Winter, Walkways and Wildflowers*

Walter Parker Memorial Square, Stapleford

Working in partnership with a group of volunteers, proposals to improve the landscaping in the square are progressing well.  Prior to the second lockdown, the volunteers worked in small groups to prune back and remove some very overgrown shrubs in a large bed on the edge of the square in a COVID safe way. 

The Council’s Grounds Maintenance team then assisted by clearing the accumulated vegetation. Over the winter, the volunteers are proposing to introduce a variety of new shrubs and bedding plants that will provide colour and interest throughout the seasons.

Archers Field Orchard

Last winter a new orchard was created at Archers Field Recreation Ground in Stapleford. 

Whilst it is too early for residents to start collecting fruit, the trees have established well over the summer and next year visitors to the park may see the first fruits. 

There is a mixture of apple, pear and plum trees. As part of this winter’s tree planting programme, another community orchard project is being planned for Borehole Allotments in Chilwell. 

Footpath works in Toton

In order to ensure the safety of the overhead power lines adjacent to Banks Road Open Space, Western Power Distribution have to undertake pruning works to trees on the Council’s open space every other year. 

This year, after a meeting on site, they have agreed as part of the process to cut back some overgrown sections of footpath on the site. This will make access easier and safer on these popular routes. 

The Council’s partnership with Western Power Distribution has been further extended with a £10,000 wayleave payment for works they had to do at Manor Farm Recreation Ground in the summer. 

This funding will be used to resurface the footpath routes on sections of the Banks Road Open Space and will help complete a project that was started last year with money from the Councils revenue budget and external grant funding.

The myth surrounding winter gardening

A question often posed for the Council’s Grounds Maintenance Team and gardeners up and down the country is “there can’t be much to do now the grass has stopped growing and the leaves have fallen”.

This couldn’t be further from the truth and gardening really is a year-round activity with tasks including:

• Pruning shrubs and trees
• Cutting back herbaceous borders
• Planting new trees, shrubs and whips
• Sweeping paths and car parks. You might think you have cleared the last of the leaves but nature will always find some more!
• Weeding - it is surprising how weeds do not recognise the seasons and keep growing even through winter.
• Repair work, mending fences, tying back climbing plants, repairing holes and bare patches in grass areas.
• Sports pitch maintenance - whilst COVID-19 has devastated much of this year’s sports fixtures, the pitches and facilities still need maintaining so they are fit when play can once again resume.
• Finally let’s not forget snow clearance. If there are falls of snow, our teams have to be ready to clear paths and roadways to provide access at the crematorium, cemeteries and sheltered housing accommodation.

Roll on spring, oh but then grass starts to grow again and the seasons process starts once more! The work never stops and there is always plenty to do come rain or shine.

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Broxtowe from the Sky

Last month we showed you a picture of the open space and play area at Smithurst Road Local Nature Reserve at Giltbrook.

This month, this site (pictured) makes its second appearance in the December newsletter.

A Green Future

Reconnect with Nature

Whilst we may not be able to do some of the things we are used to this winter, there are still lots of things you can do to enjoy Broxtowe, reconnect with family and friends and support your wellbeing.

We’re encouraging local people to reconnect this winter by stopping for a moment or two to help you escape the everyday, do things that make you feel good, improve your wellbeing and help look after one another.

Broxtowe has an abundance of beautiful open spaces, parks and play areas for you to enjoy. Some of our parks and open spaces also have a rich history.

With nearly 50 parks and recreation grounds and 15 designated Local Nature Reserves to choose from, getting back to nature is easy. 

Clocking up those steps, isn’t just good for our physical health. Being in nature can also have a positive impact on our mental wellbeing too – it can give us a moment of calm, a chance to reflect or a place to get away from our day to day worries for a while.

Learn More

Wildflower statement*

The annual meadow seed mixtures (as shown in this picture from Hall om Wong Open Space at Kimberley), the council have used on various parks and green spaces this year have been very popular and attracted many favourable comments. We have, however, had some observations from respected Environmentalists commenting on our use of the word ‘wildflowers’. Some of the plants in the annual mixes we use may be found “wild” in parts of the world, but are not all native to the British Isles.

We carefully select the variety of flowers and plants to offer a nectar source in the summer months, when the bees and pollinators are most active. They also provide a wave of colour, which residents enjoy and have said they feel improves their general wellbeing throughout the year. We will be changing our terminology used to describe these areas.

There are however many other more natural wildflower meadows on our Green Spaces which are being managed in a traditional way.

Redwood Crescent Pocket Park

Thanks to a successful bid for Central Government Pocket Park funding, along with a contribution from Broxtowe Borough Council and the Redwood Crescent Association, a Pocket Park has been created on land at Redwood Crescent in Beeston.

Assistance was also provided by Futures Homes who developed the adjacent garage sites into social housing.

Working in partnership, the Association and Broxtowe Borough Council have created a safe open space, accessible to all residents, as sustainably as possible, which will improve biodiversity.

The diagonal path was made wide enough for a wheelchair and pedestrian to pass, with an anti-slip surface and self-closing gates at each entrance. The path is porous, avoiding the need for drainage and the gates open inwards to prevent children or pets exiting onto the road.

Solar-powered lighting will illuminate the path once daylight fades, keeping the park safe with clean energy. Two benches provide a place to rest, socialise and enjoy the surroundings and the Association have declared the seating “Happy Benches”, inviting park users to sit and have a conversation with each other.  

The open space comprises 65% mowed grass to provide areas for informal recreation and community use, with the remaining area being wildflower grassland to provide habitat and nectar for bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects.

Various trees have been planted to provide fruit for birds together with a Christmas tree for the local families to decorate.

The Redwood Crescent Association have an on-going planting programme, with native species chosen to provide both seasonal interest and biodiversity benefits.

Four new transit tippers

Four new Transit Tippers have recently been purchased through the capital replacement programme for Grounds Maintenance and Street Cleansing services. 

One of the features of the new vehicles is a lockable, waterproof pod for the storage and separation of work clothing and tools.

This was suggested by employees who didn't have anywhere to put their wet kit when they were working in wet weather conditions.