Obj. Ref:

Vision Statement.

A fundamental aim of the Sir George Staunton Country Park is to promote the use and enjoyment of the Park by both the local community and visitors. This will enhance the local and regional economies as well as quality of life, but must be balanced with the need to conserve the rich natural environment and heritage of the site.

Sir George Staunton Country Park contains an abundance of natural and heritage features, some of which are nationally rare. The Country Park is a vital community resource and plays host to a diverse range of human activities, often dependent on these natural and heritage features. It is therefore imperative that an holistic approach to the management of the site be adopted.

Management action will strike a balance between the natural / heritage environment and the demands placed upon the site through its use and enjoyment by visitors. This will provide a sustainable environment and a quality experience for future generations.

Business Management Objectives

B1

Develop additional business opportunities at Sir George Staunton Country Park.

B2

Encourage high profile events to Sir George Staunton Country Park.

B3

Increase the revenue provided from directly provided and contracted services whilst maintaining and / or improving the quality of service.

B4

Compete effectively in a commercial business environment with other local and regional attractions.

B5

Improve understanding of customer profile.

Recreational Management Objectives

R1

Increase access to and recreational use of Sir George Staunton Country Park.

R2

Minimise potential damage to environmental, ecological and heritage aspects of the site as a result of recreational activity through effective and positive management.

R3

Address any areas of conflict between recreational user groups currently utilising the site and forestall potential conflict.

R4

Maintain adequate safety provision for recreational users.

Environmental & Ecological Management Objectives

Ev1

Maintain and enhance the environmental and ecological quality and diversity within Sir George Staunton Country Park.

Ev2

Ensure that the welfare of animals kept at Sir George Staunton Country Park is of a high standard.

Ev3

Raise public awareness of the Parks environmental and ecological features.

Ev4

Initiate sustainable management of rare features and habitats in order to prevent their loss or damage from mismanagement.

Heritage Management Objectives

H1

Maintain the existing heritage landscape and building features present within Sir George Staunton Country Park.

H2

Sympathetically restore key heritage features still present within Sir George Staunton Country Park.

H3

Raise public awareness of the Parks unique natural and historic inheritance.

H4

Initiate sustainable management and use of key heritage features in order to prevent their loss to future generations.

Educational Management Objectives

Ed1

Increase public awareness of educational features (heritage, environmental, ecological etc.) present within Sir George Staunton Country Park.

Ed2

Increase the use of Sir George Staunton Country Park as an educational resource within the local and regional communities whilst endeavouring to ensure full social inclusion.

Ed3

Continue to foster and build relationships within all aspects of the local and regional communities to encourage social wellbeing through volunteer work and general involvement with the Sir George Staunton Country Park.

Ed4

Increase visitor awareness and understanding of wider environmental, ecological, heritage and general countryside issues.

PM

Park Manager

SR

Senior Ranger

AO

Administration Officer

SFR

Senior Farm Ranger

MO

Marketing Officer

HH

Head Horticulturist

EO

Education Officer

CM

Catering Manager

Tgt

Action

Bus. Plan Obj.

Start Date

Completion

Success Indicator / Comments

Resp.

1

Education

1.1

Continue development of education programme for schools aimed at Key Stages 1 and 2.

Ed1

Ed2

Ed4

April

Ongoing

_ Developed new sessions as a result of requests from teaching staff (i.e. Numeracy Session). Developed new resources so expanding teaching opportunities (e.g. wildlife pond for pond dipping sessions)

EO

MO

1.2

Provide incentives to encourage local schools to utilise the Park.

B1

Ed2

April

Ongoing

_ Improved links with membership schools. Offer advice on school grounds and provide a resources loan service.

_ Provide additional support to teaching staff of membership schools on their visits to the site.

_ Annual newsletter to member schools

EO

MO

1.3

Development of interpretation to include guided, self guided, and general visitor interpretation across all areas of Staunton Country Park.

H3

Ev3

R2

B1

Ed1

Ed4

April

Ongoing

_ Developed a range of trails for pre-school and Key Stage 1 children which will be available on a rotation basis.

_ Completed Dinosaur Trail will be available from Jan 2006 for general visitors and Key Stage 2 groups.

_ Produced temporary farm Interpretation. Permanent Farm Interpretation to be developed over winter 2005/06.

_ Improved interpretation and access to Education Room.

EO

EO/

MO

1.4

Develop Nature Club to interact with Park teams and focus on the sustainability message.

Ed2

Ed4

April

Ongoing

_ Improved staff involvement with the Wild4Nature Club, including members being responsible for practical tasks on the site.

