Held at Portway School, Allestree
Those present
David Winslow (DCC) Community Parks Officer. Chair Beverley Rhodes (DCC), Nick Law (DWT), Stephen Wright (BTCV), Tom Watkins (BTCV), Mick Day (DCC / FOAP), John Menzies (FOAP Chairman), Bill Grange (FOAP Com.), Tony Johnson (FOAP Com.), Margaret Johnson (FOAP), Mark Sims (FOAP Com.) Pat Sear(FOAP Com.), Felicity Jackson (FOAP), David Gibson (FOAP), Kath Nkrumah, Dennis Litchfield.
1. Introduction
Dave Winslow agreed to Chair the meeting and welcomed all those present.
2. Apologies
Edwin Slade, Pat Hollands.
3. Minutes from last meeting
The minutes of the last meeting, held on the 15th June 2011 at Allestree Park Local Nature Reserve, were accepted and progress to date discussed as follows:-
- a. To look at broken down fence along Woodlands Lane – to consider its replacement by a hawthorn hedge (agreed last year, but not implemented).
Approval for the hedge has been given by DCC Bill Grange has 100 trees available to start hedging and BTCV are willing to carry out task, Tom Watkins could use this task towards his assessment.
- b. To look at progress and effectiveness in the work to line main path through Big Wood with timber (main path and steps down to golf course completed). To consider further work - FOAP working with Derbyshire Conservation Volunteers? To look at recent tree planting adjacent to path by FOAP and DCV
Work on the main path has been completed, further work on side path to Woodlands Rd needs finishing and a loop path is now being constructed by DCV as part of the new Nature Trail.
- c. To look at the state of rhododendron clearance (mainly by BTCV) in an area in the central part of the wood and the need to clear sycamore (not carried out by Broomfield College, as arranged). To consider what needs to be done – as part of the Open Spaces Lottery Application by Friends of Allestree Park. To consider replacement shrub and tree planting.
For discussion later in the meeting under item 6 and 7.
- d. To consider idea to put in ‘rustic’ steps down the steep slope to northern part of Big Wood - FOAP working with Derbyshire Conservation Volunteers?
Item shelved as a result of consultation on site.
e. To look at the ‘Tree O’clock’ planting site at the northern part of Big Wood – to see sycamore clearance and ring barking, carried out by FOAP and Derbyshire conservation Volunteers, and how the young trees are progressing. To consider further tree-planting.
Development of the site noted most trees were surviving well. Sycamore clearance and ring barking all noted. Further tree planting needed.
- f. To consider the situation with Woodlands Field City Wildlife Site (now recovering after the removal of the horses, but still subject to heavy grazing by rabbits). There will probably be no time to visit this site.
Now in a better state, Bill Grange observed that Adders Tongue and Moonwort was no longer visible in response to question from Beverley Rhodes.
- g. To look at the site along the Burley Brook, east of the Hall where sycamore clearance was carried out by the City Council and replanting carried out by FOAP and DCV.
The replanting carried out has been successful but NL suggested that no more is advised as marshland flora is developing well in addition to other ground cover e.g. bluebells and foxgloves.
- h. To look at the route of the footpath through the woodland between the main car park and the lake – A major project being organised by FOAP and the Council as part of FOAP’s Community Spaces lottery bid.
For discussion later under item 7
- i. To look at the management of the wildflower meadow area immediately to the west of the above woodland.
k To look at established wild habitats immediately to the north of the Lake and the possibility of extending these (as proposed in the LNR Management Plan) by relaxing the current mowing regime.
The area west of the wood was mown again recently as the result of an oversight. It is requested that no further mowing takes place in the Spring which will need monitoring. Beverley stated that a new Park Management Plan is due and that should be included in it.
J To look at bank stabilization works around the Lake – those already in place (including the duck feeding platform,) and those planned, again as part of the Open Spaces bid.
To discuss later under item 7.
l. To consider any problems that might arise with the integrity of the Local Nature Reserve as a result of the new arrangements regarding the golf course.
