Dovecote Lane Recreation Ground Play Area
 Christmas came early last year when, in mid-December, the Council received news that the funding application to FCC Communities Foundation to refurbish the children’s play area at this very popular park, had been successful.
With an award of £73,500 together with £47,250 from the Council’s own resources and £5,000 from United Living (the Council’s housing construction partner) the full funding needed to do the work was ready.
This funding will allow a complete refurbishment of the play area with new rubber surfacing and a wide range of equipment for all ages in line with the findings from the public consultation. The new equipment has now been ordered and work is expected to start in March.
The image shows one of the new items of equipment that will be installed.
Mayor's 2m Tree Planting to mark 2020 and celebrate the NHS
 On Wednesday 2nd December, the Mayor of Broxtowe, Councillor Janet Patrick, joined the Parks and Green Spaces team to plant trees COVID-securely at Bramcote Hills Park. The trees chosen were Betula utilis jacquemontii, a variety of Silver Birch with very vivid white stems that are striking and stand out from a distance. The trees are under planted with Bluebells to create a blue and white effect linking to the NHS colours.
The 30 trees are planted 2m apart from each other in a grid layout, to mark the importance this distance had in 2020. Following COVID-secure safety measures at all times, the Mayor and the Parks team planted trees in a location in front of the Old Manor House. The trees will be cared for by the Parks team and the space will be a place for reflection for the community spirit shown by the people of Broxtowe.
This is event was also organised to mark National Tree Week, the UK’s largest annual tree celebration which marks the start of the winter tree planting season (November to March each year).
Tree Planting Galore
In addition to the trees planted at Bramcote Hills Park, December was a busy month for tree planting with new trees being planted at various parks and green spaces throughout the borough. Work will continue this month as ground conditions allow. Notable schemes include:
- New hedgerow tree planting at Leyton Crescent Recreation Ground, Beeston
- Hall om Wong, Kimberley
- New avenues of trees of Field Lane, Chilwell and Melbourne Road, Stapleford
- Buckingham Way Open Space, Watnall
All these trees count towards the Council’s commitment to planting 2,500 new trees in the borough each year as part of the Climate Change and Green Futures Programme.
Inham Nook Woodland Rewilding
Working with a group of local volunteers, new planting in the woodland at the bottom of Ghost House Lane, Chilwell is due to take place. The existing trees on the site are over 150 years old and now is the time to add some supplementary planting.
The plan is to name this little area of open space "Ghost House Lane Pocket Park" and restore the woodland to a more natural, wildlife friendly state. An information panel will be installed with the history of Ghost House Lane and how it got its name.
Further work on the site next year will include installing seating and extending the planting.
Broxtowe from the Sky
 The last photo from 2020 in the December newsletter was Archers Field, Stapleford.
This month’s photo gives the opportunity to look forward to the summer with the cricket square and bowling green at this popular recreation ground. Do you know where it is?
Free Trees
Confirmation emails have been sent to the 500 residents who were successful with their application for a free tree. The trees are being delivered to the properties over the weekend of 16th and 17th January 2021.
The trees come with advice on how to plant and care for them and we are encouraging residents to contact us next year with stories and photos as to how the trees are growing.
You Said, We Did
 The new zip line at Broadgate Park has proved to be incredibly popular since its installation nearly 2 years ago. It has however been a victim of its own success with grass being worn away under the line of the course.
Following comments about the mud, a new rubber mulch surface has been installed along the full length of the course. This has worked well and helped keep children and clothes clean and (almost) free of mud.
Frosty Winter Morning at Banks Road Open Space, Toton
 A bit of frost on the ground always transforms the appearance of a park or green space and when it is combined with a clear blue sky it really makes you want to put on your walking boots.
This is a great way to launch 2021, by getting out and enjoying all the parks and green spaces that Broxtowe has to offer. Please see the article below to make sure you are using these spaces in a COVID safe way.
Using Green Spaces Safely this Winter
You can enjoy outdoor public places like parks and open spaces with your household or support bubble during National Lockdown. You can also exercise in parks and open spaces on your own, with your household, with your support or childcare bubble (where providing childcare) or on your own with one other person.
For full National Lockdown rules, read the guidance.
You must follow social distancing guidelines. When accessing green spaces, walk or cycle if you can. Where this is not possible, use public transport or drive making sure you follow hand, face and space rules.
If using public transport, you must wear a face covering, unless you have an exemption because of your age, health or another condition. Read guidance on making and wearing a face covering.
Always read signs and respect the measures that are in place to help ensure social distancing.
When in the countryside, follow the Countryside Code. You should:
- take all of your litter home
- keep dogs under effective control and on a lead when you are around farm animals - read further guidance for pet owners
- leave gates as you find them and following instructions on signs
- use footpaths and follow signs where they suggest alternative routes
Wildlife, including nesting birds, may have moved into new areas. Land managers may have provided extra protection for wildlife. Be vigilant and comply with these protective measures so that you do not disrupt the local wildlife.
Gardeners Tips for January
Although the weather may be cold and wet, there are still things that you can do to make sure that the garden is ready for spring.
- Plant bare root roses, shrubs, hedging and trees as long as the ground isn’t frozen.
- Clear away the old stems of herbaceous perennials.
- Dead head winter pansies and other bedding so they continue to flower.
- Move dormant plants that are in the wrong place to more suitable sites.
- And finally, with Christmas a fading memory, plan for future years by trying your hand at pressing mistletoe berries into the bark of any apple trees you may have, to establish your own mistletoe plants.
|
