INTERIM MANAGEMENT PLAN

EAST COURT ESTATE, EAST GRINSTEAD

CONTENTS

Description – East Court Estate

Introduction

General Information

Location & Tenure

Description

History

Evaluation and Site Management

1. Ashplats Wood Site Evaluation

Identification/ Confirmation of Important Features

Management Philosophy for Ashplats Wood

Management Objectives

Management

• Woodland

• Ponds and Waterways

• Access

• Meadows

• Recreation

• Signage

• Ashplats Conservation Group

Operational Objectives

Work Programme

2. East Court Introduction

Management Philosophy

Management Objectives

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Management of site

• Regular Maintenance

• Facility Inspections

• Customer Interface and Formal Hire of Facilities

Appendices

1. East Court Estate

2. Compartment Plan

3. Species List: Ashplats Wood, East Grinstead

4. Initial Draft Programme of Works for Ashplats Wood and the East Court

5. Circular Walk Plan

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Description – East Court Estate

Introduction The whole estate at East Court is principally owned by East Grinstead War Memorial Ltd and the majority of this land is leased to Mid Sussex District Council (MSDC). Portions of the estate are also leased to other third parties such as the Police, the Ambulance Service, Magistrates Court, East Grinstead Town Football Club, and the Rifle Club. The Town Council owns and occupies the Mansion and some surrounding land. To simplify the management of the estate, the land has been divided into two separately named locations: Ashplats Wood and East Court (Appendix 1). This division has been created due to the differences in the management of each area. Ashplats Wood is managed as conservation woodland and East Court for formal and informal sport and recreation. This management plan will represent the estate as a whole, with definition for the management objectives according to specific requirements of each location. Terms used in this plan will be:

• The Estate – meaning the entire area of land known as East Court and Ashplats Wood.

• Ashplats Wood – meaning the area of woodland to the north and east of estate.

• East Court – meaning the area for formal and informal sport and recreation on land leased to MSDC and land owned by East Grinstead Town Council.

East Grinstead War Memorial Ltd in liaison with the District Council commissioned Parklife Ltd. to produce an overall strategic Master Plan for East Court in 2001. The content of this plan is broadly accepted as being representative of the strategic direction for the estate. This Management Plan will use the core principles of the Master Plan to provide clear management objectives and prescribe suitable management practices. This Management Plan is intended to be an interim plan for a twelve month period whilst the ten year plan is being formalised. General Information East Court Estate is located to the east of East Grinstead, covering an area of 41.2 hectares. The estate is bounded by housing on the south, west and north but has woodland and open fields on the east side. The land is owned by East Grinstead War Memorial Ltd. Location & Tenure Site Name: East Court Estate Site Status: Ashplats Wood has been designated as a West Sussex

Site of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI) and is part of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

District: Mid Sussex County: West Sussex

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Planning Authority: Mid Sussex District Council O.S. Grid Reference: TQ450388 Landlord: East Grinstead War Memorial Limited, acquired 1949 (Registered Charity No. 305211). Leased:

Current Mid Sussex District Council, 1st January 1995. Proposed New 125-year lease – being negotiated

Description • Elevation: The land falls from 130 metres above sea level in the north east

corner of the wood to 95 metres at the southern tip. • Aspect: The wooded area mainly lies on a southerly facing slope, the mansion

lawns are on a northerly facing slope. • Geology and Soils: The northern part of the wood is underlain by Tunbridge

Wells Sand and the lower slopes and adjoining fields are on Wadhurst Clay. The junction between the permeable sand and the impermeable clay is marked by the presence of seepage lines and springs on some of the slopes in the wood.

• Drainage: The site is drained by two streams, tributaries of the River Medway,

running from the north east and north west corners, converging at the southern boundary of the site.

• Vegetation Types: Comprises of a range of woodland, scrub, ornamental

plantings and lawns, ponds, meadow and meadow edge habitats. • Current Use: East Court is well used for formal and informal sport and

recreation. Ashplats Wood is used by walkers and runners for recreation and there is also a volunteer group, the Ashplats Conservation Group.

