Hughenden Park Management Plan 2016 - 2026 - … 1.4 Time Scale 2016 – 2026 This is a rolling 10...

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Hughenden Park Management Plan 2016 - 2026

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Contents Part A – The Management Plan Appendices 1.0 Introduction Appendix 1 - Tree Risk Survey 1.1 Location of the Park Appendix 2 – Examples of Monthly and Annual Play 1.2 Need for a Management Plan Inspection Reports. 1.3 Aims of the Plan Appendix 3 - School’s Cross Country Routes 1.4 Timescale Appendix 4 – Quadron Staff Structure Part B – Hughenden Park 2.0 History 2.1 Legal and Planning 2.2 A Welcoming Place 2.3 Healthy, Safe and Secure 2.4 Well Maintained and Clean 2.5 Sustainability 2.6 Conservation and Heritage 2.7 Community Involvement 2.8 Marketing 2.9 Management Part C – The Future of Hughenden Park 3.0 Vision 3.1 Summary 3.2 SWOT Analysis 3.3 to 3.6 Objectives 3.7 Action Plan

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Part A – The Management Plan

1.0 Introduction

Hughenden Park is situated on the northern edge of High Wycombe, located between the town and the parish of Hughenden.

This Management Plan is intended to be read by anyone with a desire to understand how and why this beautiful, special green space is managed.

It is intended to be an equally useful source of information and guide for green space managers and the public. It sets out much of the historical context, describes the current position of the park in 2016 and lists some of the future developments that are proposed by officers, stakeholders and the public to enhance the already high quality of this open space and meet some of the changing expectations and needs of people who visit the park.

An Action Plan that addresses many of the issues identified within the body of the management plan is set out at the end of the document. This management plan will be reviewed and updated annually in order to achieve continuous improvement in the quality of Hughenden Park.

In Context with High Wycombe

Wycombe District is home to approximately 171,644 residents, making it one of the largest districts in England by population.

The district covers an area of 125 sq. miles from just below Aylesbury, the county town of Buckinghamshire, in the north to Marlow, Bourne End and the valley of the River Thames in the south. Much of the district is within the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the influence of the Beech woods and chalk hills can be seen throughout the town, which sits in a steep-sided valley and spreads over the adjacent hillsides.

There is rising demand for high quality, useable, large and increasingly flexible open space, caused by the ever higher expectations of local people and the growing amount of new commercial and housing development in the Thames Valley, particularly new housing estates on brown field sites in the urban area. This demand places increasing pressure on Hughenden Park to continually provide a key community recreational facility throughout the year.

The location of this large green space means that it is vital that Hughenden Park is maintained to the highest possible

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standards, so that residents, businesses, developers, investors and visitors see the Wycombe District as an attractive and desirable place to live, work and visit.

As a destination Hughenden Park plays a major community role as one of the premier open green spaces that serve the varied leisure needs of the entire Wycombe District.

1.1 Location of the Park

Hughenden Park consists of some 25 hectares of beautiful parkland and provides magnificent views across open countryside. It is the largest park in the district. The Hughenden stream runs through the length of the park and it is bordered by the historic Hughenden Manor, owned by the National Trust.

Hughenden Park is situated off the Hughenden Road (A4128). Access to the park is from either Hughenden Road or Coates Lane. A small car park is available off the Hughenden Road and a slightly larger car park off Coates Lane.

The park has a play area, which is situated at the Coates Lane side of the park. The park is popular with dog walkers, people having picnics, informal sports and walkers in general.

In the spring there is a splendid display of daffodils across the hillside.

In the Autumn the trees provide a stunning display of colour as the leaves turn.

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Figure 1- Map showing split between WDC & National Trust © Crown Copyright and database rights 2011 Ordnance Survey 100023306 Aerial Image © Getmappinplc. www.getmapping.com1.2

http://www.getmapping.com1.2/

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Figure 2 – Site plan of Hughenden Park © Crown Copyright and database rights 2011 Ordnance Survey 100023306 Aerial Image © Getmapping plc. www.getmapping.com1.2

http://www.getmapping.com1.2/

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1.2 The Need for a Management plan

Hughenden Park is a resource which needs to be managed with great sensitivity. This plan explains some of the history behind this special place and why it looks the way that it does.

The purpose of the plan is to enable the Green Space Team, contractors and all stakeholders to understand the significance of the park and the aims and importance of all work carried out within the park throughout the life of the plan. Anyone should be able to pick the document up and immediately gain an understanding of the strategic aims of the plan and the actions that need to be implemented.

Another advantage of providing this document is that it serves as a tool for consultation with stakeholders, Councillors and residents across the district. As well as seeking the views of those who visit Hughenden Park on a regular basis. It is equally important to get feedback from non-users, those residents that do not use the park, and investigate why they do not currently use it and what (if anything) might encourage them to do so in the future.

1.3 The Aims of This Plan

It is important that any individuals and groups who have an interest in the management and future of the park have a clear understanding of the strategic vision and aims for the park and the drivers that dictate how it should be maintained and developed as user needs and expectations change over time. This document sets out those aims, thereby ensuring understanding, continuity and a common approach to achieve the vision of this plan.

There is a desire to ensure that in the future the local community will be more closely involved in major decisions over the management of Hughenden Park, and it is essential that there is strong understanding by green space managers of the needs and aspirations of local residents. The publication of this plan enables that dialogue to develop and continue.

The value of Hughenden Park lies primarily in its historic open landscape, the quality of the environment it offers, the international chalk stream running through the park and its freedom from dominating urban development.

In order that proper importance is placed on the need for conservation of the character of the site as a whole it is necessary to safeguard it as a valuable piece of open space for the benefit of this and future generations whilst meeting the ever changing needs and demands of the community that uses it.

All successful parks are living and changing entities and must fulfil the leisure needs of the community today, whilst also respecting nature, history and tradition.

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1.4 Time Scale

2016 – 2026 This is a rolling 10 year plan updated each year.

Part B – Hughenden Park

2.0 History

In early records, Hughenden often appears as Hitchenden. In both names ‘den’ signifies the ‘dene’ or valley. ‘Hitchen’ is a Celtic word for a dried-up stream; whereas Hugh is a man’s name which might have come from the Anglo- Saxon name of ‘Huhha’ or from the French name of ‘Hugh’.

Hughenden Manor was first recorded in 1086, formerly part of Queen Edith’s lands, held by Bishop Odo of Bayeux during the Norman Conquest and was assessed at 10 hides. A hide is a unit of land, the size of which has varied over the course of English history. In Anglo-Saxon England, a hide was an amount of land considered sufficient to support a single peasant family. This measurement could vary depending on the soil and terrain. The hide was the earliest known land measurement to be used as the basis of taxation in England.

The Hughenden area was continuously farmed over many centuries with scattered farms and hamlets contrasting with the more densely populated emerging market town of High Wycombe. The first mention of a more substantial ‘gentleman’s residence’ in the immediate vicinity was in the eighteenth century. It was built for a Mr Savage on the site of an earlier farmhouse. It passed through several generations of his family, and to the related Norris family before it was sold as Hughenden Manor with some surrounding land to the Disraelis in 1847.

Most of the land currently in Hughenden Park was added to the parkland of the Hughenden Manor estate in 1870 by former Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli, who lived at Hughenden Manor from 1848 until his death in 1881.

The Estate then transferred to his nephew, Coningsby Ralph Disraeli, (just 14 at the time of inheriting) and remained in his ownership until his death in September 1936. Shortly before his death Coningsby Disraeli had been working with the local Borough to transfer some of the parkland to the local council. The successors to the Estate continued with this transfer after Coningsby’s death, and on 20th January 1937, by a settlement of a £14,000 mortgage, the land, totalling 64 acres and two lodges, was transferred to the local council.

It is this area that now forms the part of Hughenden Park that is owned and managed by Wycombe District Council.

