HERTFORD CASTLE GARDENS · Public Car Park Ornate entrance gates donated by Osmond Henry McMullen...

Hertford Castle Gardens GAP 2019-24 Page 1 of 73 Countryside Management Service November 2018

HERTFORD CASTLE GARDENS

GREENSPACE ACTION PLAN (GAP)

2019 - 2024

3rd draft November 2018


Hertford Castle Gardens Plan 2019-2024

VISION STATEMENT

Hertford Castle Gardens will be a gateway to the historic town of Hertford, welcoming local residents, visitors and tourists alike to enjoy the parks historic and natural

environment on the banks of the River Lea. The backdrop of historic architecture and attractive gardens will provide the ideal setting for spending leisure time in the park and

enjoying a host of cultural events

The aims of this Greenspace Action Plan are:

1. To provide an area of open space that is welcoming, safe and well maintained for local residents and visitors to enjoy

2. To conserve the parks historical assets and engage visitors in their importance and protection for the future

3. To enhance the quality and make the most of the parks natural environment, with a focus on restoring habitats of the River Lea for the benefit of wildlife and people

4. To make a better connection between the park and Hertford town centre, increasing accessibility and facilitating visitors natural navigation of the park to maximise links to wider networks

5. To utilise the rich cultural and natural heritage of Hertford Castle for the benefit of learning and education

6. To promote the park as a visitor and tourist destination to existing users and new audiences, drawing on its cultural, historical and natural attractions

7. To involve and utilise key partners and the local community in decision making and delivery of park actions

8. To ensure all furniture and facilities within the park are in safe and serviceable condition and of uniform design complementing the era of garden design and any future town centre wide strategy

9. To learn from experience and monitor effectiveness in order to refine work programmes and make best use of scarce resources

HERTFORD CASTLE GROUNDSAerial Photograph (2010)

Key

© Crown copyright and database rights 2016 OS EUL 100019606. Use of this data is subject to terms

and conditions. You are permitted to use this data solely to enableyou to respond to, or interact with, the organisation that provided you with the data.You are not permitted to copy, sub-licence, distribute or sell any

of this data to third parties in any form.

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Lord Salisbury Owned, leased to Hertford Town Council

East Hertfordshire Council Owned, Ground Maintenance undertaken by Hertford Town Council to the South of the River

Moat Gardens Hertford Town Council Owned

Site BoundaryHertford Town Council - LeasedHertfordshire Town Council - OwnedEast Hertfordshire Council - Owned


SITE SUMMARY Site name: Hertford Castle Gardens Area: 2.53 hectares (6.25 acres) Grid ref: TL 324 125 Address: Castle Street, Hertford, Herts, SG14 1HR Designations: Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM) Grade I and II Listed Buildings Conservation Area (Hertford) Ecosite

Leases: Hertford Town Council

Deselected Wildlife Site Ownership: East Herts District Council Private Landowner


CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION 6

2. SITE DESCRIPTION 10

2.1 Introduction 10 2.2 Historical context 10 2.3 Geographical context 13 2.4 Hydrology 14 2.5 Habitats and wildlife 15 2.6 Access 18 2.7 Recreation 19 2.8 Infrastructure and facilities 20 2.9 Planning and policy framework 24 2.10 Management and governance 29 2.11 Safety and security 32 2.12 Monitoring and auditing 34

3. ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION 34

3.1 Introduction 35 3.2 Safe and well maintained 35 3.3 Access 37 3.4 Nature conservation 39 3.5 Landscape, heritage and learning 41 3.6 Community involvement 45 3.7 Furniture and facilities 46 3.8 Marketing and promotion 48

4. VISION, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 50

4.1 Introduction 50 4.2 Vision Statement 50 4.3 Aims and Objectives 50

5. ACTION PLAN 53

5.1 Introduction 53

Year 1 Action Plan 2019 – 2020 54 Year 2 Action Plan 2020 – 2021 58 Year 3 Action Plan 2021 – 2022 63 Year 4 Action Plan 2022 – 2023 65 Year 5 Action Plan 2023 – 2024 67 Aspiration Actions 69

6. MONITORING AND REVIEW 71

7. APPENDICES 72


Section 2

Site Description The background facts about the site…

Section 3

Analysis & Evaluation Where we are currently…

Section 4

Vision, Aims & Objectives Where we want to be…

Section 5

Action Plan How we get there…

Section 6

Monitoring & Review Monitoring progress and success…

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Hertford Castle Gardens are located within the centre of Hertford, in the county of

Hertfordshire. The main gardens are owned by East Herts Council with the exception of the Gatehouse and land surrounding which are owned by Lord Salisbury and leased to Hertford Town Council. The area containing the ice house, referred to as Moat Gardens, was owned by Hertfordshire County Council but the title deeds were transferred to the Town Council at the end of 2015. The Town Council currently undertake grounds maintenance for the gardens on behalf of East Herts Council to the south of the river.

1.2 This plan is the first of its kind for Hertford Castle Gardens seeking to bring a

coherent and strategic management approach to a site which is owned, managed and leased jointly. The document has been created in consultation with Hertfordshire County Council’s Countryside Management Service (CMS) as part of the Council’s programme to effectively plan the management and enhancement of parks in East Herts. The plan is intended to capture all of the basic requirements to manage the park effectively and seeks to make meaningful site improvements.

1.3 This Management Plan is designed to be read and understood by a variety of people

who might be interested in the management of the site; in this way the plan can allow more people to understand, contribute and have a say in how Hertford Castle Gardens should be managed. The structure of the document aims to give a legible process for understanding the current condition of the site, how actions for the next 5 years have been determined and long term aspirations. The layout can be summarised as follows:

1.4 The management plan is restricted to the area outlined on the location and site

description maps; the wider context has been considered, however, and reference is made to areas beyond the park’s boundaries where relevant. All supporting documents and reference materials in this plan are included as a separate appendix or through links to external resources.

1.5 The delivery of all the actions contained within this plan are dependent on funding.

For the majority of the large capital expenditure items it is anticipated that this would be formed into a project and the Heritage Lottery Fund approached for external funding through one of their appropriate grant schemes. The application process can take a number of years to secure funding with a two stages application process.

HERTFORD CASTLE GROUNDSLocation




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KeySite Boundary

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HERTFORD CASTLE GROUNDSConstraints

KeySite BoundaryByway Open to All TrafficRestricted BywayBridlewayFootpathTemp Closed FootpathTemp FootpathUnmetalled UCR

! Listed BuildingScheduled Ancient Monument (SAM)

Local Record Centre SitesSite Type

W W W WW W W WW W W WWildlife Site

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D D D DDeselected Wildlife SiteEcosite

D D D D

D D D DDeleted Ecosite

G G G GG G G GG G G G

Local Geological SiteGeosite

D D D D

D D D D

D D D DDeleted GeositeGreenbelt - March 2007Conservation Areas




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59/103 Thornton Street Allotments59/061 Hartham Common& The Warren (Hertford)

59/002 Beane Marsh

59/108 Riversmeet

59/011/02 Meadow & River Leeby Leahoe Viaduct South-East

59/011/01 Meadow & River Leeby Leahoe Viaduct North-West

59/111 Valley Close Area

59/063 All Saints Churchyard

59/016 Hertford CastleFootpath Hertford 084

Grade I (1269027) Gatehouseto Hertford Castle

Grade II (1268986) Icehouse approx.35m South of Postern, Hertford Castle

Grade II (1268985) Bailey Walls, South East Range to Hertford Castle

Grade II (1268984) Bailey Wall, North East Range to Hertford Castle

SAM 1009827, Hertford Castle: a motte& bailey castle south of the River Lea

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HERTFORD CASTLE GROUNDSSite Description

KeySite Boundary

$T Entrance sign$T Interpretation sign$T Notice boardd Fingerpost#S Litter bin#S Dog bin%U Bench%a Cycle parking%[ Lighting#0 Predestrian gate#0 Vehicle gate

Trees and ShrubsAmenity grassBridgeBuildingWoodchip pathHard surfaced pathHedgerowHistoric remainsOrnamental bedsPlay areaStructureScrubSummer meadowWaterWetland vegetationWoodland




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Weir and Sluices prevent fish passage

Harden river banks with no marginal vegetation

Close group of trees shade river bank Samuel StoneMemorial Sculpture

11th century Motte earthwork overgrown with some established trees. Fenced off from public access.

Public Toilets

Hertford Theatre

Public Car Park

Ornate entrance gates donated by Osmond Henry McMullen in 1912 upon opening up of grounds to public.

Well maintained attractive sensory garden bed

Late 18th Century Ice house entrance with sturdy metal grille

Large mature Cherry trees

14th Century Postern Gateand Octagonal Tower

Open regular mown grass area well used by public for sitting & picnics, organised events also held here

Overgrown informal walk

Large Sycamore potentially affectingintegraty of Grade II listed curtain wall

Old victorian rock garden in poor state

Ashley Webb Shelter c1939 in poor state of repair & affected by anti-social behaviour

Hertford Town Council offices housed in 14th Century Gatehouse

Formal rose garden utilised for weddings

Enclosed young childrens play area withseveral pieces of largely dated equipment

Scrubby area with two lines of semi-matureBeech, railling fenced from rest of park, previously used for storage of arisings from grounds work

Shaded, slity back channel of the river, with slow flow & little marginal vegetation. Soft banks in the main.

Panel of old fencing on side of bridge

Back channel with good marginal vegetation to west on soft bank, someexposed gravel on semi silty channel bottom, brick wall on east bank. Somefish fry and historic Water Vole records

Scrubby/bramble margin to regular close mown amenity grassland

Tall Leylandii hedge

Vehicle access bridge

Old Nut Walk now overgrown

Ivy, tree saplings & other vegetation growing in and on top of curtain wall,this risks the long term integrity of structure

Sunken garden

Ornamental beds with mix of shrubs& planting woodchip mulch laid in between with occasional mature trees. Shrubs well established giving shaded feel to much of the pathways

Old granite trough

Mature Copper Beech

Significant bank erosion resulting in steep river bank with drops of approximately 1m in places

Wide river channel wide with low flow. Silty with soft banks lacking in marginal vegetation,Largely shaded by bankside trees.

Moat Gardens


2 SITE DESCRIPTION 2.1 INTRODUCTION 2.1.1 Hertford Castle Gardens is a well-established park open to the public since 1912, with

over 1000 years of recorded history. It is approximately 2.53 hectares (6.25 acres) in size and located within the town centre of Hertford. The site has important access and ecological links with neighbouring sites, particularly along the River Lea corridor into the wider countryside to the west and into Hertford town centre to the east.

2.1.2 The park is laid out as a traditional formal garden complimenting the surroundings of

the late 15th Century brick gatehouse (Town Council offices) and the old castle curtain walls that enclose it. A large lawn area creates a central open space around which are planted beds with a wide range of shrubs and trees of varying ages and species. The lawn is fundamental in landscape terms and provides a key space around which the gardens are formed. The gardens have had a number of additions over the years including a Victorian rockery, sunken garden, nut walk, a garden pavilion and moat gardens with sensory plantings.

2.1.3 The River Lea meanders through the centre of the site lined by a number of mature

trees, passing the motte part of the ancient Hertford Castle before reaching the town centre. The northern bank of the park is less formal with a large area of amenity grassland with benches, a young children’s play area enclosed to the north by a river back channel and a line of mature trees.

2.1.4 Hertford Castle Gardens is a complex site with some interacting and conflicting

elements. Determining the management needs of the park for the next 5 years requires both an understanding of its current condition, and an appreciation of the site’s history. The following provides a comprehensive overview of Hertford Castle Gardens; where information has been summarised for the purpose of this document. Links have been provided to either appended material or sources for further reading. This section forms an information base that will support actions and operations set out later.

2.2 HISTORICAL CONTEXT Archaeological Interest 2.2.1 The site has a number of significant ancient features. Consultation with Hertfordshire

County Council Historical Environment Record in July 2016 found a number of records, seven records within the site boundary and seven within a few hundred metres of the site boundary:

ID Name

Within site boundary

2 TOWN OF HERTFORD

77 HERTFORD CASTLE, HERTFORD (Motte and Bailey Castle)

1720 ICEHOUSE, HERTFORD CASTLE, HERTFORD

4004 APPROXIMATE SITE OF ANGLO-SAXON MINT, HERTFORD

4106 IRON AGE BRONZE STATER, HERTFORD

13054 SITE OF BRIDGE ACROSS RIVER LEA, HERTFORD CASTLE

15821 GATEHOUSE TO HERTFORD CASTLE, HERTFORD


Within few hundred metres of the site boundary

5790 SITE OF TOWN MILL, MILLBRIDGE, HERTFORD

6526 CASTLE INNER DITCH, HERTFORD CIVIC HALL, THE WASH, HERTFORD

6527 LATE SAXON/EARLY MEDIEVAL OCCUPATION AND CASTLE DITCH, 12-14 PARLIAMENT SQUARE, HERTFORD

10063 SIMSON PRINTING WORKS & SITE OF BELL FOUNDRY, 14 PARLIAMENT SQUARE, HERTFORD

12141 REMAINS OF HERTFORD CASTLE MOAT, 1 THE WASH, HERTFORD

30676 SITE OF THE CASTLE CINEMA, THE WASH, HERTFORD

31126 CASTLE COTTAGES, 12-16 WATER LANE, HERTFORD

Full details and location of the records are held on file. 2.2.2 Much of Hertford Castle Gardens are designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument

(SAM) 1009827, Hertford Castle: a motte and bailey castle south of the River Lea. The SAM covers the remains of the Norman motte , extent of the bailey including the Grade II listed curtain walls, Grade I listed late 15th Century Gatehouse (currently Town Council offices) and Grade II listed late 18th Century Icehouse, see constraints map for boundary and location.

