2018/19 Update

Compost bays in the dedicated yard

6.4 Pesticide use

Havering’s Parks team has developed a pesticide (reduction) strategy aimed at minimising the use of pesticides and the risks which pesticides can present. This can be found in Appendix 3. Where possible non-chemical alternative methods of control are used which included Toleration Mulching Hoeing Strimming Manual Weeding Burning Planting Densities These are not listed in any form of order as each area will have its own peculiarities that dictate the method used.

6.5 Tree management

Trees in parks are managed by an Arboricultural Officer based within the Public Realm Highways Tree Team. Parks officers carry out basic visual inspections of trees as part of general park inspections and then any issues are reported to the Arboricultural Officer. They will then carry out a more detailed inspection and if necessary raise a works order with the borough’s external contractor using schedules of rates. They will also deal with all contact from the public who have concerns about trees either in the parks they visit or close to their property. It has been necessary whilst carrying out the improvement works some established trees have had to be felled to open up areas and create more light to paths. One example of this is next to the pathway from Warren Drive car park to the café. The removal of some of the poorer specimens has improved the remaining trees. The existing trees in the park have been assessed and any necessary work to improve their appearance and health, e.g. crown thinning, reducing and dead-wooding. New trees have been planted in to add variety to the landscape and replacements in key locations.

Harrow Lodge Park Management Plan Update 2018/19

Energy Sustainability

In section B of the Climate Change Action Plan (Fleet, Transport & Machinery), the Grounds Maintenance team have been examining their use of vehicles. One result of this is the purchase of a number of electric ‘Gator’ utility vehicles for use in Parks operations. This vehicle is plugged into a socket in the depot and one overnight charge can last for one week. These are particularly useful in urban parks that are relatively flat such as Harrow Lodge Park. The Park Ranger uses the Gator for most operations around the park as it has good capacity at the rear and can tow a trailer. Although these do not negate the need for diesel vehicles but it has helped to cut down in use. The Grounds Maintenance team are also planning to replace the Supervisor’s vehicles with electric vans. This is being arranged corporately through the Transport Services department. Once the leases expire on all operational supervisors’ vehicles they will be replaced with electric vans. The Ford Transit Connect Electric and the Renault Kangoo Z.E. are currently being looked at, as well as the potential charging points across the borough.

Another operational factor is the number times the Grounds Maintenance vehicles visit the Waste and Recycling Centre. Central collection areas in some park depots have now been dedicated for collection of loose and bagged waste from the rounds carried out by the litter picking teams. This is then collected by the Street Cleansing mini-compactor lorries as part of their rounds. This reduces the number of vehicles and fuel used to transport waste to the WRC. This complies with sections B (Fleet, Transport & Machinery) and L (Waste and Recycling) of the Climate Change Action Plan. This is currently only being run in parks in the North and central parts of the borough as the WRC is in the South of the borough, hence the need to reduce the time vehicles spend travelling from one end of the borough to the other.

As part in improvement in efficiencies in the Grounds Maintenance Service the area supervisor, tractor drivers and Rangers have worked together to create room for a tractor in the Ranger base at Harrow Lodge Park. This will allow the area tractor driver to be in their area rather than have to come in from their current base at Bedfords Park in the north of the Borough. Apart from saving time it will also reduce road journeys and emissions.

A full copy of the Council’s Climate Change Action Plan can be found at https://www.havering.gov.uk/ccapdownload This is currently being updated by the Council’s Environmental Protection team.

Waste Minimisation

The in-house composting reduces the amount of waste that is taken to the WMF and also vehicle journeys and usage. This also complies with sections B and L of the Climate Change Action Plan. Green waste is collected at strategic points across the borough, to reduce journey times by Grounds Maintenance vehicles, and transported up to the depot for processing.

Each pile will be regularly turned to assist with the aerobic composting. This raises the temperature of the material which reaches 50 – 60 degrees at which point weeds and pathogens are eliminated and the decomposition accelerated. Staff use a specialise probe to test the compost piles and once it has levelled out at constant temperature it is ready to use

Since this operation started 150 of tonnage has been diverted from Frog island and to our own compost operations. Material is used when improving soil in park shrub beds. It was used as mulch throughout the park.

