To receive a report by the Senior Ranger on park activities for the period October 2018 to March 2019.
Contact:J Arnold 388666
Minutes:
The Group received and noted the contents of the Senior Ranger’s report (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) on park activities for the period October 2018 to March 2019. In doing so, comment was made as follows:
Park Management
The Group were encouraged to note the range of work being undertaken as part of the annual management of the site which included tree felling, removal of alder regrowth between the wildlife lake and the wash, removal of scrub in the old llama paddock, management of the two balancing ponds and maintenance of the golden osier beds.
Planned works for the coming months included an extension of the jetty on the main lake, replacement of three existing dog bins, installing an anti-slip surface on the Troll’s Bridge, processing this year’s timber produce and commencement of the fortnightly cutting of the short grass areas in the Park. Some these works had already been completed.
Additionally, it was noted that weekly bookings were now being taken for the Fireflies Forest School which was proving popular.
Comment was made by a Member that a more robust solution was required for the maintenance of the footpath around the lake which was noted by Officers.
Volunteers
Volunteers continue to be vital to the Park’s management particularly Huntingdonshire Regional College’s Green Team. In recognition of their efforts and assistance, staff hosted a Christmas Lunch for all volunteers at the end of December 2018 which was appreciated by all.
With a newly appointed Senior Ranger in post, efforts would be made over the coming months to increase the number of practical volunteers.
Countryside Centre
Attention was drawn to occupancy levels, the number of bookings taken and the revenue generated at the Countryside Centre between October 2018 and March 2019. The figures reflected an increase when compared to the same period the previous year which was encouraging to note. Evening and weekend bookings have increased and have been managed successfully owing to the flexibility of staff.
In noting the potential revenue anticipated in the current financial year, the Countryside Manager reported that the figure related to confirmed bookings made to date and that income levels would increase over the course of the year.
Events, Activities and Promotions
Events which had taken place over the reporting period included a Christmas Fair, Santa’s Grotto, breakfast/hot chocolate with Santa and a New Year’s breakfast. Whilst each of the events had proved a success in terms of attendance and income, it was noted that the New Year’s breakfast event would, in future, be held at the weekend instead of mid-week to increase attendance levels.
Prior to the commencement of the meeting, the Countryside Manager tabled pictures of the Santa’s Grotto event which had generated £3,255 income. The event would be extended to four days in December 2019 with a view to maximising income generation opportunities. Social media, in particular Facebook, had played a significant part in promoting the event with a number of commendations having been received from attendees.
Members were pleased to note that the Country Park’s Facebook page had now reached 5,500 followers. Consideration was currently being given to setting up an Instagram account.
Hinchingbrooke Country Park 30th Anniversary Celebrations
To mark the Park’s 30th Anniversary, a week long programme of activities would be held in August 2019 involving stakeholders, stalls and exhibitions.
Friends of Hinchingbrooke Country Park
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Country Park would be held on Thursday 2nd May. Having worked at the Park for 29 years the Countryside Manager had been invited to attend as the guest speaker to talk about the Park’s 30thAnniversary Celebrations.
Financial Position
Members’ attention was drawn to the financial position of the Park. Having had their attention drawn to the variances, it was explained that this was largely a result of low levels of budgeted income expected from commuted sums. The full impact upon this year’s budget would not be known until the end of December 2019. The Head of Operations advised that he would take this away as an action and investigate the matter further.
A brief discussion ensued on S106 funding. It was not yet known if all S106 funds had been expended.
Supporting documents: