EXECUTIVE SUMMARY. 

 

1.0 GENERAL INFORMATION AND AIMS 


This management plan is produced for implementation by the Friends of Park Fields in 
cooperation with the Local Authority, advised by Environmental professionals and 
academics. It will ensure a co-ordinated, consistent and sympathetic management approach, 
to enhance the site’s biodiversity, passive recreational amenity and cultural value, and 
preserve its essential landscape character. Key aims are to promote the educational use of 
the site by local primary and secondary schools, colleges and community groups, and 
encourage community participation.. 

 

2.0 MANAGEMENT POLICY. 

2.1 General:- 

• To encourage the local community to take an active participatory role. 
• To implement sensitive management to encourage the flora and fauna of a 
traditional meadow. 
• To enhance the overall biodiversity of the site by increasing the variety of 
wildflowers in the sward, restoring hedgerows, planting hedgerow trees and creating 
small shallow ponds and seasonal scrapes. 


 

2.2 Interpretation, education and community use:- 

• To mow grass paths to allow people to walk freely round the field. 
• Maintain minimum possible restrictions to public access. 
• Provide general information and wildlife observations for public information. 
• Organise “open days” and guided events as appropriate. 
• Promote use of the site by local schools and colleges for educational purposes. 


 

3.0 MANAGEMENT PRESCRIPTIONS AND OPERATIONS 

• Program mowing for late season, after target plant species have set and shed seed. 
• Gradually reduce soil nutrient status by removal of all cuttings and thatch. 
• Reduce vigour of competitive agricultural grass species by introduction of “Yellow 
Rattle” (Rhinanthus minor) as seed or plugs. 
• Introduce additional species by slot sowing or planting of plugs or container grown 
plants into the sward as appropriate to the season, conditions and target species. 
• Create small, shallow and seasonal water bodies and wetland scrapes. 
• Replace fenced boundaries with species rich hedges, restore existing hedge lines and 
reinstate traditional hedgerow management practices 


 

4.0 RESEARCH, SURVEY AND MONITORING. 

 Detailed survey of soil nutrient status, vegetation composition, invertebrate, bird, 
mammal, and amphibian species will take place from Spring 2009, with annual monitoring 
thereafter. All survey results/species lists will be made as widely available as possible upon 
compilation. 

 

5.0 FUNDING. 

 Basic funding for management, community and educational activities is provided by 
the Friends. In addition, additional support will be sought through proposed entry into 
Environmental Stewardship and application to funds such as the Heritage Lottery Fund, 
Million Ponds Campaign, and others as appropriate.