Further work has been done towards the composting of suitable green waste and the Harrow Lodge Park depot area has become a hub for the collection of green waste. This is then collected by grab lorry and conveyed in bulk to the composting area at Bedford’s Park. The Grab lorry is also based out of Harrow Lodge so reduces road journeys and time as well

7. Conservation and Heritage

7.1 Conservation of natural features, wild fauna, flora

7.1.1 Grassland

Grass with naturalised bulbs is not cut until after the bulbs have set, some 6 to 8 weeks after the cessation of flowering. The first cut is usually fairly high; to cut and remove the long grass and bulb leaves, with a subsequent cut to bring the grass down to the amenity grass level. Conservation areas are area similar to wildflower meadows but topped at appropriate times (outside of nesting season) thought-out the growing season. They are then flailed at the end of the year. This still allows a richer biodiversity than amenity grass but does not require the resources and time of a cut and collect at the end of the year. The management also means that they are not just abandoned areas and are not allowed to scrub up. Some areas may have rides cut through throughout the year.

Conservation Area

There are some large conservation areas at Harrow Lodge Park mainly to the North of the lakes and extending down to Upper Rainham Road, around the woodland. There is a good mix of conservation areas and amenity grassland to give the park both a natural and formal environment. The areas chosen took into account the more wooded area of the Parks to maximise wildlife benefit.

The areas have seen an improvement in wildlife value and a walk through the areas in summer will show a noticeable increase in crickets and grasshoppers, bees and butterflies. This in turn has led to an increase in bird species, such as Thrushes, and encourages mammals, such as Hedgehogs and also helps encourage bats like the Pipistrelle who come to feed on them on the increased insect life.

7.1.2 Wildflower Meadows

Wildflower meadow areas are sown with a native wildflower seed in late spring. This is then left to bloom over summer and cut and collected in late autumn after it has all finished flowering. The area is rotavated in early spring prior to seeding. Two Wildflower meadows were created in 2016. The first from a disused paddling pool that was filled in with soil and seeded. The second larger area was created after landscaping works were carried out to the area at the rear of the Boathouse Café. The excising slope was reduced and work done to clear vegetation giving the area a dark look. This was then sown with a native wildfowl mix.

A third meadow is to be created in 2017 along the boundary of Upper Rainham Road in area recently cleared of old shrubs to open it up and give better sightlines across the Parks. 7.1.3 Watercourses

The Lake in Harrow Lodge Park was created in the mid 1950’s by damming and widening of the River Ravensbourne that flows through the Park. The lake is home to a number of aquatic bird species. With large amounts of Mute Swans and Canada Geese but also more unusually Egyptian Geese, the rather timid Grey Heron and the occasional Cormorant.

A silt lagoon was built to catch silt and rubbish from the river before it enters the Lake. Although it is mainly successful it does get over run at times of flood. The Lagoon is responsibly of the Councils Flood and Rivers Management officer and he arranges desilting of the lagoon on a bi yearly basis. The silt removed from this area is deposited for drying out in an area just inside the neighbouring woodland. The on-site Ranger undertakes a clearance of floating rubbish once a week from the lagoon to reduce a build-up. Unfortunately in recent years there have been a number of pollution problems caused by an overflowing trunk sewer that runs under the Park. Through this Avian Botulism has been introduced into the lake ecosystem. Avian Botulism is an anaerobic bacterium that lays dormant within the silt of the lake and remerges when water temperatures increase and oxygen reduces. The trunk sewer has a capacity problem in heavy rain and can cause overflows from some of the manhole covers into the River Ravensbourne which feeds into the lake. The council has worked closely with both Thames Water and the Environment Agency on this issue. Towards the end of 2016 an agreement was reached with Thames Water to clean out the Sewer every six months to help reduce the problem whilst a long term solution is sought. In addition to this to help improve the lake health the Parks Service has also introduced a number of lake improvements. A survey was carried out to assess the depth and silt levels of the lake which culminated in the removal of silt from the centre of the northern lake by pushing to the banks. This has the benefit of reducing water temperature and allows increased oxygen and therefore reduces the activation of the Botulism bacteria.

There are also two wind powered aerators to help keep the oxygen levels up. These pump oxygen into the siltier bottom of the lake, where the bacterium lives. The more ornamental fountain was replaced in 2015 with three purpose aerating fountains to better increase oxygen levels. The spreading of aquatic lime in the lake edge helps reduces siltation and reduces the bacterium.

Harrow Lodge Lake is also a popular spot for feeding the ducks and swans. As large amounts of bread are bad for them and help the build-up of bacteria that can be harmful we have been campaigning to reduce this practice. Notices and information posters have been put up around the area and a media campaign carried out. People are encouraged not to feed them bread but bring things like duck food, porridge oats, lettuce and even grapes.

