Spring Park OPEN SPACES DEPARTMENT - LOCAL PLAN 2011 2021

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Spring Park OPEN SPACES DEPARTMENT - LOCAL PLAN 2011 2021
OPEN SPACES DEPARTMENT

  Spring Park

LOCAL PLAN 2011 - 2021
Spring Park OPEN SPACES DEPARTMENT - LOCAL PLAN 2011 2021
Contents                                                                                    2

    OUR MANAGEMENT PLANS
                                                         Contents
                                               Page
 Divisional Plan
 The Divisional Plan explains about the        3       Background
 City of London Corporation and Open
 Spaces Department, as well as detailing       4-5     Introduction
 our strategy, aims and methods. It also
 explains the quality standards we strive
 to achieve while carrying out our work        6-16      Description
 activities on the City Commons.                         Location
                                                         Ownership
 Local Plans
                                                         Site status
 There are separate Local Plans for the
 seven City Commons – you are reading                    Utility services
 the Local Plan for Spring Park. They                    A valued open space
 describe the important features of                      Physical features
 each site and set out a vision for their
                                                         Cultural heritage
 future management. The Local Plans
 explain how the aims are applied to                     Biological interest
 each site and how our work on the site                  The broader picture
 turns a vision into reality. They include a
 ten-year work programme for the site,
                                               17        A Vision for Spring Park
 setting out our priorities.

 Site Manuals                                  18-31     Aims and actions
 The Site Manuals detail the work                        Service
 activities planned to implement our                     Conservation
 aims. They contain annual work
                                                         Delivery
 programmes, supported by maps and
 specifications used to seek relevant
 permissions and consents, and to set          32-35     Work Programme 2011-2021
 the standards for our work.
                                               36        Contact details & living library
Spring Park OPEN SPACES DEPARTMENT - LOCAL PLAN 2011 2021
The City of London Corporation                                             The Open Spaces Department
The City of London Corporation is a uniquely   The City Corporation owns open spaces, parks and gardens in and around London, as part of
diverse organisation with three main aims:     its commitment to sustaining a world-class city. Each open space has charitable status and is
to support and promote the City as the world   a unique resource, managed by its Open Spaces Department for the use and enjoyment of
leader in international finance and business   the public and for the conservation of historic landscapes and wildlife.
services; to provide high quality local
government services and policing for the                                              The City Commons
Square Mile; and to provide valued services    Spring Park is one of seven open spaces managed together as the City Commons. It lies
to London and the nation as a whole.           within the London Borough of Bromley, south-west of West Wickham.

                                               The City Commons team will provide:
        A legal duty to manage
                                               Quality open spaces – conserve and
   The City of London’s open spaces are
                                               enhance our unique landscapes by
   protected under their own Acts of
                                               striving for excellence.
   Parliament, brought in to acquire land
   for the recreation and enjoyment of         An inclusive service – engage with
   the public and to protect these sites       our communities and partners to
   from development and enclosure.             promote learning, volunteering
   The Corporation of London (Open             and healthy living.
   Spaces) Act 1878 empowers us to
   appoint people to protect and               A sustainable future – create
   manage our open spaces.                     environmental strategies that
                                               safeguard our open spaces
   As a public body, the City Corporation      and demonstrate sustainable
   is required by law to comply with           management.
   certain duties relating to conservation,
   as set out in the Natural Environment       An opportunity for all – promote our
   & Rural Communities Act 2006. These         services to enable access for all.
   require us to take reasonable
   measures to enhance the aesthetic,          Capable and motivated people – value
   cultural, historical and biological         our staff and volunteers and support their
   interest of our open spaces.                personal development.

Background                                                                                                                                3
Spring Park OPEN SPACES DEPARTMENT - LOCAL PLAN 2011 2021
Introduction                                                                                                                                   4

Spring Park is a 20 hectare (50 acre) area of   The City Corporation uses traditional methods
ancient woodland and meadow grassland           such as coppicing and hay-making to look
lying within the London Green Belt. It is an    after the site. rangers, contractors and
important and diverse part of our local         volunteers manage the site, so that present
cultural and natural heritage, shaped by its    and future generations of visitors can enjoy
geology, history and previous land use.         the open space.
Spring Park remains part of a ‘green arc’ of
parks, gardens and open spaces that links       But Spring Park is more than a nature reserve
London with the wider countryside.              or museum: it is a place where local people
                                                and visitors from further away can enjoy the
A long history of growing and extracting        peace and quiet of the countryside, just a
timber and wood products from the               stone’s throw from London.
coppice woodland has heavily influenced
the appearance of the site today.               Nature lovers and walkers can explore its
                                                rights of way, enjoying the tranquillity of this
Once part of a larger woodland on the           beautiful coppice woodland and meadow.
Wickham Court Estate, Spring Park is an         A permissive ride is provided for horse riders
important remnant of this historic landscape.   and cyclists along the busy A2022 Addington
The spring line along the length of the         Road.
woods gives the site its name.
                                                A programme of guided walks, events and
In conjunction with Shirley Heath and           educational activities ensures that school
Threehalfpenny Wood, Spring Park is             children and other visitors are able to find out
designated as a Site of Importance for          more about the site and its management.
Nature Conservation (Metropolitan grade)
for its ancient woodland enhanced by            The landscape we see and value today was
numerous springs and pools.                     created by a system of management that
                                                lasted hundreds of years. The challenge for        This Local Plan outlines the important
In addition the site contains other habitats,   the City Corporation is to mix this traditional    features and history of the site and explains
including a meadow, scrub edges,                management with 21st century expertise             the work that will ensure Spring Park
hedgerows and a pond. All these provide         and expectations, and to ensure that Spring        continues to thrive, both as part of the
homes for a variety of plant and animal         Park is more than a green island in the urban      local landscape and of a wider green
species.                                        fringe.                                            infrastructure serving Surrey, Kent and
                                                                                                   South London.
Spring Park OPEN SPACES DEPARTMENT - LOCAL PLAN 2011 2021
© Crown copyright. All rights reserved (100023243) 2010

Introduction - Visitor map                                                        5
Spring Park OPEN SPACES DEPARTMENT - LOCAL PLAN 2011 2021
Site Description - General information                                                                                                    6

Location                                        Site status                                    Like our other open spaces, Spring Park
                                                                                               has charitable status and is funded by the
Spring Park (grid reference TQ 381 649) is      Spring Park was acquired and designated a
                                                                                               City of London. The City Corporation claims
situated within the London Borough of           Public Open Space under the Corporation
                                                                                               financial entitlements for managing
Bromley. The site lies between the A2022        of London (Open Spaces) Act, 1878.
                                                                                               permanent pasture under the Single
Addington Road, and Woodland Way. It is
                                                Spring Park is not registered common land,     Payment Scheme and must meet the
bordered to the north by the residential
                                                becoming exempt in December 1966 under         requirements for Cross Compliance.
development of West Wickham. The site
adjoins Croydon Council’s Threehalfpenny        Section 11 of the Commons Registration
Wood to the west and Bromley Council’s          Act 1965. Therefore there are no rights
Sparrows Den to the east.                       registered over the site. It lies within the
                                                Metropolitan Green Belt.
Ownership                                       All the woodland at Spring Park (together
In 1926, the City of London Corporation was     with Threehalfpenny Wood and Shirley
given the woodland at Spring Park as a gift     Heath) is classified by the Greater London
from Colonel Sir Arthur and Stephen Hallam      Authority as a Site of Importance for Nature
Farnaby Lennard of Wickham Court. In            Conservation (Metropolitan Grade).
1927, the area of open meadow between
the woodland and the Addington Road was
sold to the City Corporation from the same
vendors for a cost of £1623 2s 6d.

