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THE FRIENDS OF HORSTED VALLEY Protecting the Medway Smile
MANAGEMENT PLAN
2012 – 2016
1
LIST OF CONTENTS
Introduction 2
Background 3
Focus Areas 4
SWOT Analysis 5
Action Plan (by Focus Area) 6
Appendix A - Map of Horsted Valley 12
Appendix B - Action Plan (in order of priority) 13
Appendix C - Action Plan (Annual Timetable) 19
2
THE FRIENDS OF HORSTED VALLEY Protecting the Medway Smile
MANAGEMENT PLAN 2012 - 2016
INTRODUCTION This Management Plan lists and prioritises the activities that the FHV intends to pursue over the five-year period 2012 -2016. The Plan is not set in stone; it is first and foremost a “living working document” that will be updated and revised over time as deemed appropriate. New activities may need to be inserted, priorities reassessed, and items abandoned (e.g. where events overtake the need for action). Successfully completed items, and those where action is no longer required, will continue to be retained within the Plan so that they can be reviewed and reassessed at the end of the Five Year period. The Management Plan will be formally rewritten in the 5th year. The Management Plan:
provides the Executive Committee with a structured programme of targets and action over the five-year period 2012-2016;
offers the wider membership a means of monitoring and measuring the progress of the FHV over the course of time.
To ensure that action contained in the Management Plan is appropriately pursued and properly monitored the Plan will appear as an Agenda item at all FHV Committee meetings, with the exception of special meetings and working groups convened to deal with a specific subject.
3
BACKGROUND
THE HORSTED VALLEY The Horsted Valley lies within the Chatham Ward areas of Rochester South & Horsted and Luton & Wayfield. The Valley runs from the Davis Estate at the southern end to Luton in the north and forms the eastern leg of the “Medway Smile”. A map of the Valley is attached at Appendix 1. FHV The FHV was formally established in October 2010 as a charitable, non-political, non-profit making community group. The primary aims of the FHV are to promote, protect and improve the Horsted Valley to ensure that it remains an accessible and enjoyable open space for current and future generations. The group is recognised by, and has the support of, Medway Council and the Kent Wildlife Trust. The group is administered by an executive committee comprising up to 12 members who are elected each year at an annual general meeting. STAKEHOLDERS Current FHV stakeholders are its members, Medway Council, MUP&GS Forum, Kent Wildlife Trust, Millennium Green Trust, Luton & Wayfield Residents Group, the public at large. PURPOSE OF THE PLAN The Management Plan is designed to focus FHV action in areas that will be of benefit to the Horsted Valley and its users by: * Protecting and enhancing Horsted Valley as a natural habitat for flora and wildlife;
* Promoting Horsted Valley as a valuable public amenity; * Sustaining an enjoyable experience for present and future users; * Retaining the historic fabric and character of Horsted Valley.
4
FOCUS AREAS
The Plan details action within the following focus areas:
1. Safety: Ensure that any threats to safety that may arise within the Valley are promptly reported to the appropriate authority.
2. Conservation: Advance and support measures aimed at protecting and enhancing the Horsted Valley as a local biodiversity site.
3. Education: Promote public knowledge and awareness of the benefits of the Horsted Valley.
4. Research: Compile and maintain textual and pictorial archives of the Horsted Valley including its environmental, historical and military aspects.
5. Social: Arrange events and voluntary activities involving FHV members and non-members.
6. Publicity: Promote FHV aims and activities via appropriate publicity and advertising.
7. Stakeholders: Generate and maintain productive working relationships with stakeholders.
8. Administration: Ensure that the FHV is properly managed.
9. Funding: Maintain FHV funds at appropriate levels through membership fees, fund-raising, sponsorship and donations.
10. Other: Aspects that do not fit into any of the above categories.
5
SWOT ANALYSIS: The following table outlines the FHV’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats.