The future management of the Golf Course is still under discussion and is subject to a further meeting Derby City Council early in December (Date to be confirmed). Management may either stay ‘in-house’ or transfer to Mack Trading as previously muted or be put up for bids from a new operator. It was suggested that attendance at the Council Meeting by FOAP members would be desirable where possible. Beverley asked that FOAP keep a close contact and relationship with those eventually running the Golf Club to keep informed of all activity on the site.
m. To look at incursions into the LNR by recent operations near the Evergreen Hall entrance..
No further concern as the situation has stabilised.
4. Site activities over the last year.
Bill Grange gave an account of conservation tasks carried out over the past year with the knowledge and approval of DCC.
- Lake restoration work began in 2010. Four sections of willow revetment work were carried out by Groundwork and BTCV, to protect banks from erosion, this was funded by the Wild about Ponds SITA grant obtained by DCPWA with the aid of Wild Derby. A Lake Platform was also built by BTCV under this grant, this was vandalised and then repaired thanks to Wild Derby funding. An additional section of log roll revetment was created and back filled by BTCV in a particularly severely eroded area of the lake margin.
- The Burley Brook site has regenerated well with bluebells and ground cover plants.
- i) In Big Wood a new side path has been lined.
- ii) A hundred new trees were planted along the main path but were vandalised in July
iii) On the Tree O’Clock site where planted trees are doing well, ring barking of Sycamore and Rhodedendron clearance has been carried out.
iv) A loop path for the new Nature Trail is being created and posts will be installed.
v) Balsam pulling is an ongoing issue and will be continued yearly.
vi) Japanese Knotweed was reported by the lake ,in the area of Main Ave and Short Ave and is known to exist locally. Dave Winslow advised that DCC should be informed of any new occurrences.
John Menzies reported on the Community Spaces Application for funding for four projects within the Park. Money from the grant made under the Big Lottery Funds’ Changing Spaces Programme was awarded in August. The project is to be managed by DCC:
Firstly a path from the main car park to the lake fit for wheelchairs and pushchairs. This is well underway.
Secondly, work around the lake to combat erosion in the form of seven ‘embayments’ consisting of log roll revetments backfilled with stone to give firm standing for fishermen and to prevent erosion.
Thirdly clearance of Sycamore and Rhodedendron within Big Wood to create areas of improved biodiversity, encouraging ground flora to develop improving the habitat for birds and small mammals. This is being done by BTCV two more days in December and will hopefully be completed by two more days in January or February. BG thanked BTCV for leaving logs ready for path lining and asked that large Sycamore trees for felling could be marked ready for the Council Arboricultural Team to start work in the New Year, this was agreed.
Beverley Rhodes reported concern by a member of the public that the clearance had reduced the bird population in Big Wood. Nick Law said there were sound ecological reasons for the removal of rhododendron as it is a carrier of Phytophthora ramorum which is causing death of Horse Chestnut .and other trees. This disease is spreading quickly with cases found at Kedleston and in the Peak. It was decided that we need to improve our message to the public that the removal is to improve ecology and the bird population when re-growth of native ground cover takes place and to state that bird boxes and bat boxes are being ordered by Bill Grange for this site and other locations in the Park.
Fourthly a new Nature Trail around Big Wood. Bill Grange has designed this along with a leaflet, plus a revised leaflet for the existing Nature Trail starting at the main car park. This should be completed by the Spring.
We have a launch date of 16th June 2012 when a celebratory event will be held on the park. This should be included in the Wild Derby Programme for 2012.
Discussion on this project raised concern over possible damage by vandals to log roll revetments. This should be prevented if stone filling is level with top of log roll after settlement.
Concern that vehicles may access the new path through the woods to the lake will be looked at again on the Outdoor LNR meeting in June.Installation of bollards or a barrier / gate were suggested.
Dave Winslow asked for assurance that FOAP would manage the condition of this path especially in autumn when the accumulation of leaves could cause problems. An annual working party or use of the Probation Service or Derby Conservation Volunteers was suggested and approved.