History Mid Sussex District Council commissioned a historical report of East Court by The Sussex Gardens Trust, compiled by Hilary May, in 2006. The full document is available for inspection by request and the following is a brief synopsis of its contents. The house at East Court was built in 1769 by John Cranston on land that was owned by his wife’s family, Catherine Green. It was the Cranston family residence until 1863, when it was let to Rev. Charles Walter Payne Crawford and became their family residence until 1903. In 1906, the Cranston Trustees sold East Court to Ernst Cooper, an accountant from Limpsfield, Surrey, as the house had fallen into disrepair. He restored and extended the house and developed the grounds. When Mr Cooper died in 1926, the estate had grown to become over 500 acres (202.5 hectares). The estate was sold to a developer, Frederick Woodgate who sold off parts of the farmland for housing. Ownership transferred at least two more times until the Army

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requisitioned the estate during World War II (WWII). In 1945 a local merchant banker bought East Court through his Manor Charitable Trust as a permanent memorial to the people of East Grinstead who lost their lives during WWII. It was at this time that the house and surrounding 5 acres (2 hectares) were sold to East Grinstead Urban District Council as their headquarters. In 1949, East Grinstead War Memorial Ltd was set up to own and manage the estate for the enjoyment of the townspeople, a role that it still fulfils today. Mid Sussex District Council now manages the estate through a long-term lease with the East Grinstead War Memorial Trust. East Court has been intensively managed for the development of sport and recreation since being leased in 1973. However, the management of Ashplats Wood has suffered from under-funding since its inception as a public park. A considerable amount of felling took place during or shortly after WWII and it is not thought that the ash/ hazel woodland has been coppiced since. The Sweet Chestnut was coppiced on a sixteen-year rotation with it last being coppiced in 1985/86. MSDC has reintroduced coppicing since the start of the lease.

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Evaluation and Site Management 1. Ashplats Wood Site Evaluation • Naturalness: Part of the woodland is ancient woodland, i.e. before 1600AD.

Ancient woodland is an increasingly threatened habitat. • Fragility: The woodland is vulnerable to invasion by non-native species with the

proximity of residential dwellings and ornamental species found in urban gardens. Successive seasons of drought conditions have caused distress and loss within the stream valley area. This deterioration has been noted with the loss of wildlife habitat within the ponds.

• Typicalness: The woodland is a good example and typical of the Weald of

Sussex. • Potential: The site has great potential for education and leisure use, particularly in

view of the proximity of the urban areas and town centre. Educational materials could be produced, such as a teachers’ pack, and used in conjunction with interpretative material, e.g. self-guided trail, leaflets, information board. Educational use could be at all levels, from primary school to sixth form. Disabled facilities could also be provided, e.g. wheelchair access, blind trail (with a tap rail). The site has potential for various leisure/recreational activities, e.g. orienteering course, cycle path, and running trail.

Identification/ Confirmation of Important Features Site Features Importance National Regional Local 1. Geology & Geomorphology:

Weald Clay Low 2. Vegetation Types:

Ancient Woodland High High High Secondary Woodland Average Low Average Wealden Meadow Average High Ponds Average

3. Species: High Average High

4. Landscape Value: Average Average High Management Philosophy for Ashplats Wood The overall aim of the management is to emulate the historic estate management practices, but recognising that it is now an open space for the enjoyment of residents and visitors. It will also function as a Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG). Being ancient woodland, the over-arching management aim should be to enhance and protect the wildlife in all its varied forms. However, compromises are

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required as the ideal habitat for wildlife to flourish is one free from human influence and impact. By careful and sensitive management and appropriate regulation it is believed to be possible to maintain an attractive woodland, rich in wildlife, that can be used and enjoyed by the general public seeking healthy outdoor exercise, contact with nature, relaxation, education and simply to get away from the stresses of everyday living. Management Objectives • To manage the woodland to maintain and increase species diversity and varied

age structure of trees.

• To promote and develop recreational use of the site in line with SANG criteria.

• Agree and implement a programme for rotational coppicing compartments to provide a range of habitats from open glades to densely shaded areas.

• To manage ponds to provide good aquatic and semi-aquatic habitats.

• To control the populations of Rhododendron, Sycamore, Silver Birch.

• To encourage education, field study and research.

• To maintain and enhance woodland rides and paths.

• To preserve the high landscape value of the area.

• To protect and monitor protected species.

