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CHIS Guide to Nature in Clifton

Richard Bland
squirrel shrew

Parks and Green Spaces Strategy

Fraser Bridgeford, Hugh Holden, Alison Bromilow, Ben Barker, Rob Acton-Campbell
Jan 08: The funding proposals for the Parks and Green Spaces Strategy have been revised as follows: There have had a number of meetings and discussions with Cabinet members and Parks officers since the last Parks Forum meeting. It has become clear that the figures in the consultation PGSS were under-calculated and that the proposed work to raise and maintain parks to a good standard would not be possible under the £87 million that was identified in the PGSS. Following our talks the revised financial model is going to be put to the cabinet meeting on 21st February when the Parks and Green Spaces Strategy goes for cabinet approval.
We think that this is a good deal for parks and recommend that the Forum endorses this funding proposal and supports the adoption of the Parks and Green Spaces Strategy.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Brief summary of Draft Downs Management Plan.

There will be a five year rolling plan based on six themes of Enjoyment, Events, Access, Landscape & Wildlife, Antisocial Behaviour, which will be reviewed and updated annually.
The aim is to fit into the Bristol Parks plan for parks that are Safe, Accessible, Clean, Attractive, and are good for Wildlife. The management will seek a Green Flag award from the Civic Trust.
There is a separate English Nature Management Plan for the Gorge, (which overlaps with the Downs in several areas) which should be linked to this plan. There is also a plan for the Iron Age fort, involving progressive removal of scrub and trees, and interpretation. It is intended to standardise furniture, and fencing, to look at signage, litter bins, seating, road crossings, control of grass parking, deal with running track.
It is proposed to bring management in house, to maintain and develop The Gorge and Downs Project, and to seek additional funding. (The annual cost is £221,000, income £75,000). It is intended to establish a Friends organisation as a single group representing the present 31 stakeholders, and have volunteers for monitoring, research, tree wardens, wardening. The plan seeks to improve information, and enforce Bye Laws.
The first year priorities are to examine and propose solutions to following;- Further information is available at www.bristol.gov.uk/parks and click on The downs be tagged Neighbourhood Watch.

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