Contact: Lewis Paterson, ext 023 9245 3405

1. Introduction

1.1 The following report updates members of the Joint Management Committee on progress at Staunton Country Park since the last meeting of 18^th February 2002.

1.2 Staunton Country Park is set to enjoy exciting times ahead with the impending restoration works to the ornamental farm area are due to commence in July 2003. Works are funded in partnership with the Heritage Lottery Fund, and will culminate in the construction of education and conference facilities as well as many other improvements elsewhere in the park. Another recent, and significant, change to the park has been purchase by Hampshire County Council of the freehold interest in the Park (formerly held by Portsmouth City Council).

2. Staffing

2.1 The Parks two remaining vacant posts were filled during the early season following the appointment of;

Lewis Paterson, Park Manager; and

Daniel Cornell, Farm Ranger.

2.2 Unfortunately the Farm Stockman tendered his resignation during June and departed on Sunday 13^th July. During his time at the Country Park he was responsible for significant improvements to animal welfare and the general management of the farm attraction.

2.3 Interim management arrangements to ensure continuing smooth operation of the farm attraction are in place for the forthcoming season. A recruitment plan is being prepared and it is anticipated that a new Farm Stockman will be appointed to post during Autumn 2003.

2.4 The current overall staffing structure at Staunton Country Park is under review and will be formalised in the near future.

2.5 Discussions are currently being held between officers of Staunton Country Park, Hampshire County Council, Havant Borough Council and the Chichester Festival Theatre to explore the possibility of attracting external funding to employ an Arts Development worker at the Park. It is intended that such a post would further develop links with the local community, with a particular focus upon engaging young people.

3. Visitor Trends

3.1 Early season visitor trends (to the end of June) indicate a small increase (2%) in visitor numbers compared to those in 2002.

3.2 At this stage income is slightly lower than last year (4%). This is due to the closure of the Tea Rooms for restoration as part of the impending Lottery Works.

4. Site Information

Ornamental Farm

4.1 Stock levels have been reduced in accordance with building requirements during the forthcoming lottery works.

4.2 In order to enhance the visitor experience during the disruption of building works a number of improvements have been, or are due to be, undertaken. These include;

· Repair and painting of paddock fencing where required;

· Mechanical cleansing and refurbishment of animal housing;

· Interim repair and refilling of duck ponds;

· Removal, and relocation where required, of aviaries previously located within the children's paddock;

· Introduction of mobile `arcs' to the children's paddock in order to house poultry and small animals (rabbits etc.);

· The introduction of free range chickens; and

· Purchase of four additional Long Horn cows to strengthen the quality of the herd.

Glass Houses and Formal Gardens

4.3 Seasonal planting and tidying of the walled garden has been completed, and plants are now becoming well established. Repairs have also been undertaken to the previously damaged gate pillar to the east entrance of the walled garden.

4.4 The Amazonian Waterlily produced its first flower on the 9^th July 2003. In accordance with the 150^th year celebration of the lily being cultivated at the Park we are this year growing the historically accurate Victoria Amazonica waterlily.

4.5 Minor repairs and maintenance to the glasshouses are being undertaken prior to the peak season.

4.6 The first years growth of the Golden Jubilee Maze has been encouraging, and the maze continues to be a popular attraction within the park. The Head Horticulturist is currently designing a sensory garden to be located alongside the maze, further enhancing this area of the Park.

Leigh Park Gardens

4.7 The first phase of weed clearance has been successfully undertaken on the lake and has been popular with the Parks anglers. For the first time in recent history a pair of swans have this year returned to the lake and are successfully rearing a number of cygnets.

4.8 The Ranger team have recently completed the removal of rhododendron from the vicinity of the Shell House. The final landscaping of this area will be completed during July. The next phase of rhododendron clearance is due to commence in the autumn.

4.9 The Ranger team are continuing to form strong links with community groups and individual Park users. This has paid dividends on a number of occasions and represents good examples of a positive and proactive relationship with the local community.

4.10 Further works are planned in order to enhance the Leigh Park Gardens for the coming season, these include;

· Improving access and introducing marked walks through the forested area of Leigh Park Gardens;

· Restoring the area around the damaged public conveniences adjacent to the terrace, so as to reduce vandalism. This will culminate in the restoration of the views across Well Meadow and hopefully will lend this area to becoming an additional picnic site;

· Enhancing the area around the lake and islands, including the replacement of a foot bridge in order to complete an inner loop of the path way.

Visitor Services

4.11 The new play area has been installed and is proving very popular. Temporary links have been established between the play area and the Oval Garden to increase visitor usage and flow during the forthcoming season.

4.12 A number of successful events have already been held at the Park this year, including;

· Woodland Festival (1000 people) as part of HCC Woodland week;

· Angling Festival (250 to 300 people); and

· Midsummer's Tropical Evening Event (200 people).

4.13 Staunton Country Park is planning to hold a community event during September. This is intended to allow free access to the farm and formal gardens as well as encourage use of Leigh Park Gardens and the site as a whole. It is hoped this will promote greater general awareness of the Country Park and encourage repeat visits throughout the winter and beyond. It will also prove a valuable opportunity to encourage community views and feedback on the Country Park as a whole.

4.14 Visitor flow and orientation around the Park are being addressed in anticipation of the lottery works. This will include improved orientation map panels at key sites and additional temporary retail / information points in order to reduce the impact from the temporary loss of the tea rooms.

4.15 The Education Officer has prepared a programme of summer children's activities, and demand is already high. A full programme of formal education opportunities during 2004 is currently being prepared in order to target increased school visits to the Country Park.

Lottery Update

4.16 A more detailed report on the current Heritage Lottery bid will follow in Item 7.

4.17 Building works are to commence on site on Monday 21^st July 2003, finish dates are anticipated to be;

· 8^th December 2003 (Tea rooms)

· 1^st March 2004 (Farm Buildings)

4.18 Officers are currently preparing an application for a Lottery Project Planning Grant in order to fund the preparation of the next phase lottery bid.

Recommendation

It is recommended that this report be noted by the Joint Management Committee.

1

2 Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - background papers

The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.

NB the list excludes:

1 Published works.

2 Documents which disclosure exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.