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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. WILDLIFE SURVEYS
1.1 Issue for Decision
1.1.1 To consider the inclusion of funding in the estimates for 2010/11 to carry out an extended Phase I Habitat Survey.
1.2 Recommendation of the Cobtree Officer
1.2.1 It is recommended that the sum of £1500 be included in the estimates for 2010/11 to allow the engagement of the Medway Valley Countryside Partnership to undertake an extended Phase I Habitat Survey of the Cobtree Manor Park.
1.3 Reasons for Recommendation
1.3.1
To
facilitate the preparation of a detailed management plan for the Cobtree Manor Park it will be necessary to carry out an extended Phase I Habitat Survey. The
Park Ranger has contacted two local organisations capable of carrying out this
work. A quotation in the sum of £1,500 has been received from the Medway
Valley Countryside Partnership; which is considerably less than the alternative
supplier.
1.3.2
The
Surveying
effort will concentrate on the native species present by doing a desktop
analysis of data held at the Kent and Medway Biological Records Centre (KMBRC)
and by obtaining information from several sites. From this information gathering,
management recommendations to enhance native bio-diversity will be developed,
in line with the overall leisure and recreational policies for the park.
1.3.3
The
objectives will be to;
(i) Fully describe all
habitat compartments within the park; and,
(ii) Propose management
recommendations to maintain and enhance native wildlife interest.
1.3.4
The
report will provide a SWOT analysis for the whole site and contain a summary
detailing all findings with a detailed species list. It must be noted that bat
surveys will not cover roost sites.
1.3.5
Further
work may be required dependant upon the initial findings and when planning
applications need to be submitted for any proposed construction work. This
will need to be evaluated at the time, but an indication has been given that
budgetary provision approaching £10,000 may be required, depending on the
circumstances.
1.3.6
The
initial survey will include the following activities:
(i) A Desk
study to check designations, (statutory and non statutory) and to retrieve data
report from Kent and Medway Biological Records Centre;
(ii) A phase
1 habitat survey for whole site – including report writing and management
recommendations; to include two site visits during April & June 2010; and
(iii) A species
specific survey for evidence of dormice, bats and other reptiles (this to
include several site visits for setting out and checking refugia).
1.3.7
The
findings from the survey will assist the preparation of guided walks within the
Park; something which Members requested should be included in the brief for the
Park Ranger
1.4 Alternative Action and why not Recommended
1.4.1
The
alternative course of action is to not include the required funding. This is
not recommended as the information to be provided will inform the proposed site
management plan and provide valuable information for the proposed guided walks.
1.5 Impact on Charity Objects
1.5.1 This matter will have a positive impact on the objects of the Charity by providing useful information to encourage greater visitor numbers.
1.6 Risk Management
1.6.1 There is limited impact on the risk management of the Charity’s affairs. Specific risk assessments will be carried out when the programme of guided walks has been established.
1.7 Other Implications
1.7.1
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It is requested that financial provision of £1,500 be made in the estimates for
2010/11.
NO REPORT WILL BE ACCEPTED WITHOUT THIS BOX BEING COMPLETED
Is this a Key Decision? Yes No
If yes, when did it appear in the Forward Plan? _______________________
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Reason for Urgency
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