Present
Wreningham: Michael Hill, Andrew Moore, Karen Nunn, Tina Higlett (WPC Clerk)
FWP Ltd: Donovan Brock
Wild Frontier Ecology Ltd: Sam Collins (Ecologist)
Input Documents:
(a) gdc Landscaping Specification and Maintenance Plan (discussed, not yet available)
(b) gdc landscaping for The Farthings plan (previously supplied)
Notes:
This meet was at the request of Wreningham to introduce and explain the nature and objectives of the GDC plan to monitor and deliver to the BNG target for the Hethel Road site (part is The Farthings).
SC said that the document will be completed soon and passed to FWP for acceptance and then passed forward to WPC. He took the group through the document. The approach is designed such that the management of the habitats is flexible and achievable without being too prescriptive.
He explained that 10% BNG will be [easily?] achieved by The Farthings with some contribution from the housing site during the 30 year period. This will be demonstrated via the existence and application of
(a) the BNG gain plan, and
(b) the habitat management and monitoring plan.
Need to establish the competency of the Parish to take over the plan for the long term.
Managing the grassed areas
- Suggest grass cuttings from the surround area (not the flower meadow area) be removed to a separate site -although it could be mulched or composted to benefit other flora and fauna
- Mowing has to be varied in height across the differentiated areas (say, 50% high – >7cm, 50% low – < 7cm) [and alternated at each mowing?].
Climate Change considerations
- no need for extra future proofing steps just yet – keep to native species
- adapt with other planting if plantings are impacted by climate changes
- also recommend planting > 5 species for new hedgerows for variety, sustainability
Ponds
- Pond #1 not included as, at that time, it is outside this plan
- Pond #4 (new overflow pond by the houses) also not included – out of scope
- Ponds #2 & #3 Suggest creation of multiple levels / deeper areas within the ponds to ensure permanent water in each pond
- FWP will adjust profile of ponds to accommodate this.
- Ponds will organically self-populate with flora, however suggest monitor for unwelcome invasive species
- Could enhance by using plug plants
Trees
- 5 additional trees are required to be planted in the COL
- location to be agreed with FWP
Monitoring schedule
- SNC to commission a suitably qualified ecologist (which could be SC) to monitor the site
- They will visit the site at the agreed intervals and report
- Suggest that WPC/Community take steps to monitor (for their own understanding of the site’s development and progress)
- One or two residents and/or councillors could be trained in the community monitoring role
- AM suggested using fixed point photographic recordings as one form of evidence / monitoring
Post meeting note: “Landscape Maintenance Plan FW Properties land off Hethel Road Wreningham.pdf” is now available