Agenda item

A new ten-year management plan has been developed for The Withey Beds in Rickmansworth. The new plan contains management actions over the next ten years from financial year April 2025 until March 2035. The detailed actions relate to habitats and wildlife improvements for biodiversity, management of the wet woodland and a requirement for external funding in order to replace a smaller section of the current boardwalk.

Recommendation

That the Climate Change and Leisure Committee:

       i.          Adopt the new ten-year Management Plan for The Withey Beds.

      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 to facilitate works to support the implementation of the Management Plans.

The Leisure Assets Manager introduced the report, which was followed by a presentation on the ecological importance and conservation efforts of the Withey Beds, by the Natural Infrastructure Programme Manager.

Mrs. Jillian Christensen spoke on the item emphasising the importance of retaining the existing boardwalk, even if temporarily closed, to allow for phased reopening, reduce environmental impact, and save demolishing costs.

Concerns were raised about the Withey Bed’s pillbox’s preservation, its role as a bat habitat, and the impact of bats on the structure. Members enquired about maintenance protection, and educational opportunities related to the pillbox. The importance of restoring and maintaining the 240-meter path around the site is emphasised, highlighting its role in public access and education while protecting the habitat. Funding challenges were discussed, including the high cost of replacing the deteriorating wooden boardwalk with more durable composite materials.

Officers advised that external funding had been sought for two years, securing partial funding of £75,000, which prioritises habitat restoration alongside infrastructure. The discussion also covered the limitations of using Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding for this project and the active engagement with parish councils and partners to seek financial support.

The Chair spoke about a long-standing commitment to preserve pillboxes within the district, referencing past efforts, and expressed his willingness to take proactive steps by consulting with the Three Rivers Museum for expert advice.

Officers argued the importance of maintaining areas where nature can be the priority, though such places are rare due to frequent human interaction. They highlighted the health benefits of engaging with nature while advocating for careful management to protect natural habitats in the area. They also raised concerns about the public creating informal footpaths, and as a result, damaging sensitive areas. They emphasised the importance of formalised routes to minimise harm. Officers also explained the importance of the management of invasive species and natural processes like the decay of trees.

While acknowledging improvements to biodiversity, Members emphasised their concern about the importance of the boardwalk in directing visitors, especially in sensitive areas like near the pillbox, which now has bats in it. They worried that without proper guidance, visitors might wander and cause harm to the landscape. They also raised concerns about the potential damage caused by removing the boardwalk itself. Members suggested retaining part of the existing boardwalk to minimise disruption and reduce removal costs, pending health and safety approval. This approach could allow for better funding allocation towards extending and replacing sections of the boardwalk, ensuring safer and more controlled visitor access.

The Chair then summarised that the plan will be revised to incorporate the points raised and will be circulated to the committee and to the Friends of the Withey Bed for review within a week. The Chair also requested this to be included in the recommendation.

Further points were then raised emphasising the importance of incorporating the replacement costs into the plan. Officers responded by explaining the challenges of specifying a fixed amount for the boardwalk replacement in the recommendation, noting that doing so could limit bidding and planning flexibility. They advised that funding will be sought as available, with the boardwalk replacement potentially occurring in phases, depending on the funds accessed and procurement processes. Officers confirmed that the commitment to replace the boardwalk remains firm, but the exact scope and timing depend on financial resources and procedures.

Members reiterated the preciousness of places such as the Withey Beds and advocated for the elected Councillors, rather than officers, to decide on project costs and approvals. Officers responded by explaining the necessity of delegations that allow officers to act quickly in securing and implementing funding, especially when opportunities arise with short notice. This delegation process is intended to prevent the loss of funding due to procedural delays.

In response to the final question raised, officers confirmed that the plan is to proceed with as much construction as funding allows, without removing the possibility of future extension. Furthermore, the current reference to the 80-meter length in the report will be removed and the plan will be revised with the points raised by the committee.

Councillor Chris Lloyd moved the recommendation with the proposed amendment that the revised plan be circulated to the committee and the Friends of Withey Bed by officers for review, seconded by Councillor Reena Ranger.

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 and Leisure Committee:

1. Adopt the new ten-year Management Plan for The Withey Beds.
2. 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 to facilitate works to support the implementation of the Management Plans.
3. The revised plan to be circulated to committee and the Friends of Withey Beds for review.