Gunners Bury Triangle Management Report 1

8/9/2019 Gunners Bury Triangle Management Report 1

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ASHA FARAHk0721804MODIFICATION LOGLD3002 Fielding: Management Plan

EDITED LOCATION PAGE- 6GENERAL DESCRIPTION PAGE ADDED PAGE-9EDITED GENERAL VEGETATION DESCRIPTION PAGE -10CREDITED ALL IMAGES AND REFERENCED TEXT TO AUTHORSEDITED PAGES- IMPROVEMENTS O TEXT AND STRUCTURE 11-20PAGE ADDED - IMPROVING PRUNING OF TREES AND SHRUBS- 23PAGE ADDED - MAKING BETTER ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN PAGE -25MODIFIED BIBLIOGRAPHY PAGE- 29


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GUNNERSBURY TRIANGLE NATURE RESERVE POND AND WOODLAND HABITAT

FIELDING MODULE LD3002 MANAGEMENT PLAN


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Asha FarahK0721804Pond and Woodland habitat management report2009


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G u n n e r s b u r y t r i a n g l e n a t u r e r e s e r v e

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The park is opened 24 hours with out any restrictions.

Situated in the northern end of Chiswick, west

London and 10km for the centre of London.

Location :

Local planningAuthorities:

Majority of the site lies in the Borough of Hounslow, along the northern edge of the site liesin the London Borough of Ealing.

Approximately 2.5Ha

The London Borough of Hounslow owns thefree for the whole site including the EntranceYard.Since 1985, the Borough has granted a li-cence to London Wildlife Trust to managethe site.

Area:

Land ownership :

Status: Site of Metropolitan Importance for NatureConservation adopted in the L. B. Hounslow UDP (1996) and Ealing UDP (1995).

Boundary : The site is bounded along two sides by railway lines; the District line runs along the southern boundary,whilst the North London Line (Silverlink) runs along the north-west side. Part of the north-eastern boundaryis made up by the entrance yard, which has a frontage onto Bollo Lane; the remainder of the north-easternboundary abuts onto commercial buildings and a scrap metal yard on Bollo Lane.The north-west boundary has recently been re-aligned, following demolition of an old brick bridge over theNorth London line

Public access:


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Content

Management of Visitors MovementPaths and fencing maintenance 22

Gantt Chart 23

Section One: InvolvementProfessional and Public Participation 24

Bibliography 25

Introduction 5Location 6General Site Description 7General Vegetation Description 8Objective of current management plan 9

Section One:Birch woodlandPhysical condition 10Current management plan 11 PondPhysical condition 12Vegetation and wildlife along the pond 13Current management plan 14

Site Evaluation and Appraisals 15

Section Two : Proposed management planSilver Birch woodland:

Coppicing Management 17Effects and Bene ts of Coppicing 19

Pond lifeImproving Pond conditions 21


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Location

fg.1

Gunnersbury Triangle Nature reserve isa small area of semi-natural secondarywoodland about 10km from the centreof London.

The majority of the woodland andits associated wildlife have becomeestablished by natural succession.

The London Wildlife Trust has

managed the site since 1985, under licence from the landowners, theLondon Borough of Hounslow, whodesignated the site as aformal Local Nature Reserve statusin 1987 (and the L. B. Ealing similarlydesignated the section that lies withinEaling in 1991).

But it is the presence of a number of locally uncommon species, are thatthe site is recognised as a Site of Metropolitan Importance for NatureConservation.

Currently the site is regularly used byschool parties and is open to the publica weekday and one weekend.the reserve is run usually by oneseasonal warden and a volunteer, andthis is between May through to October of each year due to the cut down of funds.

whilst the overgrown junglequalityof this area is part of the its appeal,tis has to be balanced against publicsafety, where boughs of the willow over hang the path.

Gunnersbury TriangleSport and Social Club

Fig.2

Gunnersbury Park

Thames River

Gunnersbury TriangleNature Reserve

Train link to WestLondon

Chiswick train station


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The reserve, isolatedfrom the surroundingarea by railway linesEnclosed by amaturing secondarywoodland treesMosaic of habitats,such as roughneutral grassland,acidic grassland andgrassy open spacescovered with bramble,bracken,Various wetland

communities and alarge pond, The siteis low lying, with avaried topography.

