MAIDSTONE BOROUGH COUNCIL

 

COBTREE MANOR ESTATE COMMITTEE

 

14^th March 2012

 

REPORT OF THE COBTREE OFFICER

 

Report prepared by Joanna Joyce, Cobtree Officer 

 

 

1.           Park Ranger’s progress report

 

1.1        Issue for Decision

 

1.1.1   To consider work of the Park Ranger at Cobtree Manor Park.

 

1.2        Recommendation of the Cobtree Officer

 

1.2.1   It is recommended that the Committee note the actions taken by the Park Ranger and the future work set out in Appendix A to the report. 

 

1.3        Reasons for Recommendation

 

1.3.1   The Committee previously resolved to receive a progress report on the work of the Park Ranger at each meeting.  Attached at Appendix A is the report for the most recent period.

1.3.2   The Committee’s attention is drawn to the “7 Ages” sculpture for which installation has been delayed due to poor weather. This is now due to be completed in the next few weeks.

1.4        Alternative Action and why not Recommended

 

1.4.1   The alternative course of action is to reject the request for endorsement of the rangers work contained within the report.  This is not recommended as the recommendations are in the best interests of the future management of Cobtree Manor Park.

 

1.5        Impact on Corporate Objectives

 

1.5.1   The work of the Park Ranger directly supports the achievement of the Charity’s objectives.

 

 

1.6        Risk Management

 

1.6.1   There are no additional risks to the Charity arising from this report.

 

1.7        Other Implications

 

1.7.1    

1.      Financial
2.           Staffing
3.           Legal
4.           Equality Impact Needs Assessment
5.           Environmental/Sustainable Development
6.           Community Safety
7.           Human Rights Act
8.           Procurement
9.           Asset Management

 

         There are no other implications from the work proposed in this report.

 

1.8        Relevant Documents

 

There are none.

 

1.8.1   Appendices

 

Appendix A - Rangers Progress update January – February 2012.

 

 

1.8.2   Background Documents

 

Cobtree Manor Park Management Plan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IS THIS A KEY DECISION REPORT?  X     Yes                                               No     If yes, when did it first appear in the Forward Plan?   …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..   This is a Key Decision because: ………………………………………………………………………..   …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….   Wards/Parishes affected: …………………………………………………………………………………..   ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix A

 

COBTREE PARK RANGER’S PROGRESS REPORT

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2012

 

1.        On-going projects

1.1.      Community involvement

·         Volunteer work and student placement on-going.

 

·         A thank-you letter from Chairman to the regular volunteer was received and much appreciated.

 

1.2.   Publicity and marketing

 

·         The diary of Cobtree events 2012 sent for publishing on Cobtree Charity Trust Limited website, Valley of Vision events booklet, Visit Maidstone website, MVCP website, The Net monthly local events booklet and website and parish clerks.

 

·         Cobtree Park leaflet including a diary of events is in the process of being designed and produced.

 

·         The draft of the new Cobtree Manor Park webpage is underway.

 

·         A list of species/varieties of trees and shrubs confirmed as currently present at the park has been compiled and is ready to be included on the website.

 

1.3.    Park maintenance and development – work underway:

 

·         Routine winter maintenance of trees and shrubs ongoing.

·         A 3-year programme of shrub renovation has been developed and implementation commenced.

·         Winter maintenance of access routes is ongoing (woodchip on paths, edging of paths and car park etc).

·         Planting of 12 trees sponsored by Boxley Parish Council has been completed.

·         Repairs to the boundary fencing along the Golf Course boundary are completed.

·         Management Plan updating is underway.

·         Completion of the installation of the “7” Ages sculpture which was delayed by recent snow.

2.       Work planned for the spring period:

·      Grass cutting commencing early March

·         Labelling of selected trees

·         Distribution of the new leaflet

·         Reviewing und updating the contents of the Ranger’s walks-and-talks

·         Developing new events and activities