Agenda item

To receive a report by the Senior Ranger on park activities for the period April to June 2024.

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 2024. In doing so, comment was made as follows:

Country Park Management

The team had focused on people related tasks over the period so as not to disturb the wildlife.

A path has been developed to allow for accessible pond dipping to take place, the access had been designed for both wheelchair users and also for those with young children. The area is used both by the Forest School and the site.

Surveys of bee orchids have continued with an average number of the plants having been identified over the season. The team are compiling data to enable annual comparisons against previous years and seasonality. The Group heard that the meadows would be cut in the later part of August and that the seeds distributed by this process would be left for the following years growth.

It was noted that the Ecology surveys were underway but that these were very new and that it would take time to establish trends but that they would assist in maximising biodiversity and opportunities at the Park and its satellite sites.

It was observed that with the increased footfall over the summer months, there was an increase in litter. The Group heard that whilst enforcement action can be taken for flytipping, smaller acts of littering were harder to trace back to an individual.  The ranger advised that new bins were being developed which would minimise litter flying back out of the bin, and that positive reminders about littering would be publicised more strongly with the introduction of these bins.

Following a question from Councillor Shaw, the Group were advised that the Park aimed to keep seasonal sales, such as ice cream, in house in order to maximise profits for the Park.

Activities and Events

A wild swimming group has been established in the lake and safety around this activity will be explained to park users. The Grafham Water team have continued to utilise the facilities at the park with canoeing and paddleboarding.

A Wild About Huntingdonshire Event was scheduled to be held at the Park on 28th and 29th September 2024. It was hoped that this event would bring together local groups and suppliers along with the local community to showcase the very best of the district.

Country Park Development

Plans were underway to resurface the footpath throughout the Park but that this required careful study and consiseration as even small changes could have a huge impact on habitats throughout the Park.

The Group heard that alternative lighting options for the proposed car park were being investigated so that visitor safety and the local bat population were both maintained.

The Group were assured, following an enquiry from Councillor Beuttell, that the plans remained on budget and that opportunities to utilise volunteers or to develop alternatives were being considered to ensure that a robust budget could be adhered to as well as the best possible outcome for the Park being delivered.