CANNOCK PARK MANAGEMENT PLAN 2021 - 2023 - WHATDOTHEYKNOW
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CANNOCK PARK MANAGEMENT PLAN 2021 – 2023
CANNOCK PARK Cannock Park Management Plan 2021 - 2023 2
CANNOCK PARK Cannock Park Management Plan 2021 - 2023 3
CANNOCK PARK Cannock Park Management Plan 2021 - 2023 4
CANNOCK PARK Cannock Park Management Plan 2021 - 2023 5
CANNOCK PARK Cannock Park Management Plan 2021 - 2023 6
CANNOCK PARK
INTRODUCTION
Our Vision
Cannock Chase Council’s green spaces are to be used and enjoyed by all, so that the community
ultimately take ownership of their local environment, to ensure a sustainable future for all the
members of the community.
Historical Context
The Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation (CISWO)
Cannock Park is in a Charitable Trust and Cannock Chase Council is the Trustee, the land was given
to the people of Cannock by the Miners Welfare Fund who purchased it from the Cannock
Horticultural Society, a co-operative of local people who took out a loan to buy the land in 1914.
Their aim was to eventually provide a park for the people of Cannock, which they achieved when
they sold the land for only enough money to cover their debts and on condition that the land was
put in trust for the people of Cannock. To this day CISWO retain a legal interest in the park.
[Above left: the miners pavilion in 1959 when it was opened and above right: February 2021]
The Miners Pavilion was paid for by fund raising by local people. The project took ten years to come
to fruition because the Charity Commission needed to give permission for the building which is
meant to be for the use of elderly miners! Eventually CISWO contributed funding and the building
was completed and opened in 1959. The building at present it is essential for the parks
maintenance and is the workshop for the Play Area Technician, we have long term plans to gain
heritage funding to install alternative premises and return the Miners Pavilion building it to its
original purpose and have it restored as a community building for use throughout the year.
Cannock Park was placed in Trust in 1930 to be held by the Council for the purpose of providing a
public recreation or pleasure ground for the use and benefit of the inhabitants of Cannock Chase.
All revenue and income accruing from the land is used for the upkeep and maintenance of the land.
Income is derived from the various sporting activities undertaken on the land. Expenditure by the
Council on grounds maintenance and upkeep exceeds income. The Trust is registered with the
Charity Commission.
We are looking at different innovative ways of generating income through developing the
relationship with our community groups.
Cannock Park Management Plan 2021 - 2023 7
CANNOCK PARK
Social Context
Cannock Park falls into Cannock West Ward of the district. Cannock West is a more affluent part
of the district with a higher life expectancy than other areas of the Cannock Chase District. In 2011,
77.5% of the houses are owner occupied with less than Cannock Chase average unemployment.
Cannock West had a population estimate of 7,124 in 2017.
Although Cannock Park sits in an affluent ward, it is part of Cannock Town centre and surrounded
by local amenities, transport links and services.
Cannock Park Management Plan 2021 - 2023 8
CANNOCK PARK
Cannock Park is on the perimeter of Cannock Town Centre, and is within 150 metres of the town’s bus
station, hospital and shopping centre. Cannock Leisure Centre and Cannock Park Golf course is a different
use and asset to Cannock Park grounds. The Leisure Centre and Golf Course is managed by Inspiring Healthy
Lifestyles for Cannock Chase Council. There is a large free car park at Chase Leisure Centre north of Cannock
Park and there are 25 car parking spaces and 2 disabled parking spaces in the dedicated Cannock Park Car
Park at the southern entrance to Cannock Park on Park Road.
Cannock Park is close to Cannock Hospital minor injuries department, 0.6 miles from Cannock Train Station
and within walking distance of Cannock College, the Prince of Wales Theatre, local schools and the district
primary special school.
Cannock Leisure Centre (Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles)
[Image above of volunteers being trained at Cannock park to support Inclusive Cycling activities]
Cannock Leisure Centre has a large free car park, and
holds national and regional sporting events where
Cannock park extends the service provided by the
leisure centre. The close proximity to public transport
networks attracts a diverse range of visitors that walk
through and into Cannock Park.
For example (see image right) British Triathlon hold an
annual event at Cannock Leisure Centre, but the
signing in point is always sited in Cannock park and
the participants run through the park.
https://www.gotri.org/events/go-tri-cannock-2021_11495
During the school holidays Chase Leisure Centre run a
‘Chase It’ scheme to support vulnerable families and
working families, which provides a comprehensive range
of activities, including Cannock Park (Image far left)
Well Active is an online resource to support the range of
physical activities they provide on ‘Well Active Fridays’ it
supports young people and adults with learning, physical
or health needs in the districts of Cannock Chase, Lichfield
and Tamworth, to lead an active and independent lifestyle.
http://www.well-active.co.uk/
Cannock Park Management Plan 2021 - 2023 9
CANNOCK PARK
SWOT Analysis of Cannock Park
Strengths Weaknesses
Cannock Park is a vibrant green community No café
resource. Through partnerships it provides a Toilets need refurbishment
clean, safe environment with horticultural The play area needs updating and introduction
excellence where all residents, businesses, the of inclusive play equipment
local community, and visitors can come and
enjoy the biodiversity and ambience of the
park.
Established Friends group
Good network of community partners
Close proximity to public transport
Close proximity to town centre
Strong links to town heritage
Chase Leisure Centre and the opportunities for
partnership development using the site
Opportunities Threats
Working with our partners in the health The Covid-19 Pandemic has put a great strain on
service, police and community safety our resources in Cannock Park:
organisations, voluntary sector and private Increased number of users
industry, our priorities are to improve health Increased anti-social behaviour due to
and support vulnerable people; enabling our adolescents not attending school and further
residents to live healthy and happy lives; gain education
access to suitable and good quality housing; Increased pressure on Police resources
and to feel safe and proud of their local area. Staff illness and lost time
Cannock Chase Council delivers and supports Increased demand on limited parks finance
many services that influence the wider through money required for extra cleaning,
conditions that determine our health and hand cleansing, signs, staffing and limitations on
wellbeing. Housing standards, environmental space, sharing vehicles, purchase extra
health and safety, waste collection and street equipment to accommodate equipment staff
cleansing, leisure and sports provision, and need because of the pandemic
support for vulnerable people and the Great reduction in parks volunteers support in
homeless are all elements of the Council’s the park
direct impact on this priority. Cannock Chase Increased pressure on staff time to process
Council strongly supported the successful bid extra and constantly changing legislation
from Birmingham City Council for the West
Midlands region to host the Commonwealth Leaving the European Union in January 2021:
Games in 2022. Mountain biking, one of the Increased costs of resources due to tariffs
sporting events, will be hosted in the district. Delays in receiving goods
We therefore need to maximise the economic Staff time in resourcing alternative solutions and
and sporting benefits that the Commonwealth processing documentation
Games will generate.
New post of Community Officer to cover all
parks with established community contacts
Establishment in 2020 of Cannock Chase Parks
Forum: effective networking of Friends groups
Cannock Park Management Plan 2021 - 2023 10CANNOCK PARK
Aims and Objectives
Cannock Chase Council Corporate Plan 2018-2023
Cannock Chase Council priorities for this Corporate Plan are ‘Promoting Prosperity’ and ‘Community
Wellbeing’, priorities that interlink and reinforce each other to improve the opportunities,
wellbeing and quality of life of our communities.
It is important to recognise that these areas are inter-linked - employment, a safe and attractive
environment, good quality housing, community safety and an active population all play a huge part
in achieving a prosperous and thriving local economy, as well as being vital to good health and
wellbeing.
Issues remain with the wellbeing of our population, with relatively high levels of long-term illness
and obesity. Cannock Chase Council spends a large proportion of its budget on parks, open spaces,
leisure, and sports facilities. There is a need to take an evidence-based approach to how these
public funds are spent so that they are securing maximum benefit and support wellbeing.
How we are going to implement the plan
One of he few advantages the Covid-19 Pandemic has brought is the recognition of the
voluntary sector and their networking links. The local authority was able to use the
established links to support the most vulnerable in the Cannock Chase district and the Friends
of Parks groups have been a significant part of this. We will be using these improved networks
to support more holistic and joined up ways of improving Cannock Park.