The SAM designation describes: “Hertford Castle is one of the best preserved motte and bailey castles in southern Britain. It has a long and well-documented history which illustrates its growth and development as a royal castle. The partial excavations have confirmed the historical documentation and the well-preserved condition of the structural remains. Further evidence of the internal layout of the castle will exist beneath the present gatehouse and gardens in the castle precinct as well as within the motte mound.” Further information on the SAM designation can be found at: www.historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1009827

Within Hertford Castle Gardens are several listed buildings/structures, these are listed below with links that can be followed for further information on the listing: Grade I (1269027) Gatehouse to Hertford Castle Grade II (1268985) Bailey Walls, South East Range of Hertford Castle Grade II (1268986) Icehouse approx. 35m South of Postern Gate Grade II (1268984) Bailey Wall, Northeast Range to Hertford Castle


Land-use history 2.2.3 Hertford is the second largest town in East Hertfordshire and has been a strategically

important site since Saxon times as it is the meeting place of four rivers: the Mimram, the Rib, the Lea and the Beane.

2.2.4 Settlements existed in the Hertford area in early history, with evidence of human

habitation going back to at least the Middle Stone Age. Agricultural activity seems to have taken place in the Neolithic period and there is evidence of established settlements in or around the town’s current location as early as the Bronze Age. The Saxons established Hertford as a county town and gave it the name heort ford, or ‘deer ford’, probably because they had observed the animals crossing the River Lea there. They fortified the town and later the Normans built a castle upon the site. They added a priory and new mill and the town prospered, largely due to the surrounding rich agricultural land.

2.2.5 It is unknown when the first castle was constructed at Hertford, although it’s thought it was built by the Normans and grew up from two burhs (fortified places) established by Edward The Elder around 912. These burhs were enclosed spaces surrounded by palisading and were overseen by a Reeve, who collected dues from the inhabitants who were tenants of The Crown. For this they were allowed to trade under Royal protection. Able-bodied men were organised into a garrison service.

2.2.6 The 15th Century brick gatehouse is often referred to as Hertford Castle. The actual

castle itself no longer stands but occupied the enclosed area behind the gatehouse now laid out as a lawn. What does remain of the castle site is the motte, an earth mound by the River Lea, in the north east corner of the Castle Gardens. It is understood that this would originally have been topped with a wooden tower and timber palisade around its base. The bailey part of the castle site was enclosed by a defensive bank and ditch with a wooden palisade. This was replaced with the present seven feet thick flint and stone curtain by King Henry in 1170-1173.

View south towards motte View of flint curtain wall

2.2.7 Key dates in the history of the park:

673 1st Synod of the Church of England believed to have been held in or near the site

912 King Edward the Elder establishes two burhs 1170-73 Flint curtain walls built 1216 The French capture the Castle after a 25 day siege, but returned

to English Crown the following year. 1304 The Castle became a Royal Palace and for the next 300 years it

was regularly used by the monarchs including Elizabeth I


1309-1359 Castle served as a royal prison, including holding King David II of Scotland and King John of France

1463 Brick Gatehouse (current Town Council offices) built 1564, 82 & 92 The Palace buildings housed Parliament, law courts and the Privy

Councils due to plague in London 1608 The Palace buildings had been demolished and the gatehouse

had become a private house 1627 Site granted to the second Earl of Salisbury 1805-09 The gatehouse was used by the East India College 1822-32 The gatehouse was used as the Dispensary which proceeded the

General Infirmary (County Hospital) 1911 Marquis of Salisbury leases the Castle Gardens to the town 1996 Major part of Castle Gardens transferred to East Herts Council as

a gift from the owner, Lord Salisbury

2.3 GEOGRAPHICAL CONTEXT 2.3.1 The site is noted under the following designation below:

Scale Designation Detail

District / Borough

Conservation area The entire site is contained within the Hertford conservation area.

At a county scale the site was previously designated as a Local Wildlife Site, the site

is currently deselected as it does not meet the criteria. Previous description and reasons for original designation are as follows: “59/016 Hertford Castle – Wildlife Site Criteria: species criteria Habitats: Grassland: neutral, semi-improved, Amenity grassland, Open water: river, Scattered trees, Wall, Ancient stone-built walls are a rarity in Hertfordshire, and so it is not surprising that Hertford Castle walls have long been noted for their ecological, as well as historical interest. Sites like this provide important habitat for lichen and moss communities, as well as some flowering plants, and invertebrate animals. The abundant wallflowers which it supports have been known on the walls here for over 150 years, in one of their only more or less natural sites in Hertfordshire. While the Gardens are well managed for amenity, there are still features of older habitats, such as the Meadow Saxifrage which survives in the old moat. The river Lea banks are also important, as the Gardens form a "green link" through the town for wildlife using the river as a corridor, such as the occasional kingfisher, otter or water vole.”

2.3.2 The underlying bedrock geology comprises Lewes Nodular Chalk Formation and

Seaford Chalk Formation (Undifferentiated) this is overlain for much of the site by superficial geology deposits of alluvium of clay, silt, sand and gravel. The majority of the soils are clay to sandy loams of riverine clay, sands and gravels. There are local areas of chalky silty loam on the southern side.

2.3.3 The park sits on the edge of an urban landscape area according to the Hertfordshire

Landscape Character Assessment. The western side of the site is bounded by the A414 Gascoyne Way, beyond which are areas of riverside grassland boarding the River Lea and Miriam which form part of Landscape Character Area 65 – Middle Lea Valley West. This Landscape Character Area’s key characteristic is pastoral farmland within a flat valley landform, with grazing marshes and meadows along both banks of the River Lea and parkland which is well integrated and locally prominent. This along


with Hertford Castle Gardens forms a ‘Green Finger’ that pushes its way from the west into the centre of Hertford.

2.3.4 Hertford Castle Gardens are located within the Northern Thames Basin National

Character Area (NCA 111)1, more specifically the ‘Hertfordshire Plateau and River Valleys’ sub-character area. This sub area is described as having rivers cut through the broad plateau, draining into the Colne and Ver to the north-west and Lea to the east. The river corridors are heavily wooded in places, with coppiced hornbeam and oak standards, and boundaries defined by species rich hedgerows.

Remnant areas of floodplain grazing marsh are present, although many of the rivers have been modified through realignments, canalisation, and artificial wetlands.

2.3.5 The topography of the site is predominantly flat, forming the alluvium floodplains of

the river that runs through the site. The town surrounds on the north, south and east side.

2.4 HYDROLOGY 2.4.1 The River Lea enters the site to the south west, shortly after its confluence with the

River Mimram. A back channel to the river runs along the site’s northern boundary. Adjacent to the theatre the river drops down a stepped weir, either side of which are sluices used for flood defence for the centre of Hertford.

2.4.2 Due to the River Lea, the northern half of Hertford Castle Gardens falls within the

Environment Agency Flood Zones, the majority being Flood Zone 3. This zone illustrates the outline of land having a 1 in 100 or greater annual probability of river flooding and represents a high risk area. Zone 2 being medium risk illustrates land having between a 1 in 100 and 1 in 1,000 annual probability of river flooding. The Environment Agency have national policy against the reduction in storage of the volume of floodplain up to the 100 year flood level; this policy will have a determining influence on any planned development in the Zone 3 areas of the park2.

1 NE; NCA 111 Northern Thames Basin; 2012

2 Environment Agency; website accessed 27.11.2012; www.environment-agency.org.uk


2.5 HABITATS AND WILDLIFE

Amenity grassland

2.5.1 A significant proportion of Hertford Castle Gardens is managed as short, amenity grassland, including land on the north side of the river and much of the land to the south, in particular the large lawn to the rear of the brick gatehouse and the grass areas outside the curtain wall to the south. These improved areas of grassland serve an important function in supporting the recreational and aesthetic demands of the site, but have negligible biodiversity value and in relation to the north side of the river, bear little resemblance to the grazed, species rich grassland of riverside meadows to the immediate west.

Amenity grassland on northern side of river Large lawn to rear of brick gatehouse

2.5.2 The main amenity grass areas of the site are cut by small ride on rotary or cylinder

mowers with the grass being cut short/close mown right up to the edge of the river. 2.5.3 The motte is mainly grassed apart from the occasional shrub, for example a holly tree

on the northern bank. The motte appears to have been left unmown for a number of seasons, the sward is rank long grass with an abundancy of nettle, comfrey and tansy.

Ornamental Beds

2.5.4 The Gardens contain a number of formal planted ornamental beds on the south side of the river. These beds have a mix of planting and styles both old and new reflecting the history of the Gardens and previous management.

2.5.5 Surrounding the large lawn area to the rear of the gatehouse are wide beds to the

edge of the perimeter path with a wooden post and rail fence through the centre. These contain a mix of planting which does not appear to follow a particular style. Woodchip mulch has been laid in these areas to reduce weeds. The beds contain a number of shrubs and large mature trees including holm oak and copper beech which cast a lot of shade on the beds and adjacent paths. These trees are significant in the landscape providing a majestic enclosure and backdrop to the park.

2.5.6 Surrounding the base of the inside of the curtain wall up to the edge of perimeter path

is another wide bed. At its northern end is an old Victorian rock garden which has lost some of its original planting, this is quite shaded by neighbouring mature trees in the


bed including holm oak, beech and yew. Towards the entrance from The Wash are smaller shaped shrubs.

2.5.7 At the southern end adjacent to the postern gate is a sunken garden laid out in

“crazy” paving. To the east of this, the southern bed is mainly stocked with shrubs, some of which are now quite large. To the rear of this bed close to the curtain wall is a high proportion of hazel which is the remnant of the old “Nut Walk”. Woodchip mulch again covers the ground.

2.5.8 The bed along the eastern edge of the curtain wall is mainly shrubs and trees. Some

of the shrubs have been shaped. Other shrubs and trees appear to be overgrown. This has led to the informal walk, also part of the “Nut Walk”, through the bed close to the curtain wall being impassable in places. Woodchip mulch again covers the ground.

2.5.9 The area outside the curtain wall on the approach to the postern gate from Castle

Street is an area referred to as Moat Gardens. This area has one small circular bed which is generally put down to annual bedding plants. On the northern boundary of Moat Gardens along the south side of the curtain wall is a large wide bed with sensory plants, which has been cared for by a local group; Mudlarks.

2.5.10 In front of the brick gatehouse are beds within a lawn area following the style of a

parterre/knot garden. These are predominantly planted with roses with a low box hedge border, this is supplemented with other bedding planting. Within the bed to the rear of the gatehouse on its northern corner is understood to be a remnant old wall.

2.5.11 Adjacent to Mill Wash Bridge is the American garden with bedding planted around the

Samuel Stone sculpture. The rest of the garden is laid down to grass with mature willow and sycamore trees lining the river bank.

Trees

2.5.12 In addition to the trees contained within the ornamental beds there are a number of

trees of differing age and species throughout the Castle Gardens that add to the enclosed character of the Gardens. One of the most significant feature trees is the tulip tree to the rear of the brick gatehouse. This has been braced in the past to prevent the main canopy branches from falling apart. There are also some memorial/commemorative trees including an oak tree close to the Ashley Webb shelter which was planted by the Queen Mother.

2.5.13 On the banks of the River Lea are a number of trees, largely willow species with

occasional sycamore, poplar, weeping ash, false acacia, lime, hornbeam, beech. Many are quite mature with large canopies. A number of the trees have exposed roots and mower damage on the lower trunk.

2.5.14 Lining the bank of the river back channel along the northern site boundary is a band

of mature trees mainly of Horse Chestnut interspersed with sycamore and sweet chestnut. Scrubby, bramble vegetation grows under the trees between the bank and the amenity grassland. To the western end within an area enclosed by metal railings is a close growing line of semi-mature beech originally planted to form a hedge.


Main River and Back Channel

2.5.15 The River Lea provides an ecological pathway that links with the surrounding countryside to the west and sites along the river to the east such as the Hartham Common. It provides a potentially attractive landscape feature.

2.5.16 The main channel and along much of the back channel is quite heavily shaded by

adjacent trees.

River Lea looking east on south bank Back channel by St. Andrews Car Park

2.5.17 The banks of the main channel are suffering badly from erosion. In popular areas for

duck feeding and around bench locations the erosion is quite moderate with the bank being stabilised to a certain degree by the tree root systems. However on the southern bank particularly in front of the Ashley Webb shelter the erosion is severe, producing steep banks that are now quite close to the surfaced path in places.

2.5.18 Little to no marginal, submergent or emergent wetland vegetation is present along the

main channel or back channel of the River Lea as it flows through the park. The back channel running along the north western boundary is more diverse with some in channel starwort and diverse marginal vegetation on the western bank. The amenity grassland is mown right up to the river bank in most places.

2.5.19 The channels are quite wide due to the current and past bank erosion. This combined

with the impoundment of the river by the weir and sluices at Hertford Theatre have resulted in slow and low flow throughout. This in turn has resulted in large silt deposits to accumulate on the river bed. There are occasional patches of gravel bed in the back channel on the north western boundary. The weir and sluice impoundment presents a barrier for migratory species within the river, for example, preventing fish and eel passage upstream to spawn.

Wildlife

2.5.20 The river habitats around the site support, or have been known to support, important

target mammal species as identified in the document “A 50-year vision for the wildlife and natural habitats of Hertfordshire – A Local Biodiversity Plan”, produced by Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust (HMWT) in 1998 and revised by the Biodiversity Partnership in March 2006. Otter (Lutra lutra) has been recorded in the past (2007) within the near vicinity of the park utilising the River Lea. There is potential for them using the riverine habitats in the park. Water vole (Arvicola terrestris) were recorded on site in 2000 & 2003 utilising the small back channel on the northern boundary,


which would imply that improving habitat along the park’s river corridors could be of tangible benefit.

2.5.21 Bat species have been recorded on site in the past. It is likely they will be utilising the

river corridor for foraging and commuting, and roosting in the mature trees and in the old structures on site including potentially the old Icehouse. Common pipistrelle and natterer’s have been recorded on site in the past, with soprano pipistrelle, serotine, and brown long-eared being recorded within 1km of the site.

2.5.22 Other mammals including hedgehogs, grey squirrel and muntjac deer have been

recorded from within the Gardens. 2.5.23 A number of common bird species have been recorded from the site including

mallard, mute swan, coot and moorhen. There are also records of kingfisher utilising the river corridor through the park.

2.5.24 There are a number of common butterfly and moth records for the site, other than this

there are very few insects that have been recorded. It is likely the ornamental beds and diversity of cultivated plants provide good nectar sources for a range of insects that have yet to be identified and recorded.

