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CONTENTS

Introduction 1

1. Site Overview 1.1 Havering 2 1.2 Strategic Framework 3 1.3 Site Description 3 1.4 History 6 1.5 Location and Transport Links 11

2. A Welcoming Place

2.1 Entrance Points 15 2.2 Entrance Signs 17 2.3 Equal Access 19

3. Heathy, Safe and Secure

3.1 Health and Safety Systems 20 3.2 Parks Protection Service 22 3.3 Parks Locking 24 3.4 Infrastructure 24 3.5 Parks Monitoring 25

4. Maintenance of Equipment, Buildings and Landscape

4.1 Horticultural Maintenance 27 4.2 Arboricultural Management 30 4.3 Vehicles and Plant Maintenance 30 4.4 Parks Furniture 30 4.5 Parks Buildings 32

5. Litter, Cleanliness and Vandalism

5.1 Litter Management 33 5.2 Sweeping 33 5.3 Graffiti 33 5.4 Flytipping 34 5.5 Reporting 34 5.6 Dog Fouling 34

6. Environmental Sustainability

6.1 Environmental Impact 36 6.2 Peat Use 36 6.3 Waste Minimisation 36 6.4 Pesticide Use 40

7. Biodiversity, Landscape and Heritage

7.1 Management of natural features, wild fauna and flora 42 7.2 Conservation of Landscape features 43 7.3 Woodlands 46 7.4 Marshes 48 7.5 Biodiversity Action Plan 49

7.6 Havering Local Plan 49 7.7 Natural Ambition Booklet 50

8. Community Involvement

8.1 Council Surveys 51 8.2 User Groups 52

9. Marketing and Promotions

9.1 Parks Brochure 59 9.2 Social Media 59 9.3 Website 59 9.4 Interpretation Boards 59 9.5 Events 60

10. Management

10.1 Management structure 64 10.2 Financial Management 66 10.3 Accreditation 66 10.4 Action Plan 67 10.5 Parks Contact Details 71

Appendices

1. Policy Context 2. History 3. Pesticide Reduction Strategy 4. Risk Assessments 5. Pleasure Ground Byelaws 6. Parks Fitter’s Instruction Form 7. Parks Monitoring Form 8. Grounds Maintenance Specification Contents 9. Vehicle Check Form 10. Peat Use Policy 11. Marketing 12. Event Application Form 13. SWOT Analysis 14. Example of play area visual inspection sheet 15. Example of play area operation inspection sheet

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Introduction The Hornchurch Country Park Management Plan has been prepared by the London Borough of Havering Public Realm (Parks and Open Spaces) department and represents a five year plan for the Park. The plan was completed in 2019 and will be revised annually until a full update in 2024. It was recognised that the park given its importance locally required improvements to facilities and standards. As part of this process the plan was produced to reflect these improvements and how the park is managed. The format of this plan follows the Green Flag Award criteria as this is recognised as the nationally accepted standard of excellence for parks and open spaces. The criteria also reflect a comprehensive and logical breakdown on the complements of how a park is managed. The plan also includes an action plan which is achievable within the remit of current budgets. The plan has been produced to give the reader a ‘virtual’ tour of the park and a practical management guide. The key information is in the main body of the plan with more detailed information including policies and examples in the appendix. It is intended for a broad audience interested in the development of the park namely: • Public Ream staff - Parks and Open Spaces Officers, Grounds Maintenance • Other services and departments within the London Borough of Havering • Elected members, ward councillors and portfolio holders • The community and its representative organisations

Ingrebourne Valley Marshes SSSI

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1. Site Overview 1.1 Havering

The London Borough of Havering is London’s third largest borough. The north and east boundaries border the rolling Essex countryside and the south covers three miles of River Thames frontage. To the west Havering is bordered by the boroughs of Redbridge and Barking and Dagenham. The name ‘Havering’ originates from the Royal Liberty of Havering, to which Edward IV granted a charter in 1465. The area’s history stretches back to Roman times with early settlements at Rainham and Collier Row. The London Borough of Havering was created in 1965 by the merger of Romford and Hornchurch Urban District Councils. The name of Havering was finally agreed as a combination of the town names was not allowed. The idea of blending the two names was never a serious consideration.Armorial bearings were granted at the time of the formation. The motto ‘liberty’ represents the present free and democratic way of life but is inspired by the fact that Havering was mostly a part of the royal liberty of Havering – Atte – Bower from 1465 – 1892.

London Borough of Havering Location Plan

Many of Havering’s open spaces and public parks have a long and rich history. Some are former private estates with historical and heritage importance including Bedford’s Park, Clockhouse Gardens, Parklands Park and Langton’s Gardens. Well known landscape architects such as Humphrey Repton designed some open spaces within Havering e.g. Langton’s Gardens and many parks were developed in the twentieth century e.g. Upminster, Rise and Lawns Parks.

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There is a large amount of countryside, especially in the north of the borough, with a good Public Rights of Way network and 4 country parks. There are also a wide variety of urban spaces from ornamental gardens to large municipal parks. 1.2 The Strategic Framework Information how this Management Plan for Hornchurch Country Park sits within the national, regional and local context for parks and open spaces can be found in Appendix 1. 1.3 Site Description Hornchurch Country Park is located at the southern end of Hornchurch on the site of the WW1 RFC Suttons Farm and WW2 RAF Hornchurch. The former being famous for being the base from which Lieutenant Leefe-Robinson VC took off from to shoot down the first airship over land. The latter as a major Battle of Britain Airfield from which many famous pilots aces flew from.

Aerial View of Hornchurch Country Park

The park is approximately 104 hectares in size and was created from a landfill site in 1980 and is made up of several different compartments. A large amount of the park has been allowed to develop naturally as wildlife habit and is managed through hay cutting towards the end of June, beginning of July. The area nearest two areas nearest the visitor centre and managed for amenity use and are also used for events. At the southern end of the Park there is a lake that allows for casual angling

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but also hosts a great deal of wildlife. The Park Ranger depot is also based at this end of the Park. The Essex Wildlife Trust in partnership with the London Borough of Havering opened a visitor centre in the northern half of the Park in 2015. The centre is used for a number of educational events, displays and has a café and toilets open to the public. The park has a surfaced path that runs mainly along the eastern boundary north to south and links the parks two car parks. It also links with the London Borough of Havering’s adjacent Gaynes, Hacton and Suttons Parkway’s in the north and the forestry commissions Ingrebourne Hill site to the south. The path makes up part of the Sustran Connect2 route 136 which links the entire Boroughs northern and southern parts. There are also other links into adjacent forestry commission and privately owned green space. All this area is known as the Ingrebourne Valley

Section of map board showing Ingrebourne Valley and its connections

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The Ingrebourne River runs down the eastern side of the Park and flows through part of the park known as the Ingrebourne Marshes. These are designated as a Site of Special Scientific interest (SSSI) and form the largest fresh water reed bed in the London Area. Access to this area is restricted to the public but good views can had into the area from various places within and without the Park. The park aims to cater for a number of uses and apart from the educational, walking and cycling uses it also has a children’s play area and outdoor gym located near the visitor centre and trim trail equipment spread out through the northern half of the Park. There are also a number of picnic benches throughout. The Park is home to a vast amount of flora and fauna and is a very popular with bird watchers. A number of rare species have been observed here in recent years including Spotted Crake and Bittern. It is also known for it invertebrate and reptile species including Adders, with the Ingrebourne Valley hosting the largest Adder hibernaculum in London. During its creation in the 80’s small wooded areas were planted and these go to break up the more grassy compartments and add extra interest to the park

Chicory in flower at Hornchurch Country Park

For history Buffs there are several WW2 defences within the Park. The Main car park at Squadrons Approach was in fact an aircraft dispersal bay (known as an E pen) used to protect Spitfires and their ground crews during the war. Also present in the park area number of well-preserved pill boxes and some very rare Tett Turrets.

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Tett Turrets Air raid shelter at rear of E Pen

A large portion of the main Park and marshes have fallen under Natural England’s Higher Level Stewardship scheme. As part of this an arrangement has been made with a local farmer who grazes cattle on compartments in the marshes and cuts the hay meadows in the Park from late June. The grants from the scheme have been put to good use in repairing and extending the fencing in the grazing areas which have allowed the grazing to extend into areas that have been untouched for a number of years.

