THE CHARITY KNOWN AS COBTREE MANOR ESTATE

COBTREE MANOR ESTATE CHARITY COMMITTEE

 20 NOVEMBER 2009

REPORT OF THE COBTREE OFFICER

Report Prepared by: Brian Latimer – Cobtree Officer

1.                           PARK RANGER – PROGRESS REPORT

1.1                        Issue for Decision

1.1.1                   To consider a progress report on the work of the Park Ranger.

1.2                        Recommendation of the Cobtree Officer

1.2.1                   It is recommended that the progress report be noted and that a progress report on the work of the Park Ranger be submitted to each meeting.

1.3                        Reasons for Recommendation

1.3.1                   Although Members do not receive progress reports as a matter of course, it is felt that the work of the Park Ranger is of such importance to the Charity that, with Members consent, a report should be submitted to each meeting to keep Members informed of progress and allow an opportunity to question the Park Ranger in person.

1.3.2                   During the period since the last meeting of the Committee the following items of note have been actioned in addition to carrying out general maintenance tasks:

(i)       Liaison with the consultant concerning the development of the master plan for Cobtree Manor Park.

(ii)     Liaison with the Cobtree Charity Trust Limited regarding the installation of the new gates and entrance signs. 

(iii)    Liaison about the creation of a pedestrian entrance into the park; to be created in the hedge line to allow pedestrian access when the new gates are locked.

(iv)    Liaison about the retention and relocation of an old pair of Cobtree Estate gates which are in storage at MBS depot; these are to be relocated to the Elephant House when ground conditions allow access by a heavy vehicle.

(v)     Distribution of 1200 Cobtree Park leaflets since July; more are needed and there is a recommendation that the annual print run should be 5000 copies.

(vi)    Initial consideration for an events and activities programme starting 2010-11; financial provision to be considered in the draft estimates.

(vii)   Liaison regarding ecological surveys and monitoring arrangements proposed for the remainder of 2009 and 2010: (refer report elsewhere on your agenda for funding to purchase lining and baiting of traps).

(viii) Held introductory talks with a local employer who is being encouraged to organise a group of workforce volunteers to carry out conservation tasks in the park.  Three further park users have also put their names forward to act as volunteers. The first task will be to selectively clear the corner of the woods known as the main site of the 'undesirable behaviour'.  The MVCP has been consulted on the proposal to ensure that no undue disturbance is caused to wildlife. It is proposed that the conservation task days will happen twice per month from late November through to early March.

1.4                        Alternative Action and why not Recommended

1.4.1                   No alternative course of action is recommended.

1.5                        Impact on Charity Objects

1.5.1                   The work of the Park Ranger has a positive impact on fulfilling the objects of the Charity by encouraging greater numbers of people to use the facility.

1.6                        Risk Management

1.6.1                   There is limited impact on the risk management of the Charity’s affairs.

1.7                        Other Implications

1.7.1                            

1.7.2                   The financial requirements for the post will be included in the 2010/11 draft estimates for Members consideration.

Background Documents