With the appointment of the Community Officer to the Parks and Open Spaces team, we
have been using the established network to support the establishment of a Dementia Friendly
Community and the Cannock Chase Mental Health hub during the Pandemic lockdown
periods. As the vaccination schedule gets underway, we are working with the most vulnerable
groups and our volunteers to develop an action plan of works, with the Parks Team, to
improve Cannock Park unique facilities and features.
Cannock Park Management Plan 2021 - 2023 11CANNOCK PARK
Skills audit of staff and volunteers
Lynn Evans Sian Osborn Hettie Pigott
Name and organisation Skills that will be used in the improvement of Cannock Park
Park Keeper Martin 25 years knowledge as a park keeper
Cannock Chase Council Further education and qualifications in horticulture
Has worked in Cannock park for many years and lives locally so
has a work and personal interest in the park
Park Keeper Cliff 14 years knowledge as a park keeper
Cannock Chase Council Was team leader in previous role
15 years experience of making golf clubs
Hobby horticulture and reading
Lynn Evans 7 years experience in Education and Community role with the
Cannock Chase Council local authority
Parks and Open Spaces Community 19 years experience as a trustee in local charities and local
Officer community groups that support vulnerable adults and young
lynnevans@cannockchasedc.gov.uk people
Telephone 07855 099353 8 years experience as an Accredited Childminder
Christine Salmon 25 years as Chairperson of The Friends of Cannock Park
Chairperson Association
The Friends of Cannock Park Passionate about Cannock Park
Association Has been researching Cannock Park History for years
Henrietta Pigott 8 years working for Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles (Cannock
Senior Wellbeing Co-ordinator Leisure Centre)
Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles Masters in Public Health
Henrietta.pigott@ihlmail.org 2 years Activity Co-ordinator for Extra Care Charitable trust
Telephone: 07917505854 Chair of Cannock Ladies Hockey Club
Cannock Park Management Plan 2021 - 2023 12CANNOCK PARK
Skills audit of staff and volunteers from South Staffordshire College
Rachel Saunders Brad Bladen Jack Dewsbury Joe Parker
Emma Locket George Taylor Josh Devey Edward Till
Name and organisation Skills that will be used in the improvement of Cannock Park
Rachel Saunders Teacher at Cannock College working with young people with
Futures & CCSL Teacher learning difficulties
Cannock College Provides volunteers all year round term time
Rachel.Saunders@southstaffs.ac.uk
Haydn Thompson The Cannock Campus of South Staffordshire College support
Curriculum Manager young people aged 16+ years with an Educational Health Care
South Staffordshire College Plan. The college need community projects that support the
Telephone: 01785 710534 young people to develop their education and provide work
Mobile: 07974 380471 experience.
Website: https://www.southstaffs.ac.uk/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/FuturesatSSC
Sian Osborne and Adam Little We will submit volunteering and funded projects for the Princes
Princes Trust, Cannock Fire Station Trust Cohort 3 times a year: March, July and October. We have
sian.osborn@staffordshirefire.gov.uk been working with the Princes Trust for the past 3 years in other
adam.little@staffordshirefire.gov.uk parks. If the young people do not choose the projects as their
Tel No: 01785 898651 /898804 main theme, we usually recruit at least one volunteer as part of
Mobile: 07528 983128 /07967 573574 their work experience choice.