2.5.25 No reptiles or amphibians have been recorded from the site. 2.5.26 The old curtain walls have been noted as being particular important habitat for lichen,

moss and flowering plants, however there is little data existing to confirm this. The wildlife habitat created by the walls may result in damage to the historically significant feature. Whilst the conservation of this habitat will be achieved wherever possible, the safety and integrity of the structure may still need to be prioritised over the vegetation it supports.

2.6 ACCESS

Vehicular

2.6.1 Vehicular access is generally restricted to the tarmac route from Castle Street, on to Water Lane and into the car park in front of the brick gatehouse. Smaller vehicles could access the rest of park on the south side of the river along the tarmac pedestrian routes and through the gates on the approach off Mill Wash alongside the theatre.

2.6.2 The northern side of the river is accessed over a vehicle bridge at the western end of

the park at the end of Water Lane. The bridge is quite narrow. Grass cutting machinery drive through the play area in order to access the amenity grassland beyond. However, the bridge adjacent to the play area has been identified as a potentially weak structure and cannot be used by other vehicles. This access point has a height restriction. As neither the bridge adjacent to the shelter nor the bridge from St Andrew Street are suitable for vehicles, this currently means that the site to the north of the river is not sufficiently accessible. The council will need at some point to replace either the play area bridge or the St Andrew Street bridge with a structure that can be used by vehicles.

2.6.3 Parking for visitors to the gardens is available in a number of the town centre car

parks, the most convenient is the St. Andrews Street pay and display car park adjacent to the northern boundary with a bridge linking it to the northern section.


There are other parking locations locally including but not limited to on street parking on Castle Street and Mill Wash.

Pedestrian

2.6.4 There are a number of pedestrian entrance routes into and across Hertford Castle

Gardens that take people into the town centre. These are as follows:

From Castle Street through Moat Gardens and Postern Gate

From Castle Street on to Water Lane which leads to the brick gatehouse

From Public Footpath Hertford 084 in the northwest corner of the site

From St. Andrews Street Car Park

From The Wash between Hertford Theatre and The Six Templars

Entrance to the park is currently restricted, with the park being open 7.30am to 6.30pm, October – April and 7.30am to 9.30pm May to September. Outside of these hours all of the gates on the entrances are locked. This was instigated in conjunction with Hertfordshire Constabulary to help manage anti-social behaviour in the park. Whilst access cannot be completely restricted due to features such as the low wall to the play area, the police felt that closing the gates discouraged all but those intent on misuse of the site from entering and therefore assisted their patrolling of the area.

Rights of Way

2.6.5 A wider network of Public Rights of Way (ROW) connects with Hertford Castle

Gardens via Public Footpath Hertford 084 running along the north western boundary of the site.

2.7 RECREATION

Play area

2.7.1 In the north west corner of the park is a younger children’s play area, which is enclosed by a metal railing fence with self-closing gates and adjacent vehicle gates on the south and east sides. Equipment includes swings, slide, merry-go-round and see-saw. Some of the equipment is now quite dated. Benches, bins and clear information signage are present at the entrance to the play area.

Informal Recreation

2.7.2 The Gardens are well suited and regularly used for a range of informal leisure

pursuits. These include walking, feeding the ducks, informal kick-abouts, children’s play, dog walking, jogging, picnicking and personal trainers.

Events

2.7.3 The site is frequently used to host events and activities throughout the year which are

organised by Hertford Town Council. These include rock at the castle, craft markets, a teddy bears picnic, a carnival and an open air cinema.

2.7.4 The gatehouse is used for wedding ceremonies and receptions with some parties

utilising the Gardens for wedding photos. Rooms within the gatehouse can also be hired for private or corporate parties/events.


2.8 INFRASTRUCTURE AND FACILITIES

Buildings and Structures

2.8.1 The key historical buildings have been considered in section 2.2. This section explores other structures in the grounds.

2.8.2 The Ashley Webb Shelter is located in the south east corner next to the motte and fronting onto the river Lea. The shelter was constructed in 1938 to commemorate the Coronation of King George VI in 1937 and bears the name of a prominent local family at the time that funded its construction.

The shelter is constructed in brick with a tiled roof, partially enclosed to the rear with grass to the front. Leading from each corner is a yew hedge with wooden pergolas on brick piers overhead which originally carried climbing roses. A commemorative stone is inset above the entrance way.

The structure has suffered in more recent times from anti-social behaviour and currently serves no formal or useful function. It may have originally been constructed to offer seating and shelter to visitors affording a view of the river. The shelter is generally in a poor state of repair with loose tiles on the roof and is difficult to keep in good repair under consistent vandalism. The original benches and window frames were removed to seek to mitigate use of the structure for anti social behaviour related activities. The brick piers along with the timber framework forming the pergola have recently been removed due to safety concerns.

2.8.3 Adjacent to the Hertford Theatre are a series of sluices and a concrete stepped weir which assist with flood defence for properties and land downstream on the river Lea within the town. These are maintained by the Council.

2.8.4 Within the park are a number of memorial or feature structures, these include:

Granite Stone Trough close to entrance from The Wash

Pebble Stone by the brick gatehouse inscribed with markings relating to the ancient borough boundary in 1621

Granite Stone to the rear of the brick gatehouse

Stone inscribed with details of the first synod to the rear of the brick gatehouse

Stone by entrance from The Wash with an inscription detailing the opening of the site in 1911

Tree memorial plaques e.g. on the Oak planted by the Queen Mother


Bridges

2.8.5 There are three bridges within the main park and a bridge over the sluices and weir leading from the American garden at the Mill Wash bridge:

Timber pedestrian bridge over the main River Lea channel next to the motte (does not afford access to wheelchair users or buggies)

Timber pedestrian bridge over the back channel on the northern boundary taking people from the park to the St. Andrews Street car park (recently repaired temporarily to correct a sideward lean)

Metal vehicle bridge over the main River Lea channel at the western side of the site next to the play area (subject to a weight restriction)

Concrete and metal structures carrying pedestrians over the sluices and weir on the main River Lea channel adjacent to Hertford Theatre

The three bridges within the main park are nearing the end of their lifespan.

Toilets

2.8.6 At the entrance to the site from The Wash next to The Six Templars is a block of community toilets maintained by The Six Templars, with male, female and disabled facilities provided.

Lighting

2.8.7 There is lighting along the paths that run through the site to the south of the river, with many of the lamps being of a black metal Victorian style design generally in keeping with the formal gardens and historic surroundings.

Benches

2.8.8 There are twenty five benches placed throughout the park of varying styles and

materials. Here are examples of some of the styles present:

2.8.9 The Council has standardised its approach to benches by procuring a high quality

mixed material design consisting of a steel frame and recycled plastic boards. The steel frame includes arm rests to provide support to less able users whilst the recycled plastic boards have proved resistant to all but the most persistent vandalism. Older benches are currently replaced as required with this new standardised design to gain consistency across this and other parks and greenspaces.


Interpretation Panels, Signage and Notice Boards

2.8.10 There are four interpretation panels located across the site; next to the motte, in the Moat Gardens, close to the vehicle bridge and mounted on the toilet block at The Six Templars. These panels are now very dated and worn.

Interpretation panel example located next to vehicle bridge Interpretation panel example located next to the motte

2.8.11 The park contains a mix of signage which is used to orientate people round the site and give information. These are in a variety of styles produced by different partner organisations involved in the site.

Entrance sign with opening hours with Council logo Directional sign with Town Council logo

Litter and dog

2.8.12 There are eighteen litter bins spread throughout the park; these are currently of mixed

design type, some of which are shown below:


2.8.13 There are three dog bins located across the park to encourage dog owners to clear up after their pets. As with litter bins, a consistent design is used for replacements; through this approach there will be uniformity across not just Hertford Castle Gardens but all Council owned open spaces.

2.8.14 Dog bins are emptied twice a week in summer and once a week in winter. The

maintenance contractor will also check for dog faeces around each bin as part of the weekly litter picking operations.

2.8.15 The provision of dog waste bins and enforcement campaigns has proved largely

successful in Hertford Castle Gardens and the majority of dog owners using the site behave responsibly. The Council’s Enforcement and Inspection Officers carry out a visual patrol of the area periodically to ensure that park users are abiding by dog fouling legislation and hand out free poop scoop bags to encourage compliance. The focus is on education and the targeting of vulnerable areas such as play areas.

Public Spaces Protection Order

2.8.16 A Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) came into effect on 1st May 2016. The

powers replaced and added to previous powers for dog control and anti-social behaviour in East Herts. PSPOs were created by the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 intended to deal with any particular nuisances or problems in a defined area that are detrimental to the local community's quality of life. They can help by giving local authorities and police additional powers to tackle anti-social behaviour. The aim is to stop individuals or groups committing anti-social behaviour in public spaces by introducing restrictions on the use of an area.

If anyone fails to meet the requirements of the PSPO or to comply with a request from a police office, police community support officer (PCSO) or authorised officer, they could be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of up to £100 or prosecuted. Authorised officers include the Council’s own Enforcement and Inspection Officers, our Maintenance Contract Supervisors and local Police Community Support Officers. However, these measures are designed to deal with extremes of anti-social behaviour and authorised officers will take a proportionate and common sense approach in their application.

The PSPO addresses the following anti-social behaviour issues on all Council owned land:

Dog fouling

Dogs on a lead when directed by an authorised officer

Number of dogs walked – no more than four dogs may be walked by one person

Dog exclusion in specified areas – the following areas of East Herts Council owned land are designated from which all dogs (except Guide Dogs) must be excluded:

All fenced children’s play areas and areas which are designated and marked for

children’s play All fenced games areas e.g. tennis, ball courts and skate parks All enclosed bowling greens Marked playing pitches – when a game is in progress


Not having the means to pick up dog faeces – you must produce a means to pick up your dog's waste when asked to do so by an authorised officer. Using a mechanically propelled vehicle or device in a disorderly or anti-social manner Failure to surrender possession when asked of any new psychoactive substances (commonly known as legal highs) or drug that is not alcohol or tobacco on any land within the district - where its use in a public place is likely to result in anti-social behaviour. Prohibition of alcohol consumption – you must stop drinking and surrender possession of alcohol when asked to do so by an authorised officer. Shouting, swearing, screaming or making unnecessary noise where alcohol restrictions are in place For further details: http://www.eastherts.gov.uk/pspo

2.9 PLANNING AND POLICY FRAMEWORK 2.9.1 The Council is proud that its parks and open spaces contribute to:

its overall Vision and Priorities the quality of life of local people the physical, social and economic regeneration of the District the greening, attractiveness and biodiversity of the District

Accordingly this Greenspace Action Plan and the people that deliver it are guided by and embrace the aims, objectives and principles of the following overarching plans and strategies. Further information on all East Herts Strategies and Policies can be found on the Council’s website www.eastherts.gov.uk


East Herts District Plan

2.9.2 The District Plan3 is the name for the planning document that will shape the future of

East Herts to 2031. District Councils like East Herts are known as Local Planning Authorities and it is a legal requirement for every Local Planning Authority to produce a plan, containing its planning policies for managing development proposals through the planning application process. The District Plan is the new name for the Local Development Framework (LDF) that the Council was required to produce.

2.9.3 The plan was due to be completed and ratified in 2013. Section 1 of the plan will include a vision and policies on strategic issues, while Section 2 will comprise policies related to green infrastructure and biodiversity.

Parks and Open Spaces Strategy 2013-2018

2.9.4 The Council adopted a Parks and Open Spaces Strategy in October 2007 which was developed as part of the overarching East Herts Cultural Strategy “Culture for All”. The revised Parks and Open Spaces Strategy 2013 -20184 has been developed to set out the policy framework for the parks and open spaces owned and managed by the Council over a 5 year period.

2.9.5 The purpose of the strategy is to ensure that parks and open spaces, as a valuable

natural resource, are managed and developed in a responsible and effective way and that they provide good health and leisure outlets for our customers. The strategy focuses primarily on how the Council will manage the public open spaces it owns,

3 EHC; East Herts District Plan; www.eastherts.gov.uk/index.jsp?articleid=15325

4 EHC; Parks and Open Spaces Strategy 2013-2018; www.eastherts.gov.uk/index.jsp?articleid=10079

Hertford Castle Grounds Greenspace Action Plan

2019 - 2024

Service & Development Plans

East Herts District Plan

2013 - 2031

“Everyone matters” A Sustainable Community Strategy for East Herts

2009 - 2024

Best Value Performance

Plan

Parks & Open Spaces Strategy

2013 -2018

Economic Development

Strategy & Action Plan 2007 – 2012

Other Corporate Strategies &

Plans

Hertfordshire Local

Biodiversity Action Plan

Hertford Town Centre Urban Design Strategy Consultation Draft

Green Infrastructure Plan

Public Health Strategy 2013 -18

Thames River Basin District: River Basin Management Plan 2016


and forms the policy framework under which park Management Plans for individual sites are developed and consulted upon.

Everyone Matters 2009-2024

2.9.6 East Herts Council describes the strategic objectives and direction of its leisure,

sport, art and cultural aims in Everyone Matters – A Sustainable Community Strategy for East Herts 2009 – 2024, which replaces the previous Cultural Strategy and includes reference to young people in place of the Children and Young People’s Strategy 2007-2012. Everyone Matters describes, in more detail, objectives for parks and open spaces within this framework. It also supports the objectives of the current East Herts Public Health Strategy and the new Public Health Strategy which is being developed and likely to come into effect in 2014.