The rest of the Estate which included the manor with its current main entrance further north, next to Aylesbury Lodge and

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Middle Lodge, remained in the ownership of Mrs Calverley. Middle Lodge is sited on Ford Lane, which no longer exists, and is currently let by the National Trust as a private residence.

Wycombe Lodge on Hughenden Road, formerly a gatehouse for the Estate, still remains and is in the ownership of Wycombe District Council and is let as a private residence. This was the second carriageway entrance created to Hughenden Manor in 1870-71 by estate surveyors George and Arthur Vernon. This entrance crossed the brook with a simple bridge and ended with antique iron gates and entrance piers. It was at this time that Wycombe Lodge was also constructed and first let to a bailiff’s widow. The entrance gates were removed from the parkland after the land transferred to the Council and now form the entrance to the walled garden at Hughenden Manor. Some of the Wellingtonia trees planted by Disraeli still remain near this entrance.

When the land transferred to the Council there was also a lodge on Coates Lane which would have been the original gatekeepers lodge; sadly this was demolished. This entrance was an impressive carriageway entrance created by John Norris in the 1820s. The carriageway entrance started at the demolished lodge on Coates Lane and then climbed north past the great meadow, on through a belt of woodland at Middle Lodge, entering the parkland and then curving round the house to arrive at the north entrance front.

The Manor House and 189 acres of ground were sold in 1937 to WH Abbey, who vested it, with the remaining contents, in the Disraelian Society. In 1947, the Abbey family and the Disraelian Society transferred it to the National Trust. In 1955 the Manor House was given grade 1 listed building status.

A water mill called Flint Mill stood on the banks of the stream below Ford Lane (Middle Lodge) and the published grid reference supports this location. Meaning its location would have been on National Trust land, but is likely to have spanned the current boundary line. Records from the 1800’s support the existence of this mill.

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2.1 Legal and Planning

2.1.1 Legal Documentation

Hughenden Park was acquired by the Chepping Wycombe Borough Council in 1937; the sister of Coningsby Disraeli, Sybil Isabella Calverley inherited the estate and transferred the land shortly after Coningsby’s death. The land was transferred under the following powers: Section 164 of the Public Health Act 1875 and Section 156 of the Chepping Wycombe Corporation Act 1927.

There are several covenants on the land included in the transfer: the Corporation will not construct any road or roads adjoining the Northern boundary of the land conveyed; rights of access for maintenance to the electricity cable should remain; no buildings to be constructed on the majority of the parkland except such buildings as may be incidental to its use as a public open space; to reserve the land coloured pink on the transfer plan in perpetuity as a public open space, park, pleasure and recreation ground; the council to exercise all the powers of the Public Health Acts and other enactments from time to time governing public open spaces, parks, pleasure and recreation grounds.

The Chepping Wycombe Corporation Act 1927 (CWCA) is a local act that deals with the acquisition of land and applies restrictions to what the land can be used for.

Chepping Wycombe Borough Council, ceased to exist after the 1974 local government reorganisation and a new council was formed, called Wycombe District Council.

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Figure 3 – Original Transfer plan

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2.1. 2 Planning Policies

Hughenden Park has a number of designations on the land. The park falls within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding National Beauty which was a designation created in 1965, to protect the countryside around the Chilterns.

The WDC parkland and Hughenden Manor are included in the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens held by English Heritage. Designated for its special historic interest, it was first registered on 30th August 1987.

Wycombe Lodge on Hughenden Road has grade II listed building status; this was first registered on 28th June 1973, for its special historic interest.

Hughenden Park is in the conservation area, due to the role it plays in views north from High Wycombe, and its importance as a setting for the buildings. Part of the park is also a designated flood plain.

Wycombe District Council’s Planning policies relating to the park are taken from the Adopted Core Strategy, July 2008. Policies include CS4.2 (High Wycombe key areas of change – Hughenden District) and CS17 (Environmental Assets). From the councils Adopted Delivery and Site Allocations Plan, July 2013 policies DM11(Green Networks and Infrastructure), DM12 (Green Spaces) and DM15 (Protection and Enhancement of River and Stream Corridors), apply.

Figure 4 – Flood Zones within the park (© Environment Agency copyright and/or database right 2011. All rights reserved).

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2.2 A Welcoming Place

2.2. 1 First Impressions

Hughenden Park is an impressive park and this large area of parkland creates impressive views when leaving or entering the town of High Wycombe via the A4128 (Hughenden Road). It is a significant feature of the landscape, with the trees on the hillside and a vast display of daffodils in the spring, giving open views into the countryside beyond High Wycombe Town.

Entrance to the park can be from a variety of locations. You can enter the park from the National Trust land via a stile or kissing gate. Vegetation is regularly cut back at these locations to give a welcoming feel to the parkland beyond; this gives the impression that you are still in the countryside.

Other entrances from the car parks at Hughenden Road and Coates Lane provide more urban access points into the park as they are close to busy roads and have surfaced footpaths. However the expanse of green parkland gives you the impression that you are leaving the urban sprawl behind.

The park has a variety of important features which give it a unique character including the grade II listed Wycombe Lodge. Viewed when entering from the car park on Hughenden Road, this building provides a unique entrance point which ties in with the original use of the park as part of the Estate Land belonging to Hughenden Manor. The Lime avenue is also a unique feature to the park, showing the line of the original carriageway entrance to Hughenden Manor beyond. The Hughenden Stream running through the length of the park is a significant feature of the park.

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Figure 5 -The six character areas. © Crown Copyright and database rights 2011 Ordnance Survey 100023306 Aerial Image © Getmapping plc. www.getmapping.com

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Character

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2.2.2 Landscape Character Areas The six character areas are described below.

Character Area 1 - Field area Coates Lane

This field is located above the play area and is separated from the main parkland at the top of the area by a natural tree line. It is dominated by closely mown grass and areas of tree belts. This area of the park is used by walkers and dog walkers. Looking across the hillside from this area you can see views across to the Isaac D’Israeli memorial he was Benjamin Disraeli’s father. The memorial was commissioned by Benjamin Disraeli’s wife. New trees were planted in this area following the severe gales in 1987, when a number of trees were lost. The grass is left long around the trees belts to encourage the grass to flower and provide a habitat for insects. Three areas were seeded with wildflowers during 2016.

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Character Area 2 – Play Area Coates Lane

The play area is located off Coates Lane and provides play opportunities for children aged up to 12. The play area has a fenced boundary and a grass area to the left hand side suitable for picnics and games. The current play area was installed in 2001 and consists of a combination of metal and wooden equipment. The play area will be due for a complete refurbishment in 2016/17, as part of the Council’s 15 year rolling replacement programme. This area is predominantly used by children and their parents or guardians.

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Character Area 3 - Hughenden Stream

Hughenden Stream is a chalk stream and it runs through the middle of Hughenden Park. The source of the stream is from springs in the Hughenden Valley and the stream is a tributary to the River Wye. The stream is 3.5km in length and joins the River Wye in the centre of High Wycombe. The stream is winterbourne meaning that it is a seasonally dry headwater of a groundwater-fed river. During periods of dry weather and varying ground water levels the stream may dry up completely; water abstraction further up the valley has also impacted on water levels within the stream, though water abstraction is due to cease in 2017. The stream is an important feature within the park as chalk streams support particular habitats. Chalk streams rise from the groundwater through chalk rocks creating a unique habitat and supporting a wide variety of flora and fauna. Chalk streams are important internationally, they are very rare and the majority of Europe’s chalk rivers are located in England. Chalk Rivers are one of the key priorities in the Biodiversity Action Plan for Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes. There is also a Biodiversity Opportunity Area statement which covers Chiltern Chalk Rivers; this identifies an opportunity for restoration and creation of Biodiversity Action Plan habitats. It is focused on improvements to the River Wye, but as Hughenden Stream is a tributary of the Wye, improvements could also be made here. Part of the park is also a designated flood zone.