Cows grazing the marshes

1.4 History The northern part of Hornchurch Country Park is on the former land of Suttons Farm, which was once part of the Manor of Suttons. Henry II gave the land to Hornchurch Priory in the C12th and it later became the property of William of Wykeham who founded New College Oxford in the C14th. The southern part of the country park was within Dover's Manor and later became Albyns Farm, whose old farm buildings remain today.

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1872 map showing area of Hornchurch country Park

The advent or air power had added another dimension to warfare and the War Ministry had already started to consider that the Thames was a landmark that led straight into the heart of London. As such they had starting to scout the country side for likely airfields for the fledgling Royal Flying Corp and in 1915 Suttons Farm was chosen.

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Sutton farm was a site chosen due to its proximity to London and the Thames and RFC Suttons Farm opened 3rd October 1915. The night of the 13th October 1915 saw the first action against attacking airships but without success. It wasn’t until the night of the 2nd-3rd September 1916 before successful finally came. Lieutenant William Leefe Robinson took off from Sutton Farm to look for the attacking Airship SL11. He spotted the Airship and attacked it with explosive ammunition and it crashed in flames near Cuffley in Hertfordshire. It was the first aircraft to be downed over British Soil and for his efforts Leefe-Robinson was awarded the VC.

Lieutenant William Leefe Robinson

With peace now declared the need for Suttons Farm came into question and by the 31st December 1919 RFC Suttons Farm closed, with the land being returned for agricultural use In the 1920’s the Royal Air Force started an expansion program and once again Suttons Farm was looked at and in 1923 the site bought from New College Oxford and RAF Suttons Farm opened on 1st 1928. A few months later the site changed its name to RAF Hornchurch to make it easier to find on public transport. RAF Hornchurch played a major part in WW2, it was the sector 11 main airfield. Also the airfield was designated as a fighter station and equipped mainly with Spitfires. It was due to this that is played a major role as a front line station during the Battle of Britain and many famous Pilots of the time flew from here.

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Spitfires taking off from RAF Hornchurch

The Airfield remained open at the end of the war but reverted to more of a training role. Numerous training and selection centres were set up at Hornchurch, including the Air crew selection centre. The Airfield was also used a mobilisation centre for service personnel during the Dockers strike in 1949 who took over the striking Dockers duties. It served a similar purpose again in 1953 for service personnel assisting in the aftermath of the east coast flooding disaster. During the 50’s and 60’s the Royal Air Force was slowly cut back and RAF Hornchurch was deemed surplus to requirements and closed in April 1962 and the site was sold to Fords a year later and used for the storage of vehicles. Its use changed again in the 70’s when the airfield site was sold for gravel extraction and the technical area (hangers, workshops etc) was developed into the now Airfield Estate. The estate shows the areas proud heritage through the use of Hornchurch Pilots names in its street names. In 1980 the site changed again with quarrying finishing and the site landfilled and turned into a country park by the Greater London Council. (GLC). It was landscaped through the 80’s with the building of paths and the planting of woodland etc. The site was transferred into the ownership of Havering Council a few years later with the disbanding of the GLC. Havering has continued to run the area as a country park and over the years have even extending it into land that had been earmarked for development. The latest extension was in 2006 when land owned by the NHS at the northern most boundary was given to the Council in return for land in Romford used to build the new Queens Hospital. In 2010 using funding from the Play Builder project a new play area was installed to replace one that had to be removed a few years before. In keeping with the sites history one of the items installed was bespoke climbing rock in the shape of a fighter lane soaring through the clouds

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Climbing rock at Hornchurch Country Park

A trim trail and outdoor gym was also installed in the park in 2011 using money from the Marathon Trust. The next major changed within the park was the opening of a visitor centre in the Park in October 2015. This was through a partnership between Havering Council and the Essex Wildlife Trust, who run the centre.

Essex Wildlife Trust Visitor Centre Cafe

Hornchurch Country Park has been successful in the London in Bloom awards, achieving Gold on many occasions and also winning best in category for conservation area and Country Park more than once. In 2019 the decision was made by members to put Hornchurch Country Park in for Green flag in 2020. Further historical information is available in the appendix

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1.5 Location and Transport Links

Location Map

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Aerial photo of Hornchurch Country Park

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Site Plan

1.5.1 Address Hornchurch Country Park, Squadrons Approach Hornchurch RM12 6DF (Sat Nav RM12 6TS) 1.5.2 Bus 252 from Collier Row alighting Hornchurch Country Park 252 from Hornchurch Town Centre alighting at Hornchurch Country Park 256 From Harold Hill alighting outside the St Georges park estate. 256 from opposite St Georges park estate

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1.5.3 Car Squadrons Approach car park (Location of Visitor Centre) Squadrons Approach Hornchurch Sat Nav RM12 6TS Albyns Farm Car Park South End Road Rainham RM13 7YH 1.5.4 Train 1.1 miles from Hornchurch District Line Station 3.4 miles from Romford Station. TFL Rail and Greater Anglia services 2.5 miles from Rainham Station. C2C Service

Original E Pen Revetments at Squadrons Approach Car Park (Currently being

restored by Friends of Ingrebourne Valley and Park Ranger)

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2. A Welcoming Place 2.1 Entrance points As the site mainly has an open perimeter there are a number of entrances into Hornchurch Country Park from both the highway and from other sites. Listed here are only the main entrances. 2.1.1 Squadrons Approach Vehicle entrance that leads into the main car park with a separate pedestrian path that leads direct to the Visitor Centre. This entrance has a separate coach bay for visiting schools. The vehicle entrance is protected by a gate at the front and a height barrier further in and is locked half an hour after dusk and opened by 8am every day.

2.1.2 Albyns Farm, South End Road entrance A vehicle entrance that leads down to the smaller Albyns Farm Car Park and the Ranger Depot. The vehicle entrance is protected by a gate and height barrier further in and is locked half an hour after dusk and opened by 8am every day.

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2.1.3 Berwick Woods entrance A pedestrian entrance from the Tarmac owned open space and also on a public right of way. The entrance has a walk round gate on one side and horse step on the other.

2.1.4 Suttons Lane Pedestrian A hard surfaced pedestrian entrance that leads directly into the Park from the nearby bus stop.

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2.2. Entrance Signs 2.2.1 Entrance signs There are currently three types of entrance sign in use at the main entrances. 2.2.1.1 RAF style entrance signs The entrance sign on the corner of Airfield Way and Squadrons Approach was designed in partnership with the Parks Service and Essex Wildlife Trust. It was designed to mimic the style of sign used the Royal Air Force to help show the sites historic past. Special permission was required from the Ministry of Defence for use of the RAF Hornchurch station Badge. The sign also uses pictorial representation to show the facilities available on site. There is also a similar style of sign within the park showing what is available in the Visitors Centre. The colour used is also the PRU blue used by the RAF and is being the colour scheme being introduced on site furniture across the site to represent the historic past.

Outer entrance sign Car Park entrance sign

2.2.1.2 Wooden signs These are the original signage in use at the Country Park and are still in use at the Albyns Farm vehicle entrance and Sutton Lane Pedestrian Entrance. This type will slowly be phased out for the newer RAF blue type.

Example of wood entrance sign

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2.2.1.3 Metal entrance signs These were installed a few years ago by the now finished Council/ Essex Wildlife Trust Ingrebourne Valley Project. They are large metal signs. These signs were the start of an Ingrebourne Valley brand to introduce users to the idea that green space in the area interconnected. These were also introduced in the RAF Blue colour.

Squadrons approach entrance

2.2.2 Map and notice boards These are situated by both car parks. These are in PRU Blue which is the colour used by the Royal Air Force during WW2. This is a different colour scheme to most of the Boroughs Parks as it better represents the historic theme of the Park and is being introduced to all the Parks furniture as best as possible.

Map and notice board at Squadrons Approach Car Park

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2.2.3 Finger posts These are situated at junctions along the main paths within the Park and also mark the Sustrans Connect2 cycle route and the London Loop long distance footpath. The Site Ranger has the facilities to carry repairs to these if necessary.

Example of the finger way marking posts within the Park

2.3 Equal Access Given the nature of the site paved access is not available across the whole site. However the main areas of the Park are linked by a paved DDA complainant path. This runs along the east side of the park and links the Squadrons Approach car park, visitor centre, view point, many of the historic remains, lake and Albyns Farm Car Park. There is also a link from this path into the Forestry Commission Ingerbourne Hill site. There is also a spur off this path that avoids having to go over the small hill in the centre of the park. A new paved path was also installed from the coach bay at the entrance to the visitor centre. As part of the visitor centre work dedicated disabled parking bays in the Squadron Approach car park.