SWOT ANALYSIS FOR THE FRIENDS OF HORSTED VALLEY
Strengths Weaknesses
Horsted Valley is in public ownership and has a an established heritage and history Parts of the Valley are designated as a Local Wildlife Site (LWS) and an Area of Local Landscape Importance (ALLI) FHV is recognised and supported by Medway Council and KWT Management Plan in operation A series of FHV leaflets about the Valley are in production FHV is a recognised recipient of the weekly list of planning applications submitted to Medway Council Intervention in planning applications that impact on the Valley Enthusiastic and knowledgeable committee FHV website Registered with V-inspired Registered with HMRC for Gift Aid
Only 70 members Too few committee members Committee lacks expertise in publicity, fund-raising, and events organising Inadequate wider public awareness/interest Insufficient junior representation Few organised events Limited funding Public apathy and indifference Lack of liaison between stakeholders
Opportunities Threats
External funding and sponsorship Promote FHV in nurseries, schools colleges and clubs Raise public awareness through publicity Organise public events Work with other relevant community and volunteer groups including V-inspired and Community Payback Corporate memberships
Council budget cuts Change in Government policy Planning applications and other development proposals Anti-social behaviour and vandalism Damage through negligence or ignorance
Notes: There are a number of potential threats to Horsted Valley. A change in government policy away from the current view of parks and open space as central to sustainable communities could affect public perception. Any change in terms of the way other public services are viewed in terms of funding could draw resources away from the Horsted Valley and towards other Council-run activities. Anti-social behaviour is a recurring problem including littering, occasional fly-tipping, lighting of fires, and unauthorised vehicular access. There is a constant and continuing threat from planning applications that have a potential adverse impact on the valley. During 2011 the FHV formally objected to at least four such proposals, and not all were met with success.
6
ACTION PLAN (by Focus Area)
Priorities: A = High; B = Medium/High; C = Medium/Low; D = Low
FOCUS AREA
DESCRIPTION ACTION PRIORITY/TIMING
1.1 Safe pedestrian crossing at Snodhurst Bottom
Pursue with Medway Council a method to provide pedestrians (including children and wheelchair users) with a safe and convenient passage across the busy Walderslade Road which cuts through the Valley at Snodhurst Bottom.
B
By end 2013
1.2 Increasing access into the Valley for people with mobility problems
Liaise with Medway Council to seek ways to facilitate and improve access for wheelchairs and prams.
Maintain safe routes through Valley for school children attending neighbouring schools.
A
By end 2012
1.3 Threats to public safety Report to Medway Council any threats to public safety within the Valley as and when threats become known.
A
As appropriate
1.4 Police and community groups Liaise and work with local Police, PCSOs and Community Action Teams (PACT).
B
Via monthly meetings
2.1 Planting of shrubs and hedgerows Offer assistance to other interested groups (e.g. Medway Council; KWT).
B
Annually during relevant planting seasons
2.2 Clearing overgrown areas Organise working parties in consultation with other neighbourhood groups, Scouts, Guides, school groups and similar organisations.
B
Seasonally as appropriate
7
2.3 Litter and rubbish clearance Seek to have sufficient litter bins installed and emptied at a pre-determined frequency.
Organise litter clearing working parties in consultation with other neighbourhood groups, Scouts, Guides, school groups and similar organisations.
A
Each winter - possibly early February
2.4 Anti-social behaviour; fly-tipping; prohibited vehicles
Report to Medway Council any acts of anti-social behaviour such as vandalism, nuisance vehicles and anything that is detrimental to the environment as and when incidents become known.
Educate public on procedures for reporting incidents.
A
As appropriate
2.5 Dog waste Seek to have sufficient dog waste bins provided in the Valley.
Encourage all dog walkers to clean up after their pets.
B
By end 2012
2.6 Conservation of natural features, wild fauna and flora
Report to the relevant body (e.g. Medway Council, KWT) any real or perceived environmental threats to the Valley.
Promote the protection of wildflower areas, field boundaries and hedgerows.
Encourage and assist with replanting schedules.
Report any damage to stiles, gates and fences.
A
As appropriate
2.7 SSI and LNR Status Apply to English Nature to register the Valley as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSI) and to Medway Council to declare the Valley a Local Nature Reserve (LNR).
B
End 2013
3.1 Education Deliver presentations promoting the Horsted Valley and the FHV to local educational establishments and community groups including nurseries, schools, colleges, clubs and activity centres.
Promote value and use of the Horsted Valley to teachers, staff, leaders and others with group responsibilities.