Adjoining areas of green space and
agricultural land are owned by Croydon
Council, Bromley Council, Thames Water, the
Girl Guides’ Association, farmers and private
land owners.

                                                                                               Utility services
                                                                                               Two utility companies have statutory rights of
                                                                                               access onto the site to repair and maintain
                                                                                               their structures, apparatus and services.
Spring Park OPEN SPACES DEPARTMENT - LOCAL PLAN 2011 2021
Visitor appeal                                   Visitor facilities                             A local resource
Spring Park is well used throughout the year,    The site has two small visitor car parks,      Our volunteer team meets regularly and
mostly by local residents but also by visitors   located along the A2022 Addington Road.        contributes to the management of the site.
from further afield. Visitors are attracted by   There is no visitor centre, although           Volunteers carry out practical tasks, as well
its natural aspect (incongruously close to       information is available from the              as undertaking wildlife surveys and helping
suburban Surrey, Kent and London) with its       Superintendent’s Office in Ashtead (open       with our events throughout the year.
diverse wildlife and local distinctiveness.      Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm) and on
                                                 three wooden notice boards. The low-key        Visitors use the site for informal recreation –
                                                                                                watching nature, walking and running – and
Visitor access                                   countryside furniture is made from local
                                                 sustainable timber and helps provide           to participate in organised events licensed
The site is easily accessed by visitors, the                                                    by the City Corporation. Where possible, the
majority of whom come from the surrounding       access for all.
                                                                                                Rangers respond positively to requests from
residential areas. There are regular tram                                                       local schools and colleges to use Spring Park
services from East Croydon Station to            Community involvement
                                                                                                as an ‘outdoor classroom’.
Addington Village and bus links to Croydon,      A ‘community approach’ encourages local
West Wickham and Bromley, with the closest       people to become involved in all aspects of
railway station at West Wickham. A               the management of the site. Many of our
permissive ride also runs along the A2022        local visitors act as ‘eyes and ears’ on the
Addington Road and the London LOOP trail         site, reporting any problems to the rangers.
runs through the site.

Site Description - A valued open space                                                                                                      7
Spring Park OPEN SPACES DEPARTMENT - LOCAL PLAN 2011 2021
Site Description - Physical features                                                                                                   8

Topography                                   The soils are mesotrophic or moderately         Hydrology
                                             acidic sands and clays. Soils overlaying
Spring Park lies along a slope running                                                       Spring Park owes its name to the spring line
south-west to north-east, with the highest   the pebbles are particularly unproductive,      that runs along the length of the woods
point, at 95m above sea-level, where the     whilst those overlaying the sands and           about half way down the slope, where the
woodland meets Woodland Way. The             loams are less acid and more productive.        beds of pebbles meet the underlying hard
meadow lies in a flat, dry river valley      The meadow soils are well-drained, friable      shelly layer of clay. The springs drain down
alongside the Addington Road.                soils of silty sands and gravel, with pockets   the slope, still remaining damp even during
                                             of clay. These are derived from the             dry summer months. Although the grassland
Geology and soils                            underlying alluvial gravels, with no            on the valley bottom would have been
                                             discernable influence from the underlying       subject to seasonal flooding from the
On the wooded ridge, the chalk strata of     chalk.
the North Downs are overlain by fine and                                                     Bourne in the past, this river has now been
coarse-grained sands, clays, loams and                                                       piped deep underground to prevent future
pebbles. The meadow overlies remnant                                                         flooding.
gravels from the dry river valley.                                                           A small pond was excavated in 1993 at the
                                                                                             edge of the woodland, near the foot of the
                                                                                             slope and located in the same position as
                                                                                             one shown on the 1897 OS 1:2500 map. It is
                                                                                             the only permanent standing water on the
                                                                                             site.
Spring Park OPEN SPACES DEPARTMENT - LOCAL PLAN 2011 2021
Site Description - Map of important features   9
Spring Park OPEN SPACES DEPARTMENT - LOCAL PLAN 2011 2021
Site Description - Cultural heritage                                                                                                       10

Past land use                                     More recently, the City Corporation has          Archaeology and historic environment
                                                  balanced its provision for recreation with the
Spring Park is an ancient coppice woodland                                                         The south-west boundary of Spring Park
                                                  need to conserve the important cultural
and meadow lying over poor quality soils. It                                                       coincides with the old Kent-Surrey County
                                                  and natural features of the site.
is a small fragment of a forest that used to                                                       boundary, along which a line of
extend across much of what is now the town        During the first years of the Second World       small-leaved lime trees occurs, originally
of West Wickham, and was originally part of       War, timber was extracted from the wood          pollarded. A distinct bank and ditch also
the Wickham Court Estate.                         and used by the Home Guard for training          marks this boundary and can be traced
                                                  purposes. The Canadian Army also spent           along its entire length, including southwards
A 1485 map of field names refers to the site
                                                  some time at Spring Park, possibly explaining    to the Addington Road and on the rising
as an extensive area called “Newe Parke”.
                                                  the presence of a rough brick and rubble         land south of the pumping station. A smaller
The meadow is referred to as “Weste Fielde”,
                                                  path through the centre of the wood.             wood bank lies along the south-eastern
suggesting it was unwooded even then.
                                                                                                   boundary of the woodland, separating it
The Kent Archives contain a reference to                                                           from the meadow.
Spring Park in a 1567 survey by Anthony
Calthorpe of manorial woods in the area.                                                           A Portland stone
The survey refers to the importance of                                                             drinking fountain
coppice management, and to the damage                                                              near Woodland
caused by cattle and rabbits to this area of                                                       Way is inscribed in
woodland.                                                                                          commemoration of
                                                                                                   Margaret Anderson
The meadow’s more fertile soils made this
                                                                                                   McAndrew, who
land valuable for crops or as a hay meadow.
                                                                                                   lived in Wickham
Its proximity to the manor of West Wickham
                                                                                                   House from
would have added further value, and thus
the woodland was likely to have been                                                               1881-1925, and is
cleared early in the manor’s history, possibly                                                     a reminder that
even as far back as the Roman era.                                                                 Spring Park was
                                                                                                   once part of a
The site was acquired by the City of London                                                        much larger
Corporation in 1926 and has been used as                                                           estate. This
a public open space since then. At the time                                                        structure is on
of the transfer, it would almost certainly also                                                    Bromley Council’s
have been valued for sport and games, and                                                          Local List of
a licence for this was retained by the                                                             buildings to be
vendors when the site was conveyed to the                                                          protected.
City of London Corporation.
Coppice woodland                               The meadow                                         Veteran trees
The ancient woodland of Spring Park has a      Old meadows are an important relic of the          There are important trees on the site,
long history of coppice management.            agricultural and pastoral landscape of this        represented mainly by mature coppice and
Dating from medieval times, the coppicing      area. Lennard’s estate map of 1772 shows           maiden oak trees, and located throughout
of trees and shrubs used to be widespread,     the Spring Park meadow split into Little           the woodland and along old boundaries.
as it allowed woodlands to be harvested for    Kent Field and the larger Kent Field. The          The lines of old pollarded small-leaved limes
a regular crop of wood.                        tithe map of 1840 shows Little Kent Field as       on the western and southern boundary are
                                               pasture and Kent Field as arable land.             an important feature. Some of these trees
Early records describe the woods of West
Wickham as “crowned with woodland              The meadow is bordered on two sides by             may be veterans.
yielding a quick growth of underwood”.         hedgerows. As well
Planting and coppice of sweet chestnut in      as marking the
Spring Park is believed to have commenced      boundary of the field,
around the mid-nineteenth century, when        these hedges would
demand was at its highest.                     have been a source
                                               of fencing material,
However, at the end of the nineteenth          firewood and browse
century, the growing use of coal meant the     for animals, harvested
demand for woodland products fell, and so      by coppicing trees
coppicing also declined. It was reintroduced   and shrubs.
by the City Corporation in 1985, which
has increased the diversity of both the
understorey and field layer.                     Veteran trees are trees which, because of their great age, size
                                                 or condition, are of exceptional value culturally, in the landscape,
                                                 or for wildlife. They are a feature found in most of the City
                                                 Corporation’s parks, gardens and open spaces.