Path uphill showing finger post marking alternative route

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3. Healthy, Safe and Secure 3.1 Health and Safety Systems

Health and Safety is paramount to Havering Parks and Open Spaces Service. Health and Safety is instilled in all of the working practices and complies with Havering’s Health and Safety Policy, Havering’s Parks and Open Spaces safe working practice and relevant safety legislation. 3.1.1 Training All staff to receive training to enable them to carry out all tasks asked of them. This ranges from on-site instruction to a training course or qualification, as determined through appraisals and one to ones. Course can be provided externally for job specific training, e.g. operating hazardous tools and equipment, or corporately provided for generic subjects, e.g. first aid. 3.1.2. Communication There are many avenues for communication of Health and Safety issues, to report incidents and raise concerns. These include Health and Safety Working Groups that include representatives from each department, e.g. Public Realm, team briefings/meetings, health and safety notice boards, Departmental Health and Safety Committee (union representative) meetings, staff appraisals and verbal briefings. 3.1.2. Co-operation All staff are required to comply with health and safety measures. Managers are encouraged to promote a positive safety culture. 3.1.2. Monitoring Accident and Incident Reporting (AIR) provides a means of reactive monitoring and a good way of introducing preventative measures. Reporting is presented at CRM and the Health and Safety Working Groups. Annual surveys are carried out by the departments corporate Health and Safety Advisor. These include a desktop assessment for the section, e.g. Parks and Open Spaces, and then site surveys (mainly in depots) if necessary. 3.1.3 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) There is a minimum standard of equipment required for park maintenance staff. All other PPE required is supplied and must be worn when completing tasks. All PPE is correctly stored. Damaged, worn or out of date PPE is replaced. 3.1.4 Vehicle, Machinery and Tools All equipment must be regularly serviced and repaired and all staff are given training on equipment that they are required to use. In some cases certificates of competence are required before equipment can be used. Only operatives with the correct certification are permitted to use the corresponding equipment.

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3.1.5 Chemicals The Parks and Open Spaces Section comply with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1994. The Food and Environment Protection Act (Pesticide Regulations) 1984 and has a policy for the Pesticide Reduction. Full Pesticide Reduction Policy can be found at Appendix 3. 3.1.6 Welfare All workplaces comply with the Workplace Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations 1992. 3.1.7 First Aid Each office and depot has at least one trained in first aid and has a fully stocked first aid kit as to all vehicles. It is the responsibility of the service manager to ensure that the first aid kit is fully stocked at all times. 3.1.8. Fire All managers must ensure that they are familiar with fire prevention and understand the use of various types of extinguishers. Fire extinguishers in depots and vehicles are checked annually by a specialist contractor under the Council’s Corporate Landlord Agreement. 3.1.9 Risk Assessments Parks are not risk assessed individually but risk assessments are carried out on the features of parks, the operations that occur within them, e.g. grounds maintenance, and any events or activities that take place. Operational risk assessments, e.g. grass cutting, are filed and kept in the relevant depots and park features, e.g. waterbodies, are kept in the parks management office, and communicated to all staff. Risk assessments are produced by management staff but are checked by the Corporate Health and Safety Advisor as part of the annual survey. They will also assist in the production of risk assessments for new issues or operations, e.g. conservation areas. Examples can be found in the Appendix 4. In additional to the operational tasks, the following risk assessments apply to Hornchurch Country Park: Conservation/meadow areas Shrubberies and hedgerows Parks Furniture Gates and fences and bollards Hard surfaces Sports and recreation areas Car Parks Open Water Animal Husbandry

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3.2 Parks Protection Service

The Parks Protection Service (PPS) was established in 2010. The early structure of the team, at the time, allowed for Parks Protection Officers (PPOs) to be engaged for the role, employed as agency workers. A ‘pool’ of staff was therefore recruited, chosen on experience, training and competency. Four of the more competent workers were frequently used to cover shifts with others, being used as ‘reserves’. In 2012 full-time posts were established to replace the need to use agency workers as core staff. The team now have five senior permanent staff (one manager and four officers) and use a ‘pool’ of reserves renamed Parks Protection Support Officers (PPSOs) when necessary, e.g. essential staff-cover and specific operations. In 2016 the full-time officers were attested as constables to assist with effective byelaw enforcement in parks. A copy of the byelaws can be found in Appendix 5.

The Parks Constabulary The team works 7 days a week and covers key times throughout the day and evenings. They are based centrally in the borough, at The Lodge in Raphael Park, Romford and travel using motorbikes and an off-road vehicle. Therefore they can respond to incidents quickly and can effectively patrol Havering sites. The primary purpose of the team is to maintain the borough's parks and open spaces as safe and pleasant places for people to visit. This involves regular targeted policing patrols, enforcing byelaws and other relevant legislation and enactments, meanwhile liaising closely with the community. A full copy of the borough’s Pleasure Ground Byelaws is in the appendix. The team also liaise and work in partnership with the police, fire service, ambulance service, borough dog warden and wildlife rescue services.

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Another part of their role is to educate park users from school children to those responsible for anti-social behaviour. They have a flexible approach to dealing with offenders which doesn’t have to involve formal enforcement measures where appropriate. For example with first offenders of relatively minor incidents an informal warning is a sufficient deterrent, and assists with the positive reputation of the team. However when required the team will take the necessary enforcement action proportionate to the offence. This can be from a written warning, fixed penalty notice or prosecution through the courts. Usually during the winter months the team visit schools within the borough to carry out presentations on safety in parks called ‘The Parks Protection Roadshow’. This helps educate young people in the borough respect their parks and also protect themselves.

‘Parks Protection Roadshow’ presentation The establishment of this service has meant Havering Council is able to address crime and anti-social behaviour in our parks. An example of previous effective team action is the reduction of motorbikes unlawfully using green spaces, causing risk of harm towards other parks users. The team have successfully deterred some riders from regularly entering our sites, meanwhile using their enforcement powers under Byelaws and related enactments to prosecute the worst offenders, removing those vehicles from causing further risk in parks. The Parks Protection Service, as a whole, has also taken a lead role in deterrence and engagement with travellers during unlawful incursions. On these occasions, the Team have ensured that Havering’s parks continue to be safe for the public to use, reducing serious littering,

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deterring organised fly tipping and other anti-social behaviour, ensuring their stay is kept to a minimum timescale, in close liaison with the Havering Council Planning Team.

One of Parks Protection Service off-road bikes used for rapid response

In recent years anti-social behaviour in Hornchurch Country Park, as with most of the borough’s parks, has been very minimal due to the regular patrols and effective intervention carried out by the team. In period April 2018 to April 2019 the team patrolled the park 112 times with 87 additional visits prompted by calls. 3.3 Parks Locking Park gates and barriers that are closed in the evening are also managed by the Parks Protection Service. They have a Park Gates Supervisor who to manages a further small security team of Gate Operatives. Parks Constables will assist in the locking and unlocking of gates and barriers, where it is required to reduce crime or antisocial behaviour. As part of this duty they use marked council vehicles with flashing warning lights and on locking enter the park ringing a bell to announce closing time. The Squadrons Approach and Albyns Farm vehicle entrances are secured each evening half an hour after dusk and opened each morning by 8am. 3.4 Infrastructure Repairs needed to the pathways, fencing, gates, signs and other items are carried out either by the in-house Parks Maintenance team (Supervisor and Assistant) in the

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first instance or if a more specialist repair or replacement is required a contractor is arranged through the Parks Development Team. The majority of work is undertaken by the Parks Maintenance team who are trained and certified to weld, cut and work in play areas. Job sheets are allocated on the following priorities and an example can be found in Appendix 6. Emergency (will be phoned through then followed up with job sheet) – same day High – within one week Medium – one month Low – as soon as possible (these are usually carried out when the team are next in that area and have the time to complete the work) The team’s workload is then managed by having quarterly meetings with the Parks Development team to assess the outstanding job sheets and help further prioritise them. In most cases it will be ranking the medium and low priority jobs.

