Cobtree Estate Progress Update
March 2013
Introduction
This document sets out an update on the work of the estate. As the initial update this will set out the works over the last six months. Future reports will be quarterly with an annual report setting out the work across the estate over the year being brought before the Cobtree Manor Estate Committee in the autumn. This update replaces the Park Ranger’s Progress Report and has been widened to cover the work across the whole estate and not just in Cobtree Manor Park.
Cobtree Manor Park
Maintenance of the park over the winter months has focussed predominantly on the regeneration of shrub borders in the main parkland. In addition to this the area around the elephant house has been pruned. A number of trees in the parkland area have been crown lifted. Fencing has been mended adjacent to the golf course and a barrier has been erected adjacent to the pond. Mesh fencing has been installed along the Forstal Road fence.
Visitor figures for 1st October 2012 – 31st December; 53,296 visitors from 26,648 cars. This is the first year of collecting figures in this way so there are no comparisons for previous years.
Cobtree Manor Park Events Programme 2013
The events programme for 2012 has proven very popular and the proposed events for 2013 are currently being finalised. It is proposed that the events programme for 2013 is kept similar to the successful programme of 2012. This will include a selection of walks with the ranger, historical walks and conservation activities for families.
The total cost of events will be kept at last year’s level with around £1500 being spent on event provision. After this year’s programme there will be a review of events in the park to look at how they can be provided sustainably in the long term.
Cobtree Manor Park Project
The project is progressing on schedule. Phase 2 consists of the installation of the main part of the play area, the renovation of the car park and the installation of a new parkland walk along with additional bins and benches. This is underway, with the installation of the main part of the play area on schedule for completion before Easter. The car park has been cleared of smaller trees and the parkland tree works have been undertaken ready for the main path works to begin at the end of February. A consultation event on these works was held in the park on 26th January. Submissions have been received from 6 local artists for the sculpture trail and are currently being scored.
Cobtree Golf Course
Mytime have been offered a 5 year extension to their current lease. Generally customer satisfaction is high. There has been a drop in roundage figures due to the poor weather over the winter.
Estate Properties
4 Stream Cottages has been renovated following the tenant leaving in the summer of 2012. The re-letting of the property is currently being arranged with Page and Wells.
South East Water are looking to undertake works in the field south of Forstal Road under their current easement, negotiations are ongoing.
Museum of Kent Life
Continuum have been granted an extension to their lease until September 2013. This is to allow for ongoing negations with Cobtree Manor Estate Trust regarding the operation of the Museum of Kent Life following their decision to serve notice to quit.