East Herts Public Health Strategy 2008-2013

2.9.7 The Public Health Strategy5 for East Herts aims to give a focus to the public health

and health promotion work that different services within the Council are involved in on a day to day basis. Of the six themed areas covered by the strategy, Hertford Castle Gardens as part of the network of greenspaces and access routes in the town, has the potential to contribute to the following:

Hertford’s Green Fingers (Hertford Civic Society, 2004)

2.9.8 The first Green Fingers report produced by the Hertford Civic Society was published in 1976, and then reviewed and updated in 2004. Hertford Castle Gardens have the potential to contribute and enhance the network of green fingers particularly through river habitat restoration; the following objectives are of particular relevance:

Hertfordshire Biodiversity Action Plan

2.9.9 The Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) ‘A 50 year vision for the wildlife and natural habitats of Hertfordshire’6 contains a number of habitat and species action plans

5 EHC; Public Health Strategy 2008-13; http://www.eastherts.gov.uk/index.jsp?articleid=9326

6 HEF; Herts Biodiversity Action Plan; 2006; www.hef.org.uk/nature/biodiversity_vision/index.htm

Physical Activity To increase participation in physical activity within East Herts Obesity To reduce the prevalence of obesity in East Herts Other Health Factors To complete work which focuses on the wider factors that contribute to public health

To enhance the protection of high-value areas of wildlife and landscape whilst encouraging more public access where appropriate

To increase public awareness of the environment To influence the decision-making of local authorities, landowners, local employers

and groups with special interests, such as the EA, Natural England, British Waterways & SUStrans

To encourage management partnerships and other co-operative ventures for the protection of wildlife and the environment within the Green Fingers


relevant to Hertford Castle Gardens. Management of the site should take particular account of the following:

Habitat Action Plans Wetlands Urban

Species Action Plans Water vole Otter

East Herts Green Infrastructure Plan (2011)

2.9.10 The Green Infrastructure (GI) Plan for East Herts provides an overview of the

existing GI assets within the District and considers opportunities for GI enhancement and creation through a series of potential projects to deliver multiple functions and benefits.

Thames River Basin District: River Basin Management Plan 2016

2.9.11 The river basin management plan provides a framework for protecting and

enhancing the benefits provided by the water environment. To achieve this, and because water and land resources are closely linked, it also informs decisions on land-use planning.

The plan has been formulated as a result of the EU Water Framework Directive

(2000) and subsequent entering into UK law in 2003. It sets out legally binding objectives for each quality element in every water body, including an objective for the water body as a whole. The objective is good status for all water bodies by 2027.

The Thames River Basin is a significant area, therefore the plan adopts a

catchment based approach to help bridge the gap between strategic management planning at river basin district level and activity at the local water body scale. The catchment based approach aims to encourage groups to work together more effectively to deal with environmental problems locally.

Catchment partnerships are groups of organisations with an interest in improving

the environment in their local area and are led by a catchment host organisation. They inform the river basin management planning process and help implement measures by:

o providing local evidence o targeting and coordinating action o identifying and accessing funding for improvements in the catchment o incorporating river basin management planning into the wider

environmental management of the catchment

The section of the River Lea running through the park lies within the River Lea catchment and is covered by the Middle Lea Catchment Partnership. For more details about the partnership follow the link

The Middle Lea Catchment Partnership - About Us. Work within this management plan would contribute to the objectives of the

catchment in particular regarding improvements to the river morphology, habitat


improvements and improvements to fish populations. For more details on the themes and objective of the catchment partnership follow the link

Middle Lea Themes and Objectives.

Hertford Town Centre Urban Design Strategy Consultation Draft 2016

2.9.12 Tibbalds, a leading planning and urban design consultancy, were appointed in 2015 by the Council, working together with the County and Town Council, to develop the Hertford Town Centre Urban Design Strategy. Key elements of the study brief were to consider the future of major sites, the design and management of the street scene and transport issues for the town centre.

To inform the developing Strategy, Tibbalds' expertise was supplemented by

property, retail, transport, and landscape architectural specialists over the course of the project. Following two rounds of public consultation, a finalised Hertford Town Centre Urban Design Strategy (Town Council UDS) has been produced. The strategy was approved by the Council in February 2016 to inform and support the East Herts District Plan and to inform Development Management decisions. A full copy of the strategy is available at the following link:

Hertford Town Centre Urban Design Strategy 2016 2.9.13 The Castle Gardens feature heavily within the strategy with a keen desire to link the

Gardens to the rest of the town centre and make the most of what it has to offer for residents and visitors alike. There are a number of key points from the strategy Vision Statement that are of particular relevance to this plan: The River Lea will become an integral part of the town centre and residents and

visitors will be able to enjoy this high quality environment. Hertford town centre will make the most of its historic and natural environment

(River Lea) to promote itself to visitors. High quality developments and architecture will complement the existing environment.

The relevant core objectives from the strategy are as follow:

Transform the river bank into an attractive destination and create and improve links to connect it into the wider town centre.

Promote Hertford town centre as a tourist destination by improving, publicising and extending the offer of cultural attractions.

Create a high quality accessible network of routes and spaces that encourages people to move around the town centre and invites people to stay.

Improve the quality of pedestrian and cycle routes into and within the town centre, including high quality paving, planting and street furniture where appropriate.

Make it easier for people to find their way around town and make full use of all facilities.

2.9.14 This Greenspace Action Plan has a number of opportunities to contribute to the

delivery of the strategy in particular those identified on the Castle Quarter Improvement Strategy, shown below:


2.10 MANAGEMENT AND GOVERNANCE 2.10.1 The Council provides a capital and revenue budget to develop and maintain all of its

parks and open spaces. In 2016/17 this contract budget was £1.2 million, which also funded tree risk assessments and the resultant works. The budget supports approximately 120 open spaces, including the 5 major parks, including Hertford Castle Gardens, and around 40 significant open spaces. It also provides for the inspection and maintenance of the Council’s trees, 55 equipped play areas and 31 football pitches.

2.10.2 East Herts Council has worked with support from the Countryside Management

Service (CMS) to produce this Management Plan for the site and to carry out work on a range of our open spaces. CMS provide advice on land management and arrange practical work through managing groups of volunteers on our behalf. The Council pays CMS an annual contribution towards their costs as part of a larger District wide arrangement.

2.10.3 The Council managed the grounds maintenance for the whole of the site until

recently. In 2011 the Town Council expressed interest in taking over the Gardens maintenance contract for the gardens on the south side of the river. An agreement was reached with the transfer of grounds maintenance contract functions covering this area under a service level agreement. This includes grass cutting, shrub pruning and replacement, hedge trimming, weed spraying, annual bedding, herbaceous borders, litter picking, leaf clearance, gritting paths, litter and dog bin emptying and


cleaning, and cleaning graffiti from park furniture. The Council contributes toward the cost of this maintenance.

The Council retain responsibility for maintenance of all trees, hard surfaces and

structures on land it owns. It also continues to carry out health and safety inspections for trees across the whole site under a separate tree inspection contract. Maintenance and inspection of the play site, grass cutting and litter picking on the land to the north of the river (adjacent to St Andrews Street Car Park) is retained by The Council, which has the specialist skills in place to inspect and maintain play equipment.

The Council will continue to empty litter bins but recharge this to the Town Council. Opening and closing of gates for the whole site is retained by the Council and jointly funded by the two authorities as a separate arrangement. Grounds Maintenance Contractor for Town Council Managed Section

2.10.4 The grounds maintenance work within the Hertford Town Council managed section

covering the area south of the river is currently carried out by Ricky Tyler Landscapes. As part of a service level agreement, the Gardens maintenance work is to be carried out to the same standard as that carried out on other Council sites. Grounds Maintenance Contractor for the Council Managed Section

2.10.5 In 2007, the Council re-tendered its Grounds Maintenance contract, which involved

an extensive consultation process and the rewrite of the contract specification. The contract was awarded on 15th November 2007 to John O’Conner Grounds Maintenance Limited, who started work on 1st April 2008. This large family owned company, who have been in operation since 1969, has an impressive history of working with local authorities to implement action plans and to develop good relationships with customers. The Contract is due to end in December 2019 and the Council is in the process of retendering the contract. The successful contractor will be key to supporting the implementation of this management plan.

The grounds maintenance contract includes the care of grass, emptying of litter and dog bins, sweeping of footpaths, shrub pruning, removal of graffiti and playground inspection. An appendix describing the new contract specification will be created once the work has been awarded in 2020. Gardens, Buildings and Equipment

2.10.6 The maintenance of the park is carried out to a high standard by both grounds

maintenance contractors and where necessary by specialist contractors to perform for instance arboricultural or conservation operations. A good proactive relationship has been developed with the contractor(s) to identify and resolve any issues quickly and effectively. Whenever problems are discovered they are discussed openly and resolved by utilising the appropriate resources.

2.10.7 The Council contract is supervised by the Leisure and Parks Development Officer

and Enforcement and Inspection Officers. Weekly and monthly meetings are held to ensure the effectiveness of the contractor and the whole process is audited by way of


monthly random inspections. There is one inspector for this area of Hertford who makes regular routine weekly checks to Hertford Castle Gardens to ensure graffiti and vandalism is not an issue and that the contractor is operating to the current specification.

2.10.8 The Council is fully committed to ensuring that any damage on site to infrastructure or

to plants and trees is dealt with swiftly to ensure that vandalism on the site is not encouraged.

Horticultural and Arboricultural Standards

2.10.9 The Grounds Maintenance Contractors provides a resource that covers the full range

of Horticultural and Grounds Maintenance skills required to carry out the contract and additional works. We also engage other specialist contractors to implement the ongoing improvements to the site.

Environmental Standards

2.10.10 The Council operates under an ‘Environmental Policy Statement’, which outlines

our commitment to sustainability, including a specific section on ‘Natural habitats and biodiversity’. This statement is supported by the Grounds Maintenance Contract which contains an Environmental Protection Schedule. The following are key components of relevance to Hertford Castle Gardens.

Pesticide use The Council recognises that chemical control is sometimes

necessary but has taken a conscious decision, in addition to its corporate aspirations to protect the environment, to limit the use of pesticide in the park only to problems that could not otherwise be dealt with adequately. Under the current grounds maintenance contracts, shrub beds are managed by hand wedding and the area around trees strimmed rather than applying herbicide.

Peat use The Council no longer support the use plants grown in peat,

instead utilising locally sourced alternatives, or using bare root shrubs and trees. The grounds maintenance contractor uses a plant supplier that is a certified peat-free grower.

Recycling All horticultural waste on the site is processed in a sustainable

way. Tree and shrub pruning arisings are chipped back onto site where possible and where this is inappropriate they are taken by our contractor, to a local waste recycling plant. Other materials removed from the site such as mulch mats and tree guards are also recycled where possible.

Litter and Waste Management

2.10.11 The Grounds Maintenance Contractor performs all litter requirements to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards. This is a high level standard and is reviewed regularly through monitoring inspections. This standard commits to performing a litter pick whenever the volume of litter is found to be unacceptable. In practice this results in at least one litter pick every day. The Council Cleansing Contractor is able to provide a service to carry out any clearance of rivers where necessary.


Customer Enquiry Data Base

2.10.12 The Council’s back office system (Mayrise) provides a live link to the Council’s

contractors for all environmental issues including cleanliness, environmental crime and safety. Mayrise is driven by a ‘Works Orders’ structure where customer enquiries, complaints or environmental issues are logged to the system as a ‘job’ for handling appropriately. The ‘job’ is then either issued to the contractor to deal with, or to the Area Environmental Inspectors to investigate issues of cleanliness, crime and safety immediately, or within system generated response times.

2.10.13 Contract performance issues are recorded, verified and validated through a series

of tracking and management functions and the system ensures that jobs are assigned and completed effectively. The live link on the system for contractors allows for effective recording, tracking and dealing with complaints.

2.10.14 The system has a built in reporting tool and is integrated with a sophisticated

external reporting tool for more complex auditing and management to ensure relevant and appropriate assessment of statistics. This allows for continual development of the system and improvement of service delivery.

2.10.15 The system houses a map and print facility for viewing detail of areas across the

district. This is linked directly to the Gardens Maintenance Contract to measure quantities. Features such as street furniture and shrub beds are plotted on the maps to ensure that call centre staff can deploy inspections accurately and quickly in response to customer enquiries.

2.11 SAFETY AND SECURITY

Safety of Equipment and Facilities

2.11.1 A thorough and comprehensive system of safety and contract monitoring inspections is in place for the park. On a quarterly basis all our main open spaces are thoroughly inspected by the Inspection team. Hazards and defects are recorded and any work required is actioned straight away. The Council has a robust system of monitoring the Grounds Maintenance Contract comprising of 50 inspections of various operations each week across the district including random inspections, previous problem areas, and work completed the previous week. The contractor provides details of scheduled operations carried out on a weekly basis and reports any damaged or missing litter or dog bins.

2.11.2 The play area is inspected 5 times a week including Saturday, and any defects are

noted and actioned. Monthly inspections of play areas are also carried out by the Inspection team. The inspection of play areas is managed on an electronic system to ensure consistency and to effectively track actionable repairs.

2.11.3 In 2009, the Council, following an initial trial in 2005, commenced a Tree Risk

Management Programme to inspect all Council owned trees across the district. The principles of the inspection are to systematically plot all trees and woodlands onto its Geographical Information System (GIS) and to identify both the current and the potential risk of each tree or group of trees. As Hertford Castle Gardens is a major open space, the park has been identified as a higher priority for inspection than some of our other open spaces.


2.11.4 The programme ensures that each tree is inspected by an independent arboricultural consultant to identify the type of tree and its current condition. The consultant will make any necessary recommendations for work that may be required to keep each tree safe. Trees are categorised into zones which prioritises inspection to those trees that present the greatest risk to the public and ensures that resources are not wasted by inspecting more frequently than is necessary.

Security to Visitors

2.11.5 The Council works in close partnership with the local police in tackling antisocial

behaviour in its parks and open spaces. Our Community Safety Team liaises with the local Police Constables (PCs) and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) about any emerging issues in an area (e.g. vandalism, vehicle nuisance, graffiti) and looks at ways to tackle these issues. Problems or concerns about an area, when reported to the Council by residents, are passed to the local PC and PCSOs for them to be able to pay attention to whilst out on patrol. Similarly the local officers make us aware when we may be able to assist in tackling a problem, for example by cutting back hedges.

2.11.6 CCTV is not currently used within this or any of the Council’s park and green spaces.

The regulations relating to private individuals and companies is different to public bodies but is guided by the same laws. Cameras in schools will be used with the express permission of parents. Cameras affixed to private buildings should not infringe on the public’s privacy outside the property. Cameras in the town centres are covert and installed where the public’s expectation of privacy is relatively low. In a public park however the expectation of being filmed is much lower. There is considerable and understandable concern relating to civil rights that public bodies do not impose on people’s privacy for relatively minor issues. At the Council we have strict policies created to meet the stringent legal requirements relating to public surveillance. We would only use CCTV on our open spaces in the pursuit of serious crime and where its use is proportionate to the crime. That specifically means offences punishable by prison sentences of 6 months or more and does not include anti-social behaviour. There must be recent and clear reason to believe that a crime has been or is going to be committed. Whilst we understand that there may be a small minority of young people creating a nuisance on our open spaces at times, the vast majority of children who enjoy our facilities do so responsibly and safely. We believe that most residents agree it is not acceptable to photograph or film children covertly in public open spaces where they should be able to expect their privacy. The Council however does use CCTV to protect some of its buildings where cameras are trained on approach areas or entrances. This may be appropriate for the Gatehouse but there are also other considerations in relation to affixing support brackets to a listed building.

