HARWELL PARISH COUNCIL
LANDS MANAGEMENT PLAN (updated from original version Feb 2017) Reviewed:
HPC is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of all lands in its ownership as well as St Matthews churchyard and the war memorial.
Recreation ground
February 2017
Car park
Users – all rec users, RBL customers
Regular maintenance
Occasional maintenance
12 months plan
Beyond 12 months plans
Litter picking, general tidying
Strimming small grass area behind
wall
Wall repairs, maintenance of Spring
bulbs in grass area, graffiti removal,
surface marking, tree maintenance,
annual tree check (see trees plan)
Recycling bins x 3 maintained by
operators
Check on access from residential
properties
Consider parking
enforcement/gates?
Remove tree stump?
RBL Club
Lease in place to 2037; review rent
2017, then 5-yearly
Regular maintenance
Occasional maintenance
12 months plan
Beyond 12 months plans
Club responsible for building unless
left empty, when it would revert to
HPC
Aunt Sally team maintains own pitch
and pays small rent to HPC – no
team 2016
Review rent Feb 2017 for
Review rent 2022
implementation June 2017.
Update Lease when Club has decided
on new club name etc (no cost to
HPC – Club paying legal fees)
Bowls Club
Agreement in place; £10 annual rent
Regular maintenance
Occasional maintenance
12 months plan
Beyond 12 months plans
Club responsible for maintenance
Tennis Club
Agreement in place; £10 annual rent
Regular maintenance
Occasional maintenance
12 months plan
Beyond 12 months plan
Occasional maintenance
12 months plan
Beyond 12 months plan
Club responsible for maintenance
Teen shelter
Regular maintenance
Removal of graffiti/minor repairs
Pitches/grassed area
Users – public, HHYFC, H Feast, RBL
Regular maintenance
Occasional maintenance
12 months plan
Beyond 12 months plan
Grass cutting & strimming
Bank planted with Spring bulbs
Orchids around perimeter – see care
sheet
Litter picking
Fence repairs, post repairs
Dog and litter bin emptying
HHYFC do own pitch marking
Annual tree check
Tree maintenance
Weed spraying, fertilising, scarifying,
seeding (see pitch maintenance
schedule)
Replace perimeter fencing (last done
2005), bins
A417 access upgrade now on hold;
still no response from OCC re right of
access over strip of non-highway
verge. Feast Cttee and HHYFC happy
with existing entrance for annual use
Obtain cost for work to cut back
overhanging tree and remove trees
which appear to be dead or dying
(see trees plan)
Cut down small tree leaning into
tractor shed – staff can do this
Actions from trees plan
Decide on timescale to replace
perimeter fencing
Tractor shed
Storage of mowers, van, tractor
Regular maintenance
Occasional maintenance
12 months plan
Beyond 12 months plan
Checks on locks and condition of
building
Roof repairs
Obtain fabricated cover to protect
lock from bolt cutters
Check roof (asbestos?)– leak
between old sheets, staff monitoring
leak, not serious at present
Enlarge building
Replace roof
Play area
Includes equipment outside fence
Regular maintenance
Occasional maintenance
12 months plan
Beyond 12 months plan
Grass cutting
Equipment checks – weekly by staff,
monthly by councillor
Bins emptied
Equipment repairs
Surface repairs
Annual Trees check
Annual RoSPA check with report
Actions from trees plan
Replace bark surfacing
Replace wetpour surfacing
Pavilion
HHYFC, staff, H Feast
Regular maintenance
Occasional maintenance
12 months plan
Beyond 12 months plan
Water temperature check – weekly
Cleaning by contracted cleaner –
weekly
Monthly smoke alarm check
Monthly first aid box check
Guttering cleaned out
Painting internal walls and floors
Annual PAT test
Annual fire check
Showers would need Legionella
checks before use
H Feast use building once a yearkitchen area and storage
Clerk checking electricity, water
usage with utility companies
Hand building over to scout group?