5. Event booking and Risk Assessment
We are reminded that all tasks taking place on the park need to be notified to Dave Winslow. It was agreed that the present DCC permission form is cumbersome and unnecessarily complicated for our needs. Beverley Rhodes has offered to write a briefer version more suited to use by ‘Friends’ groups.
6. Outdoor Management Meeting
This has been covered under minutes of last meeting .(Item 3)
One further issue was raised regarding the SE corner of the lake where debris and silt accumulate. Tree cover and lack of light contribute to poor state of this area. The possibility of a reed bed was mentioned, Beverley suggested Yellow Flag Iris for low light level areas. Tony suggested it should be kept clear to allow litter to be removed.
Nick Law suggested including it in the next Management Plan to agree on a desired state for this area and to look at options to achieve this.
Dave Winslow produced photos retrieved from Alf’s old office of the dredging of Allestree Upper Lake in the early 80’s. It was agreed they were a very important archive and should be copied and possibly reproduced in our Newsletter.
7. Planned Work for Autumn/Winter
- January: Path work planned a loop path to be created from Woodlands Lane to the car park on Woodlands Rd.
- February: sycamore cut back near Burley Brook if possible, this is of regrowth from stumps.
- A grant scheme from Beverley Rhodes will allow Bird Boxes and Bat Boxes to be ordered this winter, mostly from the probation service. Note that they should be muddied before installation to disguise them.
- Autumn /Winter 2010/13: more trees will be needed for Big Wood. Beverley Rhodes to check availability with Forestry Commission and also E-Trees, Chaddesden Wood has obtained some funded by carbon offsetting..DWT may also provide some trees through their local Apploetree Hundred Group to mark their 50th Aniversary in 2012 of the Trust and also via a mini project to grow disease resistant Elm Trees which would support the White Letter Hairstreak Butterfly. Bill added that propagation from acorns from veteran trees is ongoing.
8. Any Other Business
Tony Johnson: New notice Boards planned for three positions in the Park, Woodlands Rd Main Ave, and Evergreen entrance. It was unanimously agreed that these boards would be dedicated to the memory of Judy Grundy. As they are privately funded thanks to Peter Grundy’s offer the council are happy to consent. Tony is to consult with the Probation Service on the exact wording and layout. In addition it is hoped to install a Finger-post near the Hall giving directions to significant areas in the park, this is funded by a bequest.
As a result of cut backs to the Ranger service it is likely that we will have no permanent Ranger on the Park from Christmas this year. Thanks were given to Mick Day for his outstanding dedication and support during his tenure, along with all best wishes for his future, Mick hopes to continue close links with FOAP.
Mick asked if his role on the Committee as Council Representative could be taken over by David Winslow. David was willing subject to Committee approval..
Beverley Rhodes: A new Management Plan will be coming out soon for Allestree Park which is the largest Local Nature Reserve in Derbyshire with some of the oldest habitats. We were asked to look at the existing Management Plan’s 46 Objectives and see if they have been achieved, to comment on them and look at the focus of a new plan to be produced next year based on this one.
Nick Law asked if it should be simplified to make it more accessible but it was decided that .it should continue to be as detailed as at present as it is a valuable resource.
Point raised by Kath Nkrumah local resident: Could more information be displayed locally and on the Park about activities within the Park and more importantly the reasons for the activity. This would alay concerns regarding drastic measures possibly affecting wildlife and the features within the Park.
John Menzies: Raised the issue of Fishing on the Lake, Dave Winslow stated that there were proposals to potentially lease fishing rights to the Lake but no firm decisions to date.
JM also added that it was hoped to make progress with the installation of a stone plinth, with a panel designed again by Bill Grange, situated near to the Hall. This is dependent on funding.
9. Date of Next Meeting
Date of Summer outdoor LNR Meeting agreed as Wednesday 13th June 2012.
7pm Woodlands Car Park.
Indoor Meeting to be held on Wednesday 21st November 2012 at 7pm. Venue to be arranged, but Portway School if available.
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