Parks Maintenance Supervisor removing damaged fencing 3.5 Parks Monitoring There is a parks monitoring system that is carried out by Parks Development Officers and covers both the grounds maintenance standards and condition of infrastructure. This includes regularly checking paths, furniture, fencing and gates. Items or work are assessed on an A to D score, with the following actions: A (Good Standard) No action B (Satisfactory standard) Low risk Monitor C (Unsatisfactory Standard - minor

concerns) Medium Risk

Appropriate action within available resources and individual site assessment

D (Poor standard - major concerns) High Risk Immediate action to bring to a satisfactory standard and/or make the area safe

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Standards are assessed using a manual which has photos and descriptions for each area. This was produced using examples from within the borough and the London Parks Benchmarking Group’s ‘Quality Manual’. It is a ‘live’ document and will be updated with new photos when necessary. Any required actions are recorded and either dealt with by the Parks Officer or reported to the relevant officer or contractor. The frequency of monitoring is dictated by a hierarchy of Parks. This list saw Parks and Open Spaces categorised according to use, facilities and location. The frequencies were agreed by the Council’s Insurance and Health and Safety departments and are listed below. Top 25 Parks – Monitored monthly. Principle 20 Open Spaces monitored a minimum of six monthly. Others monitored a minimum of once a year. Hornchurch Country Park is categorised as a top 25 park and has a full inspection monthly. A copy of a parks monitoring form can be found in the Appendix 7.

Play area at Hornchurch Country Park

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4. Maintenance of equipment, buildings and landscape 4.1 Horticultural maintenance Grounds Maintenance Operations at Hornchurch Country Park fall under two areas. The majority of tasks within the Park are carried out by the Ranger Service with a Ranger and Apprentice being based on site. There tasks involve litter picking and emptying of the bins, specialist weed treatment if required and arboriculture work. They are also responsible for the cutting of the path verges and fire breaks and around furniture. The Grounds Maintenance team cut the large amenity areas within the Park. This differs from the majority of the Boroughs other Parks where except specialist weed treatment and arboriculture all operations in parks are carried out by the house Grounds Maintenance team within the Public Ream department. Work is carried out to a specification, found on the Parks W drive under W:\data03\PARKS\James\GM Spec and is available on request. The index page showing the items in the specification is in the Appendix 8. This was produced using best practice from the London Parks Benchmarking Group’s Specification, whilst ensuring it suited Havering’s requirements and budget. Although the items in the specification form the basis of all operations and standards of work, there is considerable flexibility in the fact that the teams are manged in house as both the Parks Development team (the Ranger Service come under this team) and the Grounds maintenance manager work closely together and report to the same group manager. The various landscape features, e.g. Amenity grassland, play areas, meadows, are illustrated on a plan of the park using different colours, e.g. brown for woodland, dark green for conservation area, pink for play area, etc This is used predominately by operational staff as a guide. This is especially useful for the maintenance of conservation areas for the tractor drivers who carry out gang-mowing. . The Grounds Maintenance team are split into 3 zones, North, Central and South, each with their own depot. The tractor dedicated for the south however is based at the Hornchurch Country Park to given easier access to the southern sites. Each zone has a Supervisor and Charge-hands. The Grounds Maintenance Manager is based in the Public Realm Office and works alongside the Parks Development team. Hornchurch Country Park falls under the Southern team.

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An example of the grounds maintenance plan surrounding the visitor centre

4.1.1 Amenity Grass Amenity grass is those areas used for general recreation and formal and informal sports and can include wide open spaces or those areas planted with trees and shrubs. The height of this grass is cut to 25mm throughout the year. The grass clippings are allowed to fly and not collected. The grass is cut with tractor mounted

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gang mowers and ride on triples. Areas where the mowers cannot access and grass around obstacles are cut using strimmers. 4.1.2 Hedges Hedges are split into formal and informal. Formal hedges are cut and faced over each winter with mixture offhand held power tools and tractor services tractor mounted finger mower. During the summer only essential cutting back work is carried out so as not to disturb nesting birds. Informal hedges are cut with the use tractor based implements during winter months when necessary to ensure an optimum height and spread is kept. 4.1.3 Herd Animal Husbandry There has been Grazing on the marshes by cattle since 1997. The cattle have therefore been a visitor attraction for a number of years and are an established part of the park. They arrive in May and are on site until the autumn.

Grazing Cattle on the Marsh

The Cattle are owned by a local farmer and he is mainly responsible for the welfare of the cattle. However the Rangers do have a responsibility to observe them and report concerns. They are also responsible for ensuring the cattle troughs are filled during dry periods and for moving the cattle between enclosures when necessary.

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4.2 Arboricultural management Although trees in parks are managed by an Arboriculture Officer based within the Public Realm Highways Tree Team. The Ranger Service takes on responsibility for trees with Hornchurch Country Park. Rangers and Parks officers carry out basic visual inspections of trees as part of general park inspections and then any issues are dealt with by the Rangers unless specialist work is needed then they work with the Arboriculture Officer. They will then carry out a more detailed inspection and if necessary raise a works order with the borough’s external contractor using schedules of rates. The Arboriculture Officer is arranging for a 3 / 5 year survey of parks trees, depending on location. The mapping has been completed and the inspection program is being devises at the moment for starting in April 20 The Council’s current Tree Strategy was produced in 2009 by the Highways Tree Team who manages all tree stock in the borough, and at the time the management of parks was not as formal. There is no specific mention of parks in the strategy but this used as the basis for the management of Parks Trees. The strategy is being updated in at Present and the management of parks trees will be included. 4.3 Vehicles and plant maintenance The Ranger Service has a range of vehicles and equipment such as Landover’s, Tractors, flail, Chipper, Avant multiuse machine, strimmer’s and mowers etc, The Grounds Maintenance team have a fleet of tractors which power gang-mowers, flails, batwing topper, hedge cutters and a collector mower. They also use triple and out-front mowers for smaller areas within the park. All fleet vehicles are checked prior to use every day and a corporate vehicle check sheet filled out, an example is at Appendix 9. All vehicles are also fitted with a tracker for security purposes. All the Fleet vehicles and ride on machines are maintained owned by the council and repaired by our in-house transport department. Small items of plant (strimmers, hedgetrimmers etc.) are maintained by a specialist external contractor who visits depots at Gidea Park on a regular basis. 4.4 Parks Furniture All Parks Furniture is inspected as part of the Parks monitoring system and graded A to D as appropriate. Repairs or removal and replacements are actioned as appropriate. Generally park benches have been selected as metal frame and slats that better withstand vandalism and are easier for the Parks Fitter to repair. Parks furniture is also of the same colour, RAL 6005, therefore making it easier to repaint. However the country park also has a number of heavy and sturdy wooden benches that are more in keeping in their locations. The metal benches within the country park are

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being repainted to match the new RAF blue paint scheme. This is British Standard 636 on the BS Colour Card 381 also known as PRU blue. However this is an old colour and difficult to obtain so a near match has been used in some cases. We also operate a donation scheme where members of public can pay for the installation of a new bench with plaque. In certain locations we have taken the opportunity to replace existing benches.

Standard park bench

The Parks and Open Spaces Service are also changing its standard bin to one that is larger and more robust as previous bins suffered badly with corrosion. This is on a rolling program and some of Hornchurch Country Park’s bins have changed over to this new type. The next round of renewal will be on the PRU blue colour scheme. . The larger capacity means they can hold dog waste. In parks where the new bins are being installed the old dog bins are being removed. People are encouraged to use the new dual-use bins by signage on the bins, around the park, on social media, and when necessary through contact with the Parks Protection Service. One of the benefits is that it is no longer necessary for separate collections for waste as it all comes from the litter bins.

Dual-use bin in RAL6005 Bin in new blue colour scheme

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4.5 Parks Buildings Park buildings come under two headings. Leased buildings where there is minimal council involvement and most maintenance is the responsibility of the lessee under a full repairing lease, or buildings where all maintenance is carried out by the Council under its Corporate Landlord Agreement managed by the Asset Management department. There are three buildings in Hornchurch Country Park. The first and second buildings are the Ranger Depot and the classroom in the ranger base yard. These are managed through Facilities Managements Corporate Landlord Scheme. The third building is the Essex wildlife trust visitor centre is leased and the trust is responsible for the building and outdoor seating area. .