Discussions ongoing; agreement
required re continuing staff, HHYFC
usage
HPC office moving to village hall
Spring 2017
Investigate soakaways? Not known
at present whether still working
properly or extent
Decide how to spend pavilion
upgrade reserves
Churchyard
Land owned by church; maintained
as closed churchyard by HPC since
circa 1900
Regular maintenance
Occasional maintenance
Grass cutting
Litter picking
Wall, gate repairs
See cemetery plan of action
Actions from cemetery plan of action
Clearance of stream/bank
12 months plan
Beyond 12 months plan
Cemetery
Regular maintenance
Occasional maintenance
12 months plan
Beyond 12 months plan
Grass cutting
Litter picking, tidying
Bins empties fortnightly under
licence
NB War graves section maintained
by IWM
Fence, gate, footpath, bench repairs
Plan of action ongoing (see plan)
Tree work (see cemetery plan)
Annual headstone inspection
Plant new trees and hedge (see
cemetery plan)
Decide on work to be done to
perimeter wall near lime trees
Draw up trees plan and number all
trees
Draw up maintenance plan for trees
etc
Freeman Orchard
Leased to Little Pippins; annual rent
£1440, discounted to £10.
Regular maintenance
Occasional maintenance
12 months plan
Beyond 12 months plan
Maintained by Little Pippins
Fence repairs, gate repairs
Tree maintenance
Draw up trees plan and number all
trees? Check with LP first
Rent review due 2026
Allotments
Regular maintenance
Occasional maintenance
Grass inside fence cut by tenants
Grass outside fence cut by staff
Litter picking
Gate repairs
Water pipe repairs
Skip hire
Burning of green waste
Collection of other waste (skip
provided when necessary)
12 months plan
Beyond 12 months plan
Beyond 12 months plan
Other areas
Regular maintenance
Occasional maintenance
12 months plan
Grass cutting along footpaths &
verges
Litter picking
Emptying of litter and dog bins
Notice board maintenance x 2
Curie Ave notice board removed
winter 2016
Noticeboard requested for Rowstock
Jan 2017
Replacement of bins
Installation/maintenance of benches
Monitor Bargain Stone
Bus shelters x 6 – repairs, painting
War memorial – annual cleaning,
garden maintenance
Agreement required by OCC;
ongoing
Appendix 1 – plan showing location of bins etc
Appendix 2 – Orchids care sheet
Wild Orchids in Harwell Parish Recreation Ground
Locations and Care notes
M Ricketts July 2014. Plant description and care notes from Bill Temple.
Bee Orchids:
Location: Grid Ref 46565 89015
In the west field near the south edge. Coming from the embankment to the east find the second gap, with Rowan to the east, cherry to the west and only a
Rowan along the fence between them. Location is approximately 1.6m from cherry, 4.6m from the Rowan near the fence and 5.4m from fence. Viewed
from the site, to the right of the Rowan near the fence is a gap in the trees which is a gateway on south side of A417. As in:
History: several seen in this area over the last few years.
Plant Notes: Ophrys apifera (Bee orchid)
The height of this orchid varies from about 3 to 25 inches (7-70 cm) and the number of flowers per stem from 2 to more than 14. Mowing or grazing of
stems before seed production usually results in more buds the following year. The sepals are typically 10 - 20 mm long and the leaves, which persist until
after flowering in June/July (given enough water), appear above ground in September to January in England. January/February is usually the easiest time to
find Bee orchid plants as the leaves have a distinctive silvery green colour. It normally produces at least one new tuber each year, if it does not become too
dry during flowering. If it aborts its flowers and sets no seed it is a clear sign that it has been too dry and that it will not have formed a significant
replacement tuber. When artificially raised from seed, it is possible for Bee orchids to reach flowering size in 2 years, in nature, with less than ideal
conditions; it may take many years, depending upon water supply. The combination of lack of water during flowering and the shallow root system is
probably responsible for the belief in England that Bee orchids are short-lived (or only flower once) and prone to disappear and reappear randomly. If they
are watered during flowering when ever there is a drought they flower every year.