• To encourage public access, but directed along set routes to minimise wildlife disturbance.

Management Woodland Ashplats Wood is within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the woodland is designated as a Site of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI). The last classification has been assigned by West Sussex County Council and as such will influence the woodland management. Recommendations for management have been proposed in the Sussex Wildlife Trust (SWT) Report of 1996 (Appendix 3) and Dolphin Ecological Survey 1999 (Appendix 4) and these reports will form the base information defining the woodland management. The SWT report divides the woodland into compartments and these recommendations will follow this for ease of habitat identification. However, the recommendation for all compartments will include removal of Rhododendron ponticum and the control of Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) and Pteridium aquilinum (Bracken). These are known invasive species which left unchecked will disadvantage desirable woodland species. The approved method for the removal of Rhododendron within MSDC conservation sites is to cut down and where possible dig out the root ball, with follow-up removal of any re-growth. An application for chemical treatment of Rhododendron stumps would be considered depending on the

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quantity present and the type of product to be used. The application would need to demonstrate that the prescribed method of control is insufficient to achieve the objective for removing Rhododendron. Compartment 1a The SWT assessment of this compartment using the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, National Vegetation Classification, Field Guide to Woodlands (Appendix 5) is that it is a W10a community. The coppice has grown to canopy height and is now merging with Quercus robur (Oak), Castanea sativa (Sweet Chestnut) and Betula (Birch) standards. The ground flora in this area is species poor due to the density of shade cast by the canopy. Proposed management is to re-establish coppice compartments on a 15 to 20 year cycle with each compartment being approximately 0.2 ha to 0.4 ha (0.5 to 1 acre). This will introduce a measure of structural diversity to the area, however, the more robust species will need to be kept in check to advantage other desirable species. Compartment 1b This compartment is more species rich and has been assessed as being a W10b community. Proposed management is to re-establish coppice compartments on a 15 to 20 year cycle with each compartment being approximately 0.2 ha to 0.4 ha (0.5 to 1 acre). Compartment 1c This compartment has been assessed as being a typical W10 community. There is a large and active badger sett in this compartment and as such no coppicing will take place within a 20 metre boundary of any sett entrance. The protected area of the sett will not be marked to avoid bringing attention to the sett. Compartment 2 This small compartment is still a W10b community, but also has characteristics of a W7 community that are more typical of damp alluvial soils in stream valleys. Proposed management is to re-establish coppice compartments on a 15 to 20 year cycle with each compartment being approximately 0.2 ha to 0.4 ha (0.5 to 1 acre). Compartment 3 This compartment is the core vegetation type of the ancient woodland, it is a matrix of a W10a and W10b community depending on dampness, the ground flora is species rich, commensurate to a W10b community. The area has been allowed to naturalise and the preferred management is for limited intervention. Management will consist of tree safety works and control of undesirable species. Compartment 4 This compartment has recently been obtained by EGWM Ltd and as such there is not a specific maintenance prescription for this compartment. This will be addressed in the revisions for this plan to become a ten year plan for the site.

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Compartment 5 This compartment mostly comes into the Descampsi cespitosa sub community of Alnus–Fraxinus–Lysamachia woodland defined as a W7c community, which is typical of damp brown earth soils along streams and seepage lines. Ecological interest in this area is based on the way it varies from the text book definition of the community. Much of the ground flora is dominated by bramble which creates a valuable habitat, but will need to be controlled to ensure that it does not dominate the patches of pendulous and remote flowered sedges, bluebell, wood sorrel, red campion, buckler fern, male fern and tufted hair grass. Management objectives will be to encourage the natural diversity of this area with intervention to check invasive species and arboriculture practices to ensure the health and safety of the trees. Compartment 6 This compartment mostly conforms to that of a W7c community, with the ground flora dominated with bramble. Management objectives will be to encourage the natural diversity of this area with intervention to check invasive species and arboriculture practices to ensure the health and safety of the trees. Compartment 7 This compartment is relatively recent woodland and is probably under 50 years old, which could be a mixture of old fields and shaws that have become woodland. The canopy layer is mostly dominated by young trees of Oak, Ash and Sycamore with scattered Rowan, Sallow, Grey Sallow, Hawthorn and Elder and is probably a W10 community. Ground flora is patchy; it is mostly bramble with bracken forming dense stands where there is a gap in the canopy. Management of this compartment will be to mow annually the existing clearings, removing the arisings, and monitor the development of the remaining area. Works will be programmed to ensure the health and safety of the trees, but the stand will be allowed to mature. Compartment 8 This compartment could mark the location of an old shaw that would once have extended along the edge of the old fields. The Oaks in this area are some of the oldest trees on the site and are probably over 200 years old. These are a key feature of the site and should be conserved as individual specimens. Ponds and Waterways The life cycle of woodland ponds is a natural progression from open water to overgrown, shaded and shallow pools. All the stages of pond development are of conservation value and each stage of the lifecycle has equal ecological importance. Intervention management of ponds seeks to retain the characteristics associated with one stage of the life cycle to maintain a habitat for desirable species. In Ashplats Wood, the desired habitat is for open water with varying characteristics such as depth, light and shade. Establishing the desirable features of a pond requires an ecological survey to define what should be conserved and why it is important. A policy of non-intervention has been adopted for the management of the ponds, except the removal of invasive and non-native species, whilst the habitat is surveyed and recorded.

