Millennium Country Park Management Plan

Transcription

Millennium Country Park
Management Plan
December 2011 – December 2016
Originally prepared: January 2007
Current version: January 2015
Prepared by: Anna Charles, Head Ranger, Millennium Country Park
Forest Centre & Millennium Country Park,
Station Road, Marston Moretaine,
Bedford, Bedfordshire MK43 0PR
T: 01234 767037
W: www.marstonvale.org
E: [email protected]
Marston Vale Services Ltd. Registered in England No. 3538255
The Forest of Marston Vale Trust; Registered Charity No. 1069229
2011 – 2016
Contents
1.
Introduction .....................................................................................................................................1
1.1
Organisational and policy context .............................................................................................1
1.1.1
Forest of Marston Vale ........................................................................................................1
1.1.2
The Marston Vale Trust .......................................................................................................2
1.1.3
Milton Keynes & South Midlands Growth Area ....................................................................3
1.1.4
Specific external impacts on the Park .................................................................................3
2.
Site description ...............................................................................................................................5
2.1
Summary of site details ............................................................................................................5
2.2
Forest Centre and Millennium Country Park map .....................................................................6
2.3
Site history ................................................................................................................................7
2.4
“A Park for wildlife” ...................................................................................................................8
2.4.1
Physical features .................................................................................................................8
2.4.2
Recorded Monuments .......................................................................................................12
2.4.3
Biological features .............................................................................................................13
2.5
“A Park for people”…………………………………………………………………………………..15
2.5.1
The Forest Centre .............................................................................................................15
2.5.2
Visitors ..............................................................................................................................16
2.5.3
Attractions and events .......................................................................................................18
2.5.4
Site access ........................................................................................................................18
2.5.5
Interpretation .....................................................................................................................21
2.5.6
Site Maintenance ..............................................................................................................21
2.5.7
Safety and Security ...........................................................................................................22
2.5.8
Local Communities............................................................................................................22
2.5.9
Stakeholders and partnership organisations .....................................................................23
2.5.10 Marketing ..........................................................................................................................23
2.6
Resources…………………………………………………………………………………………….24
2.6.1
Financial resources ...........................................................................................................24
2.6.2
Staff and labour resources ................................................................................................25
3.
Site analysis and assessment ......................................................................................................27
4.
Vision and management aims ......................................................................................................35
4.1
4.2
Vision......................................................................................................................................35
Management aims ..................................................................................................................36
5.
Aims and objectives......................................................................................................................37
6.
Five year action plan .....................................................................................................................42
7.
Woodland Management plan………………………………………………………………………… 42
8.
Monitoring programme .................................................................................................................43
9.
Appendices ....................................................................................................................................44
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2011 – 2016
Appendices
Appendix
Page
Site Maps and Details
Appendix 1 Google Earth map showing Millennium Country Park and surrounding land and villages
Appendix 2. Map of habitat type units
Appendix 3 Table of habitat area sizes
Appendix 4 Public rights of way- within the Millennium Country Park
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3
4
5
Site Management
Appendix 5 Marston Vale organisation chart
Appendix 6 Water level control map for Wetlands
Appendix 7 Map of dog bins and benches
Appendix 8 Form for checking people counters and lifebuoys
Appendix 9 2014 people counter figures
Appendix 10 Site infrastructure recording form
Appendix 11 Reed cutting map
Appendix 12 Scrub control priority map
Appendix 13 Grassland and hedges in EK3, HK15, EB3 and EB6
Appendix 14 Mowing and strimming rota
Appendix 15 Budgets
Appendix 16 Machinery replacement matrix
Appendix 17 Events List for 2014
Appendix 18 Code of conduct
Appendix 19 Forest Centre leaflet
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7
8
9
10
12
14
15
16
18
19
21
22
25
27
Species Lists
Appendix 20
Appendix 21
Appendix 22
Appendix 23
Appendix 24
Appendix 25
Appendix 26
Appendix 27
Appendix 28
29
35
36
37
38
39
45
51
52
Plant species list
Lichen species list
Plant gall species list
Mammal species list
Amphibian and reptile species list
Bird species list with BTO status
Butterfly and moth species lists
Dragonfly and damselfly lists
General invertebrate list
Site History
Appendix 29 County Wildlife Site designation map
Appendix 30 Woodland Grant Scheme planting map 2000
Appendix 31 Grass seed mix used for meadow creation within the Millennium Country Park in 1999
Appendix 32 Example risk assessment
Appendix 33 Habitat creation history
Appendix 34 Consultation details
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57
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2011 – 2016
1. Introduction
The Millennium Country Park is the flagship countryside site in the Forest of Marston Vale, covering 225
hectares and comprising a mosaic of woodland, wetland, grassland and open water. The vast majority is
free to visit with the exception of the Wetlands Nature Reserve. The Park includes large areas of reed
bed, (a national priority habitat), as well as over 10 km of multi-user recreational access routes. It also
accommodates the Forest Centre; a purpose-built visitor centre and conferencing facility which serves
as the operational headquarters for the Forest of Marston Vale Trust, the charity dedicated to creating
the Forest of Marston Vale.
The Forest Centre and Millennium Country Park were constructed during 1999 using Millennium
Commission lottery funding, (although the Park incorporates and expands upon the former Stewartby
Lake Country Park). The purpose-built site combines three main elements; creating habitats where
wildlife flourishes, providing a venue for both passive and active recreational activities and the Forest
Centre conferencing and visitor venue. The multi-functional nature of the Park creates the need for a
balance between different purposes and elements to be carefully managed, in order to ensure the
sustainable enjoyment of the Park by people and wildlife.
The Millennium Country Park Management Plan seeks to provide the framework of aims, objectives and
priorities for the successful management and development of this multi-functional green space. The
management plan will provide guidance and reference for work on site as well as a structure for
monitoring progress. The Millennium Country Park management plan will serve as a vital working
document to guide all the aspects of site management for wildlife and visitors. The management plan
also allows for strategic planning of the future development of the Park and its facilities in order to both
improve the existing asset and to ensure that it responds to predicted future needs. It is hoped that
through a regular process of review and application, that the management plan will adapt flexibly to the
needs and strengths of the Park.
There are several important organisational and policy considerations that provide the context for the
purpose, management and future of the Millennium Country Park. The most significant of these are
described briefly in the following sections.
1.1
1.1.1
Organisational and policy context
Forest of Marston Vale
The Forest of Marston Vale (formerly known as Marston Vale Community Forest) was established in
1991 by central Government as one of 12 Community Forests in England, all working to regenerate the
countryside around towns and cities in order to deliver environmentally-led social and economic
regeneration. In the Forest of Marston Vale the challenge is to use trees and woodlands to transform 61
square miles between Bedford and Milton Keynes, repairing a landscape scarred by decades of clay
extraction, brick making and landfill. Over 1 million trees have already been planted and by 2031, over
5 million more will be planted, working with local communities, government and businesses, to create
new woods and other wild places for everyone to enjoy. The Government target is to increase tree and
woodland cover from 3% to 30% by 2031. So far the woodland cover in the area has increased from
about 3% to 10% (as at 2014). The physical transformation and improvement of the Marston Vale
landscape through afforestation is the mechanism through which the wider social and economic
regeneration will be achieved. A key objective, which is being achieved through community engagement
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2011 – 2016
in environmental improvements, is a positive transformation in perceptions of the area. The creation of
the Forest of Marston Vale is guided by the ‘Forest Plan’, a non-statutory strategic framework prepared
through extensive consultation and endorsed by a wide range of stakeholders, including local
communities and government.
The Forest Centre and Millennium Country Park lies at the heart of the Forest of Marston Vale and
serves as both a valuable demonstration project and focal point for activities within the area.
1.1.2
The Forest of Marston Vale Trust (Formerly the Marston Vale Trust)
The Forest of Marston Vale Trust is the charitable trust dedicated to creating the Forest of Marston Vale.
It was formed in 1997 and is a company limited by guarantee with charitable status (registered charity
number 1069229). The Forest of Marston Vale Trust’s independent charitable status helps it to lead on
the delivery of the Forest Plan objectives and to broker partnerships with public, private and charitable
organisations. The Forest of Marston Vale Trust is governed by a board of trustees and has members
including local authorities, private sector companies, community interest groups, a local academic
institution and an environmental charity.
The Forest Marston Vale Trust secured the original funding to create the Forest Centre & Millennium
Country Park and owns and operates the facility. The staff resources of the Forest of Marston Vale
Trust are shown in the organisational chart (Appendix 5) this also highlights the Ranger staff working at
the Millennium Country Park.
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1.1.3
2011 – 2016