Poster and article publicising how to feed wildfowl

The River Ravensbourne rises in Gidea Park flows through mainly urban areas and eventually through the Park and into the Lake (in fact the lake is really just a widening of the river) and flows onwards via a culvert at the southern end of the lake and on into the Rom. The river is classed as a main River and is manged mainly by the Environment Agency with input from the Councils Flood and Rivers Management Officer and the Parks Service. Although it has its problems with urban run-off and pollution (as mention earlier) it is still a haven for wildlife and there are regular sightings of King Fishers and Little Egrets along the

stretch through the Park. Work was undertaken in the late 1960’s on the river and it was straightened out from its original course and at Warren Drive and Abbs Cross lane the banks were stepped and slabbed. For the rest of its course the banks are more natural.

Wind powered aerator on the lake

7.1.4 Trees and Woodlands

As many insects make their home in dead wood which in turn attracts birds, such as woodpeckers, which search out these insects as a tasty meal, the Parks Service only removes fallen and felled trees where it has to for safety reasons. As there is more life in a dead tree than a live one if it is safe and appropriate to do so fallen trees will be left in situ. If this is not possible then habitat piles are considered. This also has the benefit of assisting Britain’s largest Beetle, the Stag Beetle, is which is very fond of dead wood as it lays its eggs near rotting wood. The larvae then feed on the decaying wood from anywhere between three to seven years before cocooning themselves in the soil over winter and emerging as adults in May. Apart from the food source the thicker vegetation and trees also give cover to a number of birds such as Blackbirds and Robins Jays as they fly from cover to cover looking for food. Informal paths are maintained through woodland areas by the on-site Ranger and in 2015 work to improve and widen the Path through Sunrise Ave woods was carried out by year 7 pupils from Sanders School on a SMSC (social, moral, spiritual and cultural) day working in the Park.

7.1.5 Additional habitats

During the summer of 2016 year 7 students of Sanders School came back to Harrow Lodge Park on their annual SMSC day and built bug hotels in the Sunrise Ave Woods. These were created out of waste material from the installation of the Ranger site safe and natural materials found with the woodland themselves.

‘ ‘Bug hotel’ being built by pupils from Sanders Secondary School.

7.2 Biodiversity

Biodiversity is the variety of life on earth, and includes all species of plants and animals and the natural systems that support them. Havering is an important Borough for Biodiversity in the London context with a substantial area of green belt, three Sites of Special Scientific Interest, 82 Sites Importance for Nature Conservation, and over one hundred parks and open spaces providing habitats supporting protected and Biodiversity Action Plan species such as the great crested newt, adders and water voles. As such, conservation of Biodiversity is one of the core components of the management of all Havering’s parks and open spaces. Conserving biodiversity includes restoring and enhancing species populations and habitats, as well as protecting them. Conservation of biodiversity is vital to the successful use and development of parks and open spaces in Havering, after all biodiversity is one of the contributing factors that makes a place so special to visit as well as delivering other key ecosystem services such as flood management, pollination and the provision of clean air and water. Through the management of its parks and open spaces, the Council has a key role to play in conserving biodiversity. The site is being managed and developed in such a way that it enhances the native species in line with Havering’s Biodiversity Action Plan.

Source

PPS 9 Key issue

Statutorily protected species, protection of BAP habitats and species

NERC Act Local Authority duty to conserve biodiversity

Wildlife & Countryside Act UK protected species

Habitats Regulations European protected species

London Plan London’s strategic planning document

UK Biodiversity Action Plan UK priority species and habitats

London Biodiversity Action Plan London priority species and habitats

Havering Biodiversity Action Plan Havering priority species and habitats

England’s Biodiversity Strategy Government priorities for conservation of Biodiversity

Mayor’s Biodiversity Strategy London’s statutory regional biodiversity strategy

Tracking UK biodiversity progress International targets for Biodiversity

Summary of relevant policy & legislation Birds are a good indicator of the quality of an open space for nature conservation and as the site has recently been replanted it will take some time for the benefits to birds to become clearer.

The list birds are expected to improve following the planting works and the creation of the new wild flower area. Recording of species at the site should form a management objective to give clear evidence of the benefits of the improvement programme. Planning Policy Statement (PPS9) Biodiversity and Geological Conservation sets out the Government’s national policies on the protection of biodiversity and geological conservation through the planning system. Relevant in this context is that PPS9 identifies protection of local parks and green spaces with nature conservation value from inappropriate development, the identification of a local network of sites to conserve biodiversity, opportunities to implement conservation objectives through section 106 Agreements and planning conditions and the protection of species of principal importance for the conservation of biodiversity in England.

