Minutes of the Westpark Friends Group Meeting on the 24 th October 2019
Apologies. No apologies received. Present. Warren Bearpark, (Ranger) Sharon Ratcliffe, Lorna Park, Penny Trevilian, PC David Blackett, Neil Brimer, Tony Cooper, Rob George, Andrew Buckingham (chair) Jackie Buckingham, Adrian Mole, (Artist) Ranger's report. The meeting began with a discussion about the wildflower meadows. WB reported new contacts have been obtained looking at their ability to remove arisings, an important requirement when maintaining perennial wildflower meadows. Tree thinning. Currently in discussion with DBC. Intention to carry this very much needed management process out this winter. Grass cutting. DBC have it in hand to do this 6x next year but recognise that this has not been carried out the prescribed amount this year. Brief discussion about bins being full on occasions although agreed that the situation has improved on previous years. Still a problem on occasions though. Suggestion from JB that as many issues are to do with the responsiveness of DBC then we should contact local elected member. Suggested Rachel Mills. Action, RG to contact. Chair to formally invite. Bulb planting. Mixture of planting dates for local people to get invited, 25th, 29th, Oct, and 1st and 3rd of November. Also, planting machine will be visiting to plant in selected areas. Discussion about the value of creating a more species rich herbal layer and woodland understory. WB also reported work still to complete that is on listed includes strim around unity stone to give views of recently cleared, open water, remove and/ or thin evergreens at comet's Garth entrance, again to open up views into the suds ponds and begin to manage the comets garth corner more sensitively. Replace trees that have died in orchard. PS is getting EA out to look at beck corridor. It is their approved modelling that should be functioning correctly. They can advise on what is underperforming. Idea discussed about the possibility of using the local field club to undertake ' species present' survey. Agreed that this would be useful. RG mentioned that it would also be useful to take up the Brightwater organisations offer to do a baseline ecological survey of the site. (As well as species present, would include estimates of strength of the populations as well as the suitability and durability of habitat.) ASB. Issues were discussed around play area and pond. Kids through estate with ghetto blaster. It was also mentioned that following recent flooding, RG should discuss this with Northumbrian Water to see if the high standard and in some ways innovative drainage system could be better managed. Community feedback. Wildflowers areas, namely the annuals, (The pretty colourful ones that have put a big show on this year) have been very popular. Discussion about them being DBC planted at no cost to the levy as numbers are in keeping with other DBC owned green spaces across the
borough. Question, do we need more. Generally agreed that this was probably about enough although remain open to suggestions. Agreed though that we should request DBC for annuals along water corridor. Agreed ÂŁ1,000 for this if necessary. WB stated, we are looking at creating a woodland understory in woodlands. E.g. Ransoms (wild garlic, wood anemone, wood sorrel, celandine etc. all agreed that this was a good idea. Projects. Play area. RG introduces the current state of play regards this feature. Main issue has been the loss of the two main features. (The rope swings and the canyon) all agreed to the idea of a complete review in January of this and the other issues listed below. RG to pursue contact at school with the view to staging an event from 3.00- 6.30. The event to include consultation on community event, signage, information and play. A brief discussion was held about the project to provide more signage and information around the site. This is a much needed and a large comprehensive project that is being undertaken and will form a part of the consultation. Also discussed the desire to put on more events, both to backfill what has been lost with DBC having less ability to do these as well as the desire to celebrate the 15 th year anniversary next year. The Trust. NB Explained why it's being set up and why it needs more, capable and committed trustees. i.e. to protect the integrity of the site, its guiding principles and to ensure a high quality of management and innovation. Explained we are still awaiting feedback from the Charities Commission and hopefully their acceptance of our application. Presentation by local artist. NB introduces AM who is a Community artist who ‘makes things with people’. Gave example of his involvement with the library campaign. After a very interesting presentation AB asked 3 main questions of whether this was the sort of exercise we need to undertake at this time. i.e. 1- Is this particular method one we feel will be effective? 2- Will it fit into a larger study? 3- What other ways should we be using to undergoes engaging with the community. RG to start email chain regards what we do in January's open evening.
AOB Date of Next Meeting.