Milton Keynes & South Midlands Growth Area
The Marston Vale has been acknowledged as a strategic growth corridor between Bedford and Milton
Keynes for several decades. The area fell within the Milton Keynes & South Midlands (MKSM) Growth
Area, defined by Government as part of its major house building programme identified in the
Sustainable Communities Plan (ref. ODPM 2003), and whilst these Growth Areas are now being
superseded and accompanying housing targets reviewed, they remain an important indication of policy.
The MKSM Sub-Regional Strategy stated that the Marston Vale needed to accommodate 19,000 more
houses by 2021 (approximately doubling the local population) with a further 10,000 houses being
required by 2031. In addition to the proposed house building, the growth agenda included the need to
create 19,000 jobs and major transport infrastructure improvements over and above those previously
planned. The pressure for additional housing and employment development within the Marston Vale, as
crystallised by inclusion within the previous MKSM Growth Area, remains constant and is expected to
be translated into all emerging plans and policies.
1.1.4
Specific external impacts on the Park
Marston Park
Direct impacts on the Park include the building of 480 houses on adjacent land (“Land East of Bedford
Road, Marston Moretaine”, the field running parallel to the access road) which commenced in autumn
2011. As a neighbouring landowner, The Forest of Marston Vale Trust was consulted on the plans for
this development, suggested access improvements and environmental mitigation. Key issues include
the creation and design of additional access points into the Park, integration of landscaping with the
existing Park’s aesthetic value, upgrading of existing multi-user routes to create potential sustainable
commuter routes linking nearby railway stations, along with ecological concerns regarding the potential
impact of domestic cats on existing wildlife in the Park.
It should be noted that the land on which the Forest Centre & Millennium Country Park was created was
gifted to The Forest of Marston Vale Trust by the landowner who also owns the adjacent land being
developed in to ‘Marston Park’. The original gift of the land to the Trust was treated as the ‘developer
contribution’ from the Marston Park and several other developments within the Marston Vale, as agreed
with the local planning authorities. In view of this, the focus for the Marston Park development is on
issues of detailed design to achieve integration and mitigation on the various issues noted.
Covanta
In October 2011, planning permission was granted for an energy from waste plant to be located in
Rookery pit, the massive worked-out clay pit that lies at the far side of the railway line that marks the
eastern boundary of the Millennium Country Park. A Judicial Review was carried out and concluded in
December 2012 in favour of the development.
The planning application was made by Covanta, a US company that operates 44 waste treatment plants
around the world. Covanta use high temperature incineration to generate electricity from waste and
recover usable materials (metals and ash) from the process. The 65MW plant which will generate
enough electricity for over 80,000 homes, consuming up to 585,000 tonnes of waste per year. Waste
will be delivered by road and could be collected from Bedfordshire and neighbouring counties.
The Forest of Marston Vale Trust has a clear and consistent policy of neutrality on development in the
Vale and always works with developers to influence design and ensure adequate contribution to the
creation of the Forest of Marston Vale. Covanta have agreed to plant trees on the Rookery site in line
with Forest objective of 30% tree cover across the Vale and will also create an extension of the
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2011 – 2016
Millennium Country Park into the undeveloped North end of Rookery pit as well as contributing
financially through a fund that will help deliver the Trust’s environmental objectives. This project is now
‘on hold’ as Covanta have decided to sell off its UK operations. However, other waste management
companies may still see an opportunity for an identical proposal.
Millbrook Power
Millbrook Power Project, is a proposal that would bring a 299 Megawatt gas-fired power station to the
Rookery South pit, just across the railway from the Millennium Country Park. The plan would have up to
5 stacks, each up to 40m in height. It would include a new purpose built access road from Green Lane
to the site of the generating element of the project. Because of the scale of the project (it is a ‘Nationally
Significant Infrastructure Project’), rather than being submitted to Central Bedfordshire Council’s
planning department, this Development Consent Order application will be submitted to the Planning
Inspectorate, which will process and examine the application before making a recommendation to the
relevant Secretary of State.
B&MK Waterway Park
There is a proposal from the Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes Waterway Trust to build a new length of
canal, or waterway, connecting the Grand Union Canal at Milton Keynes with the River Great Ouse at
Bedford. There are multiple suggested routes for this through the Vale, though it follows a broadly
similar line to the dual carriageway. It is likely that some link between the new waterway and the Park
will be achieved, providing additional visitors and perhaps requiring additional low-key facilities, such as
moorings, to help the Park (and Forest Centre) capitalise on this future passing ‘traffic’. Of equal
importance to the Park is the waterway’s future function as a ‘green corridor’, with increased
recreational routes potentially allowing improved off-road access for pedestrians and cyclists from
surrounding communities, and even Milton Keynes and Bedford, to the Park.
Eco towns
In April 2008 the Government short listed the Marston Vale as one area for a proposed “eco town”.
There were originally 15 “eco towns” proposed across the country. Whilst the programme was largely
phased out and the Marston Vale Eco-town proposal withdrawn, the scale of the proposal highlights the
development pressure within the Marston Vale, surrounding the Millennium Country Park. O & H
Properties, a major private landowner, proposed building 15,400 homes, plus education, formal open
space, employment, retail and leisure spaces, mainly within the southern half of the Marston Vale. The
potential for these development aspirations to be revisited, in whole or in part, over the coming years
and decades remains in place.
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2011 – 2016
2. Site description
There are two equally important aspects to the Park – its value to wildlife and its value to people.
Following a brief summary of the key site details and some site history, the Park is described under
these two broad headings, with a further section describing the management structure and resources
available
2.1
Summary of site details
Site Name
The Forest Centre & Millennium Country Park
Site Status
Incorporates Stewartby Lake Country Park and two County Wildlife Sites
Location
TL 005415 OS map 1:50000 sheet no. 153
Local Planning
Authority:
Central Bedfordshire Council
Owner
The Forest of Marston Vale Trust
Tenure
Freehold
Stewartby Lake, clubhouse and associated land leased to Stewartby Water Sports
Club
Designated woodland area licensed to Active Adventure and Leisure Ltd
Total Area of park:
225 hectares (ha)
Grassland and meadow
27 ha
Lakes (Stewartby & Pillinge)
98.2 ha
Woodland and Scrub
66.4 ha
Wetlands (including reed bed)
21.2 ha
Forest Centre building and formal areas 12 ha
Area
Consultees for
original plan
Visitors, volunteers, local charities and businesses; for details of the consultation
process see Appendix 34
Date
This Draft:
Review Date:
December 2013
December 2014
Key contacts:
Head Ranger - Anna Charles
Ranger - Stephen Gascoyne
Forest Centre Reception
Forest Centre Manager - Sue Harrison
Stewartby Water Sports Club or
Tony Crofts (Angling)
Active Adventure and Leisure Ltd –
Chris Watson
01234 762614 or 07845 213077
01234 762610 or 07745 786307
01234 767037
01234 762616
www.stewartby.org.uk
01234 765218 or 07769 503194
5
07595 229676
2.2
2011 – 2016
Forest Centre & Millennium Country Park map
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2.3
2011 – 2016
Site history
The Millennium Country Park lies at the
heart of the Marston Vale, an area with
a long history of landscape change;
through decades of clay extraction for
brick making, the once dominant local
industry, to more recent land filling of
the resulting clay pits. The area now
occupied by the Millennium Country
Park includes two clay pits (Stewartby
Lake and The Pillinge) created through
clay extraction, which were surrounded
by arable farmland and bordered by the
villages of Stewartby, Marston
Moretaine and Lidlington. This aerial
photograph of the area before the
Millennium Country Park was created,
illustrates the lakes and the
surrounding farmland.
Stewartby Brickworks
Stewartby Lake
The Pillinge
Arable farmland
Prior to the creation of the Millennium Country Park, a much smaller ‘Stewartby Lake Country Park’
(incorporating only the lake and its immediate surroundings) was already in existence having been
designated a Country Park in 1968. This was originally managed by Bedfordshire County Council staff,
and then from 1995 on behalf of Bedfordshire County Council by the Forest of Marston Vale ‘Forest
Team’. Two sections of the site were designated as County Wildlife Sites in 1990; the Pillinge and
Stewartby Lake (including its surrounding vegetation). A map showing the designated areas is detailed
in Appendix 29.
The proposal to create the Millennium Country Park was developed from, and endorsed by, public
consultation through the establishment of the Forest of Marston Vale and production of the Forest Plan
during the mid-1990’s. The concept and proposals for the Park received widespread support from both
local authority committees and the public at open exhibitions, and reflected the need for a major
community green space facility in the Marston Vale identified through consultation on the Forest Plan.
In 1997 the Marston Vale Trust (now the Forest of Marston Vale Trust) was established as an
independent charity to lead on creating the Forest of Marston Vale. This charitable status enabled
Millennium Commission funding to be secured for creating what was then called ‘The Stewartby
Millennium Country Park’, which combined establishing a wetland area of major ecological significance
and a multi-use centre for education, employment and tourism. The land for creating the Park was
gifted to the Marston Vale Trust by O & H Properties Ltd. (the owners) in 1998. In 1998/9 the ‘Marston
Vale 2000’ project, as it was named, commenced with a view to consult, design and create the Forest
Centre & Millennium Country Park. Following an intensive 2 year construction period, the Forest Centre
& Millennium Country Park opened to the public in April 2000.
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2.4
2011 – 2016
“A Park for wildlife”
2.4.1 Physical features
The main habitats around the site are described below. Habitat creation history can be found in
Appendix 33.
Lakes
There are two lakes on the site, Stewartby Lake (84ha) and The Pillinge (14ha). Both lakes were
previously working clay pits. Excavation ceased in the mid 1950’s, after which time they were allowed to
flood. In 1968 the London Brick company offered the use of Stewartby pit to Bedfordshire County
Council to form a Country Park with water sports facilities. Both lakes were designated County Wildlife
Sites in 1990.
Stewartby Lake is fed by the Elstow Brook and serves as a strategic water body in the management of
water in the Marston Vale. Water levels in the Lake are managed by the Bedford Group of Drainage
Boards (the ‘IDB’) via an engineered sluice constructed in 2000. The IDB manage Stewartby Lake as a
‘reservoir’, preventing flooding downstream by holding back more water during the winter and then
maintaining flows in the Elstow Brook during the summer. The Lake edges on two sides (roughly to the
north and east) are undulating with areas of common reed and common reedmace. The two narrower
edges (roughly to the south and west) are much steeper and are predominantly comprised of brick
rubble rather than soil. Prevailing south-westerly winds result in erosion issues from wave action. This
can be further compounded by the high water levels retained in the Lake by the IDB. Continued erosion