_ Members frequently undertake maintenance of wildlife garden.

EO

1.6

Develop partnership with Portsmouth Water Company Ltd in the provision of water based education topics.

Ed2

April

June

_ Frequent meetings with Portsmouth Water Ltd staff. Several `Water Boxes' now available for use on site and for loan to schools.

_ Pilot date set for membership school to undertake and evaluate Water sessions. Launch to follow.

EO

MO

1.7

Review skills base of assistants and set minimum standards.

Ed2

June

July

_ Countryside Environmental Educators Group currently identifying core skills and training requirements for all involved in education provision.

EO

PM

1.8

Introduce a teaching / activity assistant 2-4 days a week.

B1

Ed2

July

Ongoing

_ Increasing booking potential by employing activity assistants as required (e.g. weekend groups).

_ Currently identifying funding opportunities to develop this post.

EO

PM

1.9

Introduce revised policy & procedure for placement students and volunteers.

Ed2

May

June

_ Deferred start due to work pressures. Progress as follows;

_ Developing generic placement and volunteer role for 2006. Meeting scheduled for volunteer users on site to establish current situation and identify development opportunities.

_ Prioritising limited placements available to local community/secondary schools.

EO

SR

1.10

Develop adult education links at the Park, including closer working relationship with local colleges including Sparsholt College, Highbury College and South Downs College.

B1

Ed2

Ed3

Sept

Ongoing

_ Developed Park Management half-day course and Leisure & Tourism full-day course for secondary and further education providers.

_ Meeting with local secondary schools to determine potential links (e.g. ASDAN modules).

_ Supporting Enterprise Careers Days.

PM

EO

1.11

Maximise educational resources at Staunton to include;

· Finalise fit out of new Ornamental Farm class room

· Limited renovation of `Activity Hut' class room

Ed2

Ed2

April

October

May

November

_ Fit out complete. Improved interpretation and access to new Education Room.

_ Developed area surrounding Activity Hut into a wildlife area including pond.

EO

EO

HH

2

Marketing & Promotion

2.1

Increase the number of school visits to the Park.

B1

Ed2

April

Ongoing

Promotion through;

_ Trail blazer projects

_ Tourism South East schools listings

_ New pages on Staunton website

_ Distribution of education packs

_ Joint cultural flyer for half-term holiday activities

EO

MO

2.2

Improve and extend catchment of general public awareness of Staunton Country Park.

B3

B4

Ed1

April

Ongoing

_ The Quay radio brand builder campaign is currently underway

_ Press releases have gained significant coverage in local press

_ Mail shots sent to local schools, community centres, nurseries for event specific promotions

_ Mini-card campaign represents 50% of vouchers taken at Park.

MO

2.3

Targeted promotion of restored Ornamental Farm to existing, lapsed and potential local & regional audiences.

B3

April

March

Deferred due to late appointment of Marketing Officer. Progress to date;

_ Local press releases: farm specific

_ The Quay weekend breakfast sponsorship (Spring/ summer 2005). Farm focussed ads.

MO

2.4

Further implementation of findings within Audience Development Strategy.

B5

Sept

Ongoing

_ Further promotion of reduced membership rates (special rates HBC) at local events.

_ Targeted use of language in promotional material

_ Targeted promotions for specific groups (ongoing) e.g. seniors, families, active / outdoor markets etc...

MO

2.5

Targeted marketing to help alleviate shoulder and winter period drops in visitor numbers.

B3

B4

August

Ongoing

_ Kids go free online promotion to partners, November 2005.

_ Promotion of afternoon tea market, coupled with walks and talks (ongoing)

_ Directed campaign for meetings & conferencing Nov / Dec

MO

3

Farm

3.1

Full utilisation of restored farm buildings

B4

Ev2

May

July

_ Achieved

SFR

3.3

Stock rationalisation and improvement

Ev2

H3

Sept

Ongoing

_ Reduction in non pedigree goat stock through re-homing.

_ Introduction of rare breed pigs.

_ Introduction of rare breed fowl

_ Further strengthening of Long Horn herd

SFR

3.5

Development of pig zone.

Ed2

Ed4

July

August

_ Deferred until finances available.

SFR

4

Ancient Woodland

4.1

Investigate the suitability, cost and potential location for a barbecue site within the Park

B1

R1

October

March

_ Site identified at Viewpoint Picnic Area

SR

4.2

Undertake Hazardous Tree Survey

R4

Ev1

April

March

_ Deferred until September.

_ Compartments identified and prioritised surveys are being undertaken. Completion date now February.

_ Required tree works being undertaken as required.