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Character Area 4 - Built Infrastructure - Wycombe Lodge and Car Parks

This character area consists of the built environment in the park, made up of the car parks and Wycombe Lodge. The first car park is accessed from Hughenden Road and is a small tarmac car park area with parking for approximately 16 cars.

Wycombe Lodge, a grade II listed building, was built alongside the second carriageway entrance originally serving as a gatehouse. The lodge is currently a private residence and is constructed from yellow brick and tiles in a Neo –Tudor Style with stepped gables. Above the doorway is a representation of a castle and a crown, these were symbolic of the castle on the Disraeli coat of arms.

A pedestrian footpath leads from the car park on Hughenden Road toward a small bridge crossing the stream and into the main parkland.

The Coates Lane car park was created as part of the new housing development on the former De La Rue printing works in 2015. It has 34 parking spaces and serves a new entrance point into the park. Three cycle racks are also located next to this car park.

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Character Area 5 – Hughenden Road Area

This area consists of a tarmac pedestrian footpath and tree belt area adjacent to the Hughenden Road. It starts to the rear of Wycombe Lodge and finishes next to Magnolia Park Sports Club. It is used predominately by walkers and dog walkers.

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Character Area 6 - Main Parkland

The main parkland covers the areas of park either side of the stream. It is dominated by amenity grassland and trees. A significant feature of this area is the Lime tree avenue known as Rotary Way. It was planted in 1992/3 as part of “Operation Tree Link” an initiative to bring children in the United Kingdom and in the Third World together through tree planting. The trees were donated by the Rotary Club of High Wycombe and planted by Wycombe District Council and local school children. The Lime avenue trees follow the route of the old carriageway to Hughenden Manor. The main parkland also has a splendid display of daffodils in the spring time with many visitors coming to the park just to see them.

This area is mainly used by walkers, dog walkers, people having picnics, informal sports users and the occasional cross country running event.

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2.2.3 Access and Circulation

The park is open to allow 24 hour pedestrian access. This will remain so for both legal and practical reasons.

Vehicular access into the park is restricted to maintenance vehicles and vehicles associated with events. There are no surfaced vehicle tracks running across the park so vehicles have to drive straight onto the grass. Maintenance vehicles are asked not to drive across the grass from the end of October to end of March to reduce damage to the ground. However if essential maintenance is required vehicles are allowed access.

Visitors coming to the park by car can either park in the car park off Hughenden Road or the new car park off Coates Lane. Both of these car parks are free of charge.

There are several surfaced footpaths within the park: one adjacent to Hughenden Road leading to Magnolia Park Sports Ground; a small path from the car park on Hughenden Road leading to the crossing of the stream; and a small path from Coates Lane into the play area.

There is no surfaced circular route around the park and this may be a future option to explore. The new car park from Coates Lane has a new surfaced path leading to the allotments. However at this entrance there is no surfaced path leading into the rest of the park. Creating a surfaced path should be explored and it will help with disabled access into the park and play area.

A number of stiles and kissing gates cross the boundary between the parkland and the National Trust property allowing visitors to explore the area beyond the park.

There are no cycle paths crossing the park but this is something that may be explored as a future project; it could run adjacent to the Hughenden Road.

There is currently no signage at any of the main entrance points which makes navigating the park difficult for new visitors. It is intended that signage at key entrance points will be installed and these will include a site plan and key routes around the park.

2.2.4 Boundary Treatments

The boundary with the National Trust and Magnolia Park sports field consists of black metal estate style fencing; there are a number of kissing gates and stiles giving access into the National Trust property beyond. This allows open views from the park into the National Trust land.

The field area down to the play area on Coates Lane is separated from the road and adjacent footpath by hedging, enclosing the park, screening the park from the nearby road. There are a couple of gaps in the hedge, which provide access.

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Residential housing forms the boundary along the majority of the rest of Coates Lane, screening the park from the nearby road.

The Hughenden Road side of the park is partially screened from the road by a belt of trees at the sports field end, the rest of this boundary has no formal boundary treatment and there are open views from the road into the park.

2.2.5 Sports

No formal sports pitches are provided in Hughenden Park. Its main uses relating to sports are usually in the form of organised school cross country events and informal sport such as jogging or walking.

2.3 Healthy, Safe and Secure

2.3.1 Community Health and Safety

Wycombe District Council has a comprehensive health and safety policy, distributed to all services in electronic form. Relevant parts of the policy are included in the maintenance contracts and are monitored by officers. Contractors have their own health and safety policies too.

Wycombe District Council aims to create a sense of security for visitors to the park. The park ideally should always feel secure for members of the community to use or traverse during daylight hours.

The 2015 customer survey revealed that 97.9% of visitors felt very/quite secure compared to the 2012 survey when 86.1% felt very/quite secure. No one asked in 2015 felt very insecure while visiting. In the 2012 survey only 3% of people questioned felt quite insecure while visiting. These scores reflect a significant positive change in the way people perceive the park in terms of health and safety.

The site is visited daily by the green space contractors who carry out bin emptying, litter picking and play area inspections. The contractor also reports any defects or issues to the Green Spaces Team.

The Green Spaces Team monitor the status of all park fixtures and facilities and officers instruct/supervise all repair works where required.

Technical support is provided by the Estate Services Section, Tree Officers and Environmental Health.

Opportunities for the improvement of public safety, without spoiling enjoyment of the many facilities, are examined as part of the general park management reviews, including issues identified in risk assessments and feedback from park users and contractors.

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Issues of community safety in the park relate primarily to acts of vandalism. Trees, litter bins, benches and other items of parks furniture and play equipment are sometimes the target of vandalism.

All vehicle gates are kept locked to prevent unauthorised access. The level of work and public activity during the day ensures there are high levels of natural surveillance in the park during daylight hours.

The green space contractors inspect the play area equipment on a daily basis and also undertake a monthly operational inspection, in accordance with the contract specification, to ensure that the site is safe to use. The contractors have procedures in place to deal with play equipment that fails safety checks. Further checks are carried out by an external contractor on an annual basis, to comply with industry best practice. Records are kept of all inspections and faulty equipment is secured and repaired or removed from public use.

There are no first aid points available in the park. The nearest minor injuries unit is Wycombe General Hospital and the nearest Accident and Emergency Department is at Stoke Mandeville Hospital.

Antisocial behaviour in green spaces is minimised by a number of factors such as appropriate provision for young people and well-cared for and maintained facilities. If graffiti, which can be a major problem, is not cleared, antisocial behaviour could escalate. Hence, a graffiti removal response time is in place that aims to remove graffiti as soon as possible. A 24 hour response policy is in place to remove any offensive graffiti.

2.3.2 Dogs

Hughenden Park is popular with dog walkers. Levels of dog fouling are regularly monitored and the wardens always encourage responsible behaviour by owners. The waste bins are emptied by a dedicated contractor, managed by WDC Environmental Services. The children’s play area is clearly signed as a dog free area.

2.3.3 Lighting

The park itself is not lit. There is a long standing policy of not lighting WDC parks because this discourages inappropriate night time use and is less disturbing to wildlife. Many feel that it is not right to illuminate major parks at night because they have links to the countryside and it wrongly urbanises a semi-natural environment.

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2.3.4 Contractors

All contractor machinery engaged in park maintenance must be correctly maintained and have safety guards in place. All contract personnel are trained in the safe operation of equipment before being permitted to use it. They are provided with and must wear personal protective equipment. Fuels are stored off site, in a secure place and bunded to avoid leakage.

Park vehicles and machinery are kept running at a high standard, to reduce the risk of leaks and spills as well as for emissions limitation.

The Grounds Maintenance contractor Quadron Services Limited is ISO 14001 accredited.

2.3.5 Risk Management

Technical advice, monitoring and control of all risk issues relating to the park are provided by the Council’s risk management team. Site specific risk assessments are carried out by members of the Green Space Team and reviewed every 3 years.