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Management of the ponds will be to clear overhanging branches and removal of rubbish and fallen branches. By keeping the water relatively free of debris and allowing light to reach the pond a healthy ecosystem can develop. Access Most of the main routes through the woods had been surfaced with stone or been drained to reduce the effects of erosion, but these works were completed some years ago and are now in need of refurbishment. The benefit in providing such defined routes is to encourage users to these prescribed paths and limit ad-hoc routes across the woods. Some of the peripheral paths are showing signs of erosion, particularly where surface water has washed gullies in the surface. These paths need to be reclassified as water channels that are not suitable to traverse. The main objective is to establish a well-maintained network of footpaths that will discourage such alternative routes. Access for disabled visitors is limited, but is possible along most of the surfaced routes. Meadows There are two relatively small clearings in the woodland. It is not known why these areas were originally formed, but they offer a unique habitat in the woodland environment. Both meadows have relatively poor wild flower diversity and there is a tendency for the woodland fringe to encroach into the clearing. Management for both locations will be to control the encroachment around the boundaries and to cut and remove the arisings on one occasion per year in late July early August. Wild flower surveys are needed for both meadows to establish the appropriate cutting time. Recreation Ashplats Wood is a valuable area for informal recreation, particularly in view of the proximity of the urban areas. Visitors already enjoy the benefit of walking through the woodlands, however, additional recreational activities could include bird watching, a nature trail, nature art sculptures, visitor centre and orienteering. Developing formal leisure activities will need to be sensitive to the nature conservation objectives for the woodland. Managing the woodland for recreation and public access is also a feature of the SANG criteria. Signage Information signs based on the recent format used at Bedelands Farm Local Nature Reserve are being designed and will be located at the main entrances to the woodland. The main walks through the woodland will be way-marked and these routes will be highlighted on the new Estate leaflet. Ashplats Conservation Group The woodlands have an active and well-subscribed volunteer group. The Ashplats Conservation Group undertakes the practical maintenance of conservation initiatives within the woodland.

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Operational Objectives Operational Theme Management Objectives Habitat Management

General Provide suitable, inclusive access to and around the woodland. Way-mark main footpath networks.

Maintain and enhance conservation value of the woodland

Flora and fauna surveys of the woodlands and meadows. Create habitats to advantage desirable species. Remove Rhododendron ponticum from all areas of the woodland. Control the spread of Acer pseudoplatanus.

Maintain and manage the woodland Reinstate coppice compartments.

Programme a schedule of tree health surveys. Compile an annual and prioritised schedule of maintenance. Carry out necessary safety works. Control the spread of Pteridium aquilinum.

Maintain and enhance ponds Survey wildlife value of the woodland

ponds. Monitor development of pond eco-system. Refurbish ponds with low habitat value. Remove rubbish from all woodland ponds.

Education and Interpretation

General To make better use of the woodland as an educational resource, i.e. nature trail, bird watching and visitor centre. Produce interpretation notice boards for

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the woodland. Produce an East Court Estate leaflet.

Recreation General

Explore ways in which recreational activities can be developed, without compromising conservation objectives.