B
By end 2012
8
3.2 Adequate and appropriate signage Liaise with Medway Council to have signage installed at main entrances and other appropriate points providing an informative welcome for visitors. Signage to include:
History and heritage of the Valley; Diverse variety of flora and fauna; Coloured maps showing paths and entrances; Restricted and prohibited activities including vehicles; Warden contact information; Responsible litter and dog waste disposal; How to report incidents of anti-social behaviour; Car parking information; FHV information.
B
By end 2013
3.3 Education Offer FHV work experience opportunities to local schools enabling pupils to attend FHV Committee meetings and gain first hand experience working wit a local voluntary organisation.
B
Sept 2012
4.1 Survey of public use of the Valley Widen existing FHV survey to ascertain who uses the Valley, how frequently people have used it in the past 12 months, and for what purpose.
B
By end 2012
4.2 Flora and fauna Continue with the valuable work that began in 2002 to survey and maintain records of flora and fauna seen in the Valley.
C
Seasonal as required
4.3 Historical, cultural and military records
Draw up and maintain an historical, cultural and military record of the Valley, including maps and photos both past and present.
C
By end 2014
5.1 Kent Walking Festival Organise and promote one or more Valley walks during the annual festival. (Participation in the festival will bring awareness of the Valley to a wider audience).
A
Annually in July
Initial action from Feb/Mar
9
5.2 Social and voluntary events Obtain clarification from Medway Council of the rules and procedures for holding events in the Valley. Determine lead times for registering an event. Draw up a programme of activities and events for FHV members and non-members including voluntary activities. Obtain authority from Medway Council as appropriate.
A
On-going
5.3 Promote the Valley Arrange periodic publicity campaigns to encourage the wider community, local groups and organisations to use the Valley as a venue for events and activities.
A
By end 2012
5.4 Groundsweek Make links with schools and promote Valley as a suitable venue for activities during Groundsweek.
A
13 June 2012
6.1 Promote FHV Distribute FHV Flyers. Deliver presentations and promotional literature to local educational establishments, libraries and community groups. Place periodic articles in the media.
A
Ad hoc
7.1 Relationship with FHV members Keep membership informed through the timely dissemination of relevant information.
Issue periodic newsletters, updates on the website e-mails and other ad-hoc communications.
B
Ad-hoc, but at least 3-monthly
7.2 Membership level Increase membership numbers by holding periodic membership drives and other promotional activities.
A
End 2012
7.3 Relationship with other stakeholders
Maintain productive working relationships with relevant bodies and groups, specifically:
Medway Council; Kent Wildlife Trust; Police and PACT groups; MUP&GS Forum; Other groups as appropriate.
Liaise, meet, and keep them informed via ad hoc communications, the website and newsletters.
B
Ad hoc as necessary
10
8.1 Implementation of the Management Plan
Update regularly. Completed or abandoned items to be retained in the Plan to allow for review and reassessment when the Plan is re-written in December 2016. Due consideration given to delivering objectives.
A
Monitor during Committee meetings
8.2 FHV Development Using the SWOT analysis:
Maintain and build on existing strengths;
Look at ways of reversing weaknesses;
Take advantage of opportunities;
Monitor threats and where possible aim to eliminate or minimise their impact on the Valley;
Identify specific skills and knowledge among the members that can be tapped into for the benefit the FHV.
A
On-going
8.3 Committee Expand committee expertise by co-opting additional members to cover specific areas such as publicity, events coordination and fund-raising.
A
By mid 2012
8.4 FHV records Electronic and paper records to be kept up-to-date and in good order. Appropriate records kept of all meetings including working groups, special meetings and AGMs.
A
On-going
8.5 FHV accounts Appropriate records kept of all income and expenditure.
Annual accounts ending 30 August to be properly certified for presentation and approval at the October AGM.
A
Monitor monthly and specifically in September each year
8.6 FHV AGM Held annually on last Thursday of October. Ensure details are communicated to members in good time including Agenda, copies of previous AGM Minutes, certified accounts and other necessary documentation.
A
Sept –Oct each year
8.7 FHV Procedures Draw up and maintain instructions covering FHV procedures on how things are done.
C
By end 2014
11
9.1 FHV funds Maintain FHV funds at sufficient levels to meet anticipated outgoings.
Six-monthly review of level of membership fees.