2.4 Well Maintained and Clean

2.4.1 Park Cleanliness

The standards of litter picking and bin emptying in the park have been increased in recent years to help improve appearance. Litter collection is one of the most expensive maintenance items in Wycombe’s parks and open spaces. It is known and understood by Wycombe District Council that poor cleansing produces hazards for the public, is visually off-putting, encourages misuse and leads to a general feeling of neglect, which is why every effort has been made to raise standards.

The 2015 Customer Survey carried out by an independent research company on behalf of Wycombe District Council revealed that Hughenden Park is very highly regarded by visitors, with 99% saying that the park quality is very or quite good, compared to 2012 when it was 96%. 20% of people surveyed put ‘well kept’ as their top reason for this level of quality.

The standardisation of litter bin design across the park has reduced costs and simplified the work programme. The bins are large enough to cope with most normal demands and are available in sufficient numbers for the park.

Under the performance based contract that started in January 2013 bins should be no more than three quarters full at any time. If any events take place within the park, extra provision for litter collection is required from event organisers as part of the booking. The Green Space Officer is responsible for ensuring that suitable provision has been agreed with organisers during the planning stage of the event.

Quadron is responsible for a formal litter pick; the performance output for the litter collection is to have less than 5% of litter

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per m2 prior to a litter pick and 0% after the visit.

2.4.2 Grounds Maintenance

The annual routine grounds maintenance budget for Hughenden Park is currently £38,649.98. This covers the following maintenance items: litter collection, grass, hedges, shrub bed, maintenance street furniture, playground inspections and maintenance. Quadron Services are the grounds maintenance contractor for the park.

The main maintenance features in the park other than litter picking are:

Amenity Grass – The grass in the main park areas is maintained to the following heights during the growing season; maximum height of 40mm and minimum of 25mm. Ornamental grass in the play area is maintained at a maximum height of 30mm and a minimum of 15mm.

Hedges – all hedges are clipped to previous years’ cuts throughout the year.

Stream Clearance – Litter and debris is cleared from the stream by the contractor regularly if safe access is available.

Shrub bed maintenance - no perennial weeds and only 5 annual weeds growing above 2-5 cm/m2 throughout the year and pruning sight lines to be maintained throughout the year.

All green waste recycling takes place at High Heavens, a County Council owned recycling site on the edge of High Wycombe.

Areas of long grass – some areas of the park are left to grow longer to encourage insects and wildlife, with paths cut through the areas. These areas are cut and collected annually.

2.4.3 Park Furniture

There are a number of standard benches, picnic and memorial benches around the park, including at the play area and along the stream.

The standard benches in the park are Streetmaster Monmouth benches to enable easy replacement if damaged. They are made using Iroko timber from sustainable forest sources.

The memorial benches are now standardised to Streetmaster heavy duty Georgian benches; the boards are also made of Iroko timber. A list of all named memorial benches is kept by the Green Spaces Team. There is a policy of not replacing memorial benches if they are vandalised.

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Bins in the park have been standardised to either Earth Anchor Big Bens or Beau bins, the baskets are finished in brown and the liners in green.

Benches and bins are inspected daily by the green space contractor for vandalism and damage; any problems are reported to the Green Spaces Team. Cleaning, painting and replacement is carried out throughout the year.

2.4.4 Buildings and other infrastructure

The car parks are swept every four weeks by the Street Cleansing contractor and surface repairs are carried out on an ad- hoc basis as and when required.

The only building WDC owns in Hughenden Park is Wycombe Lodge. This building is on a long term residential lease managed by our Estate Services Team. Repairs and preventative maintenance are carried out by the Council’s Facilities Management Team.

The Council does not own all of the boundary fences; it requires agreement from landowners before some maintenance works can be undertaken. Repairs and replacements are carried out as and when required.

2.4.5 Tree Maintenance

Trees in the park are inspected and maintained by WDC Tree Officers based in Planning. The Green Spaces Team has an annual budget of £21,000 to spend on tree maintenance in all the parks and open spaces across the District owned by WDC. The last full inspection for Hughenden Park was carried out in 2015. Subsequent inspections take place as tree condition dictates or every five years. An example of the tree survey is in appendix 1.

2.4.6 Play Area Maintenance

Wycombe District Council’s play maintenance contractor, Quadron Services, carries out daily safety checks and monthly operational inspections; also two WDC officers are trained to the Register of Play Inspectors International (RPII) standard to carry out independent operational inspections. An annual independent inspection and risk assessment is carried out on the play area. Maintenance works are carried out by the play maintenance contractor.

The areas are litter picked, swept and the bins are emptied on a daily basis. Any damage or vandalism is reported to the Green Spaces Team.

Examples of monthly and annual inspection sheets are included in appendix 2.

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2.4.7 Dog Bins

These are installed, maintained and emptied by a contractor working on behalf of WDC’s Environmental Services and the bins are emptied three times per week.

2.4.8 General Maintenance

An annual budget of £47,100 exists to carry out repairs to items such as fences, replacement benches, bins and other items of street furniture which is split across all WDC owned parks and open spaces.

2.5 Sustainability

Environmental Management is embedded in the Council’s policies and decision- making and green space contractor, Quadron Services, now has full ISO 14001 accreditation.

The park customer survey in 2015 revealed that 83.7% of visitors travel to the park by car/motorcycle, up by 8.5% from 2012. 14% walked and 1% used bicycles. No one surveyed took public transport. These figures reflect the relatively wealthy local population with a high level of car ownership and the distance to the park from many residential areas. If this level of car use is to be reduced, some attractive alternative access options will have to be introduced to encourage other methods of getting to the park, such as by bus, on foot or by bicycle.

There is a by-law in force across the park that prevents cycling within the park boundary for safety reasons. This would be revisited if a cycle route were developed.

2.5.1 Pesticide use

Non residual herbicides are still used for treatments of weeds and moss on hard surfaces. If a chemical weed spray is the only option, a glyphosate-based chemical is used, which breaks down on contact with the soil.

The reason chemical usage is acceptable here at all is due to the health and safety implications of failing to ensure safe surfaces. Moss growth can make paths and hard standing areas very slippery and this could cause park users to injure themselves.

The Green Spaces Team has reduced the use of herbicides in shrub beds by specifying the use of mulch and regular hand weeding.

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2.5.2 Materials and Resources

Peat has been replaced by recycled bark products for soil mulching, soil conditioning and for the planting of trees and shrubs. Containers are returned to the supplier for re-use.

Park benches are sourced from a company that uses timber (Iroko) from sustainable forests.

All grounds maintenance work is carried out under the supervision of skilled and experienced contract staff.

Water use in the park is minimal, the park sits in a designated flood zone and this reduces the demand by trees and grass for artificial irrigation.

Green waste produced in the park is recycled at High Heavens composting facility.

If possible, standing deadwood will be left in place to create a habitat for woodpeckers and log piles will be left in place, creating valuable habitat for insects.

2.5.3 Principles of Sustainability

Principles of Sustainable Management

Parks can contribute in a significant way to the social, economic and environmental factors that influence quality of life in a community.

A park that is well maintained and attractive can bring major benefits to the economy of a town by attracting business to the area, strengthening housing demand and promoting tourism. The area around Hughenden Park is a very popular place to live. The views, the proximity to a busy A road and the closeness to the town centre mean that it is well used by joggers, families, dog owners and other local residents.

The environmental benefits of Council management of the park include:

Management of the chalk stream to support the Bucks Biodiversity Action Plan

Managing and enhancing the tree stock in the park

Enhancing habitats in the park for the benefit of wildlife

Many positive mental and physical benefits through greater promotion of outdoor exercise and recreation, such as the relief from stressful situations that a walk in the fresh air in a beautiful park can provide.

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2.6 Conservation and Heritage

2.6.1 Conservation of the Landscape and Built Environment

Hughenden Park is covered by a number of planning and conservation listings.