                                                 The coppice stools on Spring Park were once harvested for
                                                 fodder, firewood and fencing materials. Such trees are an
                                                 important part of our cultural heritage.

                                                 A coppice is a tree that has been cut at (or just above) ground
                                                 level, so that it sends up new branches. Coppicing has the effect
                                                 of retarding vertical growth and prolonging the lifespan of the tree.

Site Description - Cultural heritage                                                                                                       11
Site Description - Biological interest                                                                                                             12

Biodiversity                                    Woodland                                               Old growth and deadwood
Spring Park is a semi-natural environment.      The predominant semi-natural woodland type             The decaying wood associated with old
The vegetation and wildlife found here result   is oak, although sweet chestnut has also               growth in woodland is a habitat of national
from the physical features, climate, and past   been planted for coppice throughout the                importance. Additional decay is found both
and current land use. It is best described as   woodland. The drier soils at the top of the            in standing deadwood and fallen trees, logs
a coppice woodland and meadow.                  slope favour silver and downy birch, while             and branches.
                                                hazel and bluebells are more prevalent on the
A visitor to Spring Park a hundred years ago    richer clay soils lower down. Alder woodland           Old growth and deadwood support
would have found a working coppice              occurs in small pockets along the spring line.         specialised and rare species of plants and
woodland. In the course of the past 80                                                                 animals, which rely on wood decay for one
years, with less intensive management some      There is also a small but thriving population of       or more stages of their life cycles. Holes and
of the coppice has grown into mature trees,     small-leaved limes throughout the woodland,            hollows created by this process, mainly in the
and oak standards stand tall and wide in        mainly neglected coppice with around 80+               oak standards and coppice stools, provide
girth throughout the woodland.                  years’ growth.                                         homes for birds and bats.

The habitats described below are like pieces
of a jigsaw, albeit that their sum is greater
than the individual parts in supporting the
wildlife we value today.

Lowland mixed deciduous woodland is a
priority habitat under the UK Biodiversity
Action Plan (BAP). The coppice supports           Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP):                  Ancient woodland has been in existence since
assemblages of wildflowers and insects.                                                            at least AD 1600 and is composed of native
                                                  a nationwide scheme to conserve the
                                                                                                   tree species.
                                                  variety of life on our planet, proposed
                                                                                                   Secondary woodland has grown up on land
                                                  at the 1992 biodiversity summit in Rio.          that has previously been cleared of trees. It
                                                  As part of this government initiative,           lacks the overall diversity of undisturbed
                                                  each Local Authority has drawn up a              ancient woodland.

                                                  local BAP that identifies habitats and           Scrub is an ecotone (a transition zone)
                                                                                                   between woodland and open grassland. It
                                                  species under threat and contains                is dominated by shrubs and small trees and is
                                                  plans to reverse their decline.                  important for invertebrates and breeding birds.
Scrub                                           Grassland                                       Freshwater and wetland
Whilst scrub forms a transition between         The majority of grassland is found in the       The seasonal streams fed by the springs that
open grassland and woodland, it is also an      meadow, which was cut annually for hay          run through the woodland add significantly
important habitat in its own right, providing   until 1966. Since then, it has been managed     to the diversity of the site. Those springs,
‘bed and breakfast’ for communities of          as amenity grassland, with rugby pitches        where the ground is at least moist even
breeding and migrant birds. Thorny bushes       cut several times through each growing          in the driest of summers, ensure that the
and young trees provide ideal nesting           season. Hay-making was reintroduced in          stands of alder and other wetland-loving
habitats, while the variety of berries and      1991, when the rugby pitch nearest the          plants and insects thrive in the otherwise dry
seeds, together with the abundance of           south-western end of the meadow was no          woodland.
insects living in open grassland, offers a      longer needed.
diverse food source throughout the year.                                                        The pond is the only area of standing water
                                                Floristically, the meadow now supports a        on Spring Park and provides a home for
Scrub is a component of the woodland            relatively restricted variety of plants         significant breeding populations of
edge habitat and is found in places along       characteristic of neutral-acid soil but also    damselflies and dragonflies, adding to the
the woodland-meadow boundary. There is          includes the national rarity, greater           overall diversity of the site.
also a stand of blackthorn scrub along the      yellow-rattle. The north-eastern third of the
south- western end of the meadow.               meadow, once an arable field and still
                                                used for rugby, is relatively species-poor,
Hedgerows                                       while the south-west section, historically
                                                pasture, is floristically more diverse.
The two hedgerows found at Spring
Park, along the south-western and
southern sides of the meadow, are
relatively recent additions to the site,
having both been planted on new
earth banks in 1990. The longest
section alongside the Addington
Road was planted when the road
was widened and the old hedgerow
lost. The hedges were created
using a diverse range of native
woody shrubs, and are providing
an increasingly important habitat
and natural corridor for a wide
variety of wildlife.

Site Description - Biological interest                                                                                                    13
Site Description - Biological interest                                                                                                      14

Important species                                                                                   A survey in 1995-6 recorded 346 species of
                                                                                                    insect at Spring Park, excluding butterflies
The assemblages of flora and fauna
                                                                                                    and moths. These included 2 Red Data Book
associated with the site are mainly of local
                                                                                                    species, 15 nationally notable species and
importance.
                                                                                                    63 locally important species. The stag
Fungi, Lichens & Bryophytes                                                                         beetle, the larvae of which live in the
                                                                                                    decaying wood of deciduous trees, is a
Fungi are an integral component of
                                                                                                    priority species in both the UK and Bromley
ecosystems. They play a key role in driving
                                                                                                    Biodiversity Action Plans.
the process of wood decay and
decomposition of organic matter. Various                                                            Since 2006, dragonflies and damselflies have
records are held for Spring Park, with a                                                            been recorded by a local volunteer, mainly
number of important species recognised in                                                           by the pond. To date, 13 species have been
recent surveys.                                                                                     recorded, many breeding, including the
                                                 Invertebrates                                      nationally notable ruddy darter dragonfly.
                                                 In the past, regular visits by local naturalists   Several species of solitary bee are known to
                                                 to Spring Park and adjacent woodland               use the dry path on the northern edge of
                                                 found 21 species of butterfly. There are           the meadow for burrows. These merit further
                                                 occasional records for white admiral, silver       study.
                                                 washed fritillary, dark green fritillary and
                                                 chalkhill blue. The fritillary caterpillars feed
                                                 on violets and it is to be hoped that these
                                                 species may become more common with
                                                 the resumption of coppicing in areas of
                                                 the wood.