presents both engineering and ecological challenges along this shoreline. The Lake is also used by
Stewartby Water Sports Club for fishing, sailing, water skiing and power boating. The south west corner
of the lake, known as Lagoon Corner, is relatively undisturbed and is favoured by birds and is an
important part of the Otter territory. An artificial holt has been constructed here. Regular signs of otter
activity are apparent in this area and live images of otters have been recorded using a trail camera.
Stewartby Lake has significant value as a winter gull roost, a site for passage migrants and for wintering
wildfowl.
The Pillinge is a smaller clay pit of varying depth,
understood to be filled by groundwater and
precipitation. It features several clay ‘bars’, remaining
from incomplete clay excavation. These provide
shallows within the open water and can become partly
exposed at low water levels so provide good
conditions for feeding waders. Several permanent
islands and a varying number of temporary islands
provide valuable nesting and roosting areas. Aquatic
and marginal vegetation include common reedmace
(Typha latifolia), lesser reedmace (Typha angustifolia)
fan leaved water crowfoot (Ranunculus circinatus),
and common club rush (Schoenoplectus lacustris). The Pillinge is surrounded by a narrow margin of
neutral grassland and scattered scrub with an area of dense scrub along the eastern side.
There is a lack of knowledge of fish, invertebrate and plant populations in both Stewartby Lake and the
Pillinge.
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2011 – 2016
Reed bed
20 hectares of reed bed exist in four broad units – three large areas including open pools or ‘meres’ (i.e.
W1/2, W3/4, & W9/10) and one as a set of three linked terraces (i.e. W8). The reed beds were
designed to maximise ‘edge’ habitat through use of numerous internal ditches and channels.
The reed beds are dominated by common reed (Phragmites australis) with encroaching willow (Salix
sp.) and common reedmace (Typha latifolia) in drier areas. Other plant species present include; lesser
reedmace (Typha angustifolia), common club rush (Schoenoplectus lacustris), water mint (Mentha
aquatica) and brooklime (Verionica beccabunga).
Water levels in the reed beds are controlled by pumping water from the Pillinge through a system of
inflow and outflow pipes to direct water to a selected wetland or wetlands. However, the engineered
water level control systems are compromised by leaks via remnant field drains which means maintaining
desired water levels can be challenging in certain areas. The established reed beds are managed on a
rotation of cutting and burning, with a proportion of their overall area being cut every winter.
Wetland 11 has two components, a long water body running parallel with the main access road and a
shallower ‘lake’ feature to the east of the Forest Centre (connected via a pump and returning set of
weirs). This wetland hosts 2 stonewort species. Two smaller features, W12 and W13, provide pondscale habitats of particular value for dragonflies and damselflies, especially W13 which has become
largely ephemeral (i.e. it dries out during summer) due to leaks.
Successional areas and scrub
The southern edge of Stewartby Lake is a mixed mosaic of neutral grassland and varying age scrub.
(Appendix 2). The area is made up from callow (the clay overburden from brick making) and is nutrient
poor and compacted. Scrub areas are dominated by hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), but the edge of
Stewartby Lake also has some mature willow and alder. This area is managed through rotational scrub
clearance to maintain the diversity and structure of this important habitat. The aim is to maintain areas
of open grassland which support a variety of common wildflower species such as birds foot trefoil
(Lotus corniculatus) and orchid species, including; common spotted orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchii) and
pyramidal orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis). These are complemented by both dense and scattered
areas of young and mature scrub which maintain important diversity of structure. Scrub provides rich
edge habitat, shelter for invertebrates, nesting and feeding opportunities for small birds and perching
places for butterfly species including grizzled skipper (Pyrgus malvae) and dingy skipper (Erynnis
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2011 – 2016
tages). This area is further enhanced by its complex micro-topography. Wet flushes, small seasonal
ponds and dry banks all add interesting habitat diversity.
Grassland
The park has 3 grazing meadows which are managed as wet grassland for breeding waders although
these areas will also be valuable for wintering waders and wildfowl. Within the meadows there are a
variety of constructed water bodies providing both drinking water for grazing animals and complimentary
habitat. W5 and W6 are dominated by common reed and have shallow, poached edges providing
feeding conditions for wading birds such as snipe (Gallinago gallinago). W7 has edges less favourable
to wading birds as they are steeper and less poached. Maintaining water levels in these features has
proven difficult due to leaks but, following remedial work, they now appear to be holding water more
effectively.
A series of surface excavations to create new wetland features were carried out in Bottom meadow in
2008 to improve retention of water in the meadow and increase the availability of soil moisture
conditions to encourage breeding waders. While a number of these have worked well, unfortunately
many are too deep with very steep sides thus rendering them useless for most wading birds. They do
have value in supporting emergent vegetation and are utilised by breeding dragonflies. Mechanical reprofiling is an option to improve these features. Alternatively, in time, natural in fill and poaching by
grazing animals should break down the sides producing a shallower profile. During summer 2013,
further work was done to improve the retention of surface water on Bottom Meadow. 8 ‘scrapes’ each
covering an area of around 200m2 and with a maximum depth of 50cm were excavated in known low
spots on the meadow, each with gradual sloping edges. Early signs show these seemed to have worked
well. Spoil from these new excavations was used to improve the profile of the previous poorly designed
excavations.
The meadows are managed by grazing to achieve a mixed sward with areas of short grass and
tussocks for wader nesting, in particular lapwing. From March through to October cattle graze all three
meadows with a lower stocking density in spring and early summer to reduce chances of trampling of
ground nests. Small numbers of Exmoor ponies graze
through the winter which helps with poaching on the
wetland edges and consumption of invasive species
such as thistles. Supplementary sheep grazing is used
through the winter if the sward requires it. Currently
stock fencing marks a clear boundary between the
grazing meadows and the neighbouring reed beds, with
little (if any) transitional habitats. The ecological value of
these interfaces could be significantly enhanced by
moving fence boundaries and using grazing of the reed
bed margins and selected terraces to produce habitat
akin to rough grazing marsh. Ragwort remains present
at low levels in these areas and is managed each year by hand pulling.
A variety of other much smaller grassland areas occur throughout the park. Only those which are
actively managed are mentioned in more detail. Many areas are left as rough grassland; this provides
valuable habitat for invertebrates and small mammals, an important source of food for birds of prey, in
particular barn owls which breed in the Park.
The Forest Centre meadow directly behind the building is used predominantly as an amenity area for
informal recreation (kite flying, football) and as a site for events.
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2011 – 2016
Marston Meadow has had variable management historically but is now managed as a hay meadow with
consistent cutting and removal of arisings. Long Meadow, Bramble Meadow, and Little Meadow are
small areas of grassland managed for developing wildflower and butterfly interest. Bramble meadow
contains large patches of bramble (Rubus fruticosus) of varying age structure. These provide nesting
habitat for birds therefore there are no plans to remove them, but continued spread is prevented by
mowing. Small paddocks to the west of Stewartby Lake are rented out and are currently grazed by
horses.
Woodland
There are 20.12 hectares of woodland within the Park. The majority is young woodland and is a mixture
of locally native broadleaved species including oak (Quercus robur), ash (Fraxinus excelsior), silver
birch (Betula pendula), alder (Alnus glutinosa), willow (Salix sp.) and field maple (Acer campestre). All
trees planted were of UK provenance, with most being from the Forestry Commission’s ‘402’
Provenance Region which covers Bedfordshire and surrounding Counties. All woodland planting was
undertaken under a Woodland Grant Scheme and the layout of the planting is shown in Appendix 30;
the majority of trees were planted in the winter of 1998/1999. There was a secondary phase of tree and
shrub planting during the winter of 1999/2000, focussing on the access routes corridor in the southern
half of the site. Two sections of dense planting along the bund (the constructed soil mound protecting
the outside edge of the wetland area) create an attractive edge around the outside edge of the bund and
provide greater security to the wetland area within. Eight areas along the multi-user cycle trail corridor
were planted with trees and shrubs to add landscape value. All areas of tree and shrub planting are
identified on the habitat unit maps in Appendix 2, although the landscape bund planting is not identified
as a discreet area as it is dealt with as part of general site health surveys. A plantation of 1.7 hectares
of woodland, known as ‘Lake View Plantation’, was planted prior to the creation of the Park as part of a
Woodland Grant Scheme during the winter of 1996-1997.
There were two main areas of poplar (Populus sp.) trees in the Park. Both plantations were of fairly
uniform age (planted in the 1960’s to screen the brickworks) and species structure with a limited
lifespan. The limited lifespan is due to the species (fast growing, short life), a lack of soil moisture, and
due to the presence of hornet clearwing moth (Sesia apiformis). The presence of this species can be
identified by the holes it bores into the roots at the base of these trees. All poplars were becoming a
public safety hazard due to their instability. A Woodland Regeneration Grant was approved by the
Forestry Commission in 2013 which has allowed the clear felling of these plantations. They will be
replanted with native broadleaved trees in the winter of 2014/15, resulting in a more valuable habitat in
future.
Caulcott Corner is an area of mature mixed broadleaved woodland on the north western corner of
Stewartby Lake which includes some Poplar. An area of mature oak (Quercus robur) known as ‘Eleven
oaks’ exists between Little Meadow and Bramble Meadow, in the wetlands area, and has been planted
with woodland wildflowers. During winter 2010/11 two small areas of hazel were planted with a view to
managing them as coppice.
During winter 2010 a comprehensive tree survey of all mature trees on site was conducted. Data is now
held on the species present, condition and health of the trees and a plan detailing recommended works
and resurveying schedule. Follow up surveys will be conducted by trained Ranger staff now that
comprehensive baseline information has been established.
In 2013, a specific woodland management plan was written and approved by the Forestry Commission.
This plan outlines the short, medium and long term plan for the woodlands within the Millennium
Country Park. It is not necessary to repeat what is detailed in the woodland management plan within this
whole park plan as the two documents will be used hand in hand as working documents.
11
2011 – 2016
Gardens and Formal Areas
The Sensory Garden is a small
formal area (0.2 hectares) of
raised beds and plantings
designed to represent a ‘potted’
version of the rest of the Park,
including versions of woodland,
wetland and grassland habitats.
All plants were chosen for their
sensory value – i.e. either strong
scent, bright colour or the sounds
they make in the wind. The area
also has a ‘larger than life size’,
walk through bird box and mini
orchard.
The Smudge Garden
The Smudge Garden is a small formal garden designed to replicate the roofs of the brick kilns in the old