PLANT CARE
One of the main threats to wild populations of this orchid is fertiliser (Bee orchids have a basal rosette of leaves and are therefore unable to compete with
rank vegetation). Another major threat is fungicides – they kill the symbiotic fungi that are essential in nature to germinate the seed. Any colony without
the necessary symbiotic fungi is doomed because when a plant dies due to a lack of water no seedlings grow to replace it. “Weed & Feed” can not be safely
used on orchid colonies at any time of year as the chemicals may persist in the soil. These tuberous and shallow rooted orchids are happiest in short,
impoverished grass. In this region they normally grow in rabbit grazed meadows, roadside verges, lawns or hillsides.
Mowing over these orchids from late August to October can be carried out with the cutters set close to the ground. The cuttings should be removed,
particularly if the grass is long.
From October to early April a cutting height of around 25-37mm would be ideal.
From April the flowering stems appear and it would be best if they were not mown from then until about six weeks after pollination (i.e. usually mid
August). They must not be treated with fungicide, fertiliser or weed killer.
Bill Temple (Conservation Officer Hardy Orchid Society)
-831449
www.hardyorchidsociety.org.uk
Location map:
[email protected]
www.orchidmagic.f9.co.uk
White Helleborines
Location 1: Grid Ref 48737 88893 to 48744 88890.
In south east corner of Rec, east of the seat that is in line with Winnaway, around clump of beech and one hazel. Photo below looking south across Reading
Road:
Location 2: Grid Ref 48502 89053 to 48516 89072. South-west corner mainly alongside west fence between first few trees and along inner row of trees; few
along south edge. Photo below looking west into farmland:
History: First noticed by MJR in 2013.
Plant Notes:
White helleborine (Cephalanthera damasonium)
This is species that is normally found in or around woodland, it is fairly unusual in that the flowers are often pollinated before they open properly, and then
fail to open as a consequence. These flowers are not spectacular like those of the Bee orchid, but much easier to find as their white colour, and the greater
stature of the plants makes them stand out. It is a curious plant that many people would not instinctively recognise as an orchid. The height of this orchid
varies from about 3 to 25 inches (7-70 cm) and in May the number of flowers per stem from 2 to 20.The sepals are typically 10 - 20 mm long, the labellum
10-14 mm long and the leaves, which persist until the first frost, appear above ground in April/May in England. This orchid is adapted the opposite way to
the Bee orchid in that it has deep roots and its leaves, which appear
just before flowering, are kept long after flowering is over. There is another interesting difference – the seed pods of the Bee orchid become brown and
then split open, releasing the seeds about eight weeks after pollination, whereas the pods of the White helleborine remain green until the first frost, even
though they release the seeds before then.
There is little known about the cultivation of this orchid, as it is difficult to germinate in the laboratory. Work has been going on at Kew, with seed from an
Oxfordshire¬ site, in order to find a method of germinating this species, as it is hoped that the knowledge of this relatively common species will be
transferable to the rare Red helleborine (Cephalanthera rubra), which occurs in the Chilterns. It has recently been discovered that it is necessary to subject
the seed to different temperatures during the day and night in order to trigger germination.
The White helleborine does not form tubers like the Bee orchid, but has a very deep fleshy root system that produces flowering shoots a few cm below
ground during the period when the seedpods are visible. It seems that the orchid can reproduce quickly by producing stolons as well as using the slower
route of seed germination. In Oxfordshire this orchid may have a tripartite mycorrhizal relationship one of the following trees - Hornbeam, Beech, Hazel,
Scots pine, Lime and Plum.
They appear above ground in early April and disappear after the first frost in October/November. Ideally they should not be mown during this period.
The leaves are up the stem, rather than a rosette at ground level, mowing while the leaves are green is detrimental to the colony. They are able to compete
with grass so mowing once in winter is all that is necessary.
If absolutely necessary, they could probably be mown from the end of July to early April occasionally and still survive, although their vigour would be much
reduced.
-831449
Appendix 3 – rec trees plan
Appendix 4 – pitch maintenance schedule
FOOTBALL PITCH MAINTENANCE GUIDANCE
(Items in red need outside contractors)
January
Games may still be played unless the pitch is frozen and therefore unsafe, so it may be possible that additional turf is needed in this month, in
the goalmouths and the centre circle areas.
