Maintenance plan

Hedgerows

Annual cutting looks tidy, but less frequent cutting increases the wildlife value. Consider a 3 yearly cut on less formal hedgerows. Control unwanted species in the hedgerow. Look for candidates for hedgerow trees where appropriate.

Grass

Mowing is currently subject to two separate contracts, both managed by HPC – one covering grassed areas in HPC’s ownership and the other for areas in LCC’s ownership (mainly grass verges). It is recommended that all works be combined into one contract to ensure best value and common standards. This contract should be extended to cover the suggested, site specific, strimming work.

Trees and shrubs

The green spaces in the ownership of the Council incorporate many trees, including some mature and important specimens. It is best to inspect these trees annually during autumn to assess what maintenance is required.

There are 11 mature trees within the Cemetery that are subject to Tree Preservation orders and any maintenance work will require planning permission from CBC. It is important that these trees are visually inspected by a tree surgeon annually in Sept or Oct and that required work be determined on grounds of safety of neighbours and visitors to the Cemetery, the health of the tree itself, and to preservation of the amenity value of the specimen. Work should be carried out during the winter period.

Site Specifics

• Pasture Lane Verges – strim a metre down each side for tidiness
• Wildflower areas –strim once a year at the end of the flowering period, and rake off.
• Walkways through the wildlife area will need regular strimming.

Acknowledgements

This document has been put together with help and advice from the following :

• Wendy English – Hathern Tree Warden
• Chris Buckingham – Conservation & Landscape Team Charnwood Borough Council
• Francoise Scire – Charnwood Wildlife
• Dan Bennini – Roma Landscapes Ltd
• Andy Hayes – Community Services Dept, Leicestershire County Council
• Chris Conway – Parks Dept, Leicestershire County Council