Vascular plants
Botanical interest centres on the species
of the ancient woodland, while the
meadow includes the national rarity,
greater yellow-rattle. The site is notable for
its small-leaved limes, providing the best
example of a “lime-wood” in Greater
London.
Fish, amphibians and reptiles               Birds                                        Mammals
Common frog, toad and newt breed in the     Comprehensive records are maintained,        The resident mammals are mainly common
pond and can often be found in the spring   including a point survey undertaken in       species that are an integral part of the
ditches. Slow worm has also been recorded   1991-2 and a Common Bird Census in part      biodiversity and food chains on the site.
in the meadow.                              of the wood in 1994-8. Bird transects have
                                                                                         There is evidence that badgers forage
                                            been undertaken every month since
                                                                                         through the woodland from a sett in Bromley
                                            February 2003.
                                                                                         Council’s Cheyne Wood. Various bat
                                                                                         species also visit the site, including pipistrelles
                                                                                         (common and soprano) and serotines along
                                                                                         the woodland edge.

                                                                                         Undesirable species
                                                                                         The following non-native plant species have
                                                                                         been identified as being detrimental to the
                                                                                         biodiversity of the woodland: Norway
                                                                                         maple; laurel; Portuguese laurel; Spanish
                                                                                         bluebell; sycamore. Common ragwort is
                                                                                         classified as a notifiable weed and a
                                                                                         problem for making hay.

Site Description - Biological interest                                                                                                 15
Our place in the broader landscape                                                                                   16

The broader picture                                                London Downlands - All London Green Grid Area 7
Historically, Spring Park was part of a larger tract of woodland
on the Wickham Court Estate. We work with our neighbours
and other bodies to explore and develop opportunities for
enhancing the wider landscape and habitats.

For example, our open space is located within the Green Grid
area known as London’s Downlands, in which we are working
with others to improve access and enhance biodiversity.

The Site of Interest for Nature Conservation (SINC) designation
covers Spring Park, together with neighbouring Threehalfpenny                                    WW
Wood and Shirley Heath. We work closely with Bromley Council                                SP

and Croydon Council to ensure the sites are managed in a
complementary way to maintain their important features.

Spring Park is in the Environment Agency catchment area for                            RD

the Bourne, which feeds the River Beck. The site lies within the                       KC
                                                                             FD
Metropolitan Green Belt and, as such, the relevant policies of                    CC
the Local Development Framework for the London Borough of
Bromley apply to its management. We also seek to deliver the
aims of the targeting statement for the Joint Character Area
known as the North Kent Plain.

Partnership working is, of course, reciprocal. For example, as
part of a project to identify areas of opportunity for enhancing
biodiversity across the country, Wildlife Trusts are mapping
protected sites and important habitats. This work will help put
Spring Park into a wider living landscape.

Looking to the future, the City Corporation is committed to
acquiring appropriate land next to the site to increase its
sphere of protection, and to working with other organisations
and landowners to benefit the wider environment.
What does the future hold?                     Spring Park will be known for its veteran oaks   Our rangers and volunteers remain
                                               and small-leaved lime trees, with wildflowers    motivated and empowered to protect and
The City of London Corporation is
                                               and insects flourishing in sun-lit glades.       conserve Spring Park for future generations.
committed to safeguarding the long-term
                                                                                                They will promote opportunities for all to be
future of Spring Park. We will apply           People will relax in a meadow awash with
                                                                                                involved in caring for, understanding and
traditional methods of land management in      wildflowers and grasses, cut every year for
                                                                                                enjoying their local open space.
a modern way to maintain Spring Park as a      hay but with refuges of long grass left on the
high quality and accessible open space for     edges for wildlife. Hedgerows planted along
local people to enjoy.                         old field boundaries, bedecked with blossom
                                               and berries, will provide shelter and food for
Visitors will experience a thriving coppiced
                                               birds and small mammals.
woodland and the diverse community of
plants and animals it supports.                Local people will be actively involved in our
                                               work, to promote the historical and natural
                                               heritage of Spring Park. We will seek
                                               opportunities to ensure Spring Park continues
                                               to be recognised as part of a broader living
                                               landscape.

                                                                                                The following sections of this local plan
                                                                                                outline the steps we will take to turn
                                                                                                vision into reality.

A Vision for Spring Park                                                                                                                 17
Aims and Actions                                                                                                                                18

   Aim 1: To protect boundaries and important features, in order to keep Spring Park as an open space for the future.
   One of the most significant aspects of Spring Park is its ownership by the City of London Corporation, both in terms of the level of protection
   and continuity provided by the 1878 Act, and in the commitment of resources to manage the open space.

Patrolling and enforcing byelaws                    Reporting incidents, accidents and                We provide an out-of-hours call service
                                                    dangerous occurrences                             and take appropriate action on receiving
Our uniformed rangers play a key role in
                                                                                                      emergency calls.
protecting the site by carrying out frequent        The main problems affecting the site include
patrols, promoting responsible use, educating       dogs not being kept under effective control,
and advising visitors and, where necessary,         dog faeces, fly-tipping and unauthorized
                                                                                                      Managing boundaries and entrances
enforcing byelaws. The byelaws prohibit or          motor vehicles (especially motorcycles) that      The rangers regularly check the condition
control certain activities, especially those that   cause ground damage.                              of the boundary ditches and banks,
could damage the site, pose a risk to visitors,                                                       entrances and structures. We manage
or detract from their enjoyment of the site.        As part of our enforcement policy, the City
                                                                                                      vegetation on the residential boundaries
                                                    Corporation uses a ‘community approach’,
                                                                                                      and highway verges of the site and remove
Patrols cover the whole site but take               encouraging local people to act as the
                                                                                                      any encroachments.
particular account of the areas next to roads       ‘eyes and ears’ of the organisation and
and houses, which are subject to higher use         report any potentially harmful activities to      Residential properties bordering the site
and therefore potentially greater misuse.           the rangers as soon as possible.                  enter into a licence agreement with the
                                                                                                      City Corporation in respect of access onto
                                                    We investigate and record all incidents,
                                                                                                      the open space via hand gates.
                                                    accidents and dangerous occurrences on
                                                    the day of reporting, take action to resolve
                                                    problems, and then share appropriate              Keeping the site cleaned and
                                                    information with our local emergency services.    well-maintained
                                                                                                      The rangers ensure any graffiti, vandalism,
                                                                                                      litter or waste dumped on the site is
                                                                                                      removed. We pick up litter from all high-use
                                                                                                      areas twice each week and any fly-tipping
                                                                                                      is removed within 24 hours of its being
                                                                                                      reported.
Installing and maintaining gates, fences      Working with emergency services
and posts                                     We aim to develop and maintain good
We install structures at entrances and on     working relationships with the local
our boundaries to prevent unauthorised        emergency services, which we rely on
vehicular access. Gates are installed to      to help protect the site.
provide access through hedges and fences.
                                              We attend regular panel meetings of the
                                              Safer Neighbourhood Team for West
Controlling development
                                              Wickham, where incidents and crime
We have a responsibility to ensure that our   prevention issues are discussed.
open space is not adversely affected by
development of the immediate environs or
in the wider environment.                                   Personal Safety
                                                There is often a perception among
We need to know about proposed
developments or land sales close to Spring      visitors, particularly with regard to
Park.                                           women and children, that parks,
                                                gardens and open spaces are not safe
Issuing licence agreements                      places to visit. Generally, the facts do
                                                not support the perception.
Wayleaves and easements are negotiated
by the City Surveyor and managed to             Since 2007, the City Corporation has
prevent misuse of the site. Organised           committed resources to open up and
activities and events are controlled with       improve entrances and the network of
licences issued by the Superintendent.          wooded paths on the site to address
                                                local concerns about personal safety.
                                                This work continues to enhance the
                                                visitor experience on the site.
                                                Patrolling by the rangers is organised so
                                                that the site is walked regularly. They
                                                remove litter, check structures are safe,
                                                identify encroachments, and provide
                                                advice and support to visitors.