Officers should keep up to date with relevant planning applications that may affect the Park, such as the Greater London Authority: The Mayor’s Biodiversity Action Plan. There are over 14 policies and 72 proposals within this document, most of which have been incorporated within the Havering Biodiversity Action Plan. Local Biodiversity Action Plan In 2003, led by the Havering Wildlife Partnership, the Havering Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) was adopted. The purpose of the Action Plan, which prioritises 6 habitats and 16 species specific to Havering, is to contribute towards targets to conserve biodiversity set at a Regional and National Level. As the BAP process has evolved it has become increasingly important to set achievable targets for nature conservation. Where Biodiversity Action Plan species and habitats occur within parks and open spaces in the Borough this will help to inform management to ensure a more targeted approach. The Council continues to host the Havering Wildlife Partnership who meet quarterly. The Partnership is made up of dedicated local naturalists, members of Friends of Groups, representatives from the Essex Wildlife Trust, RSPB, Environment Agency, Natural England and London Biodiversity Partnership together with the Council’s Park and Open Spaces and Environmental Strategy Teams. The focus of the partnership is essentially on biodiversity within Havering. The group are able to provide advice on the management of Havering’s parks and open spaces. The Government has stated that biodiversity is a crucial component of Local Agenda 21 strategies (UK Biodiversity Steering Group Report, Annex D:1995) and Section 48 of Circular 04/01 (Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000) also states that Biodiversity Action Plans should form an integral part of a local authority’s Community Strategy. Biodiversity is recognised by the Government as a crucial component of Quality of Life (“A Better Quality of Life: a strategy for sustainable development in the UK”) for the communities that local government serves. As such it is a key test for sustainable development. The loss of biodiversity and the consequent negative environmental impact runs contrary to the aims and objectives of sustainable development. Indeed properly regulated, planned and implemented social and economic activity should offer considerable opportunities to achieve net gain for biodiversity.

The overarching aims and objectives of all 16 species Action Plans and 6 habitat Action Plans of the Havering BAP follow a common format with the following aims:

• Promote awareness and knowledge of the species/habitat and in the Borough

• Protect, maintain and enhance current populations of the species/ biodiversity of the habitat within Havering

• Increase the monitoring and knowledge of the species/habitat within Havering

A full version of the plan can be found at: https://www.havering.gov.uk/info/20040/open_spaces/262/countryside_services/2 The Biodiversity Action Plan targets sixteen key species to promote through improvement of habitats within Havering, these species being:

Great Crested Newt

Slow Worm

Serotine Bats

Brown Hare

Harvest Mouse

Water Vole

Bumblebees

Stag Beetles Barn Owl

Green Woodpecker

Grey Partridge

House Martin

Pochard

Reed Bunting

Skylark

Song Thrush

Havering’s Biodiversity Action Plan

NERC Act (Biodiversity Duty)

The Council has a statutory responsibility under Section 40 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (NERC) Act 2006 to have regard to the conservation of biodiversity in exercising all of its functions. Effective conservation of biodiversity requires its integration into all activities across the Council and in particular the management of its parks and open spaces. This is a key theme of the England Biodiversity Strategy. The Council ultimately plays a key role in making decisions about the management of its parks and open spaces that affects protected and BAP habitats and species. The management of these sites can have a positive impact on biodiversity, both indirectly providing habitats for wildlife, and in generating environmental impacts on other wildlife sites.

Through the identification and implementation of measures to integrate biodiversity into the management of parks and open spaces and ensuring that biodiversity is protected and enhanced in line with current statutory obligations the Council is demonstrating its commitment to the NERC Act. To take this forward and achieve greater benefits, future measures may include raising awareness of staff, managers and elected members with regard to biodiversity issues using available guidance; integrating biodiversity into staff training, using in-house ecological expertise or seeking advice from external bodies and, where necessary, providing specific training. The Council is also committed to contributing to key local biodiversity initiatives, such as the Havering Local Biodiversity Action Plan, the Local Records Centre (Greenspace Information for Greater London) and Local Site systems and demonstrate progress against biodiversity indicators and targets.

7.3. Conservation of buildings and structures

The London Borough of Havering has rich history and there are a number of buildings and features across the borough that reflects this and many of these are the responsibility of The Parks Service Some of the boroughs Parkland was designed by the eighteenth century landscape designer Humphrey Repton and other buildings and features are grade II listed. There are also several wartime features across the borough. The Park Service employs a Buildings and Landscape Heritage Officer. Their role is to ensure that Parks buildings or features of a heritage nature are maintained in keeping with their status.

The only building within Harrow Lodge Park that has any historical interest is the Harrow Lodge itself. This a C18th stuccoed building which was opened to the public in 1936 as the first library in Hornchurch. It was closed in 1965 when the London Borough of Havering was formed.

The building is now privately managed but with some input from the Historic Buildings and Landscapes Officer, in an advisory capacity.