SR

5

Glass Houses

5.3

Consideration of winter usage / displays within;

· Lily house; and

· interpretation/propagation house

B1

August

September

_ Proposal for carnivorous plant display within interpretation house. Awaiting display case.

HH

PM

5.4

Investigation and selection of suitable historic style planters.

H3

June

July

_ Deferred until 2006/07 financial year

HH

PM

6

Formal Gardens

6.2

Landscape Restoration Plans

H1

H2

B1

Sept

Ongoing

· Oval Garden planting plan drawn up with Landscape Advisory Group

PM

HH

6.3

Establishment of Wildflower Border

Ev3

Ed1

Ed4

April

Ongoing

· Wildflower hedge planted

· Willow tunnel planted

HH

7

Landscaped Parkland

7.1

Continue formal garden restoration in line with EDA proposals.

H2

R1

Ed3

June

December

· Serpentine Border restoration underway

· Seven Oaks Lawn scrub clearance underway

· Missing link path around lake restored

· Litter bins installed

· Fishermans Walk carriage way resurfaced

SR

HH

7.2

Introduce bee hives to Storey Gardens.

B1

June

Ongoing

_ Costed and sourced but deferred until next financial year

HH

8

Conference, functions & events

8.1

Establish conference business

B1

B3

B4

May

Ongoing

· Delay in appointment of Marketing Officer has postponed promotional push until Winter 05.

PM

CM

AO

MO

8.2

Establish functions and banqueting business

B1

B2

B3

B4

June

Ongoing

_ Delay in appointment of Marketing Officer has postponed promotional push until Spring 06.

PM

AO

CM

MO

8.4

Appointment of a dedicated member of staff to oversee conference, functions & events.

B1

B2

April

July

_ Deferred until next financial year due to budget pressures.

PM

9

Catering

9.1

Strengthen in-house catering operation

B1

B3

April

Ongoing

_ Core staff turnover reduced.

_ Tea Rooms turnover on target

CM

9.2

Develop a quality and profitable operation

B4

April

Ongoing

_ 61.5% GP on product achieved (Target 57%)

CM

9.3

Investigate and implement other potential sources of catering income

B1

B4

June

Ongoing

_ Victorian Coach House opened during school holidays

_ Ice cream bike operational.

CM

PM

10

Visitor Services

10.1

Introduction and development of improved visitor feedback and recording systems.

B4

May

Ongoing

_ Introduced although delayed until September due to late appointment of Marketing Officer.

AO

PM

10.2

Introduction of regular animal encounter sessions on ornamental farm.

B4

Ed1

July

Ongoing

_ `Informal' sessions achieved during peak season.

EO

SFR

10.3

Introduction of additional children's free play items within ornamental farm.

B4

June

August

_ Deferred until next financial year.

PM

SFR

10.4

Introduction of environmental stimuli for certain breeds

Ev2

June

Ongoing

_ Climbing stones introduced to goat paddocks.

SFR

10.5

Improved site orientation

R1

R2

R4

Ev3

H3

May

Ongoing

_ Orientation boards introduced at Leigh Park Gardens main entrance and pay zone entrance.

PM

10.6

Improved interpretation

Ed1

Ev3

H3

May

Ongoing

_ Farm interpretation updated.

EO

MO

10.7

Review visitor welcome from car park

B4

April

May

_ Deferred until next financial year.

HH

PM

10.8

Investigate sustainable transport incentives

R1

Ed4

July

August

_ Deferred until next financial year.

PM

AO

10.9

Develop stronger product links between all areas of Park activity.

B1

B4

H3

Ed4

Ongoing

· Farm stock to be utilised within catering

· Gift shop selling countryside produce (logs etc)

PM

All

10.10

Introduction of seasonal `Farm Shop'

B1

July

December

_ Deferred until next financial year.

PM

AO

11

Building stock & infrastructure

11.2

Continued improvement to animal housing

Ev2

Ongoing

_ New duck housing introduced

_ Repairs and renovation to large animal housing

_ New rabbit area constructed

SFR

11.4

Introduction of trails within Leigh Park Gardens

B1

R1

R2

R3

R4

June

September

· Surfacing nearing completion

· Three walking routes and one cycle route.

· Planned launch during February half term as part of Active Staunton promotion.

SFR

EO

PM

11.5

Develop & implement business plan proposals for Victorian Coach House.

B1

B3

R1

May

July

· Coach house catering operation in place for summer holiday business

· Cycle hire operation planned for February 06.

PM

SR

CM

11.6

Review of car park operations

B4

April

Ongoing

· Vegetation clearance undertaken to improve lines of sight.