Aims and Actions                                                                            19
Aims and Actions                                                                                                                                20

   Aim 2: To manage access, facilities and opportunities for recreation, so that people can continue to enjoy Spring Park.
   Spring Park is managed for the quiet enjoyment of the public. Organised events and activities are controlled by licence, in order to protect
   the site and maintain its appeal as a venue for informal countryside recreation.

Keeping rights of way open                          Providing and maintaining facilities              Maintaining amenity grassland and
The site is managed as a public open space          Although there are no formal recreational         sports pitches
under the Corporation of London (Open               facilities on the site, its two car parks, City   We mow areas of grassland close to the
Spaces) Act, 1878, which allows access on           Corporation byelaw boards and drinking            car park and along the roadside verges to
foot to all areas by all persons at all times. In   fountain all require regular maintenance.         maintain their amenity use by visitors, as well
addition, there is one permissive ride along        We work in partnership with the City Surveyor     as the sight-lines at road junctions.
the Addington Road, which may be used by            to inspect annually our buildings, structures
walkers, cyclists and horse riders.                 and surfaces to keep these in good repair.        The eastern area of meadow is leased each
                                                                                                      autumn under licence to the Croydon
We inspect the two public rights of way and         Installing and maintaining countryside            Rugby Club for use as two rugby pitches,
keep them free of unnecessary obstructions,         furniture                                         and we mow this twice a year for their use.
in accordance with local standards set by                                                             We aim to maintain a balance here
Bromley Council.                                    There is also a wide range of more rural          between amenity use and wildlife value.
                                                    countryside furniture. We regularly inspect
Our annual programme of work to manage              way markers, fingerposts, notice-boards and
paths and rides includes brush-cutting them         benches, and make safe or repair any
as necessary throughout the growing season.         damage.
Aim 3: To include local communities in all aspects of our work, thereby promoting greater knowledge and
   understanding of Spring Park.
   Spring Park is managed by a team of rangers, with the active involvement of the local community. It is important to us that the community
   in West Wickham feels a sense of ownership, pride and responsibility towards the site. A key component of our ‘community approach’ is
   to gather, interpret and share information about the site and our activities, to promote greater knowledge and understanding.

Consulting local committees, groups and           Liaising with statutory agencies,
associations                                      authorities and utility companies
It would be impossible to manage the site         We consult with Natural England to ensure
effectively without input from others, and we     that the management of Spring Park
rely on consultation with a wide range of         contributes to work being undertaken within
individuals and organisations.                    the wider environment.

Established in 2004, the Consultative             We also work particularly closely with
Committee meets twice a year and is               Croydon and Bromley Councils, which
composed of representatives from a range          manage the surrounding open spaces, to
of local groups, organisations, authorities       protect the site and to implement the
and other stakeholders. Wider public              Councils’ Biodiversity Action Plans.
consultation is sought through the use of
questionnaires, surveys, working groups,          Wider consultation with other agencies and
meetings, newsletters, guided walks and           authorities is sought through forums such as
open days.                                        Green Grid and Green Space.

The West Wickham and Spring Park
Volunteers and other volunteer groups are
represented on the Consultative Committee
and are consulted regularly about the work
they do on the site.

We publish a detailed annual programme
of activities and events for volunteers via the
website (www.cityoflondon.gov.uk) and
produce regular newsletters.

Aims and Actions                                                                                                                          21
Aims and Actions                                                                                                                            22

Gathering information by research and             Sharing information about the site                Facilitating educational activities and
surveys                                           Information about wildlife, history, practical    school visits
The City Corporation encourages research on       work, educational activities, recreational        The site is a valuable educational resource
the site. Information collected so far includes   events and ways of becoming involved is           and our programme of educational
maps, photographs, historical surveys and         interpreted and shared by:                        activities attracts local families, primary
biological data. We deliver a programme of                                                          and secondary schools, and youth groups.
research and surveys linked to our aims.            ◆    contributing articles for a twice-yearly   We issue licences for these visits.
                                                         newsletter, monthly web updates and
Rangers and volunteers survey dragonflies,               other local publications;
damselflies and birds each year. Consultants
and local experts undertake specialised             ◆    providing an annual programme of
ecological studies. Information about the                walks, talks, displays and events;
broader landscape and habitats is gathered          ◆    creating leaflets, posters and
through aerial photography and vegetation                notice-board items;
surveys.
                                                    ◆    day-to-day contact with the rangers.
We respond favourably to requests to carry
out research and surveys on Spring Park,
usually within ten working days of their
receipt, and require information gathered
to be shared.

                                                                                                    Attending seminars, conferences
                                                                                                    and forums
                                                                                                    Seminars, conferences and forums offer a
                                                                                                    way of sharing and gaining expertise,
                                                                                                    whether within the Open Spaces Department
                                                                                                    or across the countryside industry.

                                                                                                    Local and regional opportunities include the
                                                                                                    Bromley Biodiversity Action Plan Partnership,
                                                                                                    London Parks & Green Spaces Forum, and
                                                                                                    the Ancient Tree Forum.
Aim 4: To maintain important physical features and structures on our open space, in order to preserve the integrity of
   Spring Park.
   The varied geology and soils, and their drainage properties, are an important aspect of the site and its management. The spring line, wet
   ditches and freshwater pond are an integral part of Spring Park.

