Minutes:
Permitted path proposal for Long Hill Road
This would connect to Winkfield Footpath 20 to form a north to south link with the existing permitted path leading to London Road. There was a bank with a line of steps cleared through vegetation. There was a four metre change in level through dense vegetation so a ramp would be difficult to erect and steps were considered to be a good solution for this area and were currently under construction. From London Road to Long Hill Road there would be 0.4 miles of paths through the woodland strip. It was possible that this path might be dedicated in future to make it part of the Rights of Way network. Construction of the steps was sponsored by Ward Councillor Tony Virgo.
Parks and Open Spaces Quality Improvements Programme
Projects in Phase 1 of this programme which were funded by developer contributions, had been approved and were included in the Capital Programme. Quality improvements were being carried out to woodland, parks and open spaces and play areas.
Phase 1 sites included Westmorland Park, Snaprails Park and a multi-user path next to Turnberry play area.
Improvements would soon be carried out at Westmorland Park to bring it up to Green Flag Award status. Paths would be upgraded and new paths built to improve circulation and to better link the different parts of the park. New wildflower meadow areas would be established to promote biodiversity. There would be ornamental planting and new interpretation and site signs.
In Snaprails Park, wooden footbridges had been installed and new path links created. Other quality improvements due to be carried out included restoration of the leat / stream embankments, vegetation clearance to improve the views of the pond, a new planting scheme and improved surveillance. There had been vandalism in the past in this area but not since the improvements had been made.
At Turnberry, Bracknell Town Council had proposed a scheme to surface a multi-user path from the allotments off South Road to meet the existing cyclepath from Turnberry to the grounds of Easthampstead Park School.
Phase 2 projects were being considered; these included Bracknell Town Council projects at Mill Park (Wildridings and Central) and Calfridus Way Recreation Ground (Harmans Water), and Binfield Parish Council project at Binfield Cricket Club, which included works to improve the existing pavilion facilities.
Information about the Bracknell Town Council projects could be found at this link: http://democratic.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/documents/s67146/Phase%202%20Parks%20and%20Open%20Spaces%20Quailty%20Improvements%20-%20Backnell%20Town%20Council.pdf
Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspaces (SANGs)
A new site entrance notice board and interpretation panel, including a new site map had been installed at Englemere Pond. New waymarked trails had been established using red and blue waymarkers; blue for the dragonfly trail and red for the shorter and more accessible woodpecker trail. There was evidence that photo orienteering had already taken place with students at the site. John Deakin and other forum members thanked everyone involved in the improvements at Englemere Pond.
Preparations were being made to carry out substantial path improvement works at Shepherd Meadows. Three paths to the north and south of the Blackwater River, including one which led from the main bridge would be locally raised and resurfaced in order to help reduce the effects of seasonal flooding.
Liaison would be undertaken with the Environment Agency regarding SANGs improvements at the design stage and there would be joined up work with Hampshire County Council regarding funding and work undertaken on Rights of Way which cross county and authority borders.
Kissing gates had been installed on Winkfield Footpath 9 funded by the South East Ramblers. These helped facilitate better access than the stiles that were there before and helped fulfil actions identified in the Rights of Way Improvements Plan. Surface and drainage work would be undertaken in Ashmore Lane. The gates had all been renewed at Horseshoe Lake. Steps had been rebuilt in Maybrick Close, after being removed by the landowner owing to concerns over their safety.