Issue - meetings

A new five-year management plan has been developed for The Green & Stones Orchard in Croxley Green.

The new plan contains proposed management actions over the next five years from adoption of the plan until March 2030. The detailed actions relate to habitat and wildlife improvements for biodiversity alongside improvements to public access and signage. Should the plans be approved, Officers will seek to implement the actions using existing budgets or where necessary actions will be subject to external funding being secured.

Recommendation

That the Climate Change & Leisure Committee:

       i.          Adopt the new five-year Management Plan for The Green & Stones Orchard.

      ii.          Give delegated authority to the Director of Finance to enter into a contract or funding agreement above the value of £25,000, subject to securing external funding for actions relating to The Green & Stones Orchard Management Plan.

     iii.          That public access to the report be immediate.

TheNatural Infrastructure Projects Officer introduced the report.

Key topics include the incorporation of local nature recovery strategies, management of pond wetlands, grassland and hedgerows, and addressing concerns about vehicles parking on The Green. Members debated the ongoing challenges with preventing unwanted vehicle access and the viability of implementing a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), which was deemed unfeasible due to lack of evidence and resource constraints.

The Croxley Green Residents Association’s involvement and consultation process were clarified, with some dissatisfaction about the number of meetings held, rather than the consultation itself. Additional questions addressed include ecological management of ragwort, identification of fruit tree species, climate change impacts on tree resilience, and the role of public participation in managing invasive species.

The Head of Leisure and Natural Infrastructure to request a written response from the Principal Trees and Woodlands Officer on climate change and its impact on tree resilience.

Councillor Chris Lloyd moved the recommendation as set out in the report, seconded by Councillor Raj Khiroya.

On being put to the Committee, the motion was declared CARRIED by the Chair, the voting being by general assent.

RESOLVED:

That the Climate Change & Leisure Committee:

       i.         Adopt the new five-year Management Plan for The Green & Stones Orchard.

      ii.         Give delegated authority to the Director of Finance to enter into a contract or funding agreement above the value of £25,000, subject to securing external funding for actions relating to The Green & Stones Orchard Management Plan.

     iii.         That public access to the report be immediate.