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Work Programme Indicative six year Action Plan for main management tasks. These are for routine and expected maintenance works. Appendix 4 indicates the developmental works for the East Court Estate.

Location Management Tasks

Freq. Yrs.

Yr. 1

Yr. 2 Yr.3 Yr.4 Yr.5 Yr.6

Woodland

General Remove Rhododendron ponticum from site

3

Control the spread of Pteridium aquilinum and Acer pseudoplatanus

1

Compartment 1a Coppicing 0.2 – 0.4 ha compartments

15 year cycle

Control bramble and invasive species

1

Compartment 1b Coppicing 0.2 – 0.4 ha compartments

15 year cycle

Control bramble and invasive species

1

Compartment 1c Coppicing 0.2 – 0.4 ha compartments through the remaining area

15 year cycle

Compartment 2 Coppicing 0.2 – 0.4 ha compartments

15 year cycle

Control bramble and invasive species

1

Compartment 3 Monitor tree health and schedule safety works only

Every 4th

year

Control invasive non-native species

1

Compartment 5 Monitor tree health and schedule safety works only

Every 4th

year

Control invasive non-native species of the wet area of all growth every year

1

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Location Management Tasks

Freq. Yrs.

Yr. 1

Yr. 2 Yr.3 Yr.4 Yr.5 Yr.6

Compartment 6 Monitor tree health and schedule safety works only

Every 4th

year

Control invasive non-native species

1

Compartment 7 Monitor tree health and schedule safety works only

Every 4th

year

Control invasive non-native species

1

Compartment 8 Monitor tree health and schedule safety works only

Every 4th

year

Ponds and Waterways

Ponds Conduct species surveys and pond condition monitoring

1

Remove debris 1

Remove invasive non-native weed species

1

Access

Paths Define routes through the woodland

1

Way-mark paths 1

Inspect for safety and cut back encroachment

1

Close water channels as being unsuitable as paths

1

Meadows

Grass cutting late July early August

1

Control encroachment or urban influences

1

Establish quadrates and conduct wild flora species surveys (if the Ashplats

1

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Location Management Tasks

Freq. Yrs.

Yr. 1

Yr. 2 Yr.3 Yr.4 Yr.5 Yr.6

Conservation Group is prepared to do this)

Remove Senecio jacobaea from meadows

1

General

Litter Litter scavenge the woodland

1

Check and maintain paths, fences and stiles

1

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2. East Court Introduction The landscaping of this area of the estate is dominated by the needs of formal recreation. Formal recreation during the winter season will include senior, junior and small-sided football and in the summer season, it will have stoolball. Informal recreation within this area includes dog and fitness walking, a basketball area and a play area. In addition, many school children pass through the estate on their way to and from school. Management Philosophy The overall management aim is to make the hirer and visitor experience of both paying and non-paying visitors to this estate as pleasurable and fulfilling as possible so as to ensure the sustainability of this green space as a public amenity. Demands on green spaces from formal and informal users are diverse and sometimes conflicting, however, East Court is large enough to cater for many different activities with minimal disturbance to other users. Management of this estate will endeavour to provide a high quality and inclusive recreational facility for both the residents of and visitors to East Grinstead. Management Objectives • To promote and develop recreational use of the site. • To preserve and enhance the high landscape value of the area and the views

across the High Weald. • To develop the pitch sport facilities in line with the Estate Master Plan. • To encourage “good citizenship” through interpretation and education. • To manage and maintain the landscape features of East Court. Management of site Regular Maintenance Maintenance of East Court is procured through specific maintenance contracts, and are:

• Sportsgrounds Maintenance Contract • Arboriculture Contract • Dog Bin Emptying Contract

These contracts cover the regular and routine maintenance of the facilities. Specifications have been included within these contracts that also allow for improvements and developments to the estate. The council encourages a partnership approach with contractors to develop a sense of ownership for the sites they maintain. Contractors’ staff are encouraged to consider the appearance of the whole site when completing their routine

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maintenance visit and report back on site condition. Partnership arrangements with our contractor allow them to undertake essential maintenance without instruction from the council. The benefit from this approach is the increased response times for ensuring that facilities are in a safe and suitable condition. The Sportsgrounds Maintenance Contract is the main maintenance contract for this area and comprises the key requirements for the horticultural maintenance of the facilities. The specification comprises two key areas of expenditure, these being: -

• Core scheduled Maintenance, • Unscheduled Maintenance.