Maintaining ditches and banks                     Creating and maintaining ponds and                Maintaining and restoring water courses
There is a woodbank along the boundary            scrapes                                           With seasonal water courses on site and a
with Threehalfpenny Wood, which marks the         With one permanent pond already, there is         permanent pond, we are mindful of our
old Kent-Surrey County boundary, and a            opportunity to create a second pond in the        responsibilities for water quality. We need
smaller woodbank along the south-eastern          woodland near Sparrows Den. We also               to assess our impact on the physical
boundary of the woodland separating it            carry out work on the current pond annually       environment, in particular the groundwater
from the meadow. These are the product of         with volunteers, in line with current good        and nearby watercourses.
past human activity and, as such, are key         practice.
components of the historic environment. We                                                          We inspect drains and culverts regularly,
aim to protect them for future generations.                                                         and make safe and repair any damage.
                                                                                                    We also inspect and clear seasonal streams
                                                                                                    after periods of heavy rainfall.

                                                                                                    Surveillance and monitoring climate,
                                                                                                    hydrology and soils
                                                                                                    Data needs to be gathered to evaluate our
                                                                                                    impact on hydrology and soils, and to
                                                                                                    quantify the need to alleviate local flooding
                                                                                                    and manage water flow. As part of a wider
                                                                                                    initiative, we will investigate how we gather
                                                                                                    and collate data about climate change.

Aims and Actions                                                                                                                               23
Aims and Actions                                                                                                                              24

   Aim 5: To safeguard the archaeological features and historic landscape, so that we conserve the cultural heritage of
   Spring Park.
   Spring Park is recognised locally for its coppice woodland and meadow, a part of our historic landscape. The Portland Stone drinking
   fountain is on Bromley Council’s Local List of buildings to be protected.

Looking after the archaeological and               Maintaining other historical features            important features will be assessed to identify
historic environment                                                                                if they are veteran trees and establish
                                                   The City Corporation works with the Historic
                                                                                                    whether or not their condition requires
We are developing conservation plans for           Environment Field Advisor from English
                                                                                                    remedial work to maintain and restore them.
the management of the archaeological               Heritage to develop a programme for
features and historic environment. All             conserving historic features, which include      Maintaining and restoring veteran trees
historic features are vulnerable to damage         the Portland stone drinking fountain.
by compaction from walkers and machinery.                                                           Where necessary, we will fell younger trees
                                                                                                    around the veterans to free them from
We visit the important features during our         Surveying and monitoring veteran trees
                                                                                                    excess shading. Where necessary, we will
patrols and work with other agencies to            Initial surveys of notable trees have started    also undertake gradual crown reduction, to
ensure these features are not damaged or           by identifying and mapping the various           reduce the likelihood of them splitting apart
disturbed by illegal treasure hunters. It is not   mature trees and old coppice stools. These       or dropping large, heavy limbs.
permitted to use a metal or mineral detector
on the site.
                                                     Coppice woodland – a historic landscape
                                                     In order to maintain and restore this historic landscape, we
                                                     manage the coppice woodland by cutting a different area
                                                     (coupe) each year cycle, to maximize the wildlife potential of
                                                     this habitat. There are two species that we coppice: sweet
                                                     chestnut is coppiced every 16 years and hazel every 10 years.

                                                     Cutting a different area each year creates varied age and
                                                     structure throughout the woodland, which encourages a
                                                     diversity of ground flora and therefore fauna to use the
                                                     woodland. It also maintains a traditional practice in an area
                                                     that has been managed in this way for hundreds of years.
© Crown copyright. All rights reserved (100023243) 2010

Aims and Actions - Map of management options                                                         25
Aims and Actions                                                                                                                             26

   Aim 6: To improve habitats and the natural environment for wildlife, so that we enhance biodiversity on Spring Park.
   We aim to manage the site as a dynamic mosaic of habitats and, in particular, maintain and restore the diversity of structure, age and
   composition of the areas of ancient woodland and meadow. Although the site is split into six management compartments, these are
   managed as a whole to contribute to the overall biodiversity of the site.

Maintaining and restoring woodland               Pollards may be created on a small scale,
                                                 particularly in hedgerows and along the                           Dead wood
We manage our woodlands by ensuring we
                                                 woodland edge. Pollarding will be used to           Dead wood from cut and fallen tree
maintain a diversity of age, species and
                                                 encourage new growth on trees, by cutting           trunks and branches is, where possible,
structure in the canopy, understorey and
                                                 above the height of browsing deer.                  left intact or in pieces that are as large
herb layers. To do this, we follow a
programme of coppicing, pollarding and           Some trees may be deliberately damaged              as possible and close to the parent
felling as appropriate.                          by ‘coronet cuts’ and other techniques to           tree. This material is only moved for
                                                 create a deadwood habitat. This will                safety or access reasons. Where
Coppicing is used to restore woodlands that                                                          possible, we try to keep all manner of
                                                 encourage early fungal infection and
were historically used to produce wood                                                               dead wood on site to enhance
                                                 decay, creating niches for the plants and
products. It is also used on the edges of                                                            biodiversity.
                                                 animals associated with the hollows in old
rides and glades, as well as along
                                                 trees.
hedgerows, to create an edge habitat
between the open ride or pasture and the         Wherever possible, we aim to create and
scrub or woodland habitat beyond.                maintain dead wood, by encouraging the
                                                 important process of wood decay in our
                                                 retained trees and woodland.
Creating and maintaining rides and              Cutting and laying hedgerows                      Managing vegetation in freshwater and
glades                                          The species-rich hedges around the                wetland habitats
A ride is an open tract of land through         meadow are managed by laying and                  The freshwater and wetland habitats will be
woodland and scrub, often along a path or       cutting as necessary each year. Historically,     managed to enhance biodiversity wherever
wayleave (over or under a utility line). We     other hedgerows split the meadow and we           possible. We will commission a pond survey
establish rides to support wildlife, improve    will investigate the possibilities of restoring   to seek recommendations for maintaining
access, and create a transition from the        these.                                            and improving the pond.
open path to the shrubs and trees beyond.
                                                Mowing to maintain and restore                    Controlling undesirable species
Whilst there is limited opportunity at Spring   grassland
Park to create rides, the woodland edges                                                          We assess the threat posed to biodiversity
are managed like rides, and temporary           The majority of the meadow at Spring Park         by potentially undesirable species. Where
glades are created throughout the               is managed mechanically, cutting a crop           necessary, we control invasive undesirable
woodland by coppicing.                          of hay annually and creating a wild flower        species by digging, pulling, cutting and
                                                meadow. Although this method of                   applying selective herbicides.
Maintaining and restoring successional          managing grassland can encourage floristic
                                                diversity at the time of cutting, it tends to     Laurel, Portuguese laurel and sycamore are
areas and scrub                                                                                   routinely treated with herbicide to prevent
                                                leave grassland devoid of insects and
Ongoing management over the past ten                                                              their spread through the woodland.
                                                ground-nesting birds.
years has ensured that the scrub has not
encroached into the meadow, yet has kept
a varied age and structure. However, if left
unchecked, these areas would develop into
secondary woodland.

We will establish and maintain a mix of scrub
along the meadow edge, by cutting trees
and shrubs annually.

Aims and Actions                                                                                                                         27
Aims and Actions                                                                                                                            28

   Aim 7: To care for people’s health, safety and welfare, to ensure that Spring Park is a safe, secure and accessible
   place for all.
   We aim to meet all the requirements of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, as well as all regulations and related policy and procedures
   set out by the City of London Corporation, in order to ensure the health, safety and welfare of our employees, volunteers, contractors and
   visitors to the site.

