Agenda and minutes

To receive any declarations of interest from Members of the Joint Committee.

There were no declarations of interest.

The Minutes of the proceedings of the previous meeting of the Werneth Low Country Park Joint Management Committee held on 21 November 2016 to be approved as a correct record.

The Minutes of the previous meeting of the Werneth Low Country Park Joint Management Committee held on 21 November 2016 were approved as a correct record.

To consider the report of the Greenspace Development Officer.

The Greenspace Development Officer submitted a report informing Members of the activities undertaken within the Country Park since the last meeting of the Joint Management Committee held on 21 November 2016.

The report outlined the following:-

·         Maintenance of Sites

·         Environmental Stewardship – Higher Level Agreement 2010 - 2010 Update

·         Public Events

·         Werneth Low Country Park Greenspace Volunteer Services

·         Visitors 2016

·         Wildlife Nature Conservation

With regards to Maintenance of Sites an update was provided on the footpath near Higham Cottages.  The contractor had visited the site on 8 February 2017 and would return at a later date to commence the work.  The Greenspace Development Manager was pleased to announce that some funding had been secured to improve the footpath and riding track parallel to Werneth Low Road facing the Hare and Hounds Public House.  Detailed quotes would be sought and include for new fencing, a stile and signage.  The work was planned to commence in the summer months.

The report included attendance at public events for the Country Park’s 2016/17 winter programme and details of activities planned for spring.  Visitor monitoring data for 2016 was also provided.

It was reported that since the last meeting of the Joint Management Committee the volunteers had held three meetings.  At their October meeting the major projects to be undertaken during winter and spring 2016/17 were agreed, a list of which were appended to the report.  The aim was to complete the projects by April 2017 however any projects still underway would be carried forward onto next year’s programme of works.  The Greenspace Development Officer explained that in addition to the planned work the volunteers undertook a variety of other tasks including litter picking, urgent repairs and responding to queries from members of the public.  It was announced that across Tameside during 2016 18,000 hours of work were carried out by volunteers; members of the committee expressed their gratitude for this impressive contribution.

An update was provided on the bequest of £1000 to the Country Park as previously reported (Minute 11 refers).  It was announced that following discussions with Natural England, Emorsgate seed suppliers and a local tenant famer a mixture of wildflower and grasses had been purchased and cast on South Meadow near Windy Harbour.  It was confirmed that a Natural England ecologist had advised on the mix of traditional seeds which would be suitable for the soil and an illustration of the wildflowers would be provided at the next meeting.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

To approve the dates of future meetings of the Joint Management Committee as follows, commencing at 10:30am:-

·         24 July 2017

·         20 November 2017

·         19 February 2018

RESOLVED:

That the Joint Committee meets as follows:-

The Chair to present an award to volunteers who have achieved 10 years of voluntary service.

The Chair presented awards to four volunteers who had achieved their 10 year service to volunteering.  Committee members joined him in their thanks and appreciation for the volunteers’ hard work and commitment often in inclement conditions.  They made a significant contribution to the upkeep and maintenance of the Country Park, staffing the visitor centre and assisting with public events.

To consider any additional items the Chair is of the opinion shall be dealt with as a matter of urgency.

There were no urgent items.