brick works. Smudge pots are sunk into the brick surface; these would have been lifted off the top of the
kilns to add ‘smudge’ to fuel the kilns. The flowerbeds are designed to represent the smoke created
from the kilns. The Smudge garden is complemented by two pieces of historic machinery; once used in
the brickworks and brought to the Park when it closed down. Brick making is an inherent part of the
history of the area and it is appropriate to reflect this with this feature garden.
Formal & semi-formal landscaping
The formal areas of grass around the Forest Centre and car park are maintained for amenity purposes
rather than wildlife value. The grass is kept short. Hedge species are locally native and include;
hawthorn, dog rose and hazel (Corylus avellana), with standard trees of oak, silver birch (Betula
pendula) and field maple (Acer campestre). There are two patio areas for members of the public and a
children’s play area next to the Forest Centre. The hedges in the car park and along access road are cut
annually in autumn.
2.4.2
Recorded Monuments
A stone, known as the “Devil’s Toenail” (listed building number 3/59) is a grade II listed monument on
the edge of Marston Meadow. The shaped stone is believed to probably be the remains of a medieval
cross made from limestone. It consists of a stump of an octagonal stone column, approximately 50cm
high and 30cm in diameter. (As designated by the Department of the Environment, 1987 List of
Buildings of Special Architectural or Historical Interest, Mid Bedfordshire).
12
2.4.3
2011 – 2016
Biological features
These are the plants and animals which form part of the Parks importance and in particular which
contribute to national and local biodiversity.
The mosaic of habitats within the Millennium Country Park provides ideal opportunities for wildlife
interest, including a range of locally and nationally important species and habitats, despite being a
relatively ‘new’ site. During the years following its design and creation the Park has provided an
important mix of different habitats of varying ages, including transitional stages as areas formed and as
‘new’ habitats establish and mature.
The Park has had 212 recorded bird species since it opened. At least 21 species are of high
conservation concern (classified as ‘Red list’ by RSPB, see Appendix 25).
The wetland habitats within the Park were designed to provide ideal conditions for 3 ‘headline’ target
bird species; marsh harrier (Circus aeruginosus), bearded tit (Panurus biarmicus) and bittern (Botaurus
stellaris). Since opening in April 2000, all three species have been recorded in the Park, with bearded
tit, visiting annually and breeding successfully in 2006, 2007 and 2011. Marsh Harrier has visited the
site every year since 2001. Bittern have been sighted in 2000, 2003, 2004, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and
2013.
In addition to the ‘headline’ target species, some of the smaller water bodies constructed within the
grassland areas were designed to support small numbers of breeding waders, principally lapwing
(Vanellus vanellus) and redshank (Tringa tetanus) , which, whilst not nationally rare, are noted as being
in decline. Although small numbers of breeding waders appeared on the wetlands, difficulties in
maintaining water levels has limited numbers of breeding waders on site. Several wader species initially
prospered on site in the new reed beds during the very early stages of vegetation establishment,
although as these areas have become increasingly vegetated waders have appeared to use the site
less consistently.
In 2013 following a successful funding bid to WREN, a 20m long artificial Sand Martin Nesting Wall was
built on the Pillinge (along with new wader scrapes in the grazing meadows and a new bird hide). The
wall was designed drawing on advice from the Sand Martin Trust and previous artificial nesting facilities
on other sites. The Wall was an immediate success with several nesting pairs of Sand Martins in the
first spring following construction (2014)
Great crested newts (Triturus cristatus) have been found on site. Surveys conducted in 2000, 2006 and
2013 found a breeding population in the boardwalk wetland, and in W12 and W13. It is expected that
they are likely to be found in other water bodies on site which have not yet been surveyed. The wider
Marston Vale area is renowned for hosting a large great crested newt population, potentially a ‘metapopulation’ of international significance.
Otter (Lutra lutra) has been using the site as a feeding territory for a number of years. Images were
gained in 2011 using a remote camera and an individual was seen in Stewartby Lake in the latter half of
2012. The Park has a healthy small mammal population highlighted by the regular hunting activities of
barn owl (Tyto alba), kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) and tawny owl (Strix aluco). Barn owls have bred every
year on the site since 2003. Brown hare (Lepus canensis) is seen on site each year. In summer 2013,
Water Shrew was recorded on site for the first time after being captured in a Longworth trap. Mammal
trapping success continued in summer 2014 when Harvest Mouse was captured, confirming without
question the presence of this species on site for the first time.
13
2011 – 2016
The Park is increasingly valued for its dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata sp. – see Appendix 27 for
records), which benefit from the range of water bodies and wetland fringe habitats.
Two stonewort species of national importance have been found in the Forest Centre Lake. These are
dark stonewort (Nitella opaca) and smooth stonewort (Nitella flexilis), a nationally scarce species without
IUCN designation.
The mounds of callow (the clay overburden from brick making) on the southern edges of Stewartby
Lake are designated as a County Wildlife Site for their botanical interest. The chalky boulder clay has a
relatively high pH and supports patches of grassland that contain a number of species usually
characteristic to chalk or limestone grassland. Callow mounds appear to develop grassland habitats
similar to these chalky boulder clay grasslands. Species lists suggest the grassland could be
categorised midway between classic neutral grasslands (flower rich lowland meadows) and the
grasslands that occur on the richer soils at the fringes of chalk downs – hence the County Wildlife Site
description as calcareous grassland. Dingy skipper (Erynnis tages) and grizzled skipper (Pyrgus
malvae) are found on the callow mounds because of the presence of larval food plants.
In 2002 Field Cow Wheat seed was collected locally and planted on site (after obtaining permission from
English Nature) in a partnership project with the Wildlife Trust. The partnership has helped the Wildlife
Trust to deliver their Species Action Plan for Field Cow-Wheat. This species is hemi-parasitic and its
ideal habitat is unknown, making it notoriously difficult to establish as a colony. Following planting,
some plants emerged in the first year, including one flowering stem, but in subsequent years the plants
failed to produce further seed.
14
2.5
2.5.1
2011 – 2016
“A Park for people”
The Forest Centre
The Forest Centre serves as a visitor centre, housing the Lakeside café, gift shop, and an art gallery. It
is a successful conferencing facility, with four conference rooms and modern facilities including disabled
toilets and a lift to access the upstairs area. An open wireless network is available in all four conference
rooms and the café, providing all visitors with free access to the internet. The building includes offices
for the Forest Centre and Forest Team staff, plus office space that is rented by an outside organisation.
The Forest Centre was designed to incorporate environmentally-friendly features and uses locally made
brick in its construction. The orientation of the building (on a south-west/north-east axis) maximises
passive solar gain, reducing its heating requirements. In 2008 funding was secured from Eon to install a
120kW woodchip boiler and fuel transfer system, so rendering the previous mains gas system primarily
redundant but retained as a back-up system. Woodchip is sourced locally from the Woburn Estate
where trees are felled as part of a sustainable forestry system. Photovoltaic panels were installed on the
Forest Centre’s roof in early December 2011 and provide a proportion of the electricity needs of the
building.
Following several years of investigation and consultation, the Trust secured a planning consent for a
wind turbine in November 2010. The wind turbine was constructed in the Park in 2013/14 and has a hub
height of approximately 85m and a maximum blade to tip height of 120.5m. It will produce enough
energy to supply the Forest Centre and the equivalent of over 1200 houses. Any surplus electricity not
used on-site is exported to the National Grid, providing valuable income to the Forest of Marston Vale
Trust which will be used in its work to create the Forest of Marston Vale. Comprehensive environmental
studies have been completed to ensure that potential noise and shadow flicker impacts at residential
properties, and potential impacts on the wildlife of the Park are limited to an acceptable level.
The erection of the wind turbine sees the completion of a package of renewable energies being used
on-site which includes wind (electricity generation), solar (electricity generation) and biomass (space
and water heating for the Forest Centre). The Trust is proud to be demonstrating the practicalities and
benefits of adopting such a suite of renewable energy technologies.
15
2011 – 2016
ISO14001
The organisation is proud to have achieved full ISO14001 status in 2010. Internal and external auditing
ensures that standards are maintained. To retain ISO14001, the organisation must demonstrate it is
constantly improving. The Environmental management system is administered by the Head Ranger who
is qualified to CIEH level 3 in Environmental Management.
2.5.2
Visitors
Visitor numbers & recording
Forest Centre:
Installed at the main entrance to the Forest Centre is a radio-beam counter to count all visitors into the
building. Numbers were at their lowest in 2007/8 and then rose steadily to a high in 2011-12. A slight
drop in 2012/13 was followed by a significant increase in 2013-14.
It must also be noted that these figures do not include any other visitors who may visit the Park without
using the Forest Centre.
(to
Forest Centre visitor numbers
220000
200000
Number of visitors
nearest 500)
180000
160000
140000
120000
100000
2005-6 2006-7 2007-8 2008-9 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14
Year
Millennium Country Park:
The Park is a well used outdoor space for both active and passive recreation. The most popular uses
include dog walking, cycling, jogging, wildlife watching and picnicking.
16
2011 – 2016
Number of visitors (to nearest
1000)
Millennium Country Park visitor numbers
600000
550000
500000
450000
400000
350000
300000
250000
200000
2007
2008
2009
2011
2012
2013
2014
Year
Since 2007 electronic counters have been monitoring visitors passing through all 10 access points
around the Park. This includes one car counter on the access road, six radio beam counters (counts
when radio beam is broken) and four gate counters (counts each time the gate is opened). The counters
are checked and data recorded on a monthly basis.
Technical difficulties with batteries and equipment can result in inconsistent data recovery with no viable
date recorded for the year of 2010. A service of all monitoring equipment was carried out in an attempt
to ensure accurate data recording, which was achieved in 2011. In 2012 technical problems were much
more limited and more accurate data was collected. 2014 saw many issues with the quality of data
acquired from the counters, as a result, the final numbers were estimated to a certain extent, although
the trend of visitor numbers to the park does reflect that of the Forest Centre where data is much more
reliable. Details of 2014 figures and the recording form used are shown in Appendix 8 and 9.
Given the ongoing trouble with data quality received from the counters, we can conclude that the
counter units are coming to the end of their lives and need to be replaced. This will be a highly
expensive process and in the current climate is not possible. We will be vigilant to funding opportunities
and in the meantime, try and keep them functioning as well as e can using in house resources.
Visitor surveys and feedback
There are a number of mechanisms in place for facilitating customer feedback and opinion.







