The Parks Trust Operational Works
April 2012 - July 2012
Coppicing Works
A large programme of winter/spring coppicing works is now complete. Species are targeted for this treatment for a number of reasons including; promotion of vivid winter stem colour on young shoots, improved plant health and plant management, site line and safety considerations, management of other aspects of the landscape i.e. ground flora. Species that might be coppiced include; Dogwood,Willow, Roses, Hazel, Laurel, Snowberry etc. Work was completed prior to the bird nesting season.
Tree Works
For the most part tree works undertaken will be very limited over the next few months, mainly due to bird nesting considerations. We still carry out limited tree work but this is generally targeted at trees in open ground or grass, and in areas where we can satisfactorily pre-inspect for bird nesting.
The Parks Trust operates a code of practice, where certain checking standards have to be met before work can begin. If a nest is observed in the working area, then work is suspended until the nest becomes redundant and is no longer being used. Areas that we are targeting for tree works over the next few months include the Poplar plantation at Middleton, and thinning out of the diseased Horse Chestnut along redways at Fishermead, Oldbrook and Winterhill.
Annual woodland work including coppicing and stem re-spacing work is now complete for the year. Boundary work (e.g. V1,V2, V3) will resume in September.
Planting
The Parks Trust has recently planted over 35,000 plants (mainly shrubs). The April rain will water these in nicely.
Because the ground is generally dry and did not sufficiently re-hydrate over the winter, we have mulched newly planted trees with wood chip around the base to help reduce water evaporation.
Grass Cutting
Grass cutting operations have now started. To promote better nectar sources for bees and other invertebrates, while increasing fuel efficiency and reducing our carbon footprint, we are cutting some areas less frequently (including sections of the V7, V6 and Willen north). If this proves successful we will look to extend this policy while further improving flowering potential in such areas. Such areas are normally associated with plantation areas rather than more formal areas.
General Maintenance
General maintenance is ongoing. Shrub pruning including Berberis, Potentilla, Senecio amongst other species is underway.
Cleansing Works
Parks cleansing is ongoing through individual park areas.
Leisure Routes
We are preparing summer leisure route resurfacing works that will include sections of Teardrop Lakes, Loughton, Ouse Valley and Linford Wood (localised repairs).
Agriculture and Paddocks
Grazing animals have now moved back into grazing areas including the flood plain pasture land. Cattle found in our parks are breeds and individuals which are known for their calm nature. However they might sometimes be inquisitive, especially when dogs are concerned. Generally when in grazing areas with your dog please keep them on a lead, however if you feel threatened and the cattle are starting to gather round you it's best to let the dog of the lead.
We are about to undertake selective weed control of some of our agricultural land and pony paddocks. We will undertake spot spraying targeting thistles, docks and nettles. During spraying grazing animals are excluded from the area for 7 days.
Land recently acquired from HCA
The Parks Trust has just acquired 100 hectares of green open space (and appropriate endowments) from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA). This land is in Broughton, Broughton Gate, Atterbury, Middleton, Tattenhoe Park, Kingsmead, Ashlands and other areas.
A major task of ours at the moment is to bring these areas up to a standard that we are happy with. Remedial works will include cleansing, grass cutting and reinstatement, tree maintenance, maintenance of shrub beds, play area inspections and work on hard features such as wooden bollards and picnic sets.
Planting and thinning works on young plantations will follow on from the autumn onwards.