All the listings are connected with the park being registered as a Historic Park and Garden by English Heritage, mainly due to the park’s connection with Hughenden Manor. The WDC park was once part of this Estate and housed two carriageway entrances to the Manor. The grade II listed Wycombe Lodge is still under the ownership of Wycombe District Council.

When the park transferred to the Council a covenant reserved the land in perpetuity as a public open space, park, pleasure and recreation ground.

It is intended that the historic nature of the park and the associated building will be promoted by the addition of interpretation boards at key entrance points into the park. This will give users a brief outline of the heritage of the park and why it is important to preserve some of these features.

There are also some historic and interesting specimens of trees throughout the park and it is intended to provide information on these through a tree trail, enabling visitors to learn about and identify different trees.

2.6.2 Habitat conservation and Creation

The Green Space Team will continue to work with the Revive the Wye group, Environment Agency and the Chilterns Chalk Stream Project Officer to preserve and improve the chalk stream and, wherever possible, to support the Bucks Biodiversity Action Plan. The Revive the Wye group have already completed a number of tasks on site, which include litter and vegetation clearance. The longer vegetation to the banks of the stream will remain as this provides contrast to the banks of the stream on the National Trust side, where grazing removes the vegetation cover from the banks.

The Council currently leaves standing deadwood on site where it is safe to do so and creates log piles in appropriate places, as this provides valuable habitat for insects.

It is also intended to place a number of bird and bat boxes in the trees around the park, to create nesting sites. These will be monitored for nesting activity on an annual basis.

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2.6.3 Cultural and Social Benefits

Cultural benefits include the landscape surrounding Hughenden Manor, reflecting parts of the area’s varied history.

Social benefits include informal leisure and sports opportunities such as picnics, play areas, walking and jogging. Through these and other activities, the park caters for all age groups, cultures and backgrounds.

2.6.4 Sculpture/Public Art

There is currently no sculpture or art work in Hughenden Park, although plans to provide a tree trail and possibly some wooden sculptures are currently being investigated.

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2.7 Community Involvement

2.7.1 The Park Community

Hughenden Park serves not only the residents of the town of High Wycombe and the village of Hughenden but also those who live in nearby communities. It is one of the major parks, funded by and used by residents of Wycombe District and by many thousands of visitors to the area.

Wycombe District Council commissioned a new Parks Customer Survey from a market research company in 2015. The report covered the Rye, Hughenden Park and Higginson Park. WDC has a rolling plan to repeat this every 3 years; previous surveys were carried out in 2012 and 2009.

99% of people questioned said their overall opinion of Hughenden Park was very/quite good. 86% of people thought the provision of facilities was getting better.

There is currently no formal “Friends of Hughenden Park”, however the formation of a new friends group will be added to the action plan for the park.

Regular users of the park include: schools taking part in cross country runs, dog walkers, walkers, and children and parents visiting the play area.

2.7.2 Voluntary and Community groups

The Revive the Wye group carries out volunteer tasks on the stream on a regular basis, including litter picking and vegetation clearance.

The National Trust also has a number of volunteers and it is hoped that the Council might be able to work with them on future joint projects.

2.7.3 Partnerships and Community

Participation relates to the link between the park and the community around it. The Council will involve residents, visitors, contractor staff and interested groups such as the National Trust, High Wycombe Society, local businesses, Environment Agency, Revive the Wye, Chiltern Chalk Streams on specific projects as relevant.

The community mainly uses the park informally by visiting, with friends and family for various reasons, such as exercise and social interaction.

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2.7.4 Equality Act 2010

The surfaced footpaths within the park are access friendly for wheelchairs, however a full circular route does not exist around the park; further footpath works will be looked at as budget allows.

There are currently no disabled parking bays in either of the car parks; however we will consider whether to mark a disabled bay in the new car park in the near future.

2.7.5 Inclusion

The Green Space Team is responsible for the park and monitors the impact of policies and procedures to ensure inclusion in any aspect of the function of the park or buildings within it.

The District has a diverse population with residents from Eastern Europe, and well established communities of Asian and African Caribbean descent established over many decades, and numerous others as well as the white majority population. All communities use the open space in their own way and can meet and mix with many others of different cultures.

2.8 Marketing

2.8.1 Marketing Strategy

The Council has carried out regular market research exercises since 1990. Wycombe District Council has carried out Park User surveys in 2001, 2009, 2012 and 2015 and intends to carry these out every three years.

Marketing strategy is about –

Analysing the needs and wants of the public and identifying the gaps that could be filled,

Advising and making decisions relating to Council policy and

Identifying the methods (advertising) required to achieve the aims of the Council in attracting and informing the public.

The marketing role for Wycombe District Council is split in many ways –

The Communications Team are the point of contact for press releases and enquiries, and they manage publicity for major Council associated news and events. They contact Green Space management for advice and comments on park issues. Promotion of the park is carried out through press releases. In 2015 we had 1 release in Wycombe District Times magazine, 1 article in the Bucks Free Press and 1 article on the Council web site.

The Green Spaces Officer manages external (those organised outside of the council) events/ filming bookings that take

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place in Hughenden Park and other open spaces within the District

Tourism Services is responsible for providing marketing brochures and leaflets relating to tourism throughout the district, represents the Council in meetings within the Chilterns and Thames Valley tourism area, and deals with any enquiries relating to activities of a tourism nature, such as major events, attractions, accommodation, etc.

The term ‘tourism’ covers day trips, short breaks, long holidays and visits for leisure or business.

2.8.2 Signs

The only directional road signage that currently exists is the brown tourist signs directing visitors to Hughenden Manor, the National Trust property. Options will be explored with Bucks County Council to determine if signs can be added identifying the car park locations at Hughenden Park and sign- posting pedestrians from the town centre.

2.8.3 Website

The Wycombe District Council website has information on all large open spaces including Hughenden Park, see http://www.wycombe.gov.uk under Leisure and Culture, then Parks and Recreation. A link to a copy of the Hughenden Park Management Plan will be available on the website, under the Hughenden Park information page.

2.8.4 Information and Interpretation

There are currently no interpretation boards or noticeboards at Hughenden Park; locations have now been identified for these at key entrance points, to include a site plan and brief history of the park.

The plaque detailing the work on the Rotary Way (Lime Avenue) will also be reinstated. It is intended that the signage will be in place by 31st March 2017.

The possibility of a tree interpretation trail is also being investigated.

There is currently no specific park leaflet for Hughenden Park, though it is included in the High Wycombe mini guide.

Images of the park appear on the Council website, Leisure and Culture/ Parks and Recreation section. They are also used in marketing literature and by other services.

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2.8.5 Encouraging Park Use

The 2015 parks survey revealed that 55% of visitors questioned visit the park at least weekly showing a high proportion of regular visitors to the park. 22% visit less than monthly. Over 37% of visitors told us that nothing would encourage them to visit the park more often and the park is fine as it is and 35% said they wanted toilet provision. In the past there were toilets in the park but these were regularly subject to vandalism, antisocial behaviour and arson and had to be demolished. There are no plans to replace the removed toilet block.

The in- street survey showed that everyone interviewed had visited Hughenden Park at some point, so no non- users were found. 4.7% of people believed all the area was managed by the National Trust and this will be addressed by the new interpretation signage. An additional 6.6% of people said more activities are needed and perhaps this can be explored by adding additional small scale events now that there is an additional car park.

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2.9 Management

2.9.1 Management Plan

Management plans are meant to be flexible documents; all parks change constantly as they adjust to meet demand. This plan is intended to provide over-arching guidance for the next ten years and beyond and is now in a format to allow it to be reviewed and updated on an annual basis.

2.9.2 Public Service

Standards of maintenance for the park are constantly reviewed to ensure that they always meet the expectations of the public. The current high public satisfaction rating indicates that standards are generally meeting requirements, although we will continue to strive for improvements. Green Space Officers administer all issues regarding the management of engineering works within Hughenden Park. Utility companies have access rights where there are electrical, gas, sewerage and water supplies.

