Archived decisions

Item 8

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL.

SIR GEORGE STAUNTON COUNTRY PARK.

JOINT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.

TUESDAY 18TH NOVEMBER 2008.

PARK MANAGER'S REPORT.

Contact: Lewis Paterson (Telephone: 023 9245 3405).

1. Introduction

    1.1. The following report updates members of the Joint Management Committee on developments at the Park since the previous Report presented on 10th June 2008.

    1.2. Poor seasonal weather and the impact of the global financial crisis have had a marked effect on business performance at Staunton during 2008. Despite this we have enjoyed some very successful events and certain areas of business have performed well. Perhaps most notably there has been significant increase in income derived from membership sales during the first half of 2008/09, up almost 42% on the equivalent period during 2007/08.

    1.3. Interestingly, and despite poor season weather, visitor numbers have shown a small increase on the period April to September over those of 2007.

2. Business

    2.1. Adrian McKay has recently joined the team at Staunton as Senior Farm Ranger, we have also appointed an additional Assistant Farm Ranger on a six month temporary contract. Two members of the team have recently departed and we will commence recruitment for a new Administrator and Conference & Events Co-ordinator in the near future.

    2.2. We have seen an increase in visitor numbers to the Ornamental Farm and Gardens for the period April to September when compared to 2007/08 (3,905 visitors or 5.6%). Although a respectable performance given poor seasonal weather there is a concern that retail and catering margins are down, a trend being felt across many businesses.

    2.3. The significant increase in revenue from membership sales when compared to 2007 give some optimism for strong trading during the winter period.

    2.4. The creation of an additional retail area away from the visitor centre was undertaken prior to the main summer season. This has seen improvements in both reducing queuing time at the main entrance and providing grater focus and opportunity for retail operations to grow. Although retail has been somewhat curtailed by the current financial climate we have seen small improvements in overall sales when compared with last year. More notable improvements in sales of plant and Estate produce have been noted. Although a relatively small income stream it is hoped that the Estate meat sales will continue to perform well over the winter period. Increasing domestic fuel costs have also stimulated sales of firewood.

3. Recreation

    3.1. Recently introduced play equipment within Leigh Park Gardens remains popular. Despite the need to temporarily decommission some pieces due to vandalism the trail is attracting growing numbers of visitors drawing people further into the woodland Estate. A very successful `Play Day' launch event was held in partnership with Havant Borough Council during August which attracted in the region of 4,000 visitors to Leigh Park Gardens. It is hoped that this will become an annual event in partnership with Havant Borough Council

    3.2. Despite poor weather the Staunton Live! music events were attended by well over 3,000 visitors. Opportunities to further develop this popular community event are currently being investigated.

    3.3. Staunton has recently been successful in a bid to host the 2009 Hampshire Water Festival event. This is a key event attracting thousands of visitors and aims to promote the importance and distinctiveness of Hampshire's water environment and the need for their protection and conservation.

4. Heritage

    4.1. The second phase of restoration to the walled garden Vinery has commenced and is well under way. It is hoped that public access will be available to the Vinery in the New Year.

    4.2. The Gardens Team has completed the first phase of box hedge removal. As previously reported this was necessitated due to the spread of box blight. The team is working closely with the Landscape Advisory Group to select and source an authentic and suitable replacement.

    4.3. The second phase of external redecorations to buildings has commenced and will be completed by the spring of 09. It includes the conference & education facilities as well as the barn and sawmills buildings.

5. Environment

    5.1. Our woodland management regime continues with timber and coppiced materials being utilised as play chip, firewood or charcoal.

    5.2. The Ranger Team has focussed on improving drainage through a programme of ditch clearance during the summer period. This is principally intended to further improve the path network which is now seeing significantly increased footfall within Leigh Park Gardens. Whilst improvements have focussed primarily around the route of the inspirational play trail other sections of paths have also been included to improve woodland management access and reduce damage when extracting timber.

6. Education & Our Community

    6.1. Staunton continues to remain a popular destination for guided school visits.

    6.2. In partnership with the Fareham & Gosport Schools Consortium our Education Team is now delivering elements of the 14-19 Diploma course. We have commenced the delivery of elements of the Level 1 and 2 Environmental Land Based Diploma.

    6.3. Our core educational programme is currently being expanded to include elements focusing specifically on the proposed Havant Thicket Winter Storage Reservoir. We are working closely with colleagues from Portsmouth Water Ltd.

    6.4. A further sixteen volunteers were welcomed at our October induction. This number included two volunteer volunteer coordinators to assist the team in better matching this vital resource to our maintenance programme.

    6.5. Our supported volunteer scheme is now being coordinated by three agencies (Southern Focus Trust; Havant Day Services; and Connexions) with support from Solent Youth Action to provide support workers on site.

    6.6. Our partnership with Highbury College as part of the Nursery Site Project is now seeing up to fifteen students being based at Staunton for up to four days a week during term time. We have also been successful in securing a portable classroom building for the Nursery Site and it is hoped that this will be fully operational by Christmas.

7. Recommendation

    7.1. That the Joint Management Committee note the content of this Report.

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 this list excluded:

    1. Published works.

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

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