Silver Birch Woodla nd

Birch/Willow Woodland

Willow Woodland and associated Wetland

South-west Facing Bank and Hedge

Acid Grassland

Neutral Grassland

Woodland/Scrub in the north corner

Pond

Ramp

Entrance yard

Site description:

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Physical Landscape

Topography:

Several level changes in site dueto extraction of materials in theearly 19th century

Geology:Brick Earth as the mainsubstratum, resting on ood plaingravel

Soil:Dry, well-drained gritty sand andgravel, and others of ne grainedclay, pH range 4.1 - 6.0

General Site Descriptio n


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This illustration showsground level changesof the site from twomain cross sections.The rst (A-A) showthe level change fromthe District trainsline on the west of thesite through the Siv-ler birch compartmentand on to the oppositesmall car park on theeast.The second cross-section (B-B) repre -

sents the level changeof the site again fromthe District trainsline on the west tothrough the pond andto the east housingblocks.

Site topography



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Entrance yardFig.10 Fig.11

The current condition of the facilities are usable and

Fig.12 Fig.13Tool shedOnsite toilets

Benches

Amenities and facilities on site included:

A small of ce for the site wardenA shed for tools used for maintenancePublic toilet.3 benches throughtout the whole site1-information board

Despite the reserve being opened 24hours, the limited facilities on the sitesuggests the reserve is not to be viewedas a local park, however the reserve ac-commodates a full day event when thepark warden is available.The facilities also act as a deterrent totroublesome teenagers or rough sleepersby positioning the chair far apart andallow some of the facilities to be availableduring the time the warden is managingthe park which is only two days during theweekdays.

Amenities and facilities



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The London wildlife trust managethe site as it is leased by the Bor-ough of Hounslow (LBH). The roleof the nature reserve in the localcommunity has evolved of the yearsbut the reserve has aim to achievethe three main objectives and aimswhich are unchanged since the lastmanagement plan of 1989, as fol-lows;

To recognise the site as1.an important example ofnaturally-colonised wood-land in an urban area, support-ing a range of locally uncommonspecies. This is re ected both inthe decision of the Public Inquiryin favour of nature conservationand, more recently, in the sitesdesignation as a Site of Metro-politan Importance for NatureConservation.

2. To be valued as a place

where local people canamble peacefully, It plays a valuable role3.in providing a localservice in environmentaleducation

Analysis of the three aims:Ecological - to manage thenature reserve to conserve its natu-

ral biodiversity, and to conserve itsmatrix of woodland, wetland andgrassland habitats through appropri-ate management.

Educational - to provide an edu-cation service for local schools, col-leges and the wider community.

Community - to enable access forthe local community and to preservethe feeling of naturalness, and ruralquality of the site, which is a largepart of its appeal.

(Based on existing objectives andaims of Gunnersbury triangle man-agement plan)The above objectives are all to dif-ferent extent achieved, and aremanaged to a workable standard,however management of these aimsare not frequently and consistently

carried out.In the above statements there is nomention of how human interven-tion may be managed at any levelboth visitors and wardens. There isalso no mention of how the reserveintents to improve its publicity ofthe reserve which would enable thewarden to extend their stay and thus

carry out small management activi-ties such as path clearance to im-prove the access for the local com-munity this could be expressed toreplace: Community -equal opportunity ofaccess to site for less able bodiesas well as mothers with children andthe elderly.The site in its current state is unsuit-able for the requirement of thesecategory of people.The management plan also make nomention of the management of thepond wildlife. This is a crucial pointas the pond life adds to the diversityand being the main activity of thesite, This objective could be expressas an extent to the Community aimas:

To maintain pond life through ap-propriate management plan and to

provide education of the diversity ofwildlife present.

Another crucial point the currentmanagement has not mention is theprotection of the trees and the wild-life in the site. Human induce effectssuch as trampling being the mostdamaging impact.

The Objective could have outline asfollowsTo manage the foot fall and poten-tial damage to tree by enable partialinteraction.

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To manage and promote the site as a regionally valuable nature reserve, which will be of educational and communitybene t.

Fig.15

The site does not representa typical example of any ofthe U.K. semi-natural habitattypes; indeed much was madeof its 'unique' quality atthe Public Inquiry.

Fig.16

Fig.14

Objective of Current plan


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The woodland covers 80% of thesite and the di erent areas areseparated by the emergence of thedi erent canopies of trees. Intotal there are 4 compartments of

woodland areas; Birch/Willow Silver birch Woodland Glade Willow Woodland with associated

wetland.