Environmental Crime

2.11.7 East Herts Council is committed to improving standards of neighbourhood

management, raising awareness of and tackling environmental crime and anti social behaviour. In 2006, the Council adopted powers from the new Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 (CNEA) to take enforcement action for non-compliance with Orders passed as part of the Environmental Crime and Enforcement Policy. The following list details the specific areas targeted by the Council under the Act:

Litter Graffiti


Dog Control Distribution of Free Literature Abandoned Vehicles Nuisance Vehicles Fly Tipping Abandoned Shopping Trolleys

2.11.8 Under the powers of the CNEA, the Council via its Authorised Officers, including the

Enforcement and Inspection Officers, Police Community Support Officers and the Grounds Contractor Supervisors, is permitted to issue Fixed Penalty Notice (FPNs) fines to those individuals or organisations breaching these Orders and committing environmental crime. Representatives from other government agencies such as housing associations and the police will work alongside the Council to target problem areas and tackle environmental crime. The Council hosts a number of events every year across the district to raise awareness about the effects of environmental crime and to deter those already offending.

2.12 MONITORING AND AUDITING

Patterns of Usage

2.12.1 The parks and open spaces managed by East Herts Council feature prominently in

the Residents Survey / MORI poll that has been commissioned biannually since 1993. The 2007 report identified the most frequently used culture and leisure facilities in East Herts to be the riverside and country paths; they are not only used by the most people, but also most frequently. The Residents Survey in 2015 found that 38% of those questioned consistently thought parks and open spaces to be the most important factor in making somewhere a good place to live. The highest factor was the level of crime at 65% followed by health services at 63% and clean streets at 44%. Over three quarters of residents (77%) were satisfied with parks and open spaces compared with 76% in 2013.

Monitoring Usage

2.12.2 The Council has installed electronic counting devices at entrances to some of its

parks. These provide an insight into how frequently a park is visited. These devices could be installed around the gardens to gauge visitor numbers prior to any improvements and then again at the end of the improvement period.

2.12.3 The Planning Policy Guidance 17 audit, undertaken as part of the Local Plan 2nd

Review in July 2005, investigated use of the District’s open spaces. Usage data about The Castle Gardens are well used and good quality. The site is a central focus for the town that is valued in terms of usage and plays an important recreation function. It is one of the few formal parks and gardens in East Herts. Specific data about the number of visitors each year to the park was not undertaken as part of the PPG17 survey.


3 ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION

3.1 INTRODUCTION

3.1.1 This section of the Plan constitutes an analysis of the current situation of Hertford Castle Gardens. It takes the factual information set out in the Site Description a stage further by exploring the condition and quality of park elements and features, identifying the key issues and aspirations of visitors and stakeholders, and highlighting opportunities for improvement. It is from this evaluation that the management actions for the next 5 years have been determined.

3.1.2 The information supporting this process has come from a number of sources

including, previous reports and recommendation documents, recent informal discussions and site visits by CMS with council officers and stakeholders e.g. Environments Agency and Historic England.

3.1.3 This first draft of the Plan has been published following initial consultation with our

close partners, the Town Council. A process of scrutiny through public engagement will now take place inviting local residents and stakeholders to provide their feedback. A final version will then be adopted taking this information into consideration to manage the resultant improvements.

3.1.4 The following sections highlight the primary recognised issues within the park, and

the identified potential areas for improvement. All the issues outlined below have been carefully considered in the preparation of the aims and objectives, detailed in section 4, and in the annual Action Plans in section 5.

3.2 SAFE AND WELL MAINTAINED

Site entrances

3.2.1 The site has a number of pedestrian entrances to it allowing visitors to enter the site from all directions. The entrances are adequate, but are not of a standard befitting a site of this significance. Due to the nature of the site i.e. mainly lying behind walls, this does not help to draw the visitor in, make them feel safe or welcome. This is coupled with the issue that there is no physical sign or indication that one is entering a public open space, what it is called, or who owns and manages it. Where there are signs these are not consistent in style or content, do not give little clear information to the visitor or a particularly welcoming message.

3.2.2 The entrances are also set back from the main highways. The lack of clear directional

signage from the adjacent access routes does not draw the visitor in and makes the site slightly hidden from visitors unless you know it is there or are willing to explore. For example, the entrance off Mill Wash where the grand gated entrance flanked with conical towers through the curtain wall into the site is hidden behind the approach to the rear of Hertford Theatre.

3.2.3 Some of the entrances have a cluttered feel with multiple signs and site furniture with no consistency. The entrance from St. Andrews Street Car Park is an example of this.


3.2.4 High quality entrances set a standard, and give all visitors a positive sense of what

lies beyond. Adopting and installing a consistent style of entrance signs will indicate a “cared for” park to which visitors are welcome. The adopted style will form part of a palette used by the management partnership to ensure it fits with other site furniture e.g. interpretation panels, gates and bins that is in keeping with the historical nature of the site.

3.2.5 The size and complexity of entrance signage should be appropriate to the footfall. 3.2.6 The postern gate’s metal gates have been locked since restoration work was carried

out a few years ago. It was considered that this could now be added to the schedule for locking and unlocking during opening hours to give visitors the added experience of entering the castle as previous visitors have done for centuries. However, the temporary gate has now become an established route which to some extent leaves the historical entrance less impacted by constant use. This will be monitored further before making any final decision to re-establish the route.

3.2.7 The majority of the surfaced paths through the area of the park on the south side of the river are lit apart from the short section from Castle Street through Moat Gardens to the Postern Gate. This provides visitors with a safe feel to the park. Further targeted lighting on site could enhance the welcoming feel of the park and of the key historic features e.g. a section of the curtain wall, postern gate or gateway from Mill Wash. Within the tower adjacent to the Postern Gate is a lighting column which it may be possible to use for this purpose. Disruption to bats that may currently use the site and disturbance to local residents would have to be considered within any additional lighting regimes.

Sightlines and screened areas

3.2.8 It is important that visitors feel safe to walk around all areas of the park without any

feeling of threat or danger. This sense of security is helped by ensuring that there is good visibility throughout the park, with sightlines maintained.

3.2.9 The park particularly to the south of river is generally quite enclosed due to the

historic walls and growth of trees and shrub. So visibility can be an issue in certain area. It is a relatively well used site which heightens the sense of security and contributes to an alleviation of the threat of antisocial behaviour. However certain areas of the park would benefit from targeted tree/shrub thinning or management to open up sightlines and reduce screened areas. The yew hedges between the motte and the Gatehouse, for example, should be kept to a minimum height of 150cm.


Anti-Social Behaviour

3.2.10 Hertford Castle Gardens has experienced a certain degree of anti-social behaviour, including drinking, graffiti, littering and vandalism. This prompted the entrances being locked overnight, which helped to reduce the level of anti-social behaviour to some extent. This site is the only park in the District that is locked overnight. This policy has not been reviewed since its instigation. Locking and unlocking is quite an expensive operation and reduces the available hours for visitors to enjoy the site e.g. on longer summer evenings. Consideration is required regarding the security of the building and whether allowing or denying access might compromise this. It is understood that, the listed status of the gatehouse might restrict the installation of cctv to offer security to its immediate surrounds in the event of any potential break-in.

3.2.11 One of the best deterrents to anti-social behaviour is people. As the Hertford’s Green

Fingers document states, ‘visitors to open spaces serve as unpaid guardians of the countryside’ – people are less likely to drop litter, graffiti or generally misbehave if they are in full view of others. Therefore, a productive way to try and combat anti-social behaviour is to take positive rather than negative steps; instead of looking at ways to keep troublemakers out, to focus attention on improving accessibility and encouraging more people in. Improvements carried out through this management plan should help support this approach.

3.2.12 The park creates an enclosed and potentially isolated space at night. Further

exploration of how this is perceived by visitors and of data from the police would help to quantify anti-social behaviour instances to inform the current locking policy and explore the potential for different approaches.

3.3 ACCESS

Paths

3.3.1 Much of the existing network of surfaced paths through the site are in good repair and generally have a consistent style of tarmac with granite sets forming the edging. The section of path in front of the Ashley Webb shelter along the river bank to the bridge by the motte and the section of path between the bridge and the bridge to the St. Andrews Street Car Park do not however follow this style and are instead formed of “crazy” paving with concrete edging. These should be replaced with tarmac with edging of granite sets to keep the style consistent. Replacing the river bank path would also give the opportunity to relocate this further away from the river bank in tandem with the river bank restoration to tackle the erosion issue, which is outlined later.

3.3.2 The north side of the river has no defined access route from east to west. Definition of

this route would facilitate access and navigation through the site to wider links, including the town centre, utilising the river. Currently the whole of the grassland on the north side of the river is mown amenity grassland. It is proposed that some marginal areas are left longer, being cut in spring and late summer. This would be beneficial to wildlife and discourage access to areas immediately adjacent to neighbouring houses. Consideration was given to treating the whole space as a meadow with paths cut across desire lines. This however would be detrimental to the use of the space for events and ball games.


3.3.3 Linking into the above consideration, an additional access point should be created from footpath 84 into the site to the north side of the play area, the access route mentioned in 3.3.2 should have a connection to this entrance. This will be facilitated by further works in this north western corner of the site in relation to river restoration on the back channel.

Connections and Navigation

3.3.4 From outside and once within the park there are no clear indications of where paths lead and the wider connections that can be made through the site. One of the key places the park should connect people to is the town centre. Waymarking posts should be placed across the site to direct people to points of interest within the site and also indicate destinations off site and the distance. Similar posts should be placed at points of access off adjacent highways and access routes, to indicate to visitors the presence of the site and how to access it.

The design and style of these should be consistent across the site and old furniture not consistent with this should be removed. Thought should be given within the design to the visual impact on site and also keying into the scheme that is outlined to be delivered across the rest of the town centre by the Hertford Town Centre Urban Design Strategy.

3.3.5 Ensuring that all areas of the park are pulled together under one clear banner with a

consistent design palette will help to encourage visitors to explore and make use of different parts of the site, and will help raise the park’s profile.

3.3.6 The route through St. Andrews Street car park to Mill Wash bridge is not clear and

many visitors, particularly those new to the site may not be aware that it provides on easy quick connection to the town centre. St Andrew Street is an important part of the town which in itself should be signposted as an area for visitors to explore. Utilising a combination of painted ground markings and signage, the route through the car park should be marked clearly with a destination in both directions. Partnership working with the Council’s Parking Services team would be required to achieve this.

3.3.7 The Hertford Town Urban Design Strategy makes the River Lea a focal point for the

town, highlighting it as a destination and connecting it to the town centre. This plan aspires to build a new pedestrian link following the river directly into the town centre from the park, rather than the current convoluted route through the St. Andrews Street car park. This would be via a cantilevered walkway over the River Lea running from the motte alongside Hertford Theatre to Mill Wash bridge. This aspiration would sit well with aspirations by the Hertford Theatre to develop riverside seating for the café located in the building. This is not currently being considered in this plan period, but if the opportunity arise in the future e.g. funding becomes available should be explored. A cantilevered walkway around the base of the motte would also make the monument safer for public access, perhaps negating the need for the robust fencing which currently surrounds it.

3.3.8 The development of Hertford Theatre is currently being considered by the Council. It has been recognised that there may be synergies with the historical significance of the park and in particular the motte which sits directly behind the theatre. There is potential to introduce theatre visitors to a story that brings this history alive and draws customers into the park and vice versa.


Bridges

3.3.9 The two pedestrian bridges in the park are not Equality Act compliant with steps up to one or both ends of the structure from the path. They have been in place for a number of years and undergone repairs in that time most recently the one to St. Andrews Street car park. The bridge by the motte has some erosion issues beginning to appear around the pier on the south bank.

The bridge at the western end of the park provides the only vehicle access to the north side of the river along with being available for pedestrians. But due to its age it is not able to carry vehicles, only pedestrian traffic. The exception to this is allowing occasional crossing by the ride on mowing equipment.

All three of the bridges are currently serviceable but nearing the end of their lifespan. There is an aspiration to replace them all or replace only some whilst reassessing access arrangements; this could involve a combination of options:

1. Replacement of the bridge from St. Andrews Street car park with a vehicle access bridge which is Equality Act to allow full range of access for visitors as well as providing a replacement vehicle access route. This option has been explored previously. It involves, the loss of one parking space within the car park and creating a design that is acceptable from a flooding/channel water capacity perspective. Solutions would need to be explored with the Environment Agency and Parking Services before this work could proceed.

2. Retain vehicle bridge by play area for pedestrians only, remove once at the end of its life span

3. Replace bridge by motte 4. Remove bridge by motte and replace with new feature pedestrian bridge

upstream closer to brick gatehouse. Replacement of the bridges is not currently being considered in this plan period, but must be considered for the future. A new bridge between the north and south side of the river could provide a stunning addition to the park’s landscape.

3.4 NATURE CONSERVATION 3.4.1 The northern section of park, in particular the river, provides the best opportunities for

nature conservation action, as the habitats here are less formal and opportunities exist for habitat improvement and restoration. This would also provide an attractive natural environment for site visitors.

3.4.2 The formal park areas can still contribute to nature conservation but in a broader way.

Many of these ways are outlined in the Environmental Standards section (2.10.10) and within the ground maintenance contract. This includes for example continued restriction on pesticide and peat use, using native planting where appropriate and recycling. The ornamental beds can contribute greatly to providing nectar sources for a range of native pollinators throughout the season.

Grass management

3.4.3 All the grass areas of the park are maintained as close mown grass. Although this

serves its amenity and recreational function well, it does mean that the grassland has very low wildlife value. The high maintenance demand of amenity grass also has some cost implications.


3.4.4 Altering the mowing regime around the perimeter of the less formal part of the park to the north of the river to encourage longer swathes of grass could enhance wildlife value, it would also provide visible structural diversity with longer grassy margins blending with the river bank. The grassland could be bolstered with wildflower seed to try to encourage an increase in species diversity and add colour.