Hornchurch Country Park Visitor Centre

Hornchurch Country Park Depot

https://www.flickr.com/photos/bods/26125503602/

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5. Litter, Cleanliness and Vandalism 5.1 Litter Management The Park is litter picked and bins emptied at least three times a week but this increases in the summer. This is carried out by the Ranger Service team during the week. At weekend in the summer the GM team empty the bins nearest the visitor centre over the weekend. The Wildlife Trust staff also keeps an eye on the ones near the centre and will empty these if needed. The Friends group also carry out regular clean ups within the Park. The park now has bigger dual-use bins for both litter and dog waste so there is no longer a need for dedicated dog waste bins. The Parks Protection Service can issue Fixed Penalty Notices for littering. 5.2 Sweeping Sweeping hard surfaces in parks is carried by the Street Cleansing team. This means that Parks have access to a greater choice of machines and time to carry out sweeping operations as this service operates seven days a week and into the evenings. The main areas, car park path by visitors centre at Hornchurch Country Park is swept on a weekly basis. 5.3 Graffiti Graffiti removal is undertaken by the Ranger Service Team. However Parks Officers and the Parks Protection Service also have small graffiti removal kits to deal with small scale material when practicable. Offensive graffiti is removed within 24 hours and if it is reported to the Parks team, officers will usually deal with this. Non-offensive is removed with 28 days.

Park Rangers and Parks Protection Officer remove graffiti using wipes

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5.4 Fly tipping Fly tipping is removed by the Ranger Service, with larger items removed by the grab lorry if necessary. The exception is where there is suspected asbestos when the Council’s Asbestos unit will arrange the removal. Where possible prior to removal the Parks Protection Service will inspect fly tipping in an effort to collate evidence for prosecution. However it is very rare that any details are found. All fly tipping is logged and recorded corporately to monitor hotspots and patterns. There is no park specific data but incidents are low in comparison to highways and housing areas. Hotspots in parks are usually in car parks and to prevent this barriers are in place to close areas at night. The car parks at Hornchurch Country Park are locked at night. 5.5 Reporting Apart from Council staff there are a number of options for public reporting of vandalism, litter, fly tipping and graffiti. The council has recently adopted an online system of reporting through the website, www.havering.gov.uk . However Park notice boards also contain a dedicated phone number for the Parks Team and an out of hour’s number. The Parks Protection Team also have their own dedicated mobile number and have advertised this frequently on social media sites and have giving out numerous contact cards. They have also recruited a number Park Watchers who are happy to feed information back to them. 5.6 Dog fouling The Parks Development team make efforts to educate dog owners to be responsible, particularly close to areas where people are liable to be eating or children playing. Signs are clearly displayed to inform dog owners that: • They should not allow their dogs to foul the area; • If their dogs do foul the surfaces, dog owners should clean up after them and deposit the faeces in one of the dog waste bins on the site. The Parks Protection Service is able to issue Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN’s) for dog fouling, where the owner fails to pick up. A dog walker has been subject to a fixed penalty notice on site. The same dog walker was later subjected to a court appearance and fine as they were caught by a member of the public and reported allowing a dog to foul.

Friends of Ingrebourne Valley clean up day

http://www.havering.gov.uk/

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Havering bag it and bin it poster

“Dog poo Fairy poster” used in the park to promote disposal of waste.

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6. Environmental Management 6.1 Environmental Impact

In section B of the Climate Change Action Plan (Fleet, Transport & Machinery), the Grounds Maintenance team have been examining their use of vehicles. One result of this is planning to replace the Supervisor’s vehicles with electric vans. This is being arranged corporately through the Transport Services department. Once the leases expire on all operational supervisors’ vehicles they will be replaced with electric vans. The Ford Transit Connect Electric and the Renault Kangoo Z.E. are currently being looked at, as well as the potential charging points across the borough.

As part of the Council’s Climate Change Action Plan the number times the Grounds Maintenance vehicles visit the Waste and Recycling Centre has been reduced. Central collection areas in some park depots have now been dedicated for collection of loose and bagged waste from the rounds carried out by the litter picking teams. This is then collected by the Street Cleansing mini-compactor lorries as part of their rounds. This reduces the number of vehicles and fuel used to transport waste to the WRC. This complies with sections B (Fleet, Transport & Machinery) and L (Waste and Recycling) of the Climate Change Action Plan. This is currently only being run in parks in the North and central parts of the borough as the WRC is in the South of the borough, hence the need to reduce the time vehicles spend travelling from one end of the borough to the other. This is being implemented in some of the larger parks in the South of the borough in 2018. A full copy of the Council’s Climate Change Action Plan can be found at https://www.havering.gov.uk/ccapdownload This is currently being updated by the Council’s Environmental Protection team. 6.2 Peat use. The Parks and Open Spaces Service have a no peat use policy; as such no peat based products are bought or used. See Appendix 10. 6.3 Waste Minimisation 6.3.1 Litter and recycling Waste in Havering is dealt with by the East London Waste Authority (ELWA) and litter collected in Parks is transported to their Frog Island site in Rainham. The ELWA was established on 1 January 1986 as a Statutory Waste Disposal Authority (WDA), responsible for the disposal of waste from the London Boroughs of Barking and Dagenham, Havering, Newham and Redbridge. In 1996, ELWA developed the Integrated Waste Management Strategy (IWMS), aimed at dramatically increasing recycling and composting and reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill. The strategy was designed to strike the best possible balance between costs and environmental impact. In 2002, ELWA signed a 25 year contract with Shanks PLC, a leading waste management company, to deliver the IWMS. Over the course of the contract Shanks will invest over £100 million in new and improved facilities to treat and manage waste and recycling.

https://www.havering.gov.uk/ccapdownload

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The plant at Frog Island handles household waste and recyclable materials from mainly Barking & Dagenham and Havering. This also applied for parks waste. Recyclables are sent to a Materials Recycling Facility for processing. Residual waste undergoes Mechanical Biological Treatment. The treatment separates materials for recycling and produces a Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) that can be used to replace fossil fuels in the generation of energy. This reduces waste to landfill by up to 80%.

Frog Island Waste Management Facility

6.3.2. Mini Recycling Centres Havering offers a doorstep collection for much recycling but also some Parks sites have mini recycling centres that allow residents to recycle glass, cans, plastic bottles and paper. These have recently been revamped, placing the containers into housing units decorated with Borough photos, to make them more user-friendly. There are currently non lodged at Hornchurch Country Park.

Example of mini recycling centre

6.3.3 Visitor Centre Recycling The visitor centre’s rubbish is collected and sorted at a processing plant in Thurrock. Approximately 26% of the waste is recycled. Approximately 98% of the non-recyclable waste is diverted from landfill and is instead incinerated at a facility in South East London. This facility generates over 50MW of power to the National Grid, powering over 9000 homes. Their glass bottles that they sell in the café are sent back to the company that supplies them and are reused for their products, take away cups are compostable and their other cups, jam pots, slushie cups are all veggie ware and they only use paper compostable straws. Left over coffee grounds are used as compost for gardens.

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6.3.4 Composting In 2015 Grounds maintenance purchased a composter allowing the service to become self-sufficient for compost. This reduces the amount of waste that is taken to the WMF and also vehicle journeys and usage. This also complies with sections B and L of the Climate Change Action Plan.

This is sited in a dedicated yard within the park depot. Green waste is collected at strategic points across the borough, to reduce journey times by Grounds Maintenance vehicles, and transported up to the depot for processing. The waste is processed into compost and stored in bays that allow the staff to monitor the compost and use in order as it is ready.

Material being churned over

The following materials can be recycled:

• Branches (up to 100mm diameter) • Leaves (not from highways) • Hedge cuttings • Prunings • Grass clippings (untreated – i.e. not from bowling or cricket) • Weeds (untreated) • Twigs • Wood (no nails, screws or bolts) • Soil • Turf offcuts • Edging • Old top dressing etc.

Each pile will be regularly turned to assist with the aerobic composting. This raises the temperature of the material which reaches 50 – 60 degrees at which point weeds and pathogens are eliminated and the decomposition accelerated. Staff use a

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specialise probe to test the compost piles and once it has levelled out at constant temperature it is ready to use. Since this operation started 150 of tonnage has been diverted from Frog island and to our own compost operations. Material is used when improving soil in park shrub beds.

Composter in action

Compost bays in the dedicated yard at Bedfords Park

6.4 Pesticide use

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Havering’s Parks team has developed a pesticide (reduction) strategy aimed at minimising the use of pesticides and the risks which pesticides can present. This can be found in Appendix 3.

Where possible non-chemical alternative methods of control are used which included: Toleration Mulching Hoeing Strimming Manual Weeding Burning Planting Densities These are not listed in any form of order as each area will have its own peculiarities that dictate the method used.

If necessary we use a chemical on site for the control of Japanese Knotweed and also to control the Giant Knotweed on site. Glyphosate is injected directly into the stems of the plants whilst the plant is in flower.