SECTION ONE:

Ground cover in ivy andbramble

Unmanaged and brokenshoots

Fig.25Fig.24

silver woodland descripition


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Overgrown branches Tree damage by poor protection Poor management of new treesFig.17 Fig.19Fig.18

Current physical condition of the woodlands


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CURRENT PHYSICAL CONDITION OF THE POND

Fig.20-23


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Site Description Of Pond

The pond was dug in 1986 asan economical move to attract

more visiting schools to thesite as well as to diversifythe potential the site has for

wildlife habitat. Activitiessuch as pond dipping have provento be very popular.The pool is fed from thenatural water table, with theresult that the water level

uctuates seasonally. Most ofthe vegetation has colonisednaturally, although some plants

have been introduced .The water is about 1.3m deep atits deepest point (the south-east side), but much shallowerelsewhere. In general there isa gentle slope from the marginstowards the island in the centre.It has no liner, and relies onthe natural water table. Some

marginal and submerged plants were introduced in the rst year

(including the yellow ag iris,purple loosestrife, cuckoo owerand brooklime) but a majorityof the vegetation has colonisednaturally. A boardwalk and ponddipping platform were installedin 1992 with the help of a grantfrom Barclays Bank and EnglishNature. Additional shallow bayshave been added to the originalpond at various stages.

The water often becomes covered with duckweed, which represents a signi cant man -

agement issue. In the past the water fern, Azolla, has also been a serious problem.

Owing to its woodland setting, the pond re-ceives a great deal of willow down (from

willow catkins) and has a tendency to de-velop oily lms.

SECTION ONE:

Fig.30Fig.29 W I N T

E R

S U M M E R

N O V / D E C

J U L

/ A U G

Boardwalk An island

Fig.31 Vegetion growth during summer


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Current management plan of the pond area

The pond was made to provide a focusfor school parties. An island wasleft to provide nesting habitat for

wildfowl. Management has includedcutting back the willows on theisland (annually or every secondyear) to control shading of the waterand provide dense nesting cover for

mallard. Overhanging trees have alsobeen cut back to improve light levelsand reduce leaf litter in the water. Insome years duckweed has been a severeproblem; this has been cleared by handnetting. The pond oor was partially

de-silted, by hand digging, in winter1997-8. However, water level remainedlow throughout 1999,Objectives

To maintain the pond principally as1.an educational resource, recognisingthat it is also valued as a gatheringpoint and sitting out area by generalvisitors.To promote diversity of aquatic life.2.To encourage a diversity of submerged3.and marginal vegetation, minimisingdominance of excessively large areasby invasive species.To control tendency to eutrophication4.and silting up, which results from

willow catkins, leaves etc fallinginto the water.To maintain the pond in a visually5.attractive condition as an importantlandscape feature.

Island

Pond

Fig.38Fig.37Pond covered in duckweed

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The site has a wealthof wildlife and treespecies set along sidethe urban fabric thatenclosing it .The site is alsorecognised as oneof the few areas ofnaturally colonisedwoodland within theinner suburbs of WestLondon.

In terms of diversitythe site displays aconsiderable varietyof species for itssize and location.

The reserve doessupport a number ofplant and bird speciesthat are uncommon in aregion (west London).These include narrow-leaved hawkweed,prickly buckler fernand crested buckler-fern and amongstthe birds locallyuncommon nestingspecies includeblackcap, sparrowhawk,whitethroat and lesserwhitethroat.Despite the rarityand uniqueness of thesite, there are anumber of issues thatmight build up to makethe site unmanageableif left in its currentstate.The site currentlyfeels over hang withshort and twisted treebranches, blurred

footpaths, drowningpond life and anuneasy feeling ifventuring alone.The idea of achievingnatural wildness andseclusion on the sitehas some what beenachieved here andthis is one of theunique factors thatdifferentiates thissite from others.However the sitehas issues of roughsleepers who use thesites as a enclave anddrug use. Althoughthis has not posed anythreats to visitors tothe site, the reservewardens often has toclean and maintainthe representation ofthe reserve as a safespace for the locallycommunity to visit.