River habitats

3.4.5 There are opportunities in the park to contribute to improving river habitats. The

section of the River Lea is badly degraded. Restoration of the river habitats would not only benefit local wildlife, it would enhance the landscape providing an attractive focal point and feature for visitors. It would also benefit wildlife in the wider Lea catchment by contributing to actions in the Catchment Management Plan.

The main river would benefit from narrowing of the channel to encourage greater flow helping to minimise future silt deposition. This narrowing would restore currently eroded banks, help to prevent future erosion and give marginal vegetation a suitable substrate to establish in. Similar treatments would be used to restore and enhance the back channel. Marginal vegetation would have to be protected initially to prevent grazing by wildfowl. Once developed, the restored habitats would benefit a range of riverine species including target species such as water vole which were previously recorded.

3.4.6 In some locations along the main river and back channel, it will be desirable to reduce

vegetation cover in order to open up views and to let in more light to help encourage marginal vegetation. This should take into account the retention of low, overhanging branches for kingfishers (perching spots for feeding), for fish refuge and the need for bat surveys if affecting larger trees.

3.4.7 Relaxing mowing regimes and guiding visitors to key points along the northern side

will benefit the river bank, with retained longer vegetation reducing the impacts of erosion and providing a corridor for wildlife. However it is not felt that this will have any impact on the level of rats on the river.

3.4.8 Some work has already taken place in the river channels themselves. The

Environment Agency carried out a project in 2008 to create a two-step weir system downstream close to Dicker Mill in the interest of encouraging the transition of fish on the River Lea. Installing a fish/eel pass on the weir by Hertford Theatre would benefit the wider river catchment by enabling passage upstream through to the Middle Lea to the west of Hertford from the town centre. There are still a number of impasses to the east but carrying out work here would complete part of the jigsaw in solving fish impasse on the River Lea. Hertford Weirs Feasibility Study – 6 weirs (including Hertford Castle weir) on the Rivers Lea and Beane close to Hertford are currently being assessed for option to include fish/eel passes. These rivers are (in part) chalk streams and have potential to support a wide range of wildlife. The aim is to look at the weirs to see if modifications can be made that will improve fish/eel passage and enhance the overall river habitat through Hertford thereby contributing to the Water Framework Directive. Initial feasibility plans have been prepared and presented to the public at a stakeholder event held at Hertford Theatre in early November 2018. Feedback from the event will be assessed and used to inform the final proposals early in New Year 2019. The weirs being considered within the study are: Cedar Close; Beane Overfall ; Horns Mill; Hertford Castle; Thornton Street; and the allotment Gardens Weir.


Hertford Micro Hydro - In the case of Hertford Castle Weir, the idea is to collocate the fish /eel pass alongside a proposed micro hydro scheme in the old sluice gate channel. Plans for the hydro are being prepared by East Herts in close conjunction with the Environment Agency Fish Weirs project. Power generated by the hydro would be used at Hertford Theatre. Both schemes are still in the planning and feasibility/approval stage and no definite timeframes are available for implementation on site.

3.4.9 As with many parks they are popular as a place to come and feed the ducks, many

people feed them with bread. This has been shown to be a poor diet for ducks, which can cause malnutrition, disease, loss of natural feeding behaviour and attracting pests. The act of feeding in regular places also concentrates discarded food and faeces in one place, increase nutrient load and causing pollution which is detrimental to the riverine habitat. On other the Council parks, for example, Southern Country Park, feeding is restricted to certain spots and information is given to visitors on what to feed the ducks, where and why. See below sign at Southern Country Park: As part of the river bank restoration, an area should be created out of the water from where visitors will be encouraged to feed appropriate food. Bags of appropriate feed could be purchased from the Town Council offices.

3.5 LANDSCAPE, HERITAGE AND LEARNING 3.5.1 The site has a wealth of history and heritage features, some are not in favourable

condition. There is an opportunity to make the most of the park’s heritage to enhance the visitor experience, promote the site, make it a destination and connect it to the town centre. Heritage Features

3.5.2 The motte is not particularly prominent within the park landscape hidden behind

railings, the Ashley Webb shelter, scattered tree & scrub cover and long rank grassy vegetation. Such a significant feature should be visible within the park landscape and capture the attention of visitors to explore and learn more about it. Works to reveal its shape and open up views to it will also help to ensure this Scheduled Ancient Monument is kept in favourable condition. This will be explored during the life of the plan. The grass on the motte should be cut 3-4 times a year at the start, end and through the growing season. This can be achieved safely with remotely operated cutting machinery.


3.5.3 The curtain wall leading from the motte along the east and southern boundaries has a

number of issues affecting its condition, leading to unfavourable status in light of the SAM and Grade II listings. The level of concern from Historic England about the condition is that it may be put on the “Heritage at Risk Register”. Woody vegetation, including tree saplings and ivy, is growing in a number of places on the face of the walls and suspected in places on cap. In addition to causing initial damage to the mortar, capping, brick and stone work, it allows further weathering action e.g. freeze/thaw and water ingress to the interior of the wall, which damages the wall even further. A sycamore tree growing on the corner of the wall by the motte is suspected to be affecting the structural integrity of the wall at this point.

Restoration work has been carried out on the wall and the Postern gate in previous

years. A full assessment of the vegetation growth across the length of the wall should now be made and a prioritised schedule of vegetation removal draw together with a future maintenance regime put in place. If at all possible, some vegetation will be left to sustain this relatively rare growing habitat. This will secure the long term future of the structure avoiding the potential for unbudgeted emergencies.

3.5.4 The delivery of all actions on site should be done in a sensitive and appropriate

manner to ensure the ongoing conservation of the archaeology and heritage features. Consent will be required from Historic England for works within the SAM boundary and those to listed building/structures. It may be appropriate for some works to have an archaeological watching brief. On-site interpretation

3.5.5 Interpretation that is consistent with the adopted design palette would greatly

enhance the visitor experience. It should highlight the history of the site, bring it to life and provide visitors with added reasons for prolonging their visit. There should be opportunities to interact with the historic environment.

3.5.6 It is important that visitors understand the value of key attributes and why they are

being managed in a certain way. Understanding is imperative to gaining support for operations and to encourage community involvement. Careful positioning will ensure accessibility whilst minimising visual impact. Signs should be prominent but blend with the impressive character of the park, complementing its long history.

Off-site information and resources

3.5.7 The manner in which parks and open spaces are interpreted is rapidly changing with

new developments in technology. While traditional forms of information sharing such as notice boards and interpretation panels are still of great value, the use of smart phones and the internet allows people to access a far broader spectrum of resources. This may have useful applications within Hertford Castle Gardens, through being able to regularly update a webpage with news stories and upcoming events in the park, or allowing visitors to connect to more information about the park’s history.

3.5.8 The Council has developed a “parks app” with a number of neighbouring authorities.

This is partly funded through County Council health initiatives to encourage more active use of our parks: https://www.parksherts.co.uk/. Hertford Castle Gardens can be added as a site to visit after the maps and interpretation information has been created.


Trees 3.5.9 The high level of tree and shrub cover in the park currently creates an environment

which is shaded making it difficult to grow flowering plants in the ornamental beds. It gives an enclosed feel in which vistas and viewpoints are screened. Trees are important features within the landscape of the garden as well as adding structure. A range of works to crown lift selected trees, thin tree groups and prune shrubs would improve the gardens greatly. These works should follow a structured plan of restoration and enhancement with a view to providing replacement feature trees in the future once current mature specimens have come to the end of their lifespan.

3.5.10 The park’s trees are protected as part of the Hertford Conservation Area.

3.5.11 Trees within the grassland areas, particularly those on the river bank would benefit from root protection, having long grass maintained throughout the growing season would reduce trampling effects under the tree as well as, damage from equipment. It would also help to maintain soil and moisture round the base of the trees. This would add structural diversity to the grassland and add some visual variation. Long grass would be cut twice a year and timed to encourage natural seed dispersal.

Ornamental Beds and Garden – The Regency Period

3.5.12 The formal areas of the Gardens to the south of the river have a mix of garden styles.

These are somewhat disparate and with care have the potential to be formed into an even more attractive garden space. The Town Council, with funding from a national grant scheme have already been able to make considerable improvements, setting the scene for further replanting initiatives in the park. It was agreed that improvements to the ornamental beds and landscape garden should focus on one time period to ensure a holistic coherent approach that will provide colour and interest throughout the seasons, whilst balancing other demands of a modern park.

3.5.13 Kate Harwood, a qualified and experienced Garden Historian provided advice on

what would be the most appropriate style/time period to choose for the garden. The rationale for choosing Regency period is that the architecture of the castle as it now is has been overlaid with the Gothic flavour so popular in the later 18th century and exemplified by Horace Walpole at Strawberry Hill. An illustration which shows Regency period dress and a recognisable Regency shrubbery in these very gardens strongly supports this basis for these and further improvements.


The Regency period is generally expanded from 1780 to 1830 allowing a wide range of plants to choose from. The Gardens currently have the basics of the regency shrubbery with holly and yew. Together with laurel these formed the backbone to the shrubberies of that era. What has been lost is the floriferous part, lilacs, climbing roses, bulbs and small perennials such as primroses which were so popular then and will still impress today’s visitors. Many of the Regency gardens feature lawns, showing off the beds in there full glory.

A medieval style would not be appropriate as the plants were pretty basic and visually pleasing. A Tudor or Stuart garden would be too complex with low hedging, coloured gravels, little flowers, intricate shapes cut in the turf. This is expensive to maintain and also not robust enough for modern park usage. Similarly with Victorian gardens they require large numbers of bedding plants twice a year and considerable resources to maintain them to an acceptable standard. Regency period shrubs will need pruning during the appropriate season, once a year and will provide the appropriate dressing for a historical building.

The rose garden to the front of the gatehouse is of no particular period. Kate’s suggestion is that it be under planted with lavender, small spring bulbs and pansies. This would be fitting with a late Victorian/early Arts & Crafts garden such as advocated by the famous Wild Gardener, William Robinson a period closely linked with the Regency. Robinson's only garden apart from his own in Sussex, is at North Mymms so it could also be a marker of the place in garden history that Hertfordshire holds.

3.5.14 To start these improvements, Mudlarks, under the direction of the Town Council have

carried out some planting works to the beds on the entrance pathways to the grounds intended to make a more dramatic and attractive impact for visitors as they enter the grounds. They are a Hertford based charity, supporting adults with learning disabilities and mental health issues.

3.5.15 The work by Mudlarks and the advice received by the garden historian form a starting

point for improvements to the rest of the garden. The work will be overseen by a professional garden design consultant. Future improvements will include reducing tree/shrub cover, shaping of existing shrubs, dealing appropriately with the sunken garden, the rockery and the rose garden.

3.5.16 The American Garden by the Samuel Stone sculpture is to remain an American

themed garden in line with the links to Samuel Stone memorial. The beds within this area are also in need of improvement. Plants, trees and shrubs introduced to Britain from America during the Regency period could be incorporated in improvements here to maintain the American theme whilst also fitting with the Regency garden period.

3.5.17 The area where the glasshouses once stood adjacent, to the rose garden, has need

of restoration. It is overgrown with a tall mature Leylandii hedge on one side. It is somewhat disconnected currently from the rest of the Gardens. This area should be considered as part of the design work during this plan and improved appropriately in the relevant style.

Views and vistas

3.5.18 There is potential in certain areas of the site to improve the visitor experience by

identifying and creating viewpoints and vistas to certain features, for example the motte, the river, curtain wall, gateways and glimpses of the brick gatehouse.


Establishment of these internal views within the site would improve the landscape characteristics of the park and assist with providing a safe & welcoming park as discussed (3.2.8 & 9). Such initiatives would be designed not to alter the privacy of neighbouring properties.

3.5.19 Trees and shrubs would be reduced or removed to create or enhance existing vistas and viewpoints which would allow more light into the ornamental beds for the benefit of flowering plants, thereby assisting the restoration of the Regency era garden.

3.6 COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT 3.6.1 In order to gain and maintain public support for the management of the park, it is

important to keep people regularly informed through ongoing information sharing. Planned activities and projects in the park should be reported to the general public through a variety of means such as news stories, web-based updates, and posters.

Volunteer activity

3.6.2 The Friends of Hertford Castle is a small group of volunteers that assist Hertford

Town Council with Open Days, tours and events throughout the year. They undertake tours of the gatehouse and some tours of the castle Gardens. Six tour events are generally held each year with visitor donations going to the Mayor of Hertford’s Charity. The Friends of Hertford Museum also run the occasional walk through the Castle Gardens for visitors to learn about the history, this normally links to a wider walk round the town.

Interpretation of the park’s history at such a personal level as a guided walk greatly

enhances the visitor experience and understanding of the importance of a site. Expanding the opportunities for visitors to join one of these walks round the Gardens, perhaps in partnership with the friends or through a commercial venture, would be a major boost to engage visitors in the rich culture and heritage of the park.

The Council is keen to support groups of volunteers who have a shared interest in our

parks. These groups help us to deliver improvements on site through physical tasks and also provide a crucial role in developing the relationship between the Council and its customers. We have found that existing groups in other parks, for example Southern Country Park in Bishop’s Stortford, have provided a presence in our parks which is hard to duplicate without committed and enthusiastic volunteers. Hertford Castle Gardens may provide an opportunity for this sort of input into the management of the park. However, our other Friend supported parks are generally larger and of a more rural nature. The opportunity for physical “conservation” work is much greater in those parks where they are changing and developing. The ornamental character of Hertford Castle requires specialist horticultural works from contractors. It is possible however, that Hertford Castle will provide other opportunities for voluntary support, perhaps in relation to its historical depth and potential for community events. The Council have a process in place for developing and supporting Friends groups that the CMS deliver on its behalf.

3.6.3 The CMS midweek volunteers (an existing voluntary group) are likely to play a role in

the delivery of small scale actions from the plan by running practical conservation sessions that could help to support a group of local volunteers.


Community Asset/Resource 3.6.4 Hertford Castle Gardens provides the people of Hertford and the wider District with a

unique community asset that can be utilised to improve the quality of people’s lives in so many different ways, from providing an enjoyable stroll to a premier venue for hosting quality events.

