Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 21st April 2023.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 21^st April 2023 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To receive from Members declarations as to disclosable pecuniary, other registerable and non-registerable  interests in relation to any Agenda item. See Notes below.

No declarations were received.

To receive a report by the Senior Ranger on park activities for the period April to June 2023.

The Group received and noted the contents of the Senior Ranger’s report (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) and a PowerPoint presentation on park activities for the period April to June 2023. In doing so, comment was made as follows:

Staffing & Volunteers

The Group heard that staffing had remained unchanged for the period and noted the hard work of the staff. Volunteers continued to play an important part with work parties proving especially useful for project work.

General Park Management

It was noted that grass growth had been substantial over the season due to the warm wet weather. Wildlife surveys were being undertaken over the summer months whilst maintenance on habitats was reduced to minimise disruption to wildlife. Maintenance continues throughout the park however in areas of high traffic such as pathways, maintaining potholes and repairing fences.

Looking forward

A new tractor had been procured and meadow cutting was underway. The warden informed the Group that the cut grass was then either made into hay bales which were sold or composted to provide habitats for snakes and fungi around the park.

Work was underway to repair the damaged café roof. The sails which provide an awning cover during hotter periods are taken down in windy weather so as not to cause damage.

There has been a high level of interest from community groups to use facilities across the Park. Canoeing sessions on the main lake area were of particular note.

Negotiations were underway to provide a dog wash on the main park site. This would be operated by an external supplier but a ground rent would be paid to the park.

Satellite sites

A survey had confirmed that the number of bee orchids at Spring Common had been maintained which was positive.

Café and Hospitality

The coffee machines have been a popular introduction to the café. Quarter 1 had seen an increased income of £20,000 for the café. Hot meals have been reintroduced and different options are being trialled to see which are the most viable.

The food trailer works have been completed and this is now ready to be utilised over the summer, it’s portable nature ensures that it can be used in high traffic areas.

Events

Christmas events are being planned with a suggestion that a Christmas Eve dinner will be hosted for individuals to enjoy the festive season. The interactive trails proved very popular at Easter and were hosted entirely by volunteers. Indoor car boot sales have been trialled and appear to work better in the winter months.

The Countryside Centre has benefitted from repeat bookings and big events.

Investment project

Planning for the project has now been submitted, with the tender process being planned for Autumn to ensure accurate costings once work is able to go ahead with construction planned for 2024. A flexible approach will be taken to construction as it is anticipated that multiple contractors will be on site so flexibility will ensure best use of time and resources.

There  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.

To note that the next meeting of the Hinchingbrooke Country Park Joint Group will be held on 17th November at 10:00am.

To note that the next meeting of the Hinchingbrooke Country Park Joint Group will be held on 17th November 2023 at 10:00am.