7. Biodiversity, Landscape and Heritage

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Hornchurch Country Park has Local Nature Reserve Classification. A local nature reserve is a statutory designation made under Section 21 – "Establishment of nature reserves by local authorities" – of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 by principal local authorities (district, borough or unitary councils) in England, Scotland and Wales. We aim to manage the park as a much as possible for the benefit of biodiversity and conservation. In addition to LNR Statutory designation, the site is designated as a Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation. The site also lies within the area of London Metropolitan Green Belt. Some of the site (Ingrebourne Marshes) and are also classed as a Special Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI). A Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is a formal conservation designation. Usually, it describes an area that’s of particular interest to science due to the rare species of fauna or flora it contains - or even important geological or physiological features that may lie in its boundaries. The reason for designation is that the Ingrebourne Valley supports the largest and one of the most diverse coherent areas of freshwater marshland in Greater London. The variety of habitat includes extensive areas of reed sweet-grass Glyceria maxima and common reed Phragmites australis swamp; wet neutral grassland, and tall fen. Nowhere else in London do these habitats occur on such a large scale or in such intimate juxtaposition. These habitats also support a rich assemblage of associated invertebrates and breeding birds.

Area of SSSI

7.1 Management of natural features, wild fauna, flora

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7.1.1 Higher Level Stewardship Hornchurch Country Park is one of three Havering parks and open spaces that are part of the Higher Level Stewardship Scheme run by Natural England. Higher Level Stewardship aims to deliver significant environmental benefits in priority areas. It involves more complex environmental management requiring support and advice from local advisers, to develop a comprehensive agreement that achieves a wide range of environmental benefits over a longer period of time. Higher Level Stewardship agreements last for ten years.

View over the grazing marshes

Hornchurch Country Park benefits in many ways from this funding and the biodiversity of the park will greatly improve over time. There are two parts to the funding with Capital money was used to create and install infrastructure items (fences and gates) and then Revenue money to maintain the scheme. A major part of the scheme is having cattle in designated areas, during the summer months, to carry out conservation grazing of which dairy cattle are being used, there is an agreement with a farmer close to the Park. The Capital funding has enabled us to install renew stock fencing, field gates, and water troughs. Revenue funding helps us to maintain hedges, clear unwanted scrub and cut grass for hay. We have also used the funding recently to repair fencing in two additional grazing compartments and thus increase the space the cattle can graze in. This has had the benefit of the cattle removing willow carr and other scrub.

Hay making in Hornchurch Country Park

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Another major part of the HLS scheme is the cutting for hay a large part of the Park. This is carried out by the farmer who grazes on the marshes. This is part of the agreement and as such he gets grazing in the summer and feed for winter and we get better management of the site than we could do with our available resources. By carrying out conservation grazing, which is more environmentally acceptable than by cutting with petrol or diesel machinery we will be able to enhance the already species rich site and give visitors a different experience.

Cow in grazing area recently opened up through HLS funding

7..2.1 conservation areas Parts of the park that do not come under the HLS and not managed for amenity use are classed as conservation areas but due to undulating condition of the ground the management is limited. The ground was very roughly landscaped after landfill and as such the use of machinery on the site is limited. Fire breaks / paths are cut through these areas regularly through the growing season by the Ranger. A proposal was put forward a number of years ago use inert soil in many of the areas to raise the level and flatten the area out so at better management could take place. However this was met with considerable local opposition and the scheme was not taken forward. . 7.2 Conservation of Landscape Features Former military airfield

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The historical features that remain of the original airfield are limited but what there is are significant. 7.2.1 Fighter dispersal (E Pen) The most prominent feature is the old fighter dispersal bay, also known as an E Pen as from the air it looks like a letter E. This is the last remaining one from RAF Hornchurch and is in use now as the sites main car park. The concrete base, complete with tie down rings is the original as is the blast protection bund around the outside. Sadly the air raid shelter contained within the bund has been partly collapsed and blocked off with concrete. Work is currently being undertaken by the Site Ranger and Friends group in removing the large amount of scrub growing on the bund to put it back to the more grass look it would have had during the War.

E Pen now the main car park Tie down ring 7.2.2 Warship gun emplacement Tucked away to the rear of the car park is a little known site of a warship gun that was installed as part of the airfield defences. The site consists of a bricked round circle used to house the gun, a brick ammunition chamber and a partially buried concrete encased pipe running to the chamber. This would have been used to flood the chamber in case of attack. The site is now partially over gown but the Friends group have plans to carry out some repair and clearance work to the site.

Site of large warship gun

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7.2.3 White Ring The large white ring on the floor by the play area has had many explanations as to its origins. It has previously thought that it was a compass setting ring for Aircraft or a barrage balloon tether point. It is now believed to be the base of an anti aircraft gun enclosure. The grass in this area is cut short so it can be seen and when the path was upgraded from the car park to the visitor centre from loose fill to tarmac this was rooted around the ring.

Site of white concrete ring.

7.2.4 Airfield Perimeter track (Perry Track) The old airfield Perimeter track (used to get vehicles around the dispersal points) is still obvious in a couple of places around the park. Management on these is fairly basic so as to avoid damaging the area and is kept to just vegetation management.

Section of Perry Track just past visitor centre

7.2.5 Pill boxes There are several pill boxes around the eastern side of the park, including on half buried for which much mystery remains as to why. Two of the pill boxes are open so park visitors experience what it would have been like inside them. Given their deliberately sturdy construction very little management is needed apart from some graffiti removal and repainting when necessary carried out by the Rangers.

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Example of open pill box sunken pill box 7.2.6 Tett Turrets One of the Parks most famous historic items are the rare Tett Turrets. The Park has six in total, although only two are visible. These are quite rare with only a handful surviving across the UK across a total of six sites. Two of the turrets are not in its original position (suspected it was bulldozed out of the way during quarrying) one has been gifted to the emerging RAF Hornchurch Heritage centre and they are going to remove it to the centre and set it up as a working example. The Rangers ensure the visible ones are kept free of vegetation.

One of the two visible Tett Turrets

7.2.7 Trenches There are a number of WW2 trench set ups in places in the Park. These are fairly well hidden by vegetation and left that way deliberately as it stops artefact hunters and leaving them open and visible would pose a significant health and safety issue. 7.3 Woodlands As many insects make their home in dead wood which in turn attracts birds, such as woodpeckers, which search out these insects as a tasty meal, the Parks Service only removes fallen and felled trees where it has to for safety reasons. As there is more life in a dead tree than a live one if it is safe and appropriate to do so fallen trees will be left in situ. If this is not possible then habitat piles are considered. This also has the benefit of assisting Britain’s largest Beetle, the Stag Beetle, is which is very fond

http://www.pillbox-study-group.org.uk/psgwordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/rafhornchurchtettturret4.jpg

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of dead wood as it lays its eggs near rotting wood. The larvae then feed on the decaying wood from anywhere between three to seven years before cocooning themselves in the soil over winter and emerging as adults in May.

Apart from the food source the thicker vegetation and trees also give cover to a number of birds such as Blackbirds, Robins and Jays as they fly from cover to cover looking for food.

Informal paths are maintained through woodland areas by the Rangers.

The Following systems are used:

Coppice with standards

1. Managing coppice rotations to achieve:

• Sycamore control (rotations typically less than 10 years to avoid seeding) –normally within the under storey. Thinning & coppicing is carried out on 8-10 year rotation.

• Hornbeam/Sweet Chestnut/ash coppice, typically on an 8-10 year rotation to provide woodland products and maintain ecological diversity with standards

• Undertake re-spacing as appropriate.

2. Control of under storey

• Selective, careful under storey management of suitable compartments to enable more light to reach woodland floor, with an area of ¼ ha thinned per compartment per year (in identified compartments)

• Undertake tree works to maintain a safe environment.

3. Thinning of woodland

• Select and fell of weaker trees to open up the woodland canopy to enable better individual trees to increase in size to provide the larger standards of the future.

• Glade and woodland ride creation and management to maintain/increase ground flora diversity

4. Control of dominant/invasive species including Japanese Knotweed, bramble, rhododendron and cherry laurel.

5. Visitor safety and enjoyment

• Undertake tree works to maintain a safe environment.

• Manage litter and fly tipping.

