NEW JUST IN ABOUT WHITTLEFORD PARK FEBRUARY 16th 2022

 I have been made aware of some works that are due to take place in Whittleford Park, please see the message from the Borough Council below:

What’s happening here?

We are about to start cutting back all the paths in Whittleford Park. This involves cutting back the trees to allow access for the tractor and flailing material (bramble long grass and small branches and scrub) that is overhanging paths and the path’s grass verges. The plan is to take back overhang by approximately 1-1.5m from each side of all paths. This work may look a little drastic/severe to start off as it has not been done to this extent for several years.

We are also working with our grounds contractor to combine this with a good litter pick of the site in areas that are cut back and in addition the water course near Mallard Avenue/Hawker Avenue.

We have also just added 2 new bins around the Mallard Avenue/Green Gym location on Queen Elizabeth Road to help tackle the litter issue and we will also shortly be removing the boulders here.

Why are we doing this work?

This cut back work is essential so that our grounds maintenance contractor can access these sites to cut the path edges more effectively during the spring and summer. Where there is overhang or obstacles on path’s grass edges our contractor then cannot access them with the ride on mowers and needs to strim them of spray them off. By cutting back the paths we allow better access for maintenance vehicles and as a consequence we hope this encourages or allows better maintenance as it becomes a lot easier. Opening up the paths will also make people feel safer because they can anticipate what is around the corner or ahead due to improved visibility which will also make pedestrians and cyclists, who are using the same space, safer.

The litter removal and bin additions are to help tackle the litter issue

The boulder removal is to help disperse that gathering that is happening by the outlet that is disturbing residents adjacent.

Why are we doing this now?

We want to do this work prior to bird nesting season starting to avoid impacting nesting birds. We cannot do this mechanically after the nesting season starts unless all areas are first checked immediately prior for nesting birds which are likely in many areas on this site due to its wildlife value.

Please note this information is from the Friends of Whittleford Park Facebook Page and we will be keeping an eye on what changes take places in the park over the next few weeks.

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