· Regular patrols

PM

SR

HH

11.7

Establish external furniture policy

R1

June

June

_ Agreed style of external bench (gothic iron)

PM

11.8

Path and surface management strategy

R1

H1

H2

Sept

October

_ Specifications and per m costings for all path and carriage way types drawn up.

SR

11.9

Public Convenience Improvements

R1

B2

October

Ongoing

_ Visitor Centre toilets painted.

PM

11.10

Re-decoration of Regency Rooms within Tea Rooms

B3

April

May

_ Achieved

PM

12

Development schemes and funding bids

12.1

Progress Woodland Improvement Grant projects

R1

Ev1

April

Ongoing

_ Woodland Improvement works underway focussed on improving Access and Biodiversity.

SR

12.3

Development and submission of Heritage Lottery second stage application

R1

H2

Sept

March

_ First stage application withdrawn to be re-submitted by March 2006.

PM

12.4

Closure of Ornamental Farm Restoration Phase with the implementation of Leigh Park Gardens restoration phase.

H2

April

July

_ Still within snagging phase of Ornamental Farm works.

_ Leigh Park Gardens phase to complete by 31 December 2005.

PM

SR

HH

13

Management Planning

13.1

Continued development of management plan

B1

April

Ongoing

_ Ongoing

PM

13.2

Development of detailed five year marketing strategy

B4

April

October

_ Version 1 of marketing plan complete. Currently under revision by new Marketing Officer.

MO

PM

13.3

Review current Access Strategy

R1

R2

R3

R4

April

August

_ Deferred until January 06

PM

SR

13.4

Review and further development of Woodland / Habitat management strategy

R1

Ev1

April

September

_ Deferred until January 06

SR

PM

13.5

Development of Sustainability / Waste Policy

Ev4

Sept

March

_ Green Group established and currently engaged in producing a sustainability plan.

SR

14

Management & Administration

14.2

Develop & Introduce improved Management Information Systems

B4

B5

June

September

_ New budgets in place

_ Income and visitor monitoring systems developed and introduced

_ Revised visitor feedback system introduced

AO

PM

14.5

Development of IT systems

B4

June

Ongoing

_ Hantsnet links to conference room, farm office and staff room in place.

_ Conference and Education rooms equipped with interactive white-boards.

AO

PM

14.6

Review of procedural manual

B4

July

Ongoing

_ Ongoing

AO

14.7

Budget development

B4

May

August

_ New cost centred budget structure developed and introduced.

AO

15

Sponsorship & Commemoration

15.2

Review of all sponsorship & commemoration opportunities at Staunton.

B1

Sept

March

_ Sponsorship opportunities and system review complete

_ Phased introduction from Dec '05.

PM

AO

MO

16

Safety & Enforcement

16.1

Health & Safety review of site

B4

May

June

_ External review deferred

_ RoSPA inspection of play equipment undertaken

PM

16.2

Undertake a Health & Safety review of glasshouses to include;

· glazing risk assessment;

· lily house temperature control / water risk;

· signage - hazards/confirm COSHH

Plant injury risk, for example arid house cactus injury risk.

B4

August

March

_ Emergency / evacuation systems review undertaken by PBR

_ Non functioning misting system removed to prevent risk of legionella

HH

16.3

Review of general site safety & security

H4

R2

March

September

_ H&S group reconveined

PM

SR

16.4

Develop closer links with Havant Police & Community Safety Teams

H4

Ed3

Ongoing

_ Community Safety Team vehicles based at Staunton

SR

17

Retail / Shop

17.1

Investigate vending opportunities

B1

June

July

_ Vending machines relocated to higher flow areas.

AO

17.2

Review current and potential product lines

B3

June

Ongoing

_ Shire publications introduced to shop

AO

17.3

Review of shop display equipment

B3

July

September

_ Plans prepared. Works deferred until next financial year.

AO

17.4

Investigation / review of visitor flow within visitor centre / shop.

B3

July

September

_ Counters and display equipment moved to improve visitor flow and reduce congestion.

AO

18

Community

18.2

Continued development and support of community groups

Ed3

April

Ongoing

_ Close partnership working with many groups as part of restoration programme.

SR

18.3

Undertake feasibility study as to the potential development of Leigh Park Nursery Site as training centre

B1

Ev4

April

Ongoing

_ Funding bid to AIF for feasibility funding unsuccessful

PM

19

External Accreditations

19.1

Green Flag Award

B4

Dec

Ongoing

_ Achieved

PM

19.2

Farm Attraction of the Year Award

B4

June

Ongoing

_ Deferred until next financial year

PM