|
Works to begin in Christchurch Druitt Gardens |
|
|
|
Sunday, 31 January 2010 |
|
Works to begin in Christchurch Druitt Gardens
Work to make a valuable town centre woodland in Christchurch into a more inviting place takes a big step forward this winter. Following a wide-ranging public consultation in 2009, measures to enhance Druitt Gardens, behind Christchurch High Street, begin on 25 January for approximately 20 days. The work focuses on woodland management and includes essential tree safety that will lead to important landscape improvements to the gardens. Contractors will be on site to work on felling certain identified trees to let more light into the gardens - the first steps in improving them for both wildlife and human visitors. The plans, to be overseen by the Council’s Countryside and Open Spaces team, are the first part of the measures proposed through the Landscape Master Plan for the gardens. The long-awaited improvements have been informed by several detailed background studies including ecological surveys, such as bat roost surveys, and archaeological assessments which have helped decide which trees to fell but also which ones to retain for their habitat potential. Many of the trees planned for removal are non-native holm oak and sycamore which shade out other trees, shrubs and ground flora. Although these species still have a part to play in the future of the woodland, they are viewed as largely invasive and not as beneficial for wildlife as native British species such as common oak, hawthorn, ash and hazel, all of which will be planted in their place. The plans for the gardens include innovative measures such as retaining some tall dead standing stumps for hole-nesting wildlife, leaving some of the cut wood in piles as a habitat for invertebrates, including endangered stag beetles, and placing bird and bat boxes throughout the wood. The majority of the woodland management will be completed by the end of February to make sure the bird-nesting season is avoided. This will be followed by additional clearance and tidying throughout the summer to be carried out by volunteers from the Druitt Guardians (the ‘friends of’ group) with the Council’s Countryside Service. Later in the year schools and local residents will be invited to assist with planting native wildflower bulbs, trees and shrubs. Cllr Alan Griffiths, Leader of Christchurch Council, said: “This work will create improved space and light, as well as larger wildflower areas, so that people can get more enjoyment from the gardens. We’re particularly pleased that local residents will be involved.” The next phases of the improvements will include the creation of newly laid footpaths, entrance points and public seating. |