Emma Locket Support Worker for the group, will come with Rachel
Brad Bladen Keen to learn about plants, likes trains
George Taylor Limited to a wheel chair, very keen and will help us develop
facilities for people with mobility issues
Jack Dewsbury Loves his dog Millie and walking
Used to volunteer at Hednesford Park through Hednesford
Valley High Special School 6th form work experience
Possible intern for July, working as a park keeper
Josh Devey Used to volunteer at Hednesford Park through Hednesford
Valley High Special School 6th form work experience
Possible intern for July, working as a park keeper
Joe Parker Keen to learn about plants, likes people
Edward Till Used to volunteer at Hednesford Park through Hednesford
Valley High Special School 6th form work experience
Cannock Park Management Plan 2021 - 2023 13CANNOCK PARK
Cannock Park Action Plan
Detail and Times Scale Individuals responsible for the task
Short Term (12 months)
Green Flag comments:
Signs and boards green with algae Park keepers
Pot holes in the paths Aaron Burgess (Parks and Open Spaces Officer)
Individuals drinking alcohol on benches Community groups project & Park Keepers & Police
Certificate in notice board Lynn Evans (Community Officer)
Replace rusted metal panels around the park Aaron Burgess / Paul Perks
keepers pavilion (steps and front of ramp)
Replacement and repair of bins around play area Revenue and budgets / Tom Walsh
Site appropriate sign to be made to notify the Lynn Evans, Cannock Chase Shed Group,
public of where the compost bays area is. Cannock Lions,
Removal of invasive conifer roots at tennis courts Tree team Cannock Chase Council
Pick and Paint Day (Railings and benches) Cannock Lions & Princes Trust
Moss on the tennis courts and on the paths Park Keepers
Site works calendar for volunteers to be Lynn Evans, Park Keepers, Aaron Burgess, Rachel
implemented for all groups when Covid-19 Saunders, Cannock Chase Shed, Cannock Lions, Hettie
restrictions are lifted: Pigott,
Making of planters
Growing of flowers and planting of planters
Algae cleaning of flag pole and railings
Compost rotation (support the park keepers)
Community Events and Activities
Mid-term (3 years)
Establishment of new groups to support 2022 Lynn Evans, Cannock Lions, Hettie Pigott,
Commonwealth Games events in Cannock Park
Installation of information story boards Tom Walsh / Aaron Burgess/ Lynn Evans
Installation of sensory raised beds Tom Walsh / Aaron Burgess/ Lynn Evans
Pilot recycling trolley for litter picks to save time Lynn Evans / Environmental Health Team CCC
Renovation of Tennis Courts Tom Walsh / Aaron Burgess/ Lynn Evans
Long Term (10 years)
Build new workshop for play area technician Tom Walsh / Aaron Burgess/ Lynn Evans
More CCTV cameras Tom Walsh / Aaron Burgess/ Lynn Evans
Renovation of the Miners Pavilion Tom Walsh / Aaron Burgess/ Lynn Evans
Establishment of a café in Cannock Park Tom Walsh / Aaron Burgess/ Lynn Evans
Restoration of western perimeter railings & Tom Walsh / Aaron Burgess/ Lynn Evans
installation of appropriate pedestrian gate.
Inclusive play area apparatus and skate park Tom Walsh / Aaron Burgess/ Lynn Evans
New Pavilion with changing places facilities Tom Walsh / Aaron Burgess/ Lynn Evans
Outside Gym equipment on a circular route Tom Walsh / Aaron Burgess/ Lynn Evans
Cannock Park Management Plan 2021 - 2023 14CANNOCK PARK Cannock Park Management Plan 2021 - 2023 15
CANNOCK PARK Cannock Park Management Plan 2021 - 2023 16
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CANNOCK PARK Cannock Park Management Plan 2021 - 2023 18
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CANNOCK PARK
Key Documents that inform Cannock Chase Council Parks and Open Spaces
polices and management plan document
Government Documents Quality Assessment Strategies
Alcohol Consumption in Public Green Flag Award Scheme [Keep Britain Tidy 2017]
Places Order 2004
Clean Neighbourhoods and Heritage Lottery Fund [2012] Management and
Environment Act 2005 Maintenance plan guidance.
Countryside Act C.A.B.E. space [2004] a guide to producing Park and green
Space management Plan
Disability Act 1995 Natural England NE63 preparing Heritage Management Plan
Designated Public Order 2017 English Heritage [2007] Management and Maintenance of
historic Parks and gardens and landscapes.