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Stag Beetle

7.4 Marshes

The Ingrebourne Marshes make up a large element of the natural habitats of the site and are designated as a SSSI. Grazing is carried out over much of the marsh to stop scrub from developing. This has been increased over the last few years with fencing being installed to allow grazing across a wider area.

New fencing

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7.5 Biodiversity Action Plan

In 2003, led by the Havering Wildlife Partnership, the Havering Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) was adopted. The purpose of the Action Plan, which prioritises 6 habitats and 16 species specific to Havering, is to contribute towards targets to conserve biodiversity set at a Regional and National Level.

The Council continues to work with the Havering Wildlife Partnership who meet quarterly. The Partnership is made up of dedicated local naturalists, members of Friends of Groups, representatives from the Essex Wildlife Trust, RSPB, Environment Agency, Natural England and London Biodiversity Partnership together with the Council’s Park and Open Spaces and Regeneration Teams. The focus of the partnership is essentially on biodiversity within Havering. The group are able to provide advice on the management of Havering’s parks and open spaces. One of the projects that the group are working on is updating the BAP. This update should take account of the progress that had been made in promoting, protecting and enhancing biodiversity in the borough in recent years, as well as the new challenges we are faced in the delivery of the nature conservation agenda.

7.6 Havering Local Plan

The Local Plan sets out the Council’s ambitious vision and strategy for future growth and sustainable development over the next 15 years up to 2031. There is a need for new infrastructure, homes and jobs and Havering needs a spatial plan that will enable the borough to rise to these challenges and address each of these needs. It is in draft form at the moment of writing this management plan. Chapter 12 of the plan covers Green Places and with this policy 29 and currently states

“Green infrastructure” The Council will seek to maintain and expand the network of green spaces and natural features in Havering and optimise the benefits of green infrastructure to the environment, economy and community. The Council will support development which includes green infrastructure on-site which is multifunctional and integrates into the wider green infrastructure network. Developers are expected to work with existing partnerships to support and enhance green infrastructure provision including: The All London Green Grid Thames Chase Community Forest Rainham Wildspace Land of the Fanns Landscape Partnership Roding, Beam & Ingrebourne Catchment Partnership” The draft plan can be read in more detailed at https://www.havering.gov.uk/lpconsultationdownload

https://www.havering.gov.uk/lpconsultationdownload

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7.7 Natural Ambition Booklet In 2006 Havering council created and published Natural Ambition, a guide to Havering’s natural environment. The purpose of the booklet was to raise awareness of the natural environment and biodiversity within the borough. It gives an overview of biodiversity in the Borough and the work being done to maintain and enhance it by all organisations. The booklet was widely distributed around Library’s, Schools and other public buildings. It can also be found on line at https://www3.havering.gov.uk/Documents/Leisure-parks-and-libraries/Open-spaces/Natural%20Ambition%20A%20Guide%20to%20Havering%27s%20Environment.pdf

Natural Ambitions front cover

Extract from Natural Ambitions Booklet

https://www3.havering.gov.uk/Documents/Leisure-parks-and-libraries/Open-spaces/Natural%20Ambition%20A%20Guide%20to%20Havering%27s%20Environment.pdfhttps://www3.havering.gov.uk/Documents/Leisure-parks-and-libraries/Open-spaces/Natural%20Ambition%20A%20Guide%20to%20Havering%27s%20Environment.pdfhttps://www3.havering.gov.uk/Documents/Leisure-parks-and-libraries/Open-spaces/Natural%20Ambition%20A%20Guide%20to%20Havering%27s%20Environment.pdf

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8. Community involvement The Parks Development team encourages community involvement as much as possible. It also works to foster good relations with the stake holders of its Parks.

8.1 Community surveys

In 2018 the Communications team commissioned Ipsos MORI to carry out a resident’s survey which covered all services.

The results were very favourable for Parks. The service received the highest satisfaction rating out of all Council services at 91% (see table below).

Parks were also rated as the Council’s 3rd most important service

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8.2 User Groups Some of the Boroughs parks have Friends Groups formed and they take the form of two types. A standard Friends group will have varying involvement in the management of their park and hold meetings as they require. Parks Officers will attend as necessary and when possible. Groups can apply to achieve ‘Official Friends Group’ status. These groups then have an agreement with the Parks Service to meet certain criteria, e.g. carry out public consultation, carry out projects/activities in the park, have a youth representative on the committee, hold at least one event during the year, have regular minuted meetings and adopt a constitution. In return these groups are guaranteed officer attendance at their meetings, admin support, e.g. printing, laminating, and the payment of their Public Liability Insurance. These groups can also apply for a £1000 grant towards a capital project within their Park. 8.2.1 The Friends of Ingrebourne Valley (FOIV) The FOIV were formed in 2012 and meets on a monthly basis. The Parks Development Officer attends the regular and looks to encourage more people to get involved in the park and help the group grow in an inclusive way to become fully representative of the local community. The group are an official group. The Friends undertake a number of tasks to maintain help maintain the Park and Ingrebourne Valley and work very closely with the Ranger. The Friends group usually have at least one working party a month at a weekend and also ad hoc ones during the week to assist the Ranger. Activities they have undertaken is including scrub clearance, litter picking, species surveys, river clearance and invasive species control. The friends work days and passion for the park is extremely important in the protection of one of the last wild spaces in the borough.

Friend’s group work party

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The friends group and also worked alongside the Essex Wildlife Trust in some major events within the Park and also held their own events and an ever popular dog show and welly wanging event is becoming an annual event.

Friends leaflet

The group are covered by the Council’s Public Liability insurance for activities they undertake in the park, on the condition that it is risk assessed (Parks Officers assist with this) and individuals have the relevant competency training, e.g. manual handling. Usually training is delivered by Grounds Maintenance Supervisors or Parks Officers and will be limited to using hand tools. The group meets monthly for formally minuted meetings (one being their AGM) and they have a committee and a constitution. The Parks Development Officer or Manager attends their meetings and works in partnership with the group to help deliver their objectives. Where possible the group’s objectives are prioritised to link with those set in the Council’s service plan, e.g. increase events and participation in parks. The Friends group also obtained funding through Tesco to install a history trail throughout the Park. As part of this they designed a trail map showing some of the history of the site and purchased post and plaques to install around the Park. Their plan for this was to encourage visitors to venture past the play area and visitor centre and explore more of the Park. To fund the map going forward they entered into a deal with the Essex Wildlife Trust to sell the map / guide for 50p of which they receive part of the money and then use this to fund additional leaflets when needed.

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Example of leaflet

Example of post and plaque used

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8.2.2 Essex Wildlife Trust The Essex Wildlife Trust (EWT) have a visitors centre at Hornchurch Country Park. The building is staffed by EWT staff and volunteers and maintained under a full repairing lease. The visitors centre provides a focal point to the park and provides a number of amenities for park users, there are public toilets, cafe, shop, shelter from the rain and educational exhibitions. There is a small historic display within the centre and a very informative history panel on the bi fold door separating the café seating area and education room.

Bi-fold doors history display

EWT Ingrebourne Visitor Centre Café, exhibition and shop space

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EWT run a large number of educational programmes aimed at schools and community groups. The centre has helped bring the community into Hornchurch Country Park and has facilitated meetings on the improvement of the site. Apart from regular school groups they also run public activities, walks and talks and host birthday parties at the centre. The Trust also runs a weekly Nature Tots program aimed at toddlers and pre school children with their parents and carers. It aims to promote indoor and outdoor fun through play, stories and environmental activities. The community room is also hired out to local community groups.

Examples of activities run at the Visitor Centre

8.2.3 Councillors Hornchurch Country Park mainly falls within Elm Park ward but the far northern section falls within Hacton Ward and the far southern section within South Hornchurch Ward. Each Ward consists of three councillors elected to that ward. These are;

http://havo50forum.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/SEast-Susse19042910430.jpg

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Elm Park Ward

Hacton Ward

South Hornchurch Ward

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There is also a lead member for Environment who sits on the Council Cabinet

The Councillors are a good link between the public and the Council officers and the Parks Service tries to foster a good relationship between staff and the local ward Councillors and keeps them informed of information in regard to its Parks as needed.

Example of EWT events in the Park

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9. Marketing and Promotions There are a range of methods of promoting the park to the public. Some of these are in conjunction with Havering Council’s corporate communications team and other are Parks Service dedicated.