3.6.5 Where possible and as opportunities arise, links with our own successful theatre and

to business within the town centre should be explored where they could enhance the visitor experience and complement the parks natural and historical environment.

3.7 FURNITURE AND FACILITIES

Style and number of furniture

3.7.1 The park has over time accumulated a collection of furniture of varying styles and condition, for example benches and bins shown in 2.8.8. The long term aim for the park is to have a fully consistent style of furniture in appropriate locations. A style palette which aligns as closely as possible with the Regency era of the garden design should be drawn up to guide future production and installation of furniture on site including, but not limited to; interpretation panels, lamp posts, notice boards, directional signs, waymarking posts, entrance signs, benches, bins, railing, entrance gates and interpretation panels. This style palette should consider developments within the town centre as part of the Hertford Urban Design Strategy. Where there are no appropriate off the shelf products a bespoke design maybe required.

3.7.2 On a site of this size, a complete overhaul of furniture would not be a viable option

due to the scale of the operation and its cost. A more practical approach would be to adopt a standard furniture style for any replacements, and to establish an accompanying plan that highlights the desired location of furniture, and highlights any items of furniture not to replace if ever removed. Over time the site will then begin to present a consistent, planned suite of furniture.

3.7.3 Within Moat Gardens there is currently a line of three benches and three bins

adjacent to the ice house entrance. These were installed to prevent misuse of the mound by BMX bikers. This temporarily resolved the issue but has an unattractive line of furniture of mixed styles. This should be replaced with something more appropriate and less cluttered looking, whilst ensuring that the BMX activity is discouraged in the future. A raised planter sensitive to the surrounding architectural features might meet this challenge. Sufficient seating should be retained to meet the needs of this popular resting space.


Ashley Webb Shelter

3.7.4 The Ashley Webb Shelter is a familiar building in the park but presents a considerable dilemma. Some complex issues have been identified relating to anti-social behaviour, quantifying the historical significance of the building and identifying the changing needs of visitors. A full description of the issues and options appraisal can be found in Appendix 1.

After having considered the various implications involved in a wide range of potential options, the Council recommends that the shelter is removed whilst marking the local family connection with a more modest and attractive feature in the park (appraisal option 6).

This option is based upon an appraisal which finds that retaining the structure, even with modifications is unlikely to resolve the problems of anti-social behaviour. Removing it however, makes way for future developments, affords greater visibility of the motte and is the least expensive option.

Whilst it is recognised that the building has some historical merit, it has not been individually listed for protection in any way. The main listing which covers the whole park, excludes the pavilion. The comments in the conservation area appraisal, whilst suggesting it is retained, do not describe a building which has any significant merit.

This removal option includes the retention of the memorial stones within the park to respect the contribution of the Ashley Webb family to the local community. The stones would be incorporated into a new feature in the park. Details of the buildings’ history and photographs through the years could be displayed in the Town Council’s museum in The Gatehouse to mark this era of the park’s history.


The Town Council however, has for a long time wished to see the shelter restored in some way and is interested in exploring alternative solutions with the Council before a final decision is made. This could involve opening out the archways to create better visibility or removing the roof. These options have been considered in the appraisal in relation to their general effect however the practical viability and cost would need to be assessed. The process to engage the public in providing their feedback on this Greenspace Action Plan will guide the Council in its final decision.

3.7.5 If the shelter is demolished and grassed the space could form an intimate small performance space linked to the theatre or other on site events, with the motte providing an attractive and significant back drop for historical dramas.

Play Area

3.7.6 The current play area has been in place for a number of years. There is a need to

replace the play area with something more up to date. This new play area could be located in the same place with some slight changes to the layout. Within the Hertford Town Urban Design Strategy the impact of air and noise pollution from the nearby A414 Gascoyne Way has been highlighted as an issue with the current location. However, no evidence has been gathered to support this. A potential option might be to close to bridge crossing to St. Andrews Street car park. A new play area would cater for the same age group of younger children. The design of the new play equipment could potentially be themed to reflect the surroundings such as the castle and the river. A separate consultation would be undertaken to inform the final design and location.

The Council will seek external funding for the initiatives with potential match funding from its capital programme of parks improvements.

Memorials

3.7.7 Within the park are a number of stone structures and memorial plaques (mainly linked

to trees). It is important that these do not detract from the landscape, views, vistas and general setting of the formal gardens. This plan seeks to leave the gardens as open and uncluttered as possible. Future proposals for memorials should be considered with this in mind. As a general policy the Council does not encourage permanent marks of memorial within its park e.g. plaques and trees. Requests for memorial benches will be considered but these will be located on a needs basis and of a set design.

3.8 MARKETING AND PROMOTION 3.8.1 Marketing and promotion are an important part of the ongoing management of any

public facility; it is through these that people can be made aware of the full benefits and opportunities that the site offers, and find out about improvements, projects and events taking place.

3.8.2 The Council will use its Network newsletter and busy website to promote events and

activities in the park, working closely with the Town Council, local businesses and initiatives such as The Urban Design Strategy.


Events and activities

3.8.3 Hertford Town Council hold a licence, given by East Herts Council, to run events within the park to the south of the river. These are successful and provide an opportunity to promote the site to visitors for repeat visits and raise awareness of a greenspace they may otherwise not know about. Events can offer a valuable service to the community and indirectly benefit businesses within the town by attracting visitors who may further there visit by for example visiting local eateries. The license was designed some years ago when event management in the park was in its infancy. This will be reviewed during the Plan to reflect the considerable developments in this area of provision.

3.8.4 Hertford Theatre has aspirations to expand its activities and utilise space more

effectively. This could include off site activities utilising the space within the park for interpretation by the arts and events e.g. theatre productions. Opportunities for partnerships which enhance sustainable use of the park are encouraged as these can have multiple potential benefits. A pedestrian walkway around the base of the motte to be considered for the future might provide the opportunity to more closely link the theatres popular café with the park. Notice Boards

3.8.5 These serve as a simple but effective means of promoting the site and its events.

Currently there is only one at one entrance. There is scope for more notice boards at key entrances to better promote the site. Any siting of new furniture should ensure entrances do not become cluttered. Leaflets

3.8.6 Hertford Castle Gardens may benefit from having a dedicated site leaflet, providing a

map, travel information and transport links, and brief interpretative information about the site. This would be a useful resource and a good way of promoting the site to potential visitors from further afield. The leaflet could be made available in garden centres, libraries, tourist destination sites and Tourist Information Centres. An online version could be made available to download and print. The artwork and information needed to produce a leaflet could be procured hand in hand with any on site interpretation boards.

Web Presence

3.8.7 The park should be well promoted online with dedicated pages on partner websites

that link in with existing online information, for example the Hertford Town Council web pages on the site’s history and the self-guided Hertford history walk that includes the park within its route. See paragraph 3.5.7.


4 VISION, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

4.1 INTRODUCTION

As a result of the evaluation and assessment of Hertford Castle Gardens, and consultation with key partners, the following Vision Statement has been developed, supported by a number of Aims and Objectives. These have been used to formulate a programme of actions and activities which we aim to carry out during the life span of the Plan subject to funding for the capital items via successful external grant funding bids.

4.2 VISION STATEMENT

Hertford Castle Gardens will be a gateway to the historic town of Hertford, welcoming local residents, visitors and tourists alike to enjoy the park’s historic and natural environment on the banks of the River Lea. The backdrop of historic architecture and attractive gardens will provide the ideal setting for spending leisure time in the park and enjoying a host of cultural events.

4.3 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

A SAFE AND WELL MAINTAINED - To provide an area of open space that is welcoming, safe and well maintained for local residents and visitors to enjoy

Objectives:

A1 Improve all site entrances to form welcoming, visible, attractive, uncluttered and consistent gateways to the park, in proportion to their location

A2 Ensure that visitors are able to feel as safe and secure as possible in all areas of the site

A3 Continue to deliver a high standard of maintenance and cleanliness

A4 Install new play area for younger children to replace existing outdated facility

A5 Improve lighting of features in the park

B ACCESS - To make a better connection between the park and Hertford town centre, increasing accessibility and facilitating visitor’s natural navigation of the park to maximise links to wider networks

Objectives:

B1 Provide a suitable network of defined accessible paths and entrance with consistent surfacing throughout

B2 Ensure people walking or travelling in Hertford or the surrounding area are aware of the presence of the park and the opportunities it presents

B3 Ensure the park and connections to wider links, particularly the town centre, are easily navigable

B4 Facilitate visitors enjoyment of the park’s unique riverside asset


B5 Review closing of the gates at night

C NATURE CONSERVATION - To enhance the quality and make the most of the park’s natural environment, with a focus on restoring habitats of the River Lea for the benefit of wildlife and people

Objectives:

C1 Facilitate fish and eel passage along the River Lea into the wider Middle Lea catchment and beyond

C2 Restore the banks of the River Lea as it passes through the Gardens to provide high quality riverine habitat, which enhances the landscape of the park fitting with the garden design

C3 Continue to monitor and learn about the wildlife of the park

D LANDSCAPE, HERITAGE AND LEARNING – To utilise the rich cultural and natural heritage of Hertford Castle for the benefit of learning and education, and enhancement of the landscape

Objectives:

D1 Establish a site-wide approach to interpreting the park’s history, wildlife and management to visitors

D2 Restore the landscape gardens in a Regency style through a planned and structured approach to provide an attractive setting that enhances the visitor experience of the park

D3 Identify, establish and maintain important views and vistas throughout the site

D4 Restore and maintain the motte and Curtain Wall in favourable status consistent with the SAM and Grade Listings

D5 Manage the trees and shrubs in a long term planned and structured way to ensure there is an appropriate level of well managed trees and shrubs fitting to the Regency garden design and landscape.

D6 Plan for and deliver the next generation of trees on site

D7 Consider the removal of the Ashley Webb Shelter and setting the memorial stones into a new feature in park

D8 Clear vegetation including thinning trees to bring the motte into better prominence.

D9 Install raised bed in place of benches to enhance landscape adjacent to ice house and prevent damage from BMX use

E COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT - To involve and utilise key partners and the local community in decision making and delivery of park actions

Objectives:

E1 Maintain regular contact with key stakeholders and community groups

E2 Develop community and volunteer involvement with events, interpreting the site and practical tasks


E3 Carry out regular information sharing exercises to let people know what is happening on the site, and to provide an opportunity for feedback

E4 Promote the site as a community resource

F FURNITURE AND FACILITIES - To ensure all furniture and facilities within the park are in safe and serviceable condition and of uniform design complementing the era of garden design and any future town centre wide strategy

Objectives:

F1 Establish and introduce a standard, uniform design/style palette of furniture that is complementary to the Regency era and the Hertford Urban Design Strategy

F2 Ensure that all fixtures and fittings are maintained in a safe, serviceable and tidy condition

F3 Remove clutter, poorly sited furniture, and redundant fixtures

F4 Review monuments and sculptures to record existing and set guidance for future installations

F5 Establish consistent policy to control memorials in park – restricting to bench plaques only

G MARKETING AND PROMOTION – To promote the park as a visitor and tourist destination to existing users and new audiences, drawing on its cultural, historical and natural attractions

Objectives:

G1 Develop a clear, instantly recognisable brand and style for Hertford Castle Gardens that can be used throughout the site and on all publicity materials

G2 Produce publicity materials for the site that will be made available in a number of locations and a variety of formats including developing the web presence

G3 Publicise Hertford Castle Gardens through published stories and news items across a variety of media

G4 Work with partnerships and as part of wider town, district and county level, strategies to promote the site to a wider audience

G5 Explore opportunities to work with partners to further develop events and potential commercial activities within the park

H MONITORING AND REVIEW – To learn from experience and monitor effectiveness of the Plan to gauge success and inform future opportunities

Objectives:

H1 Monitor impact of overall management and uses of Hertford Castle Gardens

H2 Update the progress of the action plans each year on the website


5 ACTION PLANS

5.1 INTRODUCTION

These Action Plans have been established to achieve the vision, aims and objectives set out in Section 4. The plans take the format of annual work sheets. They cover the period from April 2019 to March 2024. Actions have been divided into ‘one off’ tasks specific to the year and ‘annual’ operations that will take place every year. Each task is listed in column 2 of the tables; column 1 contains a reference to the relevant objective/s in section 4 of the management plan, so that the action can be cross-referenced with the motive. Column 3 indicates the time of year that the activity will take place, and column 4 the organisation/s responsible for delivery (see abbreviations below). Where an estimated cost and funding source is known or relevant, these are include in columns 5 and 6. Column 7 contains a reference to further detailed information about each task, contained in Specifications at the end of this Plan. ABBREVIATIONS CMS Countryside Management Service EA Environment Agency EHC East Herts Council HTC Hertford Town Council HBRC Herts Biological Records Centre HCC Hertfordshire County Council HMWT Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust RoW Rights of Way (HCC) JOC John O’Connor (GM) Ltd RTL Ricky Tyler Landscapes At the end of each annual period, the action plan will be updated to show the progress of the activities for that year, with completed actions and important notes to be marked in columns 8 and 9. A large number of the items outside of the annual general Gardens maintenance tasks are funding dependant, with the aim of them being achieved following the successful securing of external funding potentially through the Heritage Lottery Fund Grant programmes. In addition is a table of aspirational projects that are currently out of the scope of being delivered within this plan period but should opportunities arise to deliver these then they should be explored further and actioned.


Year 1 Action Plan 2019 - 2020

Obj. ref

Action Date Responsible Estd

Cost £ Funding Status (complete

at end of year 1) Notes

ONE-OFF ACTIONS

F3 Audit all site furniture and fittings, to include benches, bins, bollards etc. Map all items and produce a report suggesting changes (i.e. replacements / relocations / refurbishments).

May - Jul

the Council n/a

F1, G1 &

A1

Develop a set of design/style palette standards to guide the branding and ensure consistent furniture and fittings in line with the garden design.

Apr-Jun

EHC working with HTC &

CMS

n/a

D4 Employ consultant archaeologist /engineer to survey curtain wall and produce maintenance plan and costing including assessment of large sycamore at northern end.