Environmental Protection Act 1990 Review of risk assessments
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 Review of accidents and near misses
Highways Act 1980 Feedback from park users
Housing Act 1985 Review of public health priorities
Litter Act 1983 Management monthly meetings
Local Government [miscellaneous Park keepers monthly meetings
Provision’s] Act 1976
Open Space’s Act 1906 Feedback from events and activities
Planning Policy Guidance [PPG] 17 Socio-cultural changes
Public Health Act 1875 Global pandemic risk assessments and government
guidance
Equality Act 2010 House of Commons select committee enquiries, in the
future of Parks and Public open spaces
Horses grazing Act 2015 NESTA (National Endowment for Science Technology
and the Arts
Cannock Park Management Plan 2021 - 2023 20CANNOCK PARK
List of Cannock Chase Council Policies for Parks and Open Spaces (See Appendices)
Policy Name Folder Policy Name Folder
Accident Procedure A1 Accident Reporting A2
Asbestos A3 Bye Laws B1
Cannock Chase Council Guest Wifi C1 Control and Management of C2
Contractors
Control of Substances Hazardous to health C3 Covid-19 C4
(COSHH)
Customer Feedback and Complaints C5 Customer services C6
Display Screen Equipment D1 Domestic Appliances D2
Driving and using mobile phones D3 Driving at Work D4
Drug and Alcohol D5 DSE D6
Electricity at Work E1 Fire Evacuation F1
Flexitime F2 Gas Safety G1
Grievance G2 Health and safety H1
Homelessness H2 Horse Grazing H3
Horses grazing H4 Invasive species H5
Ladder Use L1 Lone Working L2
Memorial bench procedure M1 Mobile Phone M2
Near Miss N1 Personal Protective Equipment P1
Procurement Regulations P2 Protected species P3
Records retention P Risk Assessment R1
Smoke free for Cannock Chase Council S1 Social Media S2
Street Cleansing S3 Stress S4
Travellers Procedure T1 Tree Protection Order T2
Urban Forestry Strategy 2018-2023 U1 Use of Extension Cables U2
Use of red diesel U3 Violence to Employees V1
Waste and recycling W1 Working Time Directive W2
Cannock Park Management Plan 2021 - 2023 21CANNOCK PARK
Town Twinning
Cannock Chase
Cannock Chase Council has town twinning connections with Datteln in Germany (1971)
Jean Bareth, one of the founders of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions
(CEMR) after the 2nd world war explained: ’The primary values which twinning represents:
friendship, co-operation and mutual awareness between the peoples of Europe. A good twinning
partnership can bring many benefits to a community and the municipality. By bringing people
together from different parts of Europe, it gives an opportunity to share problems, exchange views
and understand different viewpoints on any issue where there is a shared interest or concern.
It can enable young people to get involved with their counterparts from a different country, and to
gain self-confidence. It can help everyone to better understand what Europe is and means in
today’s world – and where the future may lead us. There are many examples of good practice in
twinning, covering a wide range of issues - art and culture, young people, citizenship, sustainable
development, local public services, local economic development, social inclusion, solidarity.’
(http://www.twinning.org/en/page/a-quick-overview#.YCgvoDH7TIU, Accessed 13.02.2021)
Through our links with Staffordshire Council of Voluntary Youth Service (SCVYS) we plan to do some
educational work with our Member of Parliament Amanda Milling and local schools. The links will
explore similar issues of local history relating to the towns establishing through the coal mining
industry and how it now relates directly to renewable energy and climate change.
[Above left: image of climate change protesters [Above right: image of the McArthur Glen Shopping Outlet
outside the new Coal Powered Plant built 2020 in nearing completion at the end of 2020]
Datteln, Germany]
Cannock McArthur Glen Shopping Outlet Opens 2021
A designer shopping outlet, opening in early 2021, on the outskirts of Cannock Town is expected to
bring 70 popular stores, tourism and financial prosperity to the town. We aim to establish links with
the new shopping retail stores to support sponsorship and development of events, links to the local
community and development to Cannock Park as we accommodate the volume of new visitors
attracted to the town.