The current

management plan iswell planned howeverI feel as there is ashortage of staff tocarry out the work andthe maintenance of thetree and shrubs to bepoorly managed .

fg.40-43

Entrance yard

SITE EVALUATION

Fig.39


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Strengths

Ecological varied habitatProvides shelter to uncommon spe-ciesSize of site- easier to manageGreen corridor linking other openspaces such as Kew Gardens andGunnersbury parkSupported by the local communityGood volunteer baseThe nearest public transport is

the District Line (Ealing branch)at Chiswick Park station

Weakness

O pen 24 hours - providing shelterto rough sleepersVery enclosedOver grown vegetation coverBlurred pathsNo clear directionsUnsafe board walks along the pondUneven ground levelThe site is bounded along twosides by railway lines

Poor consistent managementNot well established

Opportunities

Develop into more mature mixeddeciduous

Woodland, of relatively highbiodiversity

Planned development nearby -future investment.Improve socioculturalrelationships of the communityImprove the well being of thelocal communityAttract more uncommon wildlife to

Constraints

Immigrant in uxInsuf cient nancial aidSafety of staff - one ward presentof the sites

Unmarked territories due to poorcoppicing of treesTo much human interventions- mayloose uniqueness.Lack of suf cient advertisement ofthe site means lack of funding .

SWOC ANALYSIS


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The main con ict, held by the Society ofGunnersbury Triangle to the proposed improventsto the site may be the aesthics of the reserve,who fell alterations may change the characteristicand uniqness of the site Improvments such as theaccess for the disabled and mothers with buggies aswell as improvemnts to managed the sprawl of weedswould make the site more commericalised and naturewould seem like it is con ned to allocated areas 2 .

The Society would want to keep te reserve to feelas a wilderness site.

SWOC

Constraint

to much human interventions- mayloose uniquness.

SWOCOpportunity

Improve the well-being of the localcommunityDevelop into more mature mixeddeciduous woodland, of relativelyhigh biodiversity

The london wildlife trust aims: to provide aneducation service for local schools, collegesand the wider community 2

operational constraint and interested parties

2. London Wildlife Trust, 2005

SWOCOpportunity

Improve sociocultural relationships ofthe community

SWOC

ConstraintLeaseholders are relectant to allowchanges to the siteInsuf cient nancial aid


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PROPOSAL FOR A MANAGEMENT PLAN

AIM: To manage and promote the site as a regionally valuable nature reserve, which will be of educational and community bene t.

OBJECTIVE: THE SITE HAS A NUMBER OF ISSUES THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSES THESE INCLUDED:

Improving The Pruning Of Trees And Shrubs1.Management Of Visitor Foot Fall And Pressure2.Making A Better Adverising Campaign Of The Site3.Gantt chart4.

PROPOSAL

1 Proposal : Improving The Pruning Of Trees And ShrubsThis is the a simple diagram ofpruning.

This should would bene t the site byreducing the di erent layers of shadesand allowing more light and air tocirculate in the site.

Fig. 44 Typical pruning technique of branches

This image shows a reversion branches on

a birch tree which need pruning back tothe trunk to revert the branches.

Fig.45 Revert birch branches

SECTION TWO:V


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:Improving the pruning of trees and shrubs

The shrub and trees are slighty over grown inthe summers causing a overcast and a sense ofuneasy to venture alone.

Pruning of the trees and the shrubs is vitallyimportant to allow the diversity of species to

orish.Currently there is a carpet of ivy under theSilver Birch woodland compartment, and muchmore densly in the Willow woodland compartment.

Bramble and other herbaceous owering plants

Beginning of the Silver Birch Woodland compartment

New Birch pushes throughthe tangled mss ofgrasses and shrubsgrowing under the trees

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Proposal

Fig. 46

Fig. 47


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Treated timber edge200 x 35mm. 2m

length.

Treated timber pegs50 x 50 x 450mm,pointed at one end.

xed every 15m c/susing galvanisednails.

Improvement to paths is crucial forthis site, and for the safety ofvisitor.The current pathway are covered withthe broad willow tree leaves, makingthe path at times inaccessibilitydue to it being to slippery.

Existing material

Path covered with leaves

Unrecognisable path

Fig.48

Fig .50

Fig. 51

Fig. 48-52 Tutt, P. 1997

Fig.53

Fig.54

Push chairWalking stick

560mm

Cruches840mm

: Management Of Visitor Foot Fall And PressureProposal

2

Two men passing each ot her Fig.49

Fig.52


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These are some of the websites advertising the Nature reserve.

www.chiswickw4.comFig.55 www.environmentjob.co.ukFig.56

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Proposal : Making A Better Adverising Campaign Of The Site

The reserve is welldvertised on theinternet searchenginee but theseare out date and xedinformation of thesite. the site arealso not regularlyupdated

A more immediateinforamtion aboutthe site can beadvertised on thesites visitors boardas well as the train

station where anaverage of +/-2000people pass everydayalso writing intoschools to inviteindidival parents orthe school for dayvisits can be alsoimplemened.To managed thesesite would needregular updates aboutchanges to the siteas well as open publcdisscusion on issuesthis would greatlyhelp the socialawareness of the site


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Proposed Management schedule

Woodland

Pond

g.57-61Images relating to current condition and maintenance work needed to be carried out.