Implementing the annual Health &                 Inspecting buildings, yards, roads                 Inspecting surfaces,
Safety Plan                                      and boards                                         facilities and
We implement a Health & Safety Plan for the      We carry out monthly inspections of all            countryside furniture
City Commons and include any actions in          buildings, yards, roads and byelaw boards.         We undertake monthly
our annual work programme. Our site and          Any damage or defects are notified to the          inspections of all paths,
facilities are inspected annually by safety      City Surveyor and their contractors                rides, gates, fences
auditors from other open spaces, and an          complete any necessary repair work.                and other countryside
annual plan to improve safety is                                                                    furniture. Any
prepared from their recommendations.                                                                maintenance and
                                                                                                    repair work is carried
Identifying hazards and reducing risks                                                              out by our rangers,
We ensure risk                                                                                      volunteers or local
assessments and                                                                                     contractors. We
safe systems of                                                                                     purchase any materials, and hire machinery
work are                                                                                            and equipment needed to carry out the
completed and                                                                                       work.
recorded before
activities are
                                                                                                    Inspecting trees for hazards and
undertaken on the                                                                                   managing risks
site. We regularly                                                                                  The Open Spaces Department has a Tree
inspect tools,                                                                                      Risk Management Policy that balances risk
protective                                                                                          reduction with the need to conserve
equipment and                                                                                       notable trees and deadwood. Employees
clothing used by                                                                                    and contractors undertake annual tree
our employees                                                                                       inspections and any necessary remedial
and volunteers.                                                                                     works.
Aim 8: To use our resources efficiently, so that we continue delivering excellence and value on Spring Park.
   As part of a local authority, we have a duty to ensure that we provide ‘best value’ in our open space management. The City of London
   Corporation consistently delivers excellence through its activities, and we strive to maintain this standard at Spring Park.

Investing in people’s performance               Inspecting and servicing vehicles,               Controlling local risk budgets and
at work                                         machinery and equipment                          income
In conjunction with West Wickham Common         The rangers and volunteers work out of the       Our activities and resources at Spring Park
and Riddlesdown, Spring Park is managed         site offices at Spring Park and Riddlesdown,     are funded by the City Corporation from
by a team of three full-time rangers,           where their vehicles, machinery, equipment       City’s Cash, at no cost to the local
supported by other staff. They are assisted     and tools are also stored. They also have        community. We control expenditure of
by local and visiting volunteers and local      access to additional resources at                our budgets to deliver our work activities
contractors. All employees and volunteers       Merlewood Estate Office.                         efficiently and sustainably.
are offered opportunities for learning and
development, guided by annual reviews of        These assets are inspected regularly and         Our annual income is supplemented by
individuals and teams.                          serviced by local contractors. We replace        grants and other capital funding. In line
                                                vehicles, machinery and equipment in             with our charitable status, there is also a
                                                accordance with guidance from the                donations fund.
                                                Transport Improvement Group for the City
                                                Corporation.                                     Legal agreements can raise an additional
                                                                                                 income from nominal charges for hand-gate
                                                                                                 licences, and through easements and
                                                                                                 wayleaves for utility companies and
                                                                                                 vehicular access.

                                                                                                 The City Corporation currently receives
                                                                                                 annual income from the Single Payment
                                                                                                 Scheme for the hay meadow.

                                                                                                 We are working with Natural England on
                                                                                                 an application for Higher Level Stewardship
                                                                                                 for all the City Commons which, if successful,
                                                                                                 will secure funds for our conservation work.

Aims and Actions                                                                                                                               29
Aims and Actions                                                                                                                            30

   Aim 9: To follow good practice to sustain economic, environmental and social development, on and around Spring
   Park.
   We are committed to supporting the City of London Corporation in delivering sustainable development through its activities. We respect
   the limits of our planet’s resources, and seek to improve the local environment and enhance biodiversity.

Preparing and reviewing Business and             Preparing and reviewing project and              Providing volunteer opportunities to
Management Plans                                 contract specifications                          individuals and groups
Our integrated Business and Management           As part of our planning, we prepare              Our ‘community approach’ is firmly based
Plans strive to ensure that sustainable          specifications to guide our work activities,     on working with local people to recognise
development is taken into account in all our     seek consents and inform employees,              and address issues affecting the site, its
activities, above and beyond our work to         volunteers and contractors.                      environs, and the wider built and natural
enhance biodiversity. Effective and                                                               environment.
innovative planning can reduce the               We also work with others to help build a
resources we use. However, it is inevitable      strong, stable and sustainable local             We offer opportunities for volunteers to get
that active land management generates            economy. We apply the City Corporation’s         involved in practical conservation work
by-products that no longer offer commercial      purchasing directives to support local           and wildlife monitoring.
benefit and may incur a cost for disposal as     business. We aim to help these traders and
waste. Where possible, these by-products         contractors meet best practice.                  Providing apprenticeships & work
are reused or recycled locally.                                                                   experience
                                                 We use methods that do not harm important
                                                 features, ensure Cross Compliance is             We respond favourably where possible to
For example, our
                                                 achieved, enhance biodiversity and               requests for work experience and provide
contractors sell firewood
                                                 encourage sustainable development.               training opportunities through work
and timber and harvest
a hay crop from our                                                                               placements, internships and apprenticeships.
meadow. We build
wooden benches and
other countryside
furniture from felled
timber. Some woody
material and cut grass
is piled on site to provide
habitats for reptiles, birds
and small mammals.
Applying for Green Flag and Green                Implementing the Sustainability Audit            Monitoring the condition of the open
Heritage Awards                                  System                                           spaces
We not only manage our sites to conserve         We are working with colleagues in the Open       A key aspect of ensuring that the site remains
historic landscapes and improve biodiversity,    Spaces Department to develop a system for        in a favourable condition is the development
but also aim to demonstrate environmental        auditing our performance with regard to          of a programme of monitoring.
good practice in a variety of other ways.        sustainable development, in a similar
                                                                                                  Our plans and work programmes will only be
                                                 approach to managing health and safety.
Energy conservation measures can be as                                                            effective if we are aware of – and able to
simple as switching off lights, or as complex    This will enable us to measure and monitor       respond to – changes to the site and to the
as assessing the impact of our vehicles and      the success (or otherwise) of measures           local and wider environment.
machinery and then taking appropriate            introduced to increase sustainability in every
                                                                                                  We already gather data about habitats and
measures, such as modernising our fleet.         aspect of our operations.
                                                                                                  species, which are used to inform
We have promoted our success in meeting                                                           conservation management plans. Now, as
the sustainability challenge while providing a                                                    part of our commitment to addressing the
public service, by successfully applying for                                                      impact of global climate change, we need
Green Flag Awards.                                                                                to support research into local climate, soils
                                                                                                  and hydrology.

Aims and Actions                                                                                                                          31
Work Programme 2011 – 2021                                                                                        32

This section lists the work activities that will be carried out over a 10-year programme
to achieve the aims of this Local Plan.

The site is divided into six compartments, shown on this map.