Cannock Park Management Plan 2021 - 2023 22CANNOCK PARK
Green Flag Criteria Section 1: A Welcoming Place
Welcome Cannock Park has a variety of entrances leading from the
different roads that form the perimeter of the park, the
leisure centre and the golf course
There are clear entrances and sight lines across the park
Notice boards, community displays and an all year round
park keeper presence, provide a welcoming park with a
variety of free community activities through out the week
We have different zones of flora: rose and shrub garden,
[Image from the Park Road, Car
variety of flower beds, wild flower meadow, hedgerows, play
park February 2021]
area, teen area, grass area for the football and events,
sensory garden and mixture of mature and new trees
Good and Safe Access All pathways in Cannock Park are Physical accessibility
Public transport links are within walking distance and the
information is displayed in the noticeboards
Different users are able to use the paths safely due to good
sight lines. We use the paths for events such as ChaseFit
Walks for Health and Wheels for All accessible bicycles
We have vehicle access from all directions to the park for
maintenance and events.
We have free accessible parking on site
Emergency vehicle access is detailed in the noticeboards
Signage The 2 finger posts and 3 noticeboards in Cannock Park are
strategically placed for new visitors to the site and the most
popular footfall routes
Information maps in the notice boards
A time clock in the car park noticeboard for closing times
Equal Access for All We have accessible parking and accessible toilets in Cannock
Park with a ramp for poor mobility for our toilets
We are looking into funding to install accessible play
equipment
We have established a partnership with South Staffordshire
College with their Futures department. We are working with
young people aged 16+ years with learning disabilities. They
need support with their learning development, so we have
given them dedicated flower beds to develop and have
engaged them in a wide variety of community activities
Cannock Park Management Plan 2021 - 2023 23CANNOCK PARK Cannock Park Management Plan 2021 - 2023 24
CANNOCK PARK
Green Flag Criteria Section 2: Healthy, Safe and Secure
Appropriate Provision of Quality We have procedures in place to keep the park keepers and
Facilities and Activities facilities as safe as practically possible [see appendices]
Park keepers are cleaning equipment more regularly than
before the Covid-19 Pandemic. The authority have funded
cleaners to add a daily extra toilet cleaning cycle to reduce
risks
To bring Cannock Park play equipment up to date with the
new facilities to accommodate user’s needs, we need a
significant funding bid to install new facilities. We are
working with our network of community partners to build
the evidence to apply for funding to install the features of a
community building, outdoor gym equipment, inclusive
play equipment, Skate Park, teen facilities, Changing Places
[Image of Covid signs on play equipment] and a café facility
Safe Equipment and Facilities Equipment is checked daily by the park keepers and by the
RPii qualified Play area Technician weekly in accordance with
ROSPA requirements (Royal Society for the Prevention of
Accidents)
Personal Security Management meet regularly with emergency service to
work in partnership with key issues
We have limited antisocial issues on site that we need to
address ongoing with local schools, businesses and
community organisations
There are particular hot spots that encourage the
congregation of undesirable groups that are engaging in
substance misuse. We are working with the community to
[CCTV camera by the pavilion]
pilot different ideas of encouraging increased footfall of
the general public in these areas, to deter individuals,
rather than remove benches, which would also deprive the
general public
Park keepers have a work mobile phone and a radio
connected to store net. The lone working policy requires
staff to sign in and out when they are on site
We work in partnership with the Police and Fire Service to
support the SPACE scheme in summer holidays to work on
[SPACE scheme August 2020] positive youth engagement to reduce anti-social behaviour
Management of dogs There are dog bins placed strategically throughout Cannock
park and the majority of dog owners behave responsibly
We work in partnership with Environment Health
Enforcement Officers and the responsible dog owners and
regular park users to manage the small minority that are
not responsible
We have no fouling signs on all entrances to Cannock Park,
signs sprayed on the pathways and periodically have
banners from Environmental Health department
Cannock Park Management Plan 2021 - 2023 25CANNOCK PARK
Green Flag Criteria Section 3: Well Maintained and Clean
Litter and Waste Management Our waste contract is with Biffa, which is separated into
recycled and general waste. It is removed on a Wednesday
of every week. Bins are stored at the North side of the Park
Keepers Pavilion
Cannock Lions regularly do community Litter Picks
Cannock Chase Council operate a ‘Good Junior Citizen’
Award for children under 11 years. We nominate any
outstanding volunteers for it
Graffiti is monitored in the park keepers’ records and in
chemical records that we have to use to remove it. We had
big graffiti art project around the skate park many years
ago to target issues, and we would plan another one if
issues warranted it, but as present it is not a problem
See appendices for records of waste management
Horticultural Maintenance Both Park Keepers at Cannock Park have been in the role for
over 10 years & take pride in their work.