A
On-going and specifically in January and July
9.2 Fund-raising and sponsorship Hold periodic fund-raising and sponsorship events to boost funds when necessary to meet additional costs.
C
Ad hoc
10.1 Toilets in the Valley Discuss with Medway Council.
Seek cooperation from Pubs - Tiger Moth (Davies Estate and The Medway Queen (Barnfield).
D
By 2014
10.2 Benches, seating and picnic tables Pursue with Medway Council and consider sponsorship from elsewhere.
C
By end 2013
10.3 Car parking Seek approval from Medway Council for Pitch & Putt car park to be available for Valley users.
B
By end 2013
Variations of the Action Plan are attached at Appendix B (priority order), and Appendix C (annual timetable)
12
Appendix A
MAP OF HORSTED VALLEY
13
Appendix B
ACTION PLAN (in order of priority)
FOCUS AREA
DESCRIPTION ACTION PRIORITY/TIMING
1.3 Threats to public safety Report to Medway Council any threats to public safety within the Valley as and when threats become known.
A
As appropriate
1.2 Increasing access into the Valley for people with mobility problems
Liaise with Medway Council to seek ways to facilitate and improve access for wheelchairs and prams.
Maintain safe routes through Valley for school children attending neighbouring schools.
A
By end 2012
2.3 Litter and rubbish clearance Seek to have sufficient litter bins installed and emptied at a pre-determined frequency.
Organise litter clearing working parties in consultation with other neighbourhood groups, Scouts, Guides, school groups and similar organisations.
A
Each winter - possibly early February
2.4 Anti-social behaviour; fly-tipping; prohibited vehicles
Report to Medway Council any acts of anti-social behaviour such as vandalism, nuisance vehicles and anything that is detrimental to the environment as and when incidents become known.
Educate public on procedures for reporting incidents.
A
As appropriate
14
2.6 Conservation of natural features, wild fauna and flora
Report to the relevant body (e.g. Medway Council, KWT) any real or perceived environmental threats to the Valley. Promote the protection of wildflower areas, field boundaries and hedgerows. Encourage and assist with replanting schedules. Report any damage to stiles, gates and fences.
A
As appropriate
5.1 Kent Walking Festival Organise and promote one or more Valley walks during the annual festival. (Participation in the festival will bring awareness of the Valley to a wider audience).
A
Annually in July
Initial action from Feb/Mar
5.2 Social and voluntary events Obtain clarification from Medway Council of the rules and procedures for holding events in the Valley. Determine lead times for registering an event. Draw up a programme of activities and events for FHV members and non-members including voluntary activities. Obtain authority from Medway Council as appropriate.
A
On-going
5.3 Promote the Valley Arrange periodic publicity campaigns to encourage the wider community, local groups and organisations to use the Valley as a venue for events and activities.
A
By end 2012
5.4 Groundsweek Make links with schools and promote Valley as a suitable venue for activities during Groundsweek.
A
13 June 2012
6.1 Promote FHV Distribute FHV Flyers.
Deliver presentations and promotional literature to local educational establishments, libraries and community groups.
Place periodic articles in the media.
A
Ad hoc
7.2 Membership level Increase membership numbers by holding periodic membership drives and other promotional activities.
A
End 2012
15
8.1 Implementation of the Management Plan
Update regularly. Completed or abandoned items to be retained in the Plan to allow for review and reassessment when the Plan is re-written in December 2016. Due consideration given to delivering objectives.
A
Monitor during Committee meetings
8.2 FHV Development Using the SWOT analysis:
Maintain and build on existing strengths;
Look at ways of reversing weaknesses;
Take advantage of opportunities;
Monitor threats and where possible aim to eliminate or minimise their impact on the Valley;
Identify specific skills and knowledge among the members that can be tapped into for the benefit the FHV.
A
On-going
8.3 Committee Expand committee expertise by co-opting additional members to cover specific areas such as publicity, events coordination and fund-raising.
A
By mid 2012
8.4 FHV records Electronic and paper records to be kept up-to-date and in good order. Appropriate records kept of all meetings including working groups, special meetings and AGMs.