                                                        © Crown copyright. All rights reserved (100023243) 2010

The tables on the following pages show the priority allocated to each activity in each year of
the plan and where the work will be carried out. In addition, the Department Business Plan
sets out key projects and performance indicators that are applicable to the management of
West Wickham Common.
Ref   Protection                                                          HLS   2011   2012   2013   2014   2015   2016   2017   2018   2019   2020   Compartment   Team

P1    Patrolling & enforcing byelaws                                             1      1      1      1      1      1      1      1      1      1         ALL        OT

P2    Reporting incidents, accidents & dangerous occurrences                     1      1      1      1      1      1      1      1      1      1         ALL       ALL

P3    Managing boundaries & entrances                                            1      1      1      1      1      1      1      1      1      1         ALL        OT
P4    Keeping the site cleaned & well-maintained                                 2      2      2      2      2      2      2      2      2      2         ALL        OT
P5    Installing and maintaining gates, fences and posts                         2      2      2      2      2      2      2      2      2      2         ALL        OT
P6    Controlling development                                                    1      1      1      1      1      1      1      1      1      1         ALL        MT

P7    Issuing licence agreements                                                 1      1      1      1      1      1      1      1      1      1         ALL        MT

P8    Working with emergency services                                            2      2      2      2      2      2      2      2      2      2         ALL        OT
      Recreation                                                          HLS   2011   2012   2013   2014   2015   2016   2017   2018   2019   2020
R1    Keeping rights of way open                                                 1      1      1      1      1      1      1      1      1      1         ALL        OT
R3    Providing & maintaining facilities                                         1      1      1      1      1      1      1      1      1      1         ALL        OT

R4    Installing & maintaining countryside furniture                             1      1      1      1      1      1      1      1      1      1         ALL        OT
R5    Maintaining amenity grassland & sports pitches                             2      2      2      2      2      2      2      2      2      2          1         OT

      Inclusion                                                           HLS   2011   2012   2013   2014   2015   2016   2017   2018   2019   2020

I1    Consulting local committees, groups & associations                         2      2      2      2      2      2      2      2      2      2         ALL        MT
I2    Liaising with statutory agencies, authorities & utility companies          1      1      1      1      1      1      1      1      1      1         ALL        MT

I4    Gathering information by research & surveys                                2      2      2      2      2      2      2      2      2      2         ALL       PT/OT
I5    Sharing information about the site                                         2      2      2      2      2      2      2      2      2      2         ALL       PT/OT
I6    Facilitating educational activities & school visits                        3      3      3      3      3      3      3      3      3      3         ALL       PT/OT
I7    Attending seminars, conferences & forums                                   3      3      3      3      3      3      3      3      3      3                   ALL

Work Programme 2011 – 2021                                                                                                                                          33
Work Programme 2011 – 2021                                                                                                                                   34

Ref    Physical Features                                           HLS   2011   2012   2013   2014   2015   2016   2017   2018   2019   2020   Compartment   Team

PF1    Maintaining ditches & banks                                        3      3      3      3      3      3      3      3      3      3         ALL        OT

PF2    Creating & maintaining ponds & scrapes                                                  3                                                    4         OT

PF3    Maintaining & restoring water courses                              2      2      2      2      2      2      2      2      2      2         23         OT

PF4    Surveillance & monitoring climate, hydrology & soils               3      3      3      3      3      3      3      3      3      3         ALL        PT

       Cultural Heritage                                           HLS   2011   2012   2013   2014   2015   2016   2017   2018   2019   2020

CH1    Looking after the archaeological and historic environment          2      2      2      2      2      2      2      2      2      2         ALL        OT

CH3    Maintaining other historical features                              3      3      3      3      3      3      3      3      3      3          6         OT

CH4    Surveying & monitoring veteran trees                               2      2      2      2      2      2      2      2      2      2        23456       OT

CH5    Maintaining & restoring veteran trees                       HLS    1      1      1      1      1      1      1      1      1      1        23456       OT

       Biological Interest                                         HLS   2011   2012   2013   2014   2015   2016   2017   2018   2019   2020

BI1    Maintaining & restoring woodland                            HLS    1      1      1      1      1      1      1      1      1      1        23456       OT

BI2    Creating & maintaining rides & glades                              2      2      2      2      2      2      2      2      2      2        23456       OT

BI3    Maintaining & restoring successional areas & scrub          HLS    1      1      1      1      1      1      1      1      1      1          1         OT

BI5    Mowing & removing cuttings to maintain grassland                   1      1      1      1      1      1      1      1      1      1          1         OT

BI9    Restoring, cutting & laying hedgerows                              2      2      2      2      2      2      2      2      2      2          1         OT

BI10   Managing vegetation in freshwater & wetland habitats               2      2      2      2      2      2      2      2      2      2          1         OT

BI11   Controlling undesirable species                                    1      1      1      1      1      1      1      1      1      1         ALL        OT
Ref   Health & Safety                                              HLS    2011   2012   2013   2014   2015   2016     2017   2018   2019   2020   Compartment   Team

HS1   Implementing the annual Health & Safety Plan                         1      1      1      1      1      1        1      1      1      1                    OT

HS2   Identifying hazards & reducing risks                                 1      1      1      1      1      1        1      1      1      1         ALL        OT

HS3   Inspecting buildings, yards, roads & boards                          1      1      1      1      1      1        1      1      1      1         ALL        OT

HS4   Inspecting surfaces, facilities & countryside furniture              1      1      1      1      1      1        1      1      1      1         ALL        OT

HS5   Inspecting trees for hazards & managing risks                        1      1      1      1      1      1        1      1      1      1         ALL        OT
      Finance                                                       HLS   2011   2012   2013   2014   2015   2016     2017   2018   2019   2020

F1    Investing in people's performance at work                            1      1      1      1      1      1        1      1      1      1                    MT

F2    Inspecting & servicing vehicles, machinery & equipment               1      1      1      1      1      1        1      1      1      1                    OT

F4    Controlling local risk budgets & income                              1      1      1      1      1      1        1      1      1      1                    MT

      Sustainable Development                                       HLS   2011   2012   2013   2014   2015   2016     2017   2018   2019   2020

SD1   Preparing & reviewing business & management plans                    1      1      1      1      1      1        1      1      1      1                    MT

SD2   Preparing & reviewing project & contract specifications              2      2      2      2      2      2        2      2      2      2         ALL        OT

SD3   Providing volunteer opportunities to individuals & groups            2      2      2      2      2      2        2      2      2      2         ALL       OT/PT

SD4   Providing apprenticeships & work experience                          3      3      3      3      3      3        3      3      3      3                   OT/PT

SD5   Applying for Green Flag & Green Heritage Awards                      2      2      2      2      2      2        2      2      2      2                    MT

SD6   Implementing the Sustainability Audit System                         1      1      1      1      1      1        1      1      1      1                    PT

SD7   Monitoring the condition of the open spaces (GAEC)                   1      1      1      1      1      1        1      1      1      1         ALL        MT

          KEY:      TEAM                                          PRIORITY
                    MT =       Management Team                    1 – Essential (Legal Obligations)                 HLS = Part of the City Commons Higher
                    OT =       Operational Team                   2 – Highly Desirable (Best Practice)                    Level Stewardship application.
                    PT =       Project Team                       3 – Desirable (Resource Dependent)
                    RT =       Resource Team

Work Programme 2011 – 2021                                                                                                                                      35
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