Comment/customer feedback cards (available from reception and café counter)
Conferencing feedback form (building, rooms and food if requested, sent out with invoice)
School visit feedback form
Bird record diary (bird sightings also allows space for comments, at reception)
Facebook page
Twitter
News blog on our website
Feedback is discussed in the monthly team meetings. Any complaints or questions raised by visitors are
responded to as a priority.
Several visitor surveys have been conducted in recent years. The first was carried out in 2007. The Park
was one of ten wetland sites across the country included in a PhD project for the Aquatic Environments
17
2011 – 2016
Research Centre at Reading University. This project focused on visitor feedback, water invertebrates
and flora. 78 members of the public were questioned.
During the summer of 2008 a visitor survey of over 150 people took place. The survey was designed
and tested during a two week work experience for four Harlington Upper school students. The survey
covered 15 questions and included details of distance travelled to the park, frequency of visits and
suggestions for improvements.
During June 2012 a survey was completed of 100 people visiting the Forest Centre This provided
information on the reasons for peoples visit, age groups of visitors, postcode areas and an overall
enjoyment rating.
2.5.3
Attractions and events
Key attractions:










Forest Centre with Lakeside café, shop and bicycle hire
Open areas for informal sporting activities and recreation (e.g. picnics)
Bird and wildlife watching (incl. from bird hides)
Weekly guided ‘health walks’ and monthly guided ‘Sunday strolls’
A program of craft and outdoor events for children
Guided wildlife walks
Stewartby Water Sports Club
Active Adventure and Leisure activities
Guided school visits
A program of externally organised sponsored events
A variety of events are organised throughout the year by the Forest Team and by visiting organisations
or individuals. All events endeavour either to have links with the work of the Forest of Marston Vale
Trust (i.e. creating the Forest of Marston Vale) in some way or to act in a fund raising capacity. They
provide the opportunity to draw in new supporters, entertainment, education and ownership to the local
community. Previous events have included: large scale family events (1500+ visitors), small craft
events, guided walks, school visits, orienteering events, sponsored walks and cycle rides, dog shows
and corporate team building events. The events list for 2015 is included in Appendix 17.
Stewartby Water Sports Club holds a lease for the land and buildings on the Stewartby corner of
Stewartby Lake. The club organises angling, sailing, water skiing and power boating activities. These
activities generally take place between March and October each year.
Active Adventure & Leisure Ltd have a licence agreement to use a designated area of the Park for their
activities program. They offer educational visits for schools and private parties for both children and
adults. Activities include team building and problem solving, camp crafts and Battlefield LIVE combat
gaming. Active Adventure Ltd work in partnership with the Forest Centre to offer their groups the
opportunity to order catering or private room hire.
2.5.4
Site access
Surfaced routes for cyclists/pedestrians and horses
A network of over 17 km of paths runs through the Park. A surfaced ‘figure of eight’ route of 8 km
follows the outside edge of Stewartby Lake and the Wetlands Nature Reserve. It is a multi-user route of
18
2011 – 2016
2m wide granite path with an additional 1m wide mown grass verge maintained either side to allow for
passing place.
In the southern half of the Park, running parallel to this surfaced path is a 4km loop of a 3m wide
engineered horse trail with a grass surface.
There are ten entrance points to the Park, all with kissing gates or other structures to allow multi-user
access.
A map showing footpaths and access routes around the Park is shown in section 2.2.
The Wetlands Trail
The Wetlands Trail was originally a mown grass path. In 2010, the Wetlands Trail was upgraded to a
fully accessible surfaced path. The surface, Breedons gravel was selected for its more natural
appearance so it blends in with it surroundings. This now allows families with pushchairs and those with
disabilities full access to The Wetlands Nature Reserve. All bird watching hides have wheelchair
accessible viewing positions.
Access to the Wetlands Trail is managed by the levying of a small entry charge, with tickets available
from the Forest Centre.
Public Rights of Way
There are a number of formal public footpaths within the Park, these are recorded on Bedfordshire’s
Definitive Map (see Appendix 4). Footpath No.72 runs along the perimeter of Stewartby Lake and was
dedicated by the Marston Vale Trust as part of a rationalisation scheme to close parts of Footpaths No.
18 and No. 19 that cross through Stewartby Lake; these have been obstructed since around 1900 when
clay was extracted for brick making.
Footpaths 18 and 19 cross Stewartby Lake and were formally extinguished in 2010.
3 new sections of footpath have been designated to improve access into the Park. Footpath 77 to link in
Station Road, footpath 78 to link in Stewartby Lake Road and an additional length of footpath 72 to link
into Green lane.
To the south of the Park a series of public footpaths exist around the southern and eastern boundaries
of the Wetlands and consist of Footpaths 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17. Footpaths 15 and 17 prematurely
end at the railway line and are technically classed as anomalies and will be resolved by the Council
Definitive Map Team. Footpath 13 crosses the
railway, through Pillinge Farm before exiting onto
the highway at Millbrook Crossroads. Footpath 15
follows the southern boundary of the Park and exits
onto Station Road linking in to the wider network of
Rights of Way.
Two promoted long distance routes run through the
Park. The Timberland Trail is a 13 mile circular walk
using the surrounding Rights of Way network and
National Cycle Network (NCN) Route 51. NCN
Route 51 is a strategic linear route between Oxford
and Cambridge that links Milton Keynes through to
Sandy via Bedford, following the Rights of Way network and quiet roads.
A stretch of access path within the Millennium Country Park was designated as a public bridleway in
2014. This provides a new safer route into the Park for horse riders and is a vital link between sections
of the wider bridleway network.
19
2011 – 2016
Access for all
Whilst no formal site access plan is currently in place, the needs of visitors who may have a disability or
mobility issues are considered as part of any new projects. We aim to follow The Fieldfare Trust ‘Urban
and managed’ standard for all paths and structures as far as is reasonably practicable.
Over 10km of the trails in The Millennium Country Park are surfaced and allow multi user access. All
gateway structures are kissing gates as a minimum, with most being accessible by mobility vehicles and
wheelchairs. The three bird watching hides are accessible via ramp with wheelchair accessible viewing
points.
Interpretation boards located around the Wetland Trail were designed to allow a wheelchair to be
positioned very close to the board (i.e. the front of the wheelchair will fit underneath the sign)
We have a variety of benches and picnic tables located throughout the Park at regular intervals..
The cycle hire facility has a range of bikes for hire including a tandem and a tricycle which could be
suitable for some visitors with disabilities.
The ‘Let’s go!’ Bedfordshire promoted Routes and Sites website gives in depth information on different
walking, cycling and riding routes around the country including some which pass through or are within
The Millennium Country Park. These usually include information on gradients, site structures and
terrain.
The Forest Centre building has disabled toilet facilities and a lift to access upstairs, with disabled
parking provision allocated within the car park.
Access by car
Brown ‘Forest Centre’ tourist signs are located on the A421, the major road through the Marston Vale
and the promoted route for accessing the Forest Centre and Millennium Country Park (this includes
signs for those travelling from the A1 or the M1 onto the A421).
The Park has two car parks; the primary car park (hard standing) located adjacent to the Forest Centre
has a capacity for 250 cars, with 5 designated as disabled parking. The overflow car park (grass
surface) holds a further 50 cars. During major events, Top Meadow is used as a car park (once or twice
a year in late summer)
Location of car park
Main car park
Overflow car park (grass paddock)
Access road (additional parking area)
Top Meadow
Total
Number of spaces
250 (5 disabled)
50
200
1000
1500
In December 2011, a dual-bay electric vehicle charging point was installed in the Forest Centre car
park, providing the ability for visitors with electric vehicles to re-charge using the unit via a national
scheme and network (“Chargemaster”).
Access by cars to the site is limited to between 9am and 6pm in summer (BST) and 9am and 5pm in
winter (GMT), unless events are specifically arranged outside these hours.
20
2011 – 2016
Access by public transport
Two railway stations are located within walking distance of the Park. Stewartby and Millbrook stations
are on the Bedford to Bletchley line. Trains run from Bedford between 6.30am and 10pm weekdays and
7.30am and 10pm on Saturdays. There are no train services on Sunday.
Buses from Bedford to Marston Moretaine run from Monday to Saturday every two hours between 6am
and 6.30pm, there is no Sunday service.
2.5.5
Interpretation
Welcome boards are installed at all park entrances. These include maps of the park showing benches,
bins and path distances. An enlarged version of the same map is located at the node, at the centre of
the Park and inside the Forest Centre.
Three interpretation boards are located on the callow mounds; these provide information on the County
Wildlife Site, dragonflies, orchids, butterflies and the history of the brickworks. These information
boards were funded by Waste Recycling Environmental Limited (WREN). In 2010, in addition to the new
surfaced path, 8 Interpretation panels were installed around the Wetlands Trail. These are aimed at
families with children who are led on a ‘Wildlife Safari’. The panels contain wildlife facts, interactive play
and environmental games.
Various information leaflets are available from the Forest Centre reception.
For £1 a leaflet is available which includes a colour map and details about facilities available at the
Millennium Country Park.
Leaflets are available to promote the Friends of the Forest scheme and the Dedicate a Tree scheme.
A new leaflet has just been published to promote all the Marston Vale Trust sites throughout The Forest
of Marston Vale, including The Millennium Country Park. See appendix 19 for examples.
As part of a recent project with Paths for Communities, a set of guided route leaflets has been produced
for walkers, horse riders and cyclists. The majority of these routes begin/end at the Millennium Country
Park and utilise a range of public rights of way in the Forest of Marston Vale. Within the same project
several large map boards showing the Forest of Marston Vale in its entirety have been installed at the
Forest Centre and two ‘listening posts’ provide audible information about the Park, events and other
useful information.
Bird hides within the Wetland Nature Reserve have identification charts for native bird species and
blackboards for recording bird sightings. Within the reception area there are also various method of
recording wildlife for the benefit of other visitors.
2.5.6
Site Maintenance
Litter collection is maintained on a number of levels. Daily litter picking and checks for dog mess are
completed by the Rangers in the car park and area immediately surrounding the Forest Centre. The
wider Park is litter picked by ‘Community Payback’, volunteers or Ranger staff groups once a week or as
required. One litter bin is located within the Park. People are encouraged to take their litter home with
them. All bins within the Forest Centre Café and outside picnic area encourage collecting of cans,
plastic, cardboard and glass to allow recycling. All recyclable material is also collected from the offices
in the Forest Centre.
Dog fouling is managed through the provision of seven dog bins on site for bagged dog waste (emptied
once per week); the general litter bins can also receive bagged dog waste and freely available ‘dog
21
2011 – 2016
bags’ from reception. Dogs are welcome in to the Park (except in the Wetlands Nature Reserve) and
should be kept under close control.
Site infrastructure and paths are inspected at appropriate time intervals by the sites Maintenance
Officer. All inspections and resulting work recommendations are recorded on the monitoring form
contained in Appendix 10. Both the Ranger team and volunteers are regularly patrolling the Park and
will pick up any maintenance issues at these times.
2.5.7
Safety and Security
The Marston Vale Trust has a Health and Safety Policy most recently updated in October 2014. The
policy covers the responsibilities of all employees, personal protective equipment, and fire and accident
procedures, along with health and safety assessments of the building, machinery and equipment.
Risk Assessments are available for all practical conservation work and site visits. These are held in