We do not have anywhere safe or appropriate to collect
rainwater water at present that would be safe to the public
We have a new community link with Cannock College and
intend to develop the relationship as soon as it is safe to do
so during the Covid pandemic. We did have dates booked in
the 2021 diary for training for our volunteers with The Forest
of Mercia, which have been postponed due to lockdown
Arboricultural Maintenance We have a Cannock Park tree identification walk for local
schools and for activity days with the community (see
appendix page )
Cannock park trees are regularly checked and maintained
by the authorities qualified tree officer
We have plans with The Forest of Mercia to plant some
new trees with our local schools
Any trees removed are chipped and used to reinforce the
ground on paths nearer the golf course
Where trees have to be felled, we intend to make
sculptures or planters in their place, which ever is most
appropriate, depending on the quality of the wood when
Above image: memorial trees for FoCPA
the tree is felled; costs will be met by community
trustees Diane and Margaret, planted
2020 fundraising
Building and Infrastructure The park keepers building receives an annual paint by the
Maintenance park keepers
Any vandalism that occurs is reported via the Property
Services Report IT systems, who address these issues
Equipment Maintenance See records in appendices (folder 16)
Cannock Park Management Plan 2021 - 2023 26CANNOCK PARK
Green Flag Criteria Section 4: Environmental Management
Managing Environmental Impact Recycling bin sited to North side of park keepers pavilion
Community display made from recycled materials for the
Royal British Legion Centenary in May 2021
Rainwater collection not safe to do at present
Solar energy options being looked at in the buildings
Air quality: alternative vehicles being looked into
Noise quality: electric equipment was purchased in 2018
and complies with noise levels, however many of the tools
can not cope with the work load and made work on site
less efficient with having to stop to change batteries on a
regular basis
We are keeping up to date with new and alternative
equipment that complies with the new guidelines on
climate change. Management and the Play Area Technician
attend the National Exhibition Centre show every year to
assess new equipment to support climate change
Above: Hedge cutting February 2021 limitations
Waste Minimisation Compost area on western border of rose garden
Chemical Use We avoid pesticides as much as possible, and plan projects
to control pests and weeds with the park keepers and
community gardening groups.
For finance reports see appendices (folder 7)
Peat Use Only bedding plants and trees grown in compost with
reduced peat levels are used. Winter bedding is ordered in
bare root form only
Park keepers grow our own shrubs through propagation
and grafting
Climate Change Adaptation We use battery powered tools where appropriate to task
Strategies
[Image above of composting bays in a secluded hedged area at the back of the rose garden]
[Right: are photographs of poppies
we will make from recycled pop
bottles left in the park to make a
community display for The Royal
British Legion Centenary
celebrations in May 2021]
Cannock Park Management Plan 2021 - 2023 27CANNOCK PARK
Green Flag Criteria Section 5: Biodiversity, Landscape and Heritage
Image is a newspaper cutting
from Whitsun 1959 provided by
Christine Salmon from The
Friends of Cannock Park
Association. The article details
wallflowers, daffodils and
forget-me-nots.
Management of Natural Wildflower area
Features, Wild Fauna and Flora The Friends of Cannock Park have researched and
gained historical evidence of the trees and flower beds
in Cannock Park through photographs.
Through The Forest of Mercia CIC workshops and
Forest School activity days we educate and install
community horticultural features that encourage more
practical ways positively engaging our community
Wild flower meadow above 2020
Park keepers maintenance records (appendices)
Conservation of Landscape Park keepers maintenance records (appendices F1)
Features Working with the community and schools (see social
media and Appendices Folders 23 and 24)
Conservation of Buildings and Park keepers maintenance records (appendices F1)
Structures Working with the community and schools (see social
media and Appendices Folders 23 and 24)
The flower beds and trees in
Cannock park have altered little
when you compare historic
photographs taken shortly after
it was opened.