The specification for core-scheduled maintenance will include the horticultural tasks that must be performed each year to maintain the infrastructure of the sportsground. This specification is dynamic as it evolves with the addition of developments in horticultural practice, accommodating best value and achieving high quality standards. Unscheduled maintenance budget allocations comprise tasks that are necessary but not required on a pre-planned frequency basis to retain the landscaping objectives of each sportsground. They may be ground/ weather condition dependant or required on a bi-annual or site specific basis, e.g. environmental improvements such as replanting a shrub border or planting bulbs. The contract is subject to annual review to ensure the principles of maintenance are being achieved through an audit of the year’s business. The aims of the audit are to examine the core work schedules and their effectiveness in meeting user requirements and give an overview of contractor performance over the course of the calendar year. Analysis of the budgets, works orders and specifications identify changes and developments to be programmed for the coming year. Facility Inspections Mid Sussex District Council Landscape Officer inspections of the sportsgrounds are intended to fulfil many functions. The primary function is to monitor the contractors’ work and ensure the quality standards set out in the contract documents are being met. In addition, the inspections are to view the overall condition of the sportsground for health and safety issues, assess facility condition and pitch playability, report on the condition of structures and hard landscape features, monitor incidents of misuse, communicate with users, identify refurbishment requirements and plan work prioritisation. Customer Interface and Formal Hire of Facilities Management of formal activities primarily relates to organised events and the Facility Management team are primarily responsible for organising the booking of formal activities. Many clubs and associations have long-standing relations with the Council for the hire of formal sports facilities. This sense of community involvement is actively encouraged and where possible seeks to retain these important long-standing associations. Management of informal activities endeavours to ensure that casual use of the sportsground is appropriate and safe and encourages customers to partake in a

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variety of activities. The Park Ranger Service has had a positive impact on the management of informal activities through pro-active work with the customers and communities, other authorities and agencies in identifying and resolving user conflicts. Dog walkers constitute a large percentage of the informal users of the estate. The control of dog waste is one of the target areas to minimise the adverse effect in customers’ enjoyment of the facilities. Dog owners are being encouraged to be responsible for their dogs. This local education combined with recent legislation that has increased the local authorities’ powers to deal with irresponsible behaviour has produced significant results in reducing this problem. Legislative developments in health and safety have placed greater legal responsibility on organisations to demonstrate that the hazards and risks associated with providing a service have been assessed and are being managed. These risk assessments are updated annually and on every occasion that a significant development is completed on a location.

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Appendix 1 – East Court Estate

ASHPLATS WOOD

EAST COURT

Appendix 2 – Compartment Plan

Appendix 3 - Species List: Ashplats Wood, East Grinstead Trees Acer campestre Field Maple Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore Alnus glutinosa Alder Betula pendula Silver Birch Betula pubescens Downy Birch Carpinus betulus Hornbeam Castanea sativa Sweet Chestnut Corylus avelana Hazel Crataegus laevigata Midland hawthorn Cytisus scoparius Broom Fagus sylvatica Beech Fangula alnusI Alder buckthorn Fraxinus excelsior Ash Ilex aquifolium Holly Malus sylvestris Crab Apple Populus tremula Aspen Prunus avium Wild cherry Prunus spinosa Blackthorn Quercus robur English Oak Salix atrocinerea Grey willow Salix caprea Sallow Salix fragilis Crack Willow Sambucus nigra Common Elder Sorbus aucuparia Rowan Ferns and Horsetails Blechnum spicant Hard fern Dryopteris dilatata Broad buckler fern Dryopteris flexi-mas Male fern Pteridium aquilinum Bracken Equisetum telmateia Great horsetail Flora Ajuga reptans Bugle Alliaria petiolata Garlic mustard Anemone nemrosa Wood anemone Anthriscus sylvestis Cow parsley Arrhenatherum elatius False oat grass Arum maculatum Wild arum Caltha palustris Marsh marigold Cardamine pratensis Lady’s smock Carex pendula Pendulous sedge Carex remota Remote-flowered sedge Carex sylvatica Wood sedge Chamaenerion angustifolium Rosebay willowherb Chrysosplenium oppositifolium Opposite-leaved golden saxifrage Circaea lutetiana Enchanter’s nightshade Cirsium palustre Marsh thistle