paper and electronic form at the Forest Centre office. Copies of these are given to all visiting groups
who carry out any practical work. Generic risk assessments are reviewed each year.
All Forest of Marston Vale volunteers are given an induction on site safety and specific safety briefing
the first time they complete a new task. A qualified first aider is present at all group volunteer tasks.
All work parties provided by the Probation Service are accompanied by a supervisor who is responsible
for first aid and management of the Community Payback team.
Site safety for visitors is maintained by a uniformed Ranger (staff or volunteer) presence whenever the
Forest Centre and car park are open. CCTV cameras covering the main car park and entrance road,
serve as a deterrent to car crime. All vehicle registration numbers are recorded as they enter or leave
the site via the single access road. There is a good relationship and regular contact with the local police
and community safety officers. Police visit the Forest Centre on an ad hoc basis, foot patrols within the
Park are not possible due to lack of resources. Access by cars to the site is limited to between 9am and
6pm in summer (BST) and 9am and 5pm in winter (GMT), unless events are specifically arranged
outside these hours.
The Forest Centre building includes a two bedroom flat occupied by the Facilities Manager. He provides
emergency cover for the building and site safety outside standard office hours.
2.5.8
Local Communities
The Millennium Country Park is located between the growing communities of Marston Moretaine and
Stewartby, serving as a major area of natural green space for both. Marston Moretaine is a large village
on the A421 between Bedford and Milton Keynes. It has a population of about 4,560a and is served by
Millbrook railway station, situated just outside the village. An additional development of 480 houses is
currently under construction as an expansion of the existing village. This will bring the built settlement of
Marston Moretaine up to the western boundary of the Park (parallel to the access road).
Stewartby was originally built to house the workers of The London Brick Company. Stewartby has a
population of around 1,290b. Stewartby also has a railway station on Bedford to Bletchley line.
Approved proposals for the development of 1000 houses as an expansion on the northern edge of the
village are well-advanced and these are likely to be built within the next 5 years. In addition the
a
b
2006 population estimate taken from “Population Estimates and Forecasts 2007-2011”, Bedfordshire County Council
2006 population estimate taken from “Population Estimates and Forecasts 2007-2011”, Bedfordshire County Council
22
2011 – 2016
Brickworks are likely to be re-developed for a mixed use of residential and employment use within 5
years.
According to assessments done in 2000 for the Forest Plan, an estimated 25,000 people live within the
boundaries of the Forest of Marston Vale, with a further population of c.145,000 living in surrounding
settlements, predominantly in the urban areas of Bedford and Kempston. In the region of 500,000
people were estimated as living within a 20 minute car journey of the Forest of Marston Vale largely due
to the close proximity of Milton Keynes as a major urban centre.
Consultation with the local community for the original management plan included local stakeholders and
visitors. Details are shown in Appendix 34.
2.5.9
Stakeholders and partnership organisations
There are a number of stakeholders in the site. The Stewartby Water Sports Club which combines
fishing, sailing, water skiing and power boating activities on Stewartby Lake. The clubhouse and
grounds of the club are leased from the Marston Vale Trust bringing in a modest rent.
Active Adventure & Leisure Ltd have a licence agreement to use a designated area of the Park for their
activities program. They offer educational visits for schools and private parties for both children and
adults.
The Forest of Marston Vale works in partnership with many local and national organisations. On a local
level close links with the Wildlife Trust and Bedfordshire Natural History Society provide linked events
and guided educational visits. The Bedfordshire Otters and Rivers Project have provided staff training
in Otter and Water Vole surveying. They funded an otter holt and two mink monitoring rafts.
The Community Payback scheme managed by Bedfordshire Probation Service is a key partner in day to
day management of the site.
Partnership projects with local and national businesses combining team building with conservation and
site maintenance for wildlife and community benefit have taken place with companies such as
Timberland UK Ltd., HSBC, Ricoh, Santander, and Lockheed Martin.
2.5.10 Marketing
“Commentree” is the official newsletter of The Forest of Marston Vale. It contains up to date news and
information on what’s going on in the Forest of Marston Vale. Hard copies are distributed twice a year.
An electronic version, Commentree extra is emailed to all those on the distribution list bi monthly. The
publication regularly contains information on The Forest Centre and Millennium Country Park, and is a
primary communication tool for the Park and entire organisation. See Appendix 19 for an example.
The website for the Forest of Marston Vale has details on all aspects of The Forest of Marston Vale and
The Marston Vale Trust. For example this includes upcoming events, maps of the site and booking
details for conferences and weddings at the Forest Centre. An electronic copy of the management plan
is also available in PDF format on the website so Park details are freely available. Any staff vacancies,
including volunteer posts are also advertised on the website. Following a successful funding bid, the
website has recently been re-structured. The information has been rationalised to make it more
accessible and useful to those using it.
23
2011 – 2016
A news ‘blog’ on the website and Facebook and Twitter pages facilitate up to date distribution of current
news and other developments to the wider community. With key links to local radio, television and
newspapers there are regular features in the local paper.
The Forest of Marston Vale Trust runs the Friends of the Forest scheme which encourages people to
support the work it does throughout all the Forest sites, including The Millennium Country Park.For £5 a
month people can become part of a community passionate about trees, the environment and wildlife. As
a thank you, they receive regular updates about all of our latest projects, activities and offers. In
addition, Friends have free access to the Wetlands Nature Reserve at the Millennium Country Park,
discounted room hire, a loyalty card for the café and a 10% discount in the Forest Centre’s gift shop.
There are also options to become a ‘Friend’ for life, and a Corporate friends package for businesses.
.
2.6
Resources
Having described the Park according to its 2 main functions (i.e. ‘people’ & ‘wildlife’) there is a need to
describe the resources that the Forest of Marston Vale Trust, as landowner, has to manage the Park.
2.6.1
Financial resources
The Forest Centre & Millennium Country Park is wholly owned and operated by the Forest of Marston
Vale Trust and receives no revenue funding from the public sector (i.e. no routine taxpayer contribution
as is normal for the vast majority of similar facilities). Capital and revenue budgets are the responsibility
of the Trust and are generated through a combination of the commercial activities of the Forest Centre,
partnerships with businesses and securing grants/donations.
The Forest of Marston Vale Trust operates as a social enterprise to provide a sustainable financial basis
for the ongoing creation of the Forest of Marston Vale, and within this remit the continued successful
operation and management of the Forest Centre & Millennium Country Park. Marston Vale Services Ltd
t/a the Forest Centre, the trading arm of the Forest of Marston Vale Trust, runs the conference facilities,
shop, café and sells Wetlands Trail tickets at the Forest Centre. This business is wholly owned by the
Forest of Marston Vale Trust and any profits made by Marston Vale Services Ltd t/a the Forest Centre
are returned to the Trust. The cycle hire facility at the Forest Centre is operated by a third party via an
annual commercial agreement.
In essence, the proven business model is for the Forest Centre to generate sufficient profits from its
commercial activities (e.g. conferencing, café, gift shop, functions, etc…) to cover all operating costs for
the Forest Centre and the Park, and to provide surplus over and above this that is returned to the Trust
for investment in the wider creation of the Forest of Marston Vale. As such, the Forest Centre &
Millennium Country Park can be viewed as self-financing, as has been successfully proven over the last
10 years.
The social enterprise philosophy and corresponding culture of the organisation have enabled and
encouraged staff to re-evaluate conventional approaches to resourcing site management on a number
of fronts. In the absence of mainstream ‘guaranteed’ revenue funding, Park staff have (with
entrepreneurial spirit) successfully harnessed ‘cash-free’ resources, most notably volunteers and
Community Payback, and embedded them fully into the core operational management of the Park. This
enables a facility of the scale, complexity and popularity of the Park to be sustainably managed to a high
standard with a relatively small cash budget.
24
2011 – 2016
The annual maintenance ‘budget’ for the Park is summarised in the table below.
Item
Operational staff
Management time
Cash budget
Community Payback
Volunteers
£
£
£
£
£
Value
42,000
8,000
22,500
43, 000
25,000
TOTAL
£ 140,500
Notes
2 full-time posts incl. on-costs & overhead contribution
Other staff time allocated to Park
Budget provided by Marston Vale Trust for Site Maintenance
Unpaid work (850 days @ £50/day)
Volunteer labour input (500 days @ £50/day)
per annum
This annual maintenance budget is expended on the c.126ha of terrestrial habitat within the Park, as no
direct costs are incurred by either Stewartby Lake or The Pillinge. On this basis, it can be suggested
that the Park costs in the region of £1100 per hectare per year to manage. It is understood that this
figure is broadly consistent with those used by other site managing organisations, including the Forestry
Commission, for budgeting purposes.
Capital budgets for delivering improvements or major repairs to the Park are not readily available, and
are raised, as required, from either the Marston Vale Trust’s limited reserves or more commonly via
submitting funding bids to seek grants for undertaking specific projects. The Forest Team builds
partnerships with business to provide opportunities for Corporate Social Responsibility activities,
donations and sponsorship. A Fundraising and Marketing Officer applies for grants on a local and
national scale to help fund specific projects.
A breakdown of the 2014/15 cash budget for the Park is given below for information.
Cost Budget
Grass cutting contract
Machinery Maintenance
Fuel Costs
Dog Bins
Tree surgery
Tools
Site Maintenance
HLS works
TOTAL
Value
£ 5,600
£ 1,400
£ 1,200
£ 2,000
£ 2,500
£ 1,000
£ 6,300
£2,500
£ 22,500
Notes
6 of the 12 cuts per summer are contracted externally
Maintenance of all site machinery excluding Ford Ranger
Red Diesel for site machinery
(excludes fuel for truck & petrol for strimmers & chainsaws)
Contract collection and disposal.
Tree work requiring expert contractors
Replacement of tools and parts for construction on site
All site maintenance costs, in house and contracted
Extra works required now the Park is under ELS/HLS
per annum
The repair and maintenance of major equipment is funded through the cash budget. Most machinery
maintenance is carried out by the Sites Maintenance Officer who is also a trained mechanic. All
machinery is stored in the workshop/garage with small machinery secured further in locked cupboards
or chained to the wall. A machinery replacement and servicing record is shown in Appendix 16.
2.6.2
Staff and labour resources
There are two full time Ranger posts who work solely on the Millennium Country Park; a Head Ranger
with full management responsibility for the Park and a Ranger. A Sites Maintenance Officer
compliments the team although his time is divided between the Ranger team and building maintenance
of the Forest Centre. The Head Ranger reports to the Forest Director who reports to the Managing
Director, who in turn is responsible to the Board of Trustees of the Forest of Marston Vale Trust. (The
company structure is shown in Appendix 5).
25
2011 – 2016
One or two Seasonal Rangers are recruited for six months through a winter and/or summer season.
This voluntary post is provided with some free training and clothing. Seasonal Rangers work between
one and two days a week, depending on other commitments. Volunteer Rangers provide extra capacity
to the small Ranger team including weekend working.
The Probation Service provides a Community
payback team every Tuesday and Sunday.
Each team has a maximum of 8 workers with
one supervisor.
Forest of Marston Vale Volunteers group
Volunteers are involved in every aspect of
the charity. The volunteers set up a coordinating group to improve the way
volunteers fitted in with the work of the Forest
staff team. Forest of Marston Vale Volunteers
is now a constituted group with chairman,
secretary and treasurer, meeting roughly
quarterly.
Its main aims are to:






