for wildlife • New planting well maintained

Furniture: (e.g. • Consistent styles in keeping with site use

seats, benches, bins, notice boards)

i.e. formal or informal • Well maintained • Well located • Easy to use • Information up to date

Cleanliness: • Little or no litter • Minimal dog fouling • Graffiti free – no offensive graffiti • Vandalism not evident

Safe and secure: • Does the site feel safe • Good lines of sight to entrances and exits




[email protected]



Appendix E: Species list and habitat requirements Species Habitat requirements Status

Stag beetle (Lucanus cervus)

Recorded in Hayley Green Woods. Larvae require rotting dead wood, preferably partially buried and so this species relies on broadleaved woodland.

Historic declines due to loss of woodland but currently stable (BARS, 2008). National and local surveys have confirmed Bracknell Forest is within UK stronghold.

Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)

Can be found along the Bullbrook. Feeds on small freshwater fish using overhanging trees as hunting perches. Nests in secluded earth banks which may be more limiting.

RSPB Amber list species of conservation concern due to declines in the last 25 years. Found across the borough at lakes, rivers and streams.

Ragged Robin (Lychnis flos-cuculi)

Prefers damp grassland which is managed by cutting or grazing. The meadow areas at Westmorland Park are cut annually with the arisings removed and composted on site in order to prevent the more vigorous plants from becoming too dominant.

This wildflower is widely distributed across the UK but localised within the borough and reliant on protected sites.

Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula)

Habitat requirements – Nests and feeds within woodland edge, hedges, orchards and gardens. Feeds on seeds, tree buds and berries.

Status – UKBAP species, RSPB Amber list for conservation concern due to a decline in numbers over the last 25 years. Known to be present across the borough in low numbers.



Respect, protect and enjoy!

Please follow the Countryside Code: • Consider the local corrmunity and other people 0,.,,vyi1a~

enjoying the outdoors ,1c..~ \ • Leave gates and property as you find them and ~

. t~~r:tl1:a:l~ss~~:~~~~ea:~~:er home \r~~J • Keep dogs under effective control ·•~orl'-

Plan ahead and be prepared Follow advice and local signs

Produced and published by Bracknell Forest Council Parks & Countryside Seivice Tel: 01344354441 Email: rangers@bracknell -forest.gov.uk Website • www.l>racknell-forest.gov.uk/parksandcountryside

Copies of this document may be obtained in large print. easy read, Braille, on audio tape or in other languages. To obtain a copy In an alternative format, please telephone 01344 352000.

Code of Conduct for ~ J Dog Walkers ....A.;1 Bracknell

, . Forest t . Council

'

• I J ,. I, ffi\'-::- r>•:, _J )~ -. ·.

... ,. ,'1 '~ . ': ; .

Brackne ll Forest is a wonderful place to go walking with plenty of unspoilt places to explore . To ensure that the landscape remains beautiful and safe for everyone to enjoy please follow the guidance below.

Health: Help protect your dog from diseases like canine parvovrus and kennel cough by vaccinating them in accordance wittl veterinary best practice. Further guidance is available from your local vet or the RSPCA

Identificat ion: Dogs in a public place are legally required to 'wear a col/or with /he name and address of/he owner inscribed 011 lhe collar or 011 a plare or badge attached to ii'.' Ideally all dogs should be chipped to alK>W prompt return if lost (This will be a legal requirement in 2016.) To report lost or found dogs during office hours contact our Customer Services on tel: 01344 352000. During ·out of office ' hours, use this same number and selectOption2

Fo uling: Foeces can spreod disease - any dog having a 'poo' in the pafl( must hove a watchful owner to bog and bin the waste (our bins are suitable for litter and dog waste). You con report dog fouling using our 'Report a street cleansing issue form '. It is on offence' lo allow your dog to fou l in a public place without clearing it up. If you witness a persoo fo iling to pick up after their dog has fouled, a fixed penalty notice con be issued to the offender if you complete our 'Dog fouling witness statement form' and return it to our Environmental Protection Team Forms ovailable at: www.bracknell -fo rest.gov.uk/dogcontrol

Behaviour: Please be considemte to others and keep your dog under contrnl . Any dog ·off-lead' must not jump up at strangers and must return to its owner when called. Dogs are not permitted in playgrounds For your dog's safety, please don't allow them to approach livestock and take special core when walking where there ore likely to be ground nesting birds, such as in heathland areas.

•

Ourparksandoountrysiderangersliaisewith dog owners in order to promote this code of conduct and ensure it is followed . Questions you might be asked include

1 Which vet is your dog registered with and has itbeenvaccaiated?

2. Can I see a spore poo bag please to demonstrate you are ready to pick-up?

3 Can you please summon your dog for me (ifit islet off the lead) to say hello?

Responsible dog ownership is taken seOOusty for the benefit of all users Olparksandcountrysidasites

Great places to walk your dog include

• Ambarrow Court • Englemere Pond • G orth Meadows • H orseshoe Lake • Lorks Hill • li ly H ill Park • Longhill Pa rk • Pope's Meadow • Shepherd Meadows

www.bracknell -forest.gov_uk/parkstov1s1t

!ii::~ Help us to keep Bracknell Forest a special place.


[email protected]



Appendix F: Dog Walkers Code of Conduct leaflet

Appendix G: Veteran Tree guidance Veteran Tree guidance and management regime is being developed to:

• Maximise life span of ancient trees

• Enable pro-active management

• Assess risk and tree location and the impact on management

• Support day to day maintenance of trees

• Consider wider value of trees within the landscape

• Management for the future to retain landscape features – continuation, planting schemes etc.







Appendix H: Health and safety advice A range of procedures exist to ensure that the highest health and safety standards are met at all times:

• Six monthly site inspections are carried out to ensure high quality management and safety of the site. • All rangers are first aid trained, and details of all training are retained. * BFBC Health, Safety and Welfare Manual of Guidance • Environment & Leisure “Health And Safety Policy & Procedure”, September 2004 • Departmental Health and Safety meetings take place on a four-monthly basis. • The Parks and Countryside Service Normal Operating Plan is issued to each member of staff upon induction and covers the working of the

entire section from events and volunteer work to site management and equipment use • Risk Assessments are carried out for all site and site-related operations including volunteer work, public events, vehicle use and

tool/machinery use. • All risk assessments are collated in electronic and paper formats which are available to all staff. • COSHH reports are completed and held for all chemical usage. • Safety inspection certificates are obtained to ensure play areas are installed and maintained to an accepted standard.



Documents

Westmorland Park Management Plan 2014-2019 · Westmorland Park Management Plan 2016 - 2026 January 1, 2017 . This Management Plan sets out the key aims, actions and outcomes for Westmorland