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Conopodium majus Pignut Dactylis glomerata Cocksfoot Deschampsia cespitosa Tufted hair-grass Fragaria vesca wild strawberry Galium aparine Goose-grass Galium palustre Marsh bedstraw Geum urbanum Wood avens Glechoma hederacea Ground ivy Glyceria plicata Plicate sweet-grass Hedera helix Ivy Heracleum spondylium Hogweed Holcus sp Soft-grass Hyacinthoides non-scripta Bluebell Hypericum androsaemum Tutsan Impatiens parviflora Small-flowered balsam Juncus articulatus Jointed rush Juncus effusus Soft rush Lamiastrum galeobdolon Yellow archangel Lonicera pericylmenum Honeysuckle Lychnis flos-cuculi Ragged robin Lysimachia nemorum Yellow pimpernel Melica uniflora Wood melic Moehringa trinerva Three-veined sandwort Orchis mascula Early purple orchid Oxalis acetosella Wood sorrel Poa trivialis Rough stalked meadow-grass Polygonum hydropiper Water pepper Potentilla erecta Common tormentil Primula vulgaris Primrose Ranunculus auricomis Goldilocks buttercup Ranunculus ficaria Lesser celandine Ranunculus flammula Lesser spearwort Ranunculus repens Creeping buttercup Rhododendrum ponticum Rhododendron Ribes sylvestre Red Current Rosa canina Dog rose Rubus fructicosa Bramble Rumex sanguineus Wood dock Scutellaria minor Lesser skullcap Silene dioica Red campion Solanum dulcamata Woody nightshade Stachys sylvatica Hedge woundwort Stellaria holostea Greater stichwort Taraxacum officale Dandelion Teucnum scorodonia Wood sage Urtica dioica Stinging nettle Veronica montana Wood speedwell Viburnum opulus Guelder rose Viola riviana Common dog violet

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Appendix 4 – Initial Draft Programme of Works for Ashplats Wood and East Court

Category of Works Works Potential Cost

Initial 12 Months Survey work Detailed inventory and condition survey of

landscape structures, surfacing and furniture £1,500

Tree and woodland survey £1,500

Ecology survey £2,000

Management plan

Appoint a landscape architect to draft the 10 year Management Plan and update the Masterplan

£5,000 - £6,000

Promotion and marketing of Ashplats Wood – e.g. glossy brochure and press releases

£2,000

Landscape Undergrowth management within Ashplats Wood

Volunteer Management

Initiate remedial works with the removal of any dangerous trees

£400 per tree

Creation of a 3km route around East Court & Ashplats Wood with an all-weather surface

£95,000

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Long Term Aims 10 year Management Plan

Landscape Landscape improvements to East Court Lake and surrounding access as per plan produced in May 2012

£75,000

Implement rolling programme of tree management initiatives, including coppicing

Price will be based on agreed Man Plan developments

Wildlife corridors/ green infrastructure enhancements

Price will be based on agreed Man Plan developments

East Court parkland restoration Price will be based on agreed Man Plan developments

Routes within the Estate

Path work improvements within Ashplats Wood (crushed stone surface)

£120,000

Path work improvements to wider site £50,000

Access point(s) improvements Price will be based on agreed Man Plan developments

Site furniture Supply and install additional site furniture as identified by inventory/ survey – e.g. benches

£3,000

Improve access signage to the Estate plus signage within the woods to identify routes

£2,500

Bridge repairs within Ashplats Wood £10,000

Install fitness equipment either in a group or at strategic locations around paths within the site

£30,000

Additional dog waste bins if appropriate

Other Re-surface and extend the car park £15,000

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Desirable Projects Projects Beyond the Scope of the 10 Year

Plan

Desirable Development

Develop education value of the ponds though providing decking/ dipping platforms

£20,000

Upgrade the pavilion to include an interpretation centre alongside sports facilities, with associated landscaping

£400,000

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Appendix 5 – Circular Walk Plan