May-Jul

the Council/CMS

HLF

C1 Employ consultant to design appropriate fish/eel pass, with specification ready for procurement and give outline costing

May EHC/CMS HLF

C2 Employ consultant to model flood risk impacts of installing fish pass and river bank works, including gaining EA consent for structures

May EHC/CMS HLF

C1 & C2

Apply for and gain necessary EA consents Oct CMS HLF

D4 Apply for and gain necessary Historic England consents

Oct CMS HLF

D2 Undertake restoration of beds round main lawn in a Regency style. Monitor to inform future restoration of the remainder of the garden

Town Council ? Work to be delivered by Mudlarks


Obj. ref




D2, D5 & D6

Employ garden and tree consultant(s) to further knowledge of the history of castle gardens, produce assessment of current state of gardens with recommendations and planting plan for future restoration to style(s) on timeline of castle Gardens history with a focus on appropriate planting for bed and tree/shrub cover

May EHC HLF

ALL Develop funding application to Heritage Lottery Fund to deliver capital items over years 2 and 3.

EHC CMS

HLF CMS delivery partner

B1 & B4

Define long grass areas around the edges of the area north of river, ensure these are cut less frequently and potentially add flowering seed.

Apr-Sept

EHC/JOC GM budget In future years this will become part of the annual management in the ground

maintenance contract

A2 Review the opening and closing of Postern Gate to potentially allow visitors to enter site via this route

Apr EHC GM budget

A1 & B2

Investigate current and potential future lighting of key historical features

EHC/CMS n/a

A2 & B3

Review Anti-Social Behaviour issues on site and investigate the potential for the opening regime to be relaxed, removed or replaced with fresh approaches

June EHC/HTC n/a

D4 Fell and treat stumps of trees/shrubs located on the motte

Apr EHC/JOC GM budget Trees to be checked for nesting birds before work commences if present then delay work

till October 2017

D4 Mow motte 3-4 times a year at the start, end and through the growing season

Apr – Sept

EHC/JOC GM budget In future years this will become part of the annual management in the Gardens

maintenance contract

D4 Carry out vegetation clearance and restoration to priority 1 area of curtain wall.

Aug - Sept

EHC HLF

C & D Secure necessary conservation area consents e.g. for tree work

Jan EHC/CMS HLF


Obj. ref




A1, D2 &

F3

Remove row of benches and bins by Ice House entrance in Moat Gardens and replace with appropriate garden element that also continues to discourage BMX use of slope to Castle Street

Nov

HTC ?

?

F4 Review monuments and sculptures to record existing and set guidance for future installations

Aug EHC Internal resource

n/a

F5 Establish consistent policy to control memorials in park – restricting to bench plaques only

Aug EHC Internal resource

n/a

C2 Discuss annual surveying of otter and water vole with HMWT

Jul EHC / CMS / HMWT

Internal resource

n/a

ANNUAL MANAGEMENT ACTIONS

A3 Deliver Gardens Maintenance Contract All year

JOC/RTL ? GM Budget

H2 Annual review of action plan Apr EHC Internal resource

n/a

F2 Play area safety audit by RPII Inspector Jul EHC Contract rates

GM budget

E3 Inform stakeholders and community of planned activity and projects in the park in advance of commencement using a variety of media

Ongoing EHC Internal resource

n/a

F1 Replace old furniture as required following the design/style palette

Ongoing EHC ? GM budget

F3 Remove redundant furniture as required Ongoing EHC ? GM budget

A2 Tree safety audit Ongoing EHC Contract rates

GM budget

A2 Quarterly risk assessment and hazard review


GM budget

A2 Arrange for work identified in quarterly risk assessment and hazard review to be completed

Ongoing EHC Contract rates

GM budget

F1-3 Repairs/replacements/installation of site furniture in accordance with Year 1 audit

All year

EHC Internal resource

GM budget

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$TAnnual ActionsDeliver Ground Maintenance ContractAnnual review of action planPlay area safety audit by RPII InspectorCarry out tree safety auditRemove and replace old redundant furniture as requiredQuarterly risk assessment & hazard reviewComplete work identified in above Publicise on going management works in advance

HERTFORD CASTLE GROUNDSYear 1 2019-20 Actions

KeySite Boundary


Trees and ShrubsAmenity grassBridgeBuildingWoodchip pathHard surfaced pathHedgerowHistoric remainsOrnamental bedsPlay areaStructureScrubWater




¯1:1,000Scale @A3

Actions ResponsibilityEast Herts District Council

Countryside Management ServiceVolunteersHertford Town Council

ActionsAudit all site furiture and fittings with accompanying report suggesting changesDevelop design/style palette standards to guide branding and future furniture and fittingsEmploy consultant archaeologist to survey curtainwall and produce maintenance planEmploy consultant to design fish/eel passEmploy consultant to model flood risk of river restoration works and eel/fish passApply for necessary Environment Agency consentsApply for necessary Historic England consentsEmploy garden & tree consultant (s) to assess and recommend plan for restoration of the gardensDevelop external funding application to HLF to deliver capital items in Year 2 & 3Apply for necessary conservation area consentDiscuss annual otter & water vole surveying with HMWTReview Anti-Social Behaviour issues and resolutionapproaches

Regulary cut pathways and river access points through grasslandCut and lift remainder of grasslandat the end of summer

Undertake restoration of beds roundmain lawn in Regency style

Add opening & closing of Postern Gate to current schedule

Fell, remove and treat stumpsof trees/shrubs on Motte

Mow Motte grassland 3-4 times a yearthroughout the growing season

Vegetation clearance and restorationon priority 1 area of curtain wall

Investigate current and potential futurelighting of key historic features

Remove row of bins and benches Replace with appropiate garden element that discourages ASB



Obj. ref


Cost £ Funding Status (complete at

end of year 2) Notes

ONE-OFF ACTIONS

A1 & F1

Produce and install entrance signs following the design/style palette standards

Apr – Aug

EHC/CMS HLF

B2-4 & F1

Produce and install directional signage/markings following the design/style palette standards

Apr – Aug

EHC/CMS HLF

F3 Ensure old, redundant furniture and fittings are removed as new replacement furniture and fittings e.g. entrance signs are installed

Apr – Aug

EHC/CMS HLF

A2, D2-3 & D5-

6

Tree and shrub management as per plan to de-shaded garden beds, open up sightlines, views and vistas

Oct-Feb

EHC/CMS HLF

B1 & B4

Resurface path from bridge by motte to bridge to St. Andrews Street car park consistent with path specification on rest of site

Apr – Aug

EHC/CMS HLF

B1 & B4

Install new path from brick gatehouse to bridge by the motte , to replace path to be lost by riverbank restoration, consistent with path specification on rest of site

Mar EHC/CMS HLF

A1, B3, B4

Identify appropriate point for new entrance to north of play area from footpath 84. Create new entrance in current wall and install access structures as appropriate

Apr – Aug

EHC/CMS HLF

A1, B3,

B4 & C2

Remove fence around redundant ground in the northwest corner of the site

Apr – Aug

EHC/CMS HLF


Obj. ref




C2, D2-3 & D5-

6

Thin Bbech trees within redundant ground in northwest corner of the site

Oct-Feb

EHC/CMS HLF

C2, D2-3 & D5-

6

Selectively thin trees along river back channel as per tree management plan

Oct-Feb

EHC/CMS HLF

C2, B4

D2-3, D5-6

Restore river back channel, through desilting, narrowing with brash build out and planting of native wetland plants

Sept-Feb

EHC/CMS HLF/EA

C2, B4

D2-3, D5-6

Restore main river channel, through desilting, shallowing of current bank profile, narrowing with brash build out, soft engineering to protect bank from future erosion and planting of native wetland plants

Sept-Feb

EHC/CMS HLF/EA

C1 Install fish/eel pass on the weir at Hertford Theatre

Nov EHC/CMS HLF/EA

B4, C2, D1

Give visitor appropriate information on feeding ducks and other birds within the park through appropriate signage

Apr EHC/CMS HLF

D4 Carry out vegetation clearance and restoration to priority 2 area of curtain wall

Oct-Feb

EHC/CMS HLF

D1 & F1

Design and install on site interpretation panels following design/style palette standards

Apr – Aug

EHC/CMS HLF

F3 Remove old redundant interpretation furniture

Apr – Aug

EHC/CMS HLF

F4&D7

Action to resolve problems with Ashley Webb shelter

2018-19

EHC/HTC ? ?

D1 & G2

Commission the design and production of web based information and resources for the park to interpret and inform visitors

Apr – Aug

EHC/CMS HLF


Obj. ref




D2-3 & D5-

6

Deliver phase 1 of garden restoration as per plan commissioned in Year 1

EHC/HTC/CMS HLF

A1, E3, F3 & G2

Design and install new and replacement notice boards following design/style palette standards

Apr – Aug

EHC/CMS HLF

B2-4, D1 &

G2

Produce a site based leaflet to orientate visitors round site & to wider links and interpret sites history, wildlife and management

Apr – Aug

EHC/CMS HLF

F2 & A4

Commission design for and construct a new replacement play area located in appropriate position with park. If current play area location is not used then this should be cleared of current furniture and surfacing and returned to natural surface e.g. grassland

Feb EHC ? ?



JOC/RTL ? GM Budget


n/a


GM budget



n/a





GM budget



GM budget


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GM budget


All year


GM budget

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Annual ActionsDeliver Ground Maintenance ContractAnnual review of action planPlay area safety audit by RPII InspectorCarry out tree safety auditRemove and replace old redundant furniture as requiredQuarterly risk assessment & hazard reviewComplete work identified in above Publicise on going management works in advance


KeySite Boundary


Trees and ShrubsAmenity grassBridgeBuildingWoodchip pathHard surfaced pathHedgerowHistoric remainsOrnamental bedsPlay areaStructureScrubSummer meadowWater




¯1:1,000Scale @A3



ActionsProduce & install entrance signs following the design/style palette standards Produce & install directional signs/markersfollowing the design/style palette standardsProduce & install on site interpretation following the design/style palette standardsRemove old redundant furniture as requiredCommission the design & production of web based information and interpretation resourcesDesign & install new & replacement notice boards following the design/style palette standardsDesign & produce leaflet orientating & interpreting the site and showing wider linksTree and shrub management to deshade, openup sightlines and vistas as per commissioned plan

Resurface path

Replace path following river restoration

Create new entrance & install access structures

Remove metal rail fencing

Thin Beech trees

Selective thin trees along channel

Restore: Desilt, install brash buildouts to narrow channel and plant native wetland plants

Install fish/eel pass

Restore: Desilt, install brash build outs tonarrow channel, soft engineering to protect bank and plant native wetland plants

Provide visitors with appropriate info on feeding ducks/birds through appropriate signage

Curtain wall vegetation clearance & restoration in priority 2 areas

Deliver phase 1 of garden restoration asper plan commissioned in year 1

Commission design for and construct a new replacement play area locatedin appropriate position within the park

Remove Ashley Webb shelter & re-display materials



Obj. ref




ONE-OFF ACTIONS

D2 & D5

Deliver phase 2 of garden restoration as per plan commissioned in Year 1

EHC/HTC/CMS HLF

J1 F4 Install temporary infra red counting devices to be combined with on site questionnaire work to establish visitor numbers and purpose for visit.

Jun – Aug

EHC ? ?

D4 Continue proactive vegetation management on the curtain wall

Oct-Feb

EHC ? HLF



JOC/RTL ? GM Budget


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GM budget



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Trees and ShrubsAmenity grassBridgeBuildingWoodchip pathHard surfaced pathHedgerowHistoric remainsOrnamental bedsPlay areaStructureScrubSummer meadowWaterWetland vegetation




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Continue with proactive vegetation clearance& restoration on curtain wall

Deliver phase 2 of garden restoration asper plan commissioned in year 1

Install visitor counters at this and other key entrances



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B3-4 Construct cantilevered walkway along banks of River Lea from theatre alongside motte to Ashley Webb Shelter. This work will require river modelling, commissioning for design/specification and consenting from EA & HE.

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Explore opportunities for Hertford Theatre to utilise areas of the park for events, exhibitions, etc.

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Construct cantilevered walkwayalong river bank to link theatre to park

Replace bridges appropriatelyfollowing review of options and dependant on consent from relevant parties

Explore opportunities for HertfordTheatre to utilise areas of the park for events, exhibitions, etc.


6 MONITORING AND REVIEW

Monitoring the Action Plans The Hertford Castle Gardens Management Plan is intended to cover a period of five years, from April 2019 to March 2024. It is recognised that developing a management plan is only the start. What is also required is a system to deliver, monitor and evaluate the delivery and effectiveness of the plan, and identify any areas for change. As actions are carried out, they will be assessed and any issues recorded. An annual review will consider all of the issues recorded throughout the year, feedback received from the public, and any changes to policy, legislation and finance. Key stakeholders will be invited to walk the park with managers to discuss progress and note any new actions that might be considered for the next year. New actions agreed will be added to the Action Plan. The entire Management Plan and annual action plans will be made available to view and download from the Council’s website; park users will be able to monitor the plans and their progress. Measure of success

Success of the action plans will be evaluated in the following ways: The completion of tasks on time and within the resources allocated Feedback from stakeholders Feedback from park users Measurement of park usage (from year 3)

Management Plan Review

At the end of the Plan’s five year term, the management of Hertford Castle Gardens will require a comprehensive review to assess the success and progress of the plan. The process of reviewing and amending the document, and the preparation of new action plans, is an important and constructive part of the management process.


APPENDICES

Appendix 1 Ashley Webb Shelter Options Appraisal Appendix 2 Gardens Maintenance Contract standards Appendix 3 RPII Play areas inspection report


If you would like a translation of this document in another language, large print, Braille, audio or an electronic format, please contact Communications at East Herts Council on 01279 655 261 or email [email protected].

Jeżeli chciałbyś, aby ta informacja została przetłumaczona na język polski skontaktuj się z Działem Łączności przy Radzie Wschodniego Hertfordshire tel. 01279 655 261 lub wyślij e-mail [email protected].

Se desejar esta informação traduzida em português, por favor contacte o departamento de comunicações do East Herts Council no telefone número 01279 655 261 ou via email [email protected]

If you need any further information please contact us:

Phone: 01279 655261 Email: [email protected] Fax: 01992 531438 Visit: www.eastherts.gov.uk Write to: Operations East Herts Council Wallfields Pegs Lane Hertford Herts SG13 8EQ Office Opening Times: 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday

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