A
On-going
8.5 FHV accounts Appropriate records kept of all income and expenditure.
Annual accounts ending 30 August to be properly certified for presentation and approval at the October AGM.
A
Monitor monthly and specifically in September each year
8.6 FHV AGM Held annually on last Thursday of October. Ensure details are communicated to members in good time including Agenda, copies of previous AGM Minutes, certified accounts and other necessary documentation.
A
Sept –Oct each year
16
9.1 FHV funds Maintain FHV funds at sufficient levels to meet anticipated outgoings.
Six-monthly review of level of membership fees.
A
On-going and specifically in January and July
1.1 Safe pedestrian crossing at Snodhurst Bottom
Pursue with Medway Council a method to provide pedestrians (including children and wheelchair users) with a safe and convenient passage across the busy Walderslade Road which cuts through the Valley at Snodhurst Bottom.
B
By end 2013
1.4 Police and community groups Liaise and work with local Police, PCSOs and Community Action Teams (PACT).
B
Via monthly meetings
2.1 Planting of shrubs and hedgerows Offer assistance to other interested groups (e.g. Medway Council; KWT).
B
Annually during planting seasons
2.2 Clearing overgrown areas Organise working parties in consultation with other neighbourhood groups, Scouts, Guides, school groups and similar organisations.
B
Seasonally as appropriate
2.5 Dog waste Seek to have sufficient dog waste bins provided in the Valley.
Encourage all dog walkers to clean up after their pets.
B
By end 2012
3.1 Education Deliver presentations promoting the Horsted Valley and the FHV to local educational establishments and community groups including nurseries, schools, colleges, clubs and activity centres.
Promote value and use of the Horsted Valley to teachers, staff, leaders and others with group responsibilities.
B
By end 2012
17
3.3 Education Offer FHV work experience opportunities to local schools enabling pupils to attend FHV Committee meetings and gain first hand experience working with a local voluntary organisation.
B
Sept 2012
4.1 Survey of public use of the Valley Widen existing FHV survey to ascertain who uses the Valley, how frequently people have used it in the past 12 months, and for what purpose.
B
By end 2012
7.1 Relationship with FHV members Keep membership informed through the timely dissemination of relevant information.
Issue periodic newsletters, updates on the website e-mails and other ad-hoc communications.
B
Ad-hoc, but at least 3-monthly
7.3 Relationship with other stakeholders
Maintain productive working relationships with relevant bodies and groups, specifically:
Medway Council; Kent Wildlife Trust; Police and PACT groups; MUP&GS Forum; Other groups as appropriate.
Liaise, meet, and keep them informed via ad hoc communications, the website and newsletters.
B
Ad hoc as necessary
2.7 SSI and LNR Status Apply to English Nature to register the Valley as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSI) and to Medway Council to declare the Valley a Local Nature Reserve (LNR).
B
End 2013
10.3 Car parking Seek approval from Medway Council for Pitch & Putt car park to be available for Valley users.
B
By end 2013
3.2
Adequate and appropriate signage
Liaise with Medway Council to have signage installed at main entrances and other appropriate points providing an informative welcome for visitors. Signage to include:
History and heritage of the Valley; Diverse variety of flora and fauna; Coloured maps showing paths and entrances; Restricted and prohibited activities including vehicles; Warden contact information;
B
By end 2013
18
Responsible litter and dog waste disposal;
How to report incidents of anti-social behaviour; Car parking information; FHV information.
4.2 Flora and fauna Continue with the valuable work that began in 2002 to survey and maintain records of flora and fauna seen in the Valley.
C
Seasonal as required
4.3 Historical, cultural and military records
Draw up and maintain an historical, cultural and military record of the Valley, including maps and photos both past and present.
C
By end 2014
8.7 FHV Procedures Draw up and maintain instructions covering FHV procedures on how things are done.
C
By end 2014
9.2 Fund-raising and sponsorship Hold periodic fund-raising and sponsorship events to boost funds when necessary to meet additional costs.
C
Ad hoc
10.2 Benches, seating and picnic tables Pursue with Medway Council and consider sponsorship from elsewhere.
C
By end 2013
10.1 Toilets in the Valley Discuss with Medway Council.
Seek cooperation from Pubs - Tiger Moth (Davies Estate and The Medway Queen (Barnfield).