February
Aerate pitch if possible. Tractor mounted equipment should only be used under the correct climatic conditions, if not handfork the goalmouths
and centre circles.
March
Drag brush and divot as necessary to keep surface presentable. Light sand dressings on thin and bare areas can help to maintain a dry
surface. Aerate pitch whenever possible, but not when soil conditions would cause smearing.
Additional overmarking may be required where grass is sparse.
April
Additional matches may be taking place to catch up on postponed matches. Vertidraining can be planned for straight after the last game.
May
Post season renovation in this month, to be completed as quickly as possible before start of new season in August.
If a top dressing is applied, typically sand, it must be adequately incorporated into the soil profile, with a suitable form of aeration. If it is just
applied to the surface it can lead to the poor establishment of grass.
It is also beneficial to scarify the surface before applying a top-dressing.
The choice of grass and fertiliser depends on the standard of the pitch and the existing rootzone material. (6x25kg bags of either provides an
application rate of 25g/msq on a 6000msq pitch)
June
Irrigate regularly.
Apply fertiliser.
Oversow any areas that look like they aren’t thickening quickly enough
Mow regularly to prevent ryegrass from initiating.
Lightly top-dress any uneven areas.
Wherever possible, try and keep people and animals off the renovated areas.
July
Any thin areas may require a light top-dressing.
Irrigate goalmouth and centre circles if possible.
Continue mowing on a regular basis to prevent rye grass from initiating.
Consider applying a light nitrogen fertiliser to encourage growth. This should only be done if the soil moisture is adequate and the ground can
be irrigated.
August
Keep moisture levels up to encourage good growth.
Feed the pitch with liquid nitrogen fertiliser. If broad leaves are a problem, consider a selective herbicide but ensure applied under correct
ground and climatic conditions.
Thin areas may benefit from a light seeding and top-dressing. Care should be taken if herbicide is being used.
If bare areas persist, the only solution at this stage pre-season is to deep turf. This should only be carried out by an experienced grounds
maintenance contractor or suitable experienced groundstaff member.
Keep up aeration to encourage moisture penetration into the soil.
This is a good time to apply a fertiliser (a 20:10:10 fertiliser is effective).
September
Repair any divots.
Apply light top dressing if necessary. Final fertiliser application should be given now.
Continue with regular mowing. Try to keep grass as long as possible going into the winter as this will give the pitch extra wear protection.
Weeds can be a problem. This is the last realistic month for any selective herbicide application. The grass must be growing well for an
application to be considered.
Worm activity can be high this month, so some form of control may be required.
October
If the pitch is showing wear in the goal mouths and centre circles, an application of sand combined with handforking can help maintain a dry
surface.
Earthworm casting can be a problem. Brush or chain harrow when conditions are dry.
Raising the height of cut by up to an extra 10mm on high wear areas can help maintain an improved level of ground cover.
Divot as required.
November
Aerate when ground conditions are suitable.
Topping may still be required, but try to keep as high as possible for maximum coverage going into winter.
Divot as often as possible for an even surface
Sanding of high wear areas may be required, ensure hand forking takes place beforehand.
December
Divoting is a key task at this time of year as growth is very slow.
Brush and /or harrow if conditions are suitable
Overmarking should not be neglected.
Sand worn areas as required.
Appendix 5 – play area equipment list
Appendix 6 – cemetery plan of action
Report & plan of action on Harwell cemetery and churchyard November 2016
Updated January 2017
Items in green are new points for noting.
Site
Action required
Recommended action &
timescale
Status
St Matthews
churchyard
Re-point damaged wall
Grounds staff to repair –
winter 2016
Remove low boughs
from yew tree near path
in churchyard
Tree to be pruned by
grounds staff winter
2016
RECOMMENDED for
action by Lands Cttee
July 2016
VWHDC permission
obtained
“
“
Remove low boughs
from small yew tree in
churchyard
“
Remove dead branches
from sycamore
overhanging Church
Lane corner
(see quotation item 1)
COMPLETED by
grounds staff nov
2016
VWHDC permission
REFUSED 2016
Work already approved
by HPC; awaiting
approval from VWHDC.