Ensure needs for volunteer help are matched by volunteers
Ensure Volunteers are looked after and enjoy their time with the Forest
Organise training for Volunteers
Raise money for the Volunteer group and for the Marston Vale Trust
Organise an irregular programme of social events for Volunteers
Produce a newsletter for Volunteers
Volunteers support the staff at The Millennium Country Park and throughout the Forest of Marston Vale
Trust in many ways including practical conservation work, leading guided walks, children’s events,
reception, gardening, park patrolling, photography etc etc
Without the availability of such unpaid labour from both the Community Payback scheme and local
volunteers, the currently management regime of the Park would prove prohibitively expensive. As
shown in the annual maintenance budget table, the combined financial value of this unpaid labour is
estimated as being around £68,000 per annum.
26
2011 – 2016
3. Site analysis and assessment
Welcoming
Site Strengths
 External signage – Good provision
of brown tourist signs
 Welcome signage – Good
provision of gate and approach
signage
 Access points - Many access
points with welcome board placed
at each one
 Reception – Constantly manned
with additional volunteer support
 Car park – Well laid out with
disabled provision
 Public Access - extensive network
footpaths, cycle routes and horse
trails.
 Wetland trail signage – now clear
and in house style
Site Weaknesses
 White lines – regular repainting
required
 Out of hours parking – no formal
parking area for out of hours park
use
 Sub-optimal pedestrian access
via main entrance road –
pedestrians currently required to
walk on the road
Opportunities
Threats
 Pedestrian access – safer
 Vegetation - in external ownership
pedestrian access at main entrance
obscuring main entrance
when housing development
 Antisocial behaviour – cars park
complete
round entrances and access points
 Out of hours parking – to be
at night, often littering
created during housing estate
development
 Welcome signage- although
currently good, could be improved
further when housing estate work is
complete.
27
2011 – 2016
Healthy, safe and secure
Site Strengths
Site Weaknesses
 Safety policy – Current version
 Exposed – Some areas isolated
from October 2014
and prone to antisocial behaviour
 Environmental policy – Current
 Wetland trail – unauthorised use
version February 2013
by bikes and dog walkers
 Tree survey – Annual in house
tree condition surveys.
 Life buoys – Regular checking and
recording of presence and
condition
 CCTV – Cover of car park and
main entrance
 Fire – Regular inspections and fire
drills
 Risk assessments – For the site,
building and activities
 New dedication bridleway- to
allow safer access into the park
from the Upper Shelton direction
Opportunities
 Uniformed presence – Could be
increased further
 Police – Increase relationship with
local police force
28
Threats
 New housing estate – Could
increase antisocial behaviour
 Unauthorised access – access for
all can enable access by small
motorbikes
 Wind turbine – possible safety
issue to some horse riders
2011 – 2016
Well maintained and clean
Site Strengths
Site Weaknesses
 Dog bins – Good provision of bins  Dogs – Fouling and control of dogs
with regular emptying
a challenge to manage
 Litter – Given number of visitors
litter levels are low
 Litter – Regular rota of litter picking
in place
 Recycling – opportunities to
separate waste for recycling
 Site maintenance – Dedicated
staff member
 Site maintenance – Regular
monitoring rota for all paths and
infrastructure
 Tool/machinery maintenance –
Regular schedules, most
completed in house
 Workshop/Barn – Excellent new
purpose built facility
Opportunities
 Dog Event – Raise profile of
responsible dog walking in the park
 New dog control orders- recently
introduced orders across Central
Bedfordshire provide consistency.
 Training- Under new dog orders
staff can be trained to issue fixed
penalty tickets to public breaking
the law.
29
Threats
 Increased visitor pressure –
could lead to more littering
 Vegetation – Encroaching on
footpaths and path edges
2011 – 2016
Conservation and heritage
Site strengths
 Diversity of habitats – mosaic of
woodland, grassland, wetland.
 Species diversity –Site supports
many species including local and
national BAP species
 Reed bed - One of the only
significant areas of reed bed in
Bedfordshire
 Stewardship scheme- Site
qualified for both Entry level and
Higher level stewardship schemes
 Zoning – Successful zoning of
areas to prevent disturbance to
wildlife
 Grants – Funding schemes
successfully utilised to deliver
positive habitat management
projects
 Natural England accreditation –
achieved in Autumn 2012
 Woodland grant scheme –
secured a woodland planning grant
and created a specific woodland
management plan, and a woodland
regeneration grant for felling
poplars/replanting with native
broadleaved.
Site weaknesses
 Monitoring - Lack of consistent
species monitoring
 Water levels - Maintenance of
favourable condition requires a very
fine hydrological balance which is
difficult to achieve
 Leaks – Leaks in various wetland
features make water level
maintenance difficult
 Wildlife viewing – Lack of hides
and viewing platforms for watching
wildlife
 Fencing – Reed beds fenced out of
stock grazing areas
 Isolation – site is isolated from
other reed bed communities
 Soil – Compacted, nutritionally
poor soil inhibits tree growth
 Water supply – water moved
around site using a diesel pump
 Invasive scrub – colonises islands
making them undesirable nesting
sites
 Even age woodland – lack of age
diversity
Opportunities
 Transitional habitat – creation of
this habitat by re routing fencing
round reed beds
 Monitoring- Improved species
knowledge to inform future
management
 Extension – increased Park size
as a result of potential development
in neighbouring Rookery pit.
 B&MK Waterway Park creation –
potential new wetland corridor
extending out from the Park both N
& S; potential recreational and
wildlife benefits.
 Woodland Management planprovided structure to woodland
management going forward.
 Replanting- cleared poplar
plantations with native broadleaved
trees.
30
Threats
 Succession - Within reed beds
and grassland
 Agricultural uncertainty availability of suitable grazing
animals
 Rabbit and deer grazing negative impact on young trees and
wildflower meadows
 Invasive weeds - presence of
ragwort, creeping thistle etc
 Clearwing hornet moth - Infection
in all mature poplars on site
 Climate change - may bring drier,
wetter or more extreme weather
conditions
 Erosion – due to wind and wave
action on Stewartby Lake
 Flooding – Stewartby lake used for
flood balancing
 Increased visitor pressure –
conflict with wildlife
2011 – 2016
Community involvement
Site Strengths
 Forest plan – Publically endorsed
plan.
 Events - Range of externally
organised events held in the park
 Guided walks- Bird walks, health
walks, Sunday strolls held regularly
 Volunteers - Large number of
active volunteers involved in all
aspects of the Park.
 Community Payback – Teams
work in the Park twice weekly
 Flagship site – Demonstration
project and focal point for activities
in the area
 Visitor Appeal - diverse visitor
appeal
 Corporate use – Through
conferencing and volunteer days
 Visitor counting – Dedicated,
trained volunteer to monitor
counters
 Feedback- encouraged through
written comment cards and social
media
Site Weaknesses
 Neighbours – Limited involvement
with direct neighbours to the park
 Misidentity – Some members of
the public believe the Park is
council run
 Education - Limited staff resources
to carry out educational visits
 Visitor counting – Counter have
been prone to technical problems
Opportunities
Threats
Finances- limited therefore investment
 Stewartby Watersports Club –
is projects such as education is limited.
Develop more co working
 Education – Other organisations
could use the site for educational
activities
 Resources – Information pack to
enable local schools and families to
use site on self led basis
 Active adventure – Develop co
working
 Engagement - Increased
engagement with local community
 Visitor counting – Spot checks on
counters using volunteers
 Visitor survey – potential for future
wide reaching visitor survey
31
2011 – 2016
Sustainability
Site Strengths
 ISO14001 – Organisation holds
ISO14001 qualification
 Qualifications - Head Ranger
holds CIEH level 3 in environmental
management
 Forest Centre – Purpose built
modern building
 Green Waste – Much stacked as
habitat piles
 Photovoltaic panels – provide
renewable energy
 Woodchip boiler – Fuelled by
local sustainable source
 Recycling policy – good levels of
waste is recycled
 Procurement policy – To ensure
environmental performance is
evaluated
 Emergency – procedures in place
 Electric cars – Hook up available
in main car park
 Food recycling – recycled via
anaerobic digestion
 Wind turbine – Provides all
electricity with excess sold to
National grid
Site Weaknesses
 Diesel pump – Unsustainable
method of moving water around
 Green waste - Material not
stacked for habitat is burnt
 Machinery – Large machinery now
very old
Opportunities
 Machinery – New purchases will
be more environmentally friendly
than current old models
 Increase in visitors – increased
revenue in Forest Centre
 Diesel pump- Investigating
opportunities to upgrade pumping
system to a more environmentally
friendly option e.g. wind power
32
Threats
 Economic climate resulting in less
use of conferencing facilities,
therefore income to the charity.
2011 – 2016
Marketing
Site Strengths
 Website- new website launched in
summer 2012
 Commentree – Newsletter
 E Commentree – Mailed out bi
monthly to email subscribers
 Facebook – Facebook page
maintained by volunteers
 News blog – Regularly updated on
website
 Wetland Trail – Wildlife safari
interpretation boards
 Leaflets – Friends leaflet, Dedicate
a tree and maps available
 Links – Excellent links with local
press
 Awards/accreditation- Green Flag
award and N.England Accreditation
important tools for marketing.
Placed 10th (2014) Green Flag
peoples choice award (out of nearly
1500 parks)
Site Weaknesses
 Interpretation boards - Lack of
interpretation in some parts of the
park
 Finance – Financial constraints
mean advertising budget is small
 Brand - Image and message can
sometimes be confused
 Potentially competing messages
Promotion/Marketing of various
different aspects of the site (and
wider Forest) can risk confusing
visitors
Opportunities
 Interpretation – Scope to extend
information boards and leaflets
 Expansion – As The Forest of
Marston Vale grows, the profile will
increase.
 Expansion- Utilizing Forest Centre
for a wider variety of events to
increase revenue
 Clarified marketing approach –
Revive and re-focus by Chief
Executive should aid clarity on
marketing messages/priorities
 Horse riding leaflet- to promote
riding access in the Park and local
area
33
Threats
 Budget – further reduction in
advertising budget
2011 – 2016
Management
Site Strengths
 Business model - proven over
last ten years using volunteers to
complement staff team
 Fundraising - dedicated member
of staff regularly access grant
funding
 Staff – dedicated and
knowledgeable team
 Volunteers – involved in all
aspects of managing the park
 Community payback – twice
weekly site management support
 Stewardship scheme – increased
revenue for habitat management
 Forestry Commission approved
Woodland Management PlanApproved woodland management
 Café bar – important revenue
stream
 Café bar - Earlier opening of café
to secure breakfast trade
Site Weaknesses
 Small Ranger team – staff
capacity can be a problem
Opportunities
 Stronger partnerships – with local
schools and organisations
 Stronger communication- with
Trustees
34
Threats
 Economic climate - resulting in
less use of conferencing facilities,
therefore income to the charity.
 Competition – more organisations
applying for grant money
 Grant availability – long term
availability of grant money not
guaranteed
2011 – 2016
4. Vision and management aims
4.1
Vision
As a relatively new and purpose-built facility, the Millennium Country Park benefits from having had a
clear, broad vision which guided the original design and construction of the Park. This broad vision now
provides the framework for successfully establishing and managing the Park to fulfil its potential as a
leading green space for Bedfordshire.
“Our Vision for the Millennium Country Park is of a thriving, attractive and multi-functional green
space providing benefits for both people and wildlife. A mosaic of habitats, including
woodlands, wetlands and grassland, will enable wildlife to flourish whilst also providing all ages
and abilities of visitor with the opportunity to experience and understand nature. The Park will
provide a range of leisure activities, from energetic outdoor recreation (e.g. water sports, cycling
& running) to more gentle leisure pursuits (e.g. walking & bird watching). A balance of visitor
and wildlife needs will exist through effective zoning of different activities across the Park. The
Forest Centre is integral to the operation of the Park and is a successful facility which will
continue to provide sustainable financial support for the Park and wider Forest of Marston Vale.
The Millennium Country Park will be an example of sustainable multi-functional green space
management and a flagship site in the Forest of Marston Vale and wider Bedfordshire.”
35
4.2
2011 – 2016
Management aims
The main management aims follow on from the Vision for the Park and their purpose is to provide focus
so that practical management efforts towards a specific habitat, species or facility remain consistent with
achieving desired benefits for people and wildlife. These aims are broken down into more focussed
operational objectives and then explained and supported by management prescriptions.
a) To provide a welcoming, safe and well maintained Park for the enjoyment of all.
b) To maximise the biodiversity of the woodland, wetland, scrub, grassland and pond
habitats throughout the Park, in particular to encourage both locally important and target
species.
c) To ensure that the Park and its management are responsive to both community and
visitor needs without compromising the Park’s inherent wildlife value and interest.
d) To continue to administer the Environmental Management System for the Park to guide
its sustainable management.
e) To serve as a ‘gateway’ to the wider Forest of Marston Vale. Increase understanding and
interest in the countryside, wildlife and the wider creation of the Forest of Marston Vale.
f) To monitor and review management activities, species and visitors to constantly aim to
improve the existing standards.
36
2011 – 2016
5. Aims and objectives
Our management aims and associated objectives are listed below. Detailed descriptions and
management prescriptions are listed within the 5 year action plan.
a) To provide a welcoming, safe and clean park for the enjoyment of all
i) Welcoming