D
By 2014
19
Appendix C
ACTION PLAN (Annual Timetable)
Priorities: A = High; B = Medium/High; C = Medium/Low; D = Low
FOCUS AREA
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
8.1 A - Monitor during regular Committee meetings
A - Monitor during regular Committee meetings
A - Monitor during regular Committee meetings
A - Monitor during regular Committee meetings
A - Monitor during regular Committee meetings
8.5 A - Monitor monthly and specifically in September each year
A - Monitor monthly and specifically in September each year
A - Monitor monthly and specifically in September each year
A - Monitor monthly and specifically in September each year
A - Monitor monthly and specifically in September each year
9.1 A - On-going and specifically in January and July each year
A - On-going and specifically in January and July each year
A - On-going and specifically in January and July each year
A - On-going and specifically in January and July each year
A - On-going and specifically in January and July each year
5.1 A - Begin in Feb/March for July/August
A - Begin in Feb/March for July/August
A - Begin in Feb/March for July/August
A - Begin in Feb/March for July/August
A - Begin in Feb/March for July/August
5.4 A - Feb for mid- June A - Feb for mid- June A - Feb for mid- June A - Feb for mid- June A - Feb for mid- June
2.3 A - Each winter (possibly early February)
A - Each winter (possibly early February)
A - Each winter (possibly early February)
A - Each winter (possibly early February)
A - Each winter (possibly early February)
8.3 A - By mid 2012
8.6 A – Aug/Oct each year A – Aug/Oct each year A – Aug/Oct each year A – Aug/Oct each year A – Aug/Oct each year
1.2 A - By end 2012
5.3 A - By end 2012
20
7.2 A - By end 2012
1.3 A - Ad hoc A - Ad hoc A - Ad hoc A - Ad hoc A - Ad hoc
5.2 A - Ad hoc A - Ad hoc A - Ad hoc A - Ad hoc A - Ad hoc
6.1 A – Ad hoc A – Ad hoc A – Ad hoc A – Ad hoc A – Ad hoc
2.4 A – As appropriate A – As appropriate A – As appropriate A – As appropriate A – As appropriate
2.5 A – As appropriate A – As appropriate A – As appropriate A – As appropriate A – As appropriate
2.6 A – As appropriate A – As appropriate A – As appropriate A – As appropriate A – As appropriate
8.2 A – On going A – On going A – On going A – On going A – On going
8.4 A - On-going A - On-going A - On-going A - On-going A - On-going
1.4 B Ongoing via monthly meetings
B Ongoing via monthly meetings
B Ongoing via monthly meetings
B Ongoing via monthly meetings
B Ongoing via monthly meetings
2.1 B - Annually during planting seasons
B - Annually during planting seasons
B - Annually during planting seasons
B - Annually during releant planting seasons
B - Annually during planting seasons
2.2 B - Seasonally as appropriate
B - Seasonally as appropriate
B - Seasonally as appropriate
B - Seasonally as appropriate
B - Seasonally as appropriate
7.1 B - At least 3 monthly B - At least 3 monthly B - At least 3 monthly B - At least 3 monthly B - At least 3 monthly
7.3 B - Ad hoc as necessary B - Ad hoc as necessary B - Ad hoc as necessary B - Ad hoc as necessary B - Ad hoc as necessary
3.3 B – Sept 2012
4.1 B - By end 2012
3.1 B- By end 2012
1.1 B - By end 2013 B - By end 2013
21
10.3 B - By end 2013 B - By end 2013
2.7 B- By end 2013 B- By end 2013
3.2 B- By end 2013 B- By end 2013
4.2 C - Seasonal as required C - Seasonal as required C - Seasonal as required C - Seasonal as required C - Seasonal as required
9.2 C – Ad hoc C – Ad hoc C – Ad hoc C – Ad hoc C – Ad hoc
10.2 C - By end 2013 C - By end 2013
4.3 C - By end 2014 C - By end 2014 C - By end 2014
8.7 C - By end 2014 C - By end 2014 C - By end 2014
10.1 D - By end 2014 D - By end 2014 D - By end 2014
NOTES