The green space contractor’s staff are briefed regularly on planned work and are an essential part of the consultation process which encourages ‘ownership’ and in turn builds pride in the park.

2.9.3 The Influence of Wycombe District Council Strategies

The Environmental policy was updated in 2011 and has instigated gradual changes in parks management policies.

The Councils priorities for 2016 -2019 are:

Regeneration and Infrastructure: our ‘place’ priority.

Cohesive Communities: our ‘people’ priority.

Value for money services: our ‘pounds’ priority.

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Parks are particularly relevant to the Regeneration and Infrastructure: Place Priority

This priority focuses on investing in our District and enabling regeneration through the use of the Council’s assets. In this way we are also helping to ensure we have the appropriate infrastructure to support sustainable growth.

Our approach is to use our assets in such a way that not only delivers regeneration and growth in a sustainable way, but also generates annual revenue to support our services to the public thus contributing to our projected funding shortfall in future years. In this way the Council can make sure essential services continue to be provided and help to provide jobs, as well as retail, leisure and other facilities for local people to enjoy.

This priority is also about making sure that we have plans in place to facilitate the wider delivery of required growth in our district. Our residents have told us that the provision of affordable homes, jobs for local people and other infrastructure is important to them.

Our plans, such as the new Local Plan, will help us to work with developers to make sure that new developments are sustainable and of high quality. Development is not just about the built environment and we want, through this planning process, to investigate opportunities to facilitate the creation of new green infrastructure. This is not only good for people, but will help safeguard wildlife too.

These drive policy in such areas as community safety, cohesion and leisure, economic development and the environment, all of which in turn have a strong influence on park strategy.

2.9.4 Financial Management

The park maintenance budget is part of the larger grounds maintenance contract for the whole of High Wycombe Town. There is no stand alone budget solely for the park.

Revenue estimates for the year reflect income and expenditure and are reviewed annually. Revenue budgets address routine maintenance costs and do not cover larger scale capital schemes.

The play area refurbishment in the park will be funded from the rolling Capital Programme Facilities for Young People budget.

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2.9.5 Decision Making

Wycombe District Council is the legal body that owns and manages Hughenden Park and, as such, is responsible for making all management decisions.

Day to day management of the park is delegated to the Head of Community Services and implemented by the Green Spaces Team. The team covers a range of activities including parks management, ecology, outdoor leisure and recreation, facility management, maintenance and events management. Grounds maintenance is undertaken by Quadron’s Contract Manager and their staff.

Officers from other services (Planning, Legal, Environmental Health, etc.) provide technical support and advice as required.

- A copy of Quadron Service’s staff structure is included in appendix 4.

Below is the current staff structure for day to day management of the site:

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Part C – The Future of Hughenden Park

3.0 Vision

The vision for the Hughenden Park Management Plan is to “ensure the continuance of the best of the existing character and qualities of the parkland, whilst embracing beneficial enhancements and additional provision that meet the needs and aspirations of the whole community for now and in the future”.

The objectives set out the overall aims for the management of the park and should guide all decisions about maintenance and improvements. A detailed action plan helps to achieve the objectives that are in the Management Plan.

3.1 Summary

This section of the Management Plan sets out Wycombe District Council’s intentions and aspirations for the park for the next ten years. Input has come from a number of sources – from within the Council, from park users, local residents and other stakeholders.

The identified initiatives listed within the Action Plan will be implemented as resources become available and discussions will continue on those issues that need further consideration at this time.

From the recent views of stakeholders it is very clear that Hughenden Park already fulfils most people’s needs and is greatly appreciated and valued in its existing form. Therefore, no major developments that might change the existing character of Hughenden Park are proposed in this plan, though it is recognised that there have been many major changes in the past.

Some actions are straightforward and will be carried out as indicated in the table. Other aims need further discussion.

The proposals and the actions are reflected in the ‘Objectives for Hughenden Park’ section 3.3, and each objective is broken down into greater detail.

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3.2 SWOT Analysis

This has been completed for Hughenden Park by the Green Spaces Team.

Strengths

High maintenance standards

Historic parkland. Largest public park in the District

High public satisfaction rate

Existing tree stocks

Chalk stream running through the park

Views across the park

High profile

Responsive and pro-active management

Skilled and dedicated workforce

Weaknesses

Lack of directional and interpretation signage

Lack of accessible footpaths

Play area in need of refurbishment

Lack of toilet facilities/cafe

Entrances to the park need enhancement

Opportunities

Links with National Trust

Forming Friends Group

Improve cycle routes to the park and across the park

S106/ CIL money for park improvements

Enhanced ecological value

Threats

Future housing developments may put pressure on the existing park infrastructure.

Budget cuts–leading to lower maintenance standards

Lack of political support for open space investment

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Objectives for Hughenden Park

3.3 “The Park will be welcoming and accessible to all”

a. Footpaths

It is intended to review the footpaths, particularly at key entrance points such as the new car park on Coates Lane, as this will become a new entrance point into the park. A safe level surface footpath needs to be installed at this entrance leading into the park. It may then be possible to link this path across to the play area to provide better access from the car park to the play area making this part of the park more accessible to people with disabilities.

A footpath/trackway leading from the Coates Lane car park to the allotment site was installed in October 2016.

In the future a circular surface footpath around the park might be considered, but this will need further discussion and consideration.

b. Gateways

All existing entrance points to the park will be reviewed and, where necessary, vegetation cut back and the areas opened up to provide clear sight lines into the park. Planting of shrubs, wild or annual flower meadows will be considered at key entrance points to brighten them up and make the entrance points more welcoming.

c. Street Furniture

Additional seating will be placed around the park when requests are received for memorial benches, bins will be replaced as required and if any litter hot spots are identified within the park then additional bins will be provided. The dog bin locations will also be reviewed and moved to more sensible locations if felt necessary.

The dog bins and litter bin locations were reviewed in November 2016, replacements and new locations have now been agreed. Work to replace and relocate them will commence in December 2016.

d. Signage

During 2017 it is intended to install site interpretation boards and noticeboards at all key entrance points into the park. The interpretation boards will include a site map and brief history, so visitors will be able to explore the park and read a brief account of the history of the park they are visiting. It is hoped that this will improve the visitor experience. The signs and

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notice boards have been ordered. It is hoped installation will be completed by 31st March 2017.

A plaque on Rotary Way will also be installed to inform visitors of the history of the lime avenue.

Signage will be reviewed on the surrounding roads and footpaths to see if there are options to improve signage directing people to the park. If signs are to be re- installed it will need to be in partnership with Bucks County Council as they are the Highways Authority.

e. New cycle path

The park would benefit from a cycle path adjacent to the Hughenden Road to encourage visitors to cycle to the park and promote sustainable transport. This will need further consideration/discussion with Planning and Bucks County Council and funding will be subject to funding.

f. Green Corridor

A green corridor is currently being considered through the former Compair site, which is being redeveloped. This will consist of a linear path adjacent to the river with grass open space, forming an area people can use without having to walk alongside the busy road. This will form a link park to Hughenden Park from High Wycombe Town Centre making walking and cycling to the park more accessible and pleasant for to all. This will be funded by developers.

3.4 “The facilities within the park will be enhanced and developed to meet community needs”

a. Buildings

Currently there are no public buildings within the park; the previous public toilets were demolished after a fire some years ago. In the results of the recent park survey 25% of park users stated that toilet facilities would encourage them to visit the park more often and 6% would also like some type of café provision.

Consideration could be given to providing a kiosk/café with toilets attached which could be managed and maintained by a concessionaire. This will need further discussion to determine location, viability, planning and funding.

b. Play facilities

The play area has been identified for refurbishment in 2016/17 as part of the council’s rolling replacement programme

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funded from the Facilities for Young People Capital Programme. This project was tendered in November 2016 and it is hoped the new play area will be installed by the end of May 2017.