Gantt Chart


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SECTION THREE:

Case study of a successful woodland park: Russia Dock Woodland, Southwark

Managed by akeen group ofresidence, Russia

woodland dockin Southwark.The site has wonnumerous award of

which the name afew are the GreenFlag status and

London Tree andWoodland Award.this was achievedas noted on thefriens of Russia

woodland dockstate: having afrequent dialogue

with SouthwarkCouncil amd adedicated workforce to managethe site.

Fig. 61-64


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Professional and Public Participation

Management plansbeing carried out onsite in August 2009

where the fences inthe entrance yardand the woodlandscrub in the northarea were beingrenewed. The fencesbegan to form splitters since their

were last renewedback in 2006.

Despite the largenumber of coppicessilver birch trunkslying around the sitethese could not beused because smallvertebrate specieshave began to inhabitit.

When the management

plan are carried,access to the reserveis generally closedhowever volunteersare encouraged toparticipate carryingout the smallertasks.

g.65-69Maintenance work being carried out by locals


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Bibliography

BOOKS

Hough, M. 1995, Cities and Nature Process , New York, Routledge.

Ryn, S and Cowan, S, 2007, Ecological Design: 10 anniversary edition,USA, Island Press

Bird, R. 1992, Woodland Gardening, London, Souvenir Press.

PUBLISHED REPORTS

London Wildlife Trust, 1988, Gunnersbury Triangle Local Nature Re-serve, 1987-88. Progress report, including paper on birds by r.helilier.

Chiswick Wildlife Group, 1983, The Gunnersbury Triangle as a Local Nature Reserve . Report to a Public inquiry, July 1983.

London Wildlife Trust, 2005, Gunnersbury Triangle Local Nature Re-serve: Management Plan 2005-2010. Progress report.

WEBSITE

http://www.pam.ealing.gov.uk/PlanNet/documentstore%5CDC1113271-266381-15-1_01_A.PDF(Last visited 28/10/09 )

http://www.pam.ealing.gov.uk/PlanNet/documentstore%5CDC1113271-266381-15-1_01_A.PDF(Last visited 28/10/09 )

http://www.hounslow.gov.uk/isleworth_brentford_conappreport.doca.ps.pdf (Last visited 07/10/09 )

http://democraticservices.hounslow.gov.uk/(S(vrjisdi2ta5mul550vtn5555))/Published/C00000241/M00004918/AI00044200/$4189LWT.docA.ps.pdf (Last visited 10/11/09 )

FIGURESFig 1. Own photography

Fig 2. Own photographyFig 3. Own photographyFig 4. Own photographyFig 5. Own photographyFig 6. Own photographyFig 7. Own photographyFig 8. Own photographyFig 9. Own photographyFig 10. Own photographyFig 11. Own photographyFig 12. Own photographyFig 13. Own photographyFig 14. Own photographyFig 15. Own photographyFig 16. Own photographyFig 17. Own photographyFig 18. Own photographyFig 19. Own photographyFig 20. Own photographyFig 21. Own photographyFig 22. Own photographyFig 23. Own photographyFig 24. Own photographyFig 25-27.Own photographyFig 28. Own photographyFig 29. Own photographyFig 30. Own photographyFig 31-33 Own photographyFig 34-36 http://www.russiadockwood.ukfriends.com/index.

html (last visited 22/11/09)Fig 35-39 Own photographyFig.40-44 Own photographyFig.45-47 Own photographyFig.48-52 Tutt, P. 1997, New Metric Handbook Planning and

Design Data, Reed Education and Professional Publishing Ldt, Oxford, pp 31.

Fig.53-54 Own photographyFig.55 Own photography

Fig.55-56 Own photography

Fig.57-61 Own photographyFig.62-64 Own photographyFig.65-69 Own photography

Documents

Gunners Bury Triangle Management Report 1