Ensure main entrance and access routes are clear and well maintained
Maintain all signage both internal and external
Maintain a short sward height on grass in the formal areas; car park, overflow car park, and
access road.
Ensure white lining is clear and repainted as required
Maintain Wetland Trail signage
Monitor and repair car park surface
Work with developer to ensure safe pedestrian access at main gate
Provide sufficient benches, picnic tables and mown picnic areas for visitor needs.
ii) Healthy, safe and secure






Ensure a uniformed Ranger presence within the Park seven days a week
Monitor and maintain condition of life saving equipment
Minimise dog fouling through provision of bins and bags. Remove fouling when necessary
Maintain up-to-date health and safety policies and risk assessments
Cultivate a closer relationship with the local police
Work with local communities to ensure respectful use of the Park
iii) Well maintained and clean






Ensure all site structures and facilities are inspected and maintained when required
Minimise levels of litter by regular collections
Ensure prompt removal of graffiti
Ensure all rights of way remain unobstructed by vegetation and maintain surface as appropriate
Maintain and enhance the Sensory garden, Smudge garden and Premium tree area
Maintain the woven willow structures
b) To maximise the biodiversity of the woodland, wetland, scrub, grassland and pond habitats
throughout the Park, in particular to encourage both locally important and target species.
i) Woodland



Follow woodland management plan which is endorsed by the Forestry Commission having
been written using a EWGS Woodland Planning Grant.
Monitor existing young woodland plantations (<15 years) for health of trees and removal of tree
guards.
Create and maintain small clearings covering less than 25% of total area of older woodland
plantations (>15 years)
37







2011 – 2016
Create better woodland edge habitat by coppicing and scalloping edges
Retain standing dead wood where safe to do so. Increase laying dead wood
Monitor mature trees annually for condition and safety
Poplar plantations to be cleared and replanted with native species under EWGS Woodland
Regeneration Grant
Manage new hazel planting to create rotational coppice
Improve species monitoring within this habitat
Install bird/bat boxes as appropriate
ii) Wetland








Monitor and manage appropriate water levels to encourage reed growth and suppress invasive
scrub
Manage reed beds by cutting and removing/ burning reed on rotational cycle
Retain open water component of wetlands
Allow some areas to remain dry
Fell and removal of scrub species within reed bed areas
Manage scrub on all islands
Improve species monitoring within this habitat
Maintain and monitor artificial nest boxes
iii) Successional areas and scrub
 Maintain a mixed age structure throughout the scrub on the callow mounds
 Remove undesirable species
 Improve species monitoring within this habitat
iv) Grassland
 Encourage plant species diversity of Little, Bramble and Long Meadows
 Manage Marston Meadow as a hay meadow by annual late hay cut
 3 grazing meadows to be managed as wet grassland for breeding waders. Maintain a suitable
sward by controlled summer and winter grazing.
 Maintain rough grassland areas by cutting on a rotation
 Eliminate ragwort from all grazing meadows and hay meadows
v) Lakes
 Manage islands to increase attractiveness to breeding birds
 Maintain artificial Sand Martin wall to maximise probability of use
 Improve opportunities for otter breeding
vi) Hedgerows



Maintain hedgerow along Station Lane by hedge laying sections each year
Formal hedges to be cut annually to retain shape and sightlines
Other hedges to receive minimal management unless encroaching on access paths
38
2011 – 2016
vii) Ponds
 Various ponds to be managed as per target species but not at cost to other wildlife
 Forest Centre lake water levels to be maintained higher for aesthetic reasons and to ensure
water provision to semi mature trees
 Vegetation to be managed around and within all ponds
c) To ensure that the Park and its management are responsive to both community needs and
visitor pressure without compromising the Park’s inherent wildlife value and interest:







Visitor and species surveys (see (f))
Develop partnerships with Stewartby Water Sports Club, Active Adventure, cycle hire and other
stakeholders and recreation groups.
Establish and maintain advice and support for visiting clubs and societies to deliver sponsored
recreational events for partnership charities.
Facilitate linked events, which are broadly consistent with the work of the Forest of Marston
Vale Trust.
Facilitate community involvement particularly in Marston Moretaine and Stewartby through
events, consultation and local ownership of the site
Deliver, in partnership with others, an educational programme, including opportunities for
lifelong learning.
Deliver, in partnership with others, a regular and varied activities and events programme, which
caters for a wide audience and provides a range of opportunities for community involvement.
d) To develop and implement an Environmental Management System for the Park to guide its
sustainable management:







Maintain ISO 14001 certification
Aim to ensure the organisation is aware of best practise and current knowledge on Park
management to make informed decisions.
Minimise waste and maximise recycling
Minimise the use of pesticides in Park management
Wherever possible, favour local contractors and suppliers and those who demonstrate
sustainability in their activities.
Encourage the use of sustainable transport methods for accessing the Park.
Minimise the use of materials and the need for off-site disposal of waste materials derived from
Park activities
e) To serve as a ‘gateway’ to the wider Forest of Marston Vale. Increase understanding and
interest in the countryside, wildlife and the wider creation of the Forest of Marston Vale:


Establish the Park as an information point for countryside recreation opportunities in the Forest
of Marston Vale area and beyond.
Increase the provision of good quality, easy to read and friendly visitor information through a
suite of signage, interpretative boards and leaflets.
39



2011 – 2016
Ensure all new and replacement signage follows the DDA regulations
Continue to develop proposals and secure resources for appropriate new facilities and features
which enhance the visitor experience.
Provide up to date information to be placed on the website, news blog and facebook page
f) To monitor and review management activities, species and visitors to constantly aim to
improve the existing standards:






Survey and monitor key wildlife species to influence future management
Monitor and review management plan objectives
Monitor site condition
Discuss visitor complaints in team meetings and ensure prompt response
Review management plan annually Apply for Natural England Country Park Accreditation every
3 years.
Apply for Green Flag Award Status each year as part of monitoring and improvement of the site
40
2011 – 2016
6. Five year action plan
A five year action plan can be downloaded from the website
http://marstonvale.org/publications/
41
2011 – 2016
7. Woodland Management Plan
A specific woodland management plan can be downloaded from the website.
42
2011 – 2016
8. Monitoring programme
As part of the consultation process for writing the original management plan various interested parties,
stakeholders and visitors highlighted a need for a long term and sustainable Millennium Country Park
Forum which would meet on an annual basis to discuss any major changes and issues within the Park.
An initial Park Forum has been established and will be developed further over the coming years. As it
becomes fully established, the Forum should seek to include representatives from Stewartby Water
Sports Club, Stewartby and Marston Moretaine Parish Councils, Bedford Borough Council, Central
Bedfordshire Council, the Forest Centre team, Forest of Marston Vale volunteers, equestrian visitors,
local sports clubs using the Park for events, Bedfordshire Natural History Society, the Local Wildlife
Trust, Bedfordshire Probation Service, Bedfordshire Police, local schools and a cross-section of regular
visitors and users. As the adjacent development site is completed and occupied, it would also be good
to extend invitations to the companies moving in to the business premises within the neighbouring
development.
Each year the Millennium Country Park will apply for a Green Flag Award in order to demonstrate a
level of commitment to creating a quality green space. Applying annually for a Green Flag Award will
provide external (peer-review) scrutiny and monitoring of changes and progress on site and against the
aim to continually improve the Park as being a resource for both people and wildlife. In each year since
2007 the Park has been successful by actively demonstrating the progress in maintenance and
improvements to the Park and the involvement of the local community.
The management plan will be a vital working document and should be regularly updated to ensure it is
current. A management plan review will take place each year where a detailed evaluation of the
document is completed.
43
2011 – 2016
9. Appendices
The full list of appendices can be downloaded from the website
44

Millennium Country Park Management Plan

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