An option which should be investigated further is to provide an Outdoor Gym /trim trail which would provide facilities for a range of ages from teenagers to adults. This will need further consideration regarding funding and location.

c. Art in the park

There is currently no art in the park. A project to create some wooden sculptures around the park will be considered as a future opportunity. This project will require further consideration and funding.

d. Surface Water Storage

Hughenden Park has been identified a potential area for a surface water storage. A number of properties in the Hughenden Road and Coates Lane areas have been identified by DEFRA as being at risk from surface water flooding. Bucks County Council are looking at potential options to carry out road reprofiling to route surface water flow along Coates Lane into Hughenden Park. Project is in early stage and no plans are definite, BCC are applying for funding for the project and work is likely to take place in 2017/18.

3.5 “The natural environment within the park will be enhanced and developed with partners

a.Streams /Grassland and Biodiversity

WDC will explore future options for enhancing the habitat and conditions of Hughenden Stream to support the Bucks Biodiversity Action Plan. This will be in partnership with the Environment Agency, Chiltern Chalk Streams Project Officer, Revive the Wye and the National Trust. Marginal vegetation will remain uncut as this is a contrast to the grazed area at Hughenden Manor, supports different habitats and provides areas for nesting water fowl.

Bird, owl and bat boxes will be placed in the trees around the park in 2017 to provide nesting areas. These will be checked for nesting activity on a regular basis.

Wildflowers and annual meadow areas will be planted in appropriate places around the park; these are beneficial for pollinating insects as well as being visually appealing. Wildflowers have already been planted in character area one and further consideration will be given to planting at key entrance points into the park. Wildflower seed planted in November 2016.

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Primroses will be planted in appropriate locations around the park, to tie in with the links of the primroses and Benjamin Disraeli. Primroses were said to be his favourite flower and Queen Victoria sent a wreath of primroses as she was unable to attend the funeral with the words ‘his favourite flower’. The Primrose league was a popular political organisation that had over one million members by 1891. It was said to be a cult grown up in memory of Disraeli and claimed to represent ‘transformation into political energy’. Primrose Day is also celebrated on the anniversary of Disraeli’s death and tributes are left on public memorials or worn on clothes. The intention is to plant the primroses on various banks around the park. 150 Primrose plugs were planted on the boundary with the National Trust in December 2016.

b. Trees

It is also intended to create a tree trail within the park, identifying species of trees and any of historic significance to the park; this will be carried out in partnership with WDC Tree Officers and National Trust.

The existing tree stocks will be maintained and preserved as appropriate; future consideration may need to be given to thinning the Lime avenue.

Exotic specimen planting should be kept to one area of the park in consultation with WDC Tree Officers.

Future projects could include working with the National Trust and Tree Officers to replant some of the trees that would have been present at the time of Benjamin Disraeli to tie in with the historic link between the park and the Manor. This will need further consideration, research and funding.

3.6 “The local community will have a positive input into the management of the park”

The last park user survey was carried out in April 2015; this survey will be repeated again in April 2018. This provides the Council with essential information from the public on their perceptions and on areas of the park that could be improved.

A friends group will be formed in 2017, led by our Grounds Maintenance contractor, Quadron Services.

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3.7 Hughenden Park Action Plan – Nov 2016 – October 2026 (next review date November 2017)

Objective Action Target Date Responsible officer Identified Funding /Comments

3.3 Review footpath locations June 2016 Green Space Officer Review completed.

3.3 Install new footpath from new car park entrance Coates Lane – running to the play area and allotments.

December 2016 Contract Manager/Green Space Officer

October 2016 footpath from new car park to allotments installed.

No funding for footpath to play area at current time but public can use the footpath on Coates Lane.

3.3 Review options for full circular footpath route.

March 2016 Contract Manager/Green Space Officer

Circular path not being taken forward at the moment.

3.3 Cut back vegetation to open up key entrances and planting to make areas more welcoming

March 2017 Contract Manager/Green Space Officer/ Quadron Services and National Trust

Grounds Maintenance Revenue budget

3.3 Determine additional bench installations

December 2017 Green Space Officer Memorial bench donations

3.3 Review litter bin and dog bin locations and future

April 2016 Green Space Officer Review completed November 2016. Work to replace and

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requirements relocate bins will begin in December 2016.

3.3 Signage - Interpretation boards & noticeboards to be installed at key entrances

End March 2017 Contract Manager/Green Space Officer

S106 funding bid approved. Signs & noticeboards ordered November 2016.

3.3 Install plaque Rotary Way – lime avenue

June 2017 Contract Manager/Green Space Officer

Revenue budget

3.3 Review directional signage on nearby roads and paths

New Signage to car parks

April 2016

December 2017

Green Space Officer Review carried out the main requirements are directional signage to the two car parks.

3.3 A new cycle path should be explored going across the park adjacent to Hughenden Road

December 2020 Contract Manager/Planning/ Bucks County Council

T.B.C

3.3 Former Compair site possible green corridor linking Hughenden Park to Town Centre

December 2020 Estate Services/ Planning T.B.C

3.4 Business case for New/toilet café block in the park

Review/Consultation Dec 2017

Build December 2018

Community Facilities Project Manager

T.B.C

3.4 Refurbishment and 2016/17 – Green Space Officer Capital Funding.

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upgrade of children’s play area

installation by May 2017

Project tendered November 2016.

3.4 Installation of outdoor gym/trim trail

2018/19 Green Space Officer T.B.C

3.4 Installation of wooden sculpture trail

2017/18 Contract Manager T.B.C

3.4 Surface water storage in the park

2017/18 Bucks CC Strategic Flood Management Officer/Environment Agency and WDC.

Bucks County Council funding project

3.5 Enhance habitat of chalk stream

2019/20 Contract Manager/ Chiltern Chalk Streams Project Officer/ Environment Agency/National Trust

Dependant on the nature of the project

3.5 Install bird, bat and owl boxes

December 2017 Contract Manager/Tree Officers Revenue Budget. Bird boxes ordered Nov 2016.

3.5 Wildflower and annual meadow areas planted where appropriate

Oct 2015 –Dec 2016 Contract Manager/Quadron Services

Revenue Budgets. Three areas in character area 1 planted.

3.5 Plant primroses in selected locations

Dec 2016 Contract Manager/ Quadron Services

Revenue Budgets. 150 plugs ordered and planted December 2016.

3.5 Create tree trail in the park 2016/17 Contract Manager/Green Space Officer/Tree Officers

possibly get local companies to sponsor

47

a sign/tree

3.5 Maintain existing tree stocks and consider thinning lime avenue

Dec 2017 Contract Manager/ Tree Officer Revenue Tree Budget

3.5 Replant historic trees that have been lost

Dec 2019 Contract Manager/Green Space Officer/ Tree Officer/National Trust

Revenue Tree Budget

3.6 Carry out Park User Surveys

April 2018 Contract Manager/Green Space Officer

Revenue budgets –

Last survey carried out April 2015

3.6 Form a Park Friends Group December 2017 Contract Manager/Quadron Services

Staff time

48

Appendices

Appendix 1 - Tree Risk Survey

04667 Black Pine > 19 metres > 75 cms 16 Target Risk

4 Risk of Failure 4

Bracing and propping

04040 Silver Maple 13 - 19 metres

> 75 cms 32 Target Risk

8 Risk of Failure 4

Crown reduce Std.



8 Risk of Failure 4 Dead Wooding

04115 Horse Chestnut > 19 metres > 75 cms 16 Target Risk

2 Risk of Failure 8 Tree Felling leave as monolith

AC000116 Oak 7 - 13

metres 51 - 75

cms 16

Target Risk 4

Risk of Failure 4 Sever ivy

04350 Sycamore > 19 metres > 75 cms 4 Target Risk

1 Risk of Failure 4

Crown reduce Std.