9.1 Parks Brochure The Parks Section has produced a booklet “A Guide to Havering’s Parks and Open Spaces”, covering all council run parks in the borough. This booklet includes a description of each site, a list of facilities available at each park as well as a section on park services. These are distributed through libraries, council receptions, appropriate events and activities. The brochure can also be found on line at https://www3.havering.gov.uk/Documents/Culture-and-Leisure/Parks%20Brochure%20June%202013.pdf The guide was first published in 2005 and was updated and republished in 2013. An example can be found in Appendix 11.

9.2 Social Media The Park service has a dedicated Facebook page and uses this to advertise events, activities and items of interest within the Parks. See appendix 15 for an example of a page This can be found at the link https://www.facebook.com/LBH.Parks/?notif_t=page_fan&notif_id=1478507226590276 The Council also had a general Facebook and Twitter account and the public can communicate regarding parks issues using this form of media. 9.3 Website The Parks Service has a page on the Havering Council website. From this page you bring up a list and descriptions of Parks in Havering and details on the facilities and services provided, e.g. play areas, outdoor gyms, Parks Protection Service, memorial bench and tree donations, and event applications. See appendix 11 for an example of a page. This can be found at the link https://www3.havering.gov.uk/Pages/Category/Parks.aspx

9.4 Interpretation boards Interpretation boards were installed at four key locations within the Park in 2014. Two cover the history of the site and are located at Squadrons Approach Car Park and the pill box / Tett Turret area. The other two cover the nature aspect of the park and can be found at the Marshes view point and Albyns Lake. There are plans to increase the boards to take in other historic features such as the gun emplacements and Perry track etc.

https://www3.havering.gov.uk/Documents/Culture-and-Leisure/Parks%20Brochure%20June%202013.pdfhttps://www3.havering.gov.uk/Documents/Culture-and-Leisure/Parks%20Brochure%20June%202013.pdfhttps://www.facebook.com/LBH.Parks/?notif_t=page_fan&notif_id=1478507226590276https://www.facebook.com/LBH.Parks/?notif_t=page_fan&notif_id=1478507226590276https://www3.havering.gov.uk/Pages/Category/Parks.aspx

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Season’s interpretation board at Marshes View Point

Interpretation board at Squadrons Approach Car Park.

9.5 Parks Events The Parks Service receives a number of enquiries about holding events in Parks and has developed a process for this. There is an application form (both on line or paper copy) and guide available. There is also an event plan document that can be used for those that are new to the process. Non council events are subject to a charge depending on the organisation and type of activity. Events of a hazardous or unusual nature or those expecting a turnout of over 200 people are also subject to authorisation from the Safety Advisory Group which is made up of representatives from the Council and emergency services. See Appendix 12 for an example of the event application form.

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The friends group carry out monthly work parties in the park; they also support the Essex Wildlife trust at their events as well as running their own. . Hornchurch Country Park runs a wide number of events for the public below are a selection from the Visitors Centre’s annual programme of events these are managed by the Essex Wildlife Trust.

Examples of events held by the EWT Visitor Centre

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Soft archery event

Great escape display event in the Visitor Centre

9.5.1 Spitfire Scramble

The spitfire scramble is a now annual 24 hour running event that starts at 12pm on a Saturday and finishes at 12 pm on the Sunday. The event follows a 5.75 mile course that takes in Hornchurch Country Park and neighbouring Ingrebourne Hill and farm

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land. It is run by lone runners or relay fashion by pairs and teams and sees how many laps they can achieve in the 24 hour period. The event started in August 2014 and has gone from strength to strength with the 2019 event having around 900 Competitors.

Start of 2019 scramble

An event village is set up in the park with competitors and supporters arriving from the Friday afternoon.

Event village setting up

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10. Management 10.1 Management structure

Parks and Open Spaces are within the Public Realm department within the Environment service area and Neighbourhoods directorate.

Council management structure

The Public Realm department is made up of Parks and Open Spaces, Grounds Maintenance, Street Cleansing, Waste and Recycling and Housing Estates. The

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Parks and Open Spaces section is headed up by the Parks Development Manager. This role line manages two Parks Development Officers (North and South of the borough), Parks Maintenance Supervisor and the Raphael Park Manager (Heritage Lottery Funded Park). The parks officers then line manage the Park Rangers and Apprentices.

The Parks Service has three Rangers and one Apprentice based at Hornchurch County Park, Harrow Lodge Park and Havering Country Park. Although primary based at these Parks they are also tasked to work on other sites where necessary and offers the Parks Service a useful tool for dealing with unexpected issues. As they have a range of equipment, including chainsaws, chippers, advent multi-purpose machine, this allows a large element of flexibility.

Public Realm management structure (relating to Parks)

Paul Ellis Group Manager Public Ream

Mark Jones Grounds Maintenance

Manager

James Rose Parks Development

Manager

Tom Fradd Parks Development

Officer - North

Grounds Maintenance DSO

Street Cleansing Manager

Housing Estates Manager

Richard Cottam Parks Development

Officer - South

Reg Bland Parks Maintenance

Supervisor

Taylor Smyth-Richards

Raphael Park Manager

Jerry Kemp Park Ranger

Park Ranger Apprentice x1

Mick Greenslade Park Ranger

Daniel Weston

Park Ranger

Tim Goldrick Tree Officer

Waste and External Contracts Manager

James Keeble Parks Maintenance

Assistant

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The Parks Development Officer for the south of the borough manages Hornchurch Country Park with input from the Parks Development Manager.

Following a restructure in 2017 the Parks Protection Service are now managed by Enforcement Services within the Environment service area. They still operate in exactly the same way but are within the same department as the other Council enforcement teams.

10.2 Financial management

The Parks and Open Spaces revenue budget was £2,105,030 in 2017/18. There is not a specific budget assigned to individual parks but there is a budget of £1,700,000 set for grounds maintenance which is transferred to the DSO. The remainder is used for fixed costs, e.g. vehicle management, utility bills, staff salaries, and reactive works, e.g. repairs and additional grounds maintenance. There are separate budgets for arboriculture and the building management (Corporate Landlord) which are held by the responsible departments. Any income generated within parks, e.g. events, sports pitches and buildings fees; go towards the budget stated above. Any project work that is planned in the park, whether this is the replacement of existing items or additional improvements are included in a capital programme, which senior officers agree the budget for each year. The Parks team has also been successful in obtaining external grants over the years and have carried out a large amount of work within parks thanks to this. Hornchurch Country Park has recently benefited from new inclusive play equipment, replacement bins in the new colour scheme and a hard surfaced path to allow better access to the marshes viewing area. 10.3 Accreditation 10.3.1 Green Flag The Council recognises the importance of achieving this award and since 2007 has been applying for key parks throughout the borough. In 2019 14 parks now have Green Flag Award. Both officers and Councillors value the prestige of being able to fly the flag in the parks and utilise the status and associated high standards for marketing and promotions. It is also a useful management tool for all parks when looking to make improvements. The criteria for achieving the award set good benchmarks for standards that should be aspired to. In 2020 two additional parks, Hornchurch Country Park and Spring Farm Park are also being entered. 10.3.2 London in Bloom As with Green Flag, the Council values the recognition of good standards when achieving these awards. The primary focus is the borough award and in 2017 this achieved Gold in Large City category. Due to the importance of the parks and open spaces with Havering, Councillors, friends groups and general park users many sites enter the award and in 2019 this

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included 16 gold awards, six silver guilt and one silver award and included two category winners In 2019 Hornchurch Country Park received a Gold award in both Country Park of the Year and Large Conservation area. It also declared category winner in both these categories as well with the following comments from the judge for Country Park category.

Richard Cottam Parks Officer collecting country park category awards at London in

Bloom Awards 10.4 Action Plan

10.4.1 SWOT Analysis A SWOT analysis was carried out in 2019 by Parks officers to list the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for Hornchurch Country Park. The analysis determined which areas of the park should be improved and the priority for improvement. It was carried out by first listing all of the issues and then attaching a score to each item. Many of the issues listed were highlighted during the regular park inspections carried out by officers. There were two scores. The first being

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importance of the item, the second being how much the Parks and Open Spaces Service can change things.

The SWOT analysis table can be found in Appendix 13.

10.4.2 Action Plan The final Action Plan was drafted to improve/correct all of the prioritised weakness and threats as listed in the SWOT

The Action Plan sets out agreed targets, budgets and responsibilities for the improvement of the site. Where there is no cost the task requires no additional funding and is completed using Council staff.

This is separated into routine (green) and non-routine tasks (blue), e.g. standard operations and capital improvement works and then prioritised in date orde