[Image above by Postcard in the 'Teesee' Series', published by Praill, the 'Courier' office, Cannock and Hednesford 1932]
Cannock Park Management Plan 2021 - 2023 28CANNOCK PARK
Green Flag Criteria Section 6: Community Involvement
Community Involvement in Management We developed a new position of Parks and Open Spaces
and Development Community Officer February 2020
We were able to obtain funding off football matches for a
short period during 2020 before the Covid-19 Pandemic
government restrictions stopped play
The Friends of Cannock Park Association want to write a
book showing the history of Cannock Park, we aim to
support the research towards this with community events,
appealing for photographs through the Pals of Cannock Park
Facebook page
We are refining the communication between the Leisure
Centre and the park to manage project more effectively to
maximise the benefits to public health and to meet our aims
in Cannock Park
Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles are leading on the quarterly
Cannock Chase Parks quarterly Forum meetings and
developing universal policies for voluntary Parks groups
working on Cannock Chase Council land. This is work is being
prepared with the help of SCVYS and Support Staffordshire,
our dedicated organisations that provide holistic support to
voluntary organisations
2019-2021 Val Jones has been establishing Cannock Park and
Cannock West Ward as a Dementia Friendly Community with
community partners
2018-2021 Lynn Evans has been working with Cannock
partners to develop Cannock Chase Mental health hub
Many of the key statutory organisations have offices in
Cannock Town
2019-2020 Lynn Evans has been working with the Chase
Pride committee for the first local PRIDE event. The pilot
event will be at Hednesford, we will be aiming for the 2022
[Above: Tennis for Free session 2020] event to be in Cannock Park
Appropriate Provision for Community Dedication of areas to develop with the South Staffordshire
[Below right, College ‘Futures’ group to support their learning
Evidence of conflicts managed (see appendices)
Park users feedback and assessment (see appendices)
Events and activities see page 6 and below images
[Images above left: LIonhart Martial Arts Academy, Above right: UTC staffs ‘Pads in the park’ July 2020]
Cannock Park Management Plan 2021 - 2023 29CANNOCK PARK
Green Flag Criteria Section 7: Marketing and Communication
Marketing and Promotion It has been very difficult to gain opportunities to
promote Cannock Park during the Covid-19
pandemic because when we have booked activities
they have been cancelled due to Lockdown
restrictions.
Appropriate Information Channels We promote Cannock Park through a variety of ways
and Media platforms:
Cannock Chase Council social media
Cannock Chase Life (council news magazine)
Local press news items (Express and Star)
Noticeboards and Park railings (banners)
Word of mouth (park keepers and stakeholders)
Competition between each Park Friends group
Chase Leisure Centre social media
Elected members are proactive in our Pals of Cannock Park Facebook page
community and are popular with local Cannock Chase Radio
media. We work throughout the year to Chasefit Cannock Park Walks for Health
involve and support the elected members in
Cannock Lions social media
community projects to maximise the
opportunity to promote the park and public Schools social media after events/activities
engagement. Cannock Hospital noticeboards
Riding for the Disabled
Beacon Centre for the Blind
Midlands Park Forum
Appropriate Educational and Evidence of management of working with the local
Interpretational Information community:
The Forest of Mercia workshops
Forest schools workshop activity days
Chase High School activity days
Cannock Lions ‘Pick and Paint days’
Cannock College volunteer group planting and
growing competition
Green Medal Award scheme for volunteering
Chase leisure centre boot camps sessions
Cannock Chase Mental Health Hub
The Friends of Cannock Park Association
Registration of Cannock Park as a Dementia
Friendly Park with the Alzheimer’s Society
Support of the National Mental Health charity
awareness day through the CCMH Hub
Self led activities:
Leaflets available from the Park Keeper and in the
foyer of Chase Leisure Centre or available online to
[Image above of one of the Activity book
download on Chasefit website and Pals of Cannock
pages Cannock Chase Mental Health
Hub provided for National Campaign for Park Facebook Page
Time to Talk Day 2021
Cannock Park Management Plan 2021 - 2023 30CANNOCK PARK Cannock Park Management Plan 2021 - 2023 31
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