Original contractor made
aware but no response.
Alternative quote
obtained.
nfa
VWHDC permission
obtained
Completed Jan 2017;
contractor reported
tree is diseased,
recommends
removal of 30% of
Contractor appointed;
start date Jan 2017
“
“
“
Cemetery
Oil gate posts x 4
(possibly remove both
sets as no plans for new
gates)
Remove leaf fall from
cobbled paths
Prune bushes along
stream to point of new
growth
Prune & lower crown of
conifers along wall
(see quotation item 2)
Requested by church;
grounds staff aware.
Work planned winter
2016-17
Requested by church;
grounds staff aware.
Work planned winter
2016-17
Grounds staff reported
work needs doing Nov
2016. Permission
requested from VWHDC
Nov 2016
Work already approved
by HPC; awaiting
approval from VWHDC.
Original contractor made
aware but no response.
Alternative quote
obtained.
Contractor appointed;
crown as first step
which may save the
tree.
Lands Cttee to
discuss Jan 2107. No
budget for trees in
cemetery/churchyard
2017-18
Lands Cttee informed
nov 2016
“
Permission granted
by VWHDC;
Completed Nov 2016
Permission granted
by VWHDC;
Completed Jan 2017
“
“
“
Remove minimum 3
conifers if necessary to
allow access to grave
space.
(see quotation item 7)
Plant 3 new trees in new
location (minimum).
Prune border hedge
along Section F to 6 feet
in height.
(see quotation item 3,
NB height to 15 feet not
6)
Conifers opposite Cherry
Tree Court to be pruned
to allow light and space
to flowering cherry
(see quotation item 4)
start date Jan 2017
“
Permission granted
by VWHDC;
Completed Jan 2017
Location of new trees
to be discussed by
Lands Cttee Jan 2017
“
Permission granted
by VWHDC;
Completed Jan 2017
“
Permission granted
by VWHDC;
Completed Jan 2017
except conifer
nearest cherry tree
could not be pruned
much because of age
of tree and condition
of foliage
Lands Cttee to
discuss Jan 2017
Permission granted
by VWHDC;
Completed Jan 2017
Lands Cttee to
discuss planting
timescale and
purchasing Jan 2017
“
Re-pollard 2 lime trees
at entrance gates
“
“
Plant 8 new trees to
continue tree line along
fence on eastern side of
new cemetery section
PC approved autumn
2016; Lands Cttee
approved types Nov
2016. Clerk contacted
local organisations re:
“
“
Plant new hedge along
west and north borders
of new cemetery
section, approximately
200 plants of mixed
deciduous native hedge
species (hawthorn/
blackthorn, dog rose,
wild cherry, hazel, field
maple)
Previously-approved
work to wall either side
of gates next to lime
trees not carried out
(contractor retired); new
information is that any
work on the wall would
damage tree roots,
hence would be
unacceptable to
possible donation of tree
Dec 2016; 2 replies so far
indicating would like to
purchase a tree.
Preferred tree types as
follows – acer palmatum,
magnolia grandiflora,
prunus shogetsu or
prunus amanogawa,
mountain ash, sweet
gum, holly, flowering
hawthorn, Chinese lace
tree
PC approved autumn
2016.
Lands Cttee to discuss
Jan 2017 & recommend
actions to be taken. £989
still in budget for this
work, no budget 201718.
Any approved work
would need permission
from VWHDC.
Lands Cttee to
discuss planting
timescale Jan 2017
PC to make decision
on proposals and
expenditure Feb
2017
VWHDC. Alternative
proposals; remove part
of wall to ascertain exact
position of roots, and
either rebuild a new
structure further away
from roots (this may
involve OCC if new
structure encroaches on
existing pavement), or
remove the necessary
sections of wall and restake the existing fence
without a supporting
structure underneath.
Quotes received; 1 for
removing section of wall
£376, 1 for building new
structure £3,989.
Appendix 7 – allotments