04016 Scots Pine > 19 metres 51 - 75

cms 4

Target Risk 2

Risk of Failure 2 Crown lift 3 - 6m 2.5m over footpath only


cms 4

Target Risk 2

Risk of Failure 2 Crown lift 3 - 6m 2.5m over footpath only


cms 8

Target Risk 2

Risk of Failure 4 Dead Wooding


cms 8

Target Risk 2


04021 Horse Chestnut 13 - 19 metres

51 - 75 cms

4 Target Risk

1 Risk of Failure 4 Tree Felling


51 - 75 cms

4 Target Risk

1 Risk of Failure 4 Stump Grind

04023 Oak-leaved Hornbeam

7 - 13 metres

26 - 50 cms

8 Target Risk

4 Risk of Failure 2 Crown lift 3 - 6m over footpath and away from streetlight only


13 - 19 metres

26 - 50 cms

8 Target Risk



13 - 19 metres

26 - 50 cms

8 Target Risk




2 Risk of Failure 4

Crown reduce Std.

04102 Turkey Oak 13 - 19 metres

51 - 75 cms

4 Target Risk





2 Risk of Failure 4

Basal and Epicormic Growth


2 Risk of Failure 4 Sever ivy

04128 Lime (European

Lime) > 19 metres > 75 cms 8

Target Risk 2


49

04135 Copper Beech > 19 metres > 75 cms 4 Target Risk

1 Risk of Failure 4 Dead Wooding deadwood and hung up branches

04135 Copper Beech > 19 metres > 75 cms 4 Target Risk

1 Risk of Failure 4 Hourly Rates

request climber report back on main unions within crown.



Target Risk 2


04183 Ash 13 - 19 metres


1 Risk of Failure 2 Dead Wooding over unofficial path



Target Risk 2


04583 Ash 13 - 19 metres

26 - 50 cms

8 Target Risk

2 Risk of Failure 4 Dead Wooding over gate/path

04653 Atlas Cedar 13 - 19 metres

26 - 50 cms

2 Target Risk

1 Risk of Failure 2

Remove branch/limb

hung up branch

04721 Crack Willow 13 - 19 metres


4 Risk of Failure 2

Crown reduce Std.



4 Risk of Failure 4

Crown reduce Std.

03905 Fastigiate Hornbeam 13 - 19 metres

51 - 75 cms

8 Target Risk

4 Risk of Failure 2 Crown lift 3 - 6m over road & footpath only

03906 Fastigiate Hornbeam 13 - 19 metres

51 - 75 cms

8 Target Risk

4 Risk of Failure 2 Crown lift 3 - 6m over road & footpath only

Tree Reference

Species Height Band DBH Band

Risk Factor

Risk Category

Inspection Risk Category

Action Action Remarks

04004 Turkey Oak > 19 metres > 75 cms 4 Target Risk

2 Risk of Failure 2 Crown lift 3 - 6m



Target Risk 1




Target Risk 1




Target Risk 1




Target Risk 1




Target Risk 1


04008 Red Horse Chestnut 13 - 19 metres





2 Risk of Failure 4 Hourly Rates

request climber report back on possible defects/dysfunction at first main union



Target Risk 2




Target Risk 2


50

04606 White Willow 13 - 19 metres

51 - 75 cms

8 Target Risk

2 Risk of Failure 4

Crown reduce Std.

04606 White Willow 13 - 19 metres

51 - 75 cms

8 Target Risk




Target Risk 2


AC000205 Sawara Cypress 0 - 7 metres 0 - 10 cms 1 Target Risk

1 Risk of Failure 1 Stump Grub

03907 Rowan 7 - 13

metres 26 - 50

cms 16

Target Risk 4

Risk of Failure 4 Tree Felling

03908 Rowan 13 - 19 metres

26 - 50 cms

8 Target Risk



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1

Risk of Failure 1 Day Rates lift to 2.5m on inside of avenue only


Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1


51


Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1


52


Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) Stump Only

11 - 25 cms

1 Target Risk

1 Risk of Failure 1 Day Rates lift to 2.5m on inside of avenue only

53


Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1



Lime) 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 1

Target Risk 1




Target Risk 1

Risk of Failure 4 Basal and

Epicormic Growth



Target Risk 1


Epicormic Growth



Target Risk 1


Epicormic Growth



Target Risk 1


Epicormic Growth



Target Risk 1


Epicormic Growth



Target Risk 1


Epicormic Growth



Target Risk 1


Epicormic Growth

04007 Horse Chestnut Stump Only > 75 cms 0 Target Risk

2 Risk of Failure 0 Day Rates remove stem





Target Risk 2




Target Risk 2




Target Risk 2


04111 Deodar Cedar 7 - 13

metres 51 - 75

cms 2

Target Risk 1

Risk of Failure 2 Hourly Rates cut down elderberry & brambles



Target Risk 2


54

04133 Turkey Oak > 19 metres > 75 cms 16 Target Risk

4 Risk of Failure 4

Crown reduce Std.

light reduction of approximately 1.5m to alleviate weight


2 Risk of Failure 2 Hourly Rates chip fallen branch


1 Risk of Failure 2

Crown reduce Std.

light reduction to co-dominant stem only




where possible/appropriate, deadwood to be shortened to leave stubs to alleviate risk

but preserve habitat.



2 Risk of Failure 4

Crown reduce Std.

reduce in an attempt to support retrenchment. care must be taken to retain

epicormic/internal growth

04214 London Plane 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 4

Target Risk 1

Risk of Failure 4 Crown reduce

Std. light reduction of southern stem to allow

northrn stem to assume dominance.

04361 Weeping White

Willow 13 - 19 metres

51 - 75 cms

4 Target Risk

2 Risk of Failure 2

Crown reduce Std.




2 Risk of Failure 0 Day Rates remove stem/logs

04663 Red Horse Chestnut 7 - 13

metres 26 - 50

cms 2

Target Risk 1


04686 Sweet Chestnut 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 8

Target Risk 2


04697 Black Pine > 19 metres > 75 cms 16 Target Risk

4 Risk of Failure 4 Hourly Rates clear elder from around base



Target Risk 2

Risk of Failure 4 Crown reduce

Std.



2 Risk of Failure 2

Crown reduce Std.

AC031642 Sycamore 7 - 13

metres 11 - 25

cms 4

Target Risk 2


Risk Scoring

1, 2, 4, 8, 16. 32, 64, 128 & 256, scores 1 to 16 are within the acceptable range and are for trees that pose no significant risk (Low) 32 monitoring or works to be carried out within 12 months (Moderate) 64 works to be carried out within 2 months (High)

128 works to be carried out within 2 weeks (Very High)

256 work imminent (Immediate) Re-inspection is subject to a zoning exercise which is still to be carried out however the majority of the trees will be on a 5 year inspection regime.

55

Appendix 2 – Play Area Monthly Inspection Example

56

Appendix 2 – Annual Play Area inspection Example (A full copy is available on request)

57

58

Appendix 3 – School’s Cross Country Run Routes

59

Appendix 4 – Quadron Staff Structure

60

Biodiversity Opportunity Area Statement for Chalk Streams – referred to in Character area 3 of the main document

61

61

62

Bibliography and Information Sources

National Trust, Disraeli and Hughenden, 2010

National Trust, Hughenden Manor, 1997

Contract of Sale Major C.R. Disraeli to Chepping Wycombe Borough Council, 22nd July 1936

Contract of Sale Sybil Isabella Caverley to Chepping Wycombe Borough Council, 25th January 1937

Gov.uk, History of Government, Disraeli’s flowery History, April 2013

Historic England .org.uk, Hughenden Manor List Entry Summary 1125785,1000318 &1310655

Buckinghamshire County Council Partnership, Chalk Rivers

Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Biodiversity Partnership, Central Chilterns Chalk Rivers Biodiversity Opportunity Area Statement

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