Wildlife
Area at Snakey Lane Allotments
2, 6. The dimensions of the pond are 6m x 6m and the
liner proposed is a thick butyl variety with a lifetime
guarantee together with environmentally neutral felt
underlay. The quotation below is based on enough material
to cover this area to a depth of 1m. The marsh area
is 6m x 2m. After discussion with New Heights construction
and others we have decided that the best way to conserve
water from draining away in the marsh area is to excavate
to a depth of ca 25cm, then line with a thick butyl
liner without underlay and without holes; the area
would be unevenly back-filled with the excavated topsoil
prior to planting. This liner would be overlapped
with the pond liner by about 15 cm.
The attached section of the pond at 'h' shows an initial
45 degree slope for 25 cm leading to a 25 cm wide
shelf around the perimeter, the aim being to sit pots
or root mats of suitable plants on the shelf and also
to provide a 'brake' in case any person slipped into
the pond. The pond then shelves down at a 20 degree
slope towards a central circular refuge area 1m in
diameter at a depth of 1m. Would this meet requirements?
For example, is the refuge area sufficiently wide?
3. It was agreed that a wooden picket fence would
suffice and we undertake to make one. The gate, in
a style to match the fence, is positioned at 'd' on
the attached map. We undertake to make this both self-closing
and with the capacity to open both ways to facilitate
disabled wheelchair access in and out of the wildlife
area. In addition a turning circle at 'e' would make
it easier for such chairs to turn around; and the
width of the proposed path, at 2 m, is believed to
be sufficient for chair use, particularly so since
the portion between 'b' and 'c' will be raised up
- please see below. Robust warning signs of the presence
of dangerous deep water are to be placed at 'i' and
'j'.
4,5. In reality, at least until plans are finalised,
we feel there may be at least an emergency need to
fill the pond with a hosepipe. Accordingly, at the
very least for contingency purposes, we propse that
New Heights Construction Ltd will incorporate a suitable
length of scaffolding tubing at pont 'a' within the
restored road [course shown by dashed lines].
Some considerable initial thought has been given to
this problem. Hence the decision about how to conserve
water in the marsh area, as it would seem conservation
should be part of any solution. Out of many possibilities
could the following may move the matter forward? Because
of ongoing break-ins, theft, and vandalism at the
allotments there is a proposal to site a second 'Portakabin'
to the West of the pond at 'g'. I propose that a guttering
system is installed on the roof of this, leading to
the pond, with additional water-catchment flanges
if needed. This idea is preferred to building up banks
around the pond because of the problem of minimising
silt draining into the pond [requiring expensive materials]
and the need for the excavated spoil to be used to
raise the path - please see below.
We hope to be able to retrieve all the original granite
edging blocks from the old turning circles during
the roadworks and to use these to assist with secure
fixing of the edges of the pond liner.
6. We agree with the plant suggestions and Lady's
Smock is already available in my pot collection. We
propose for marsh/pond edges also Yellow Flag, Purple
Loosestrife, and Equisetum palustre.
6,7. This has been undertaken for the
road. Our proposed costs for the wildlife area are
outlined below.
8. Such donations of plants would be very welcome.
I have already planted a Marjoram and have a supply
of Birdsfoot Trefoil, Hardhead, Ground Ivy and Cowslip
to donate; Black Knapweed seed is available from Ludlow
Road Park and Sainfoin seed has already been collected
from there. Seed of Yellow Rattle, Field and Devilsbit
Scabious and Ragged Robin would be very welcome. Grass
Vetchling, as previously stated, is already present
and is one reason for choosing plot 31 as the most
suitable area for wildlife conservation. We propose
removing all of the Oak tree saplings and if these
are of use would be glad to pass them on to cip.
Further comments and queries, continuing the same
numbering:
9.The region of the path between 'b' and 'c' lies
at about 35cm below the road surface and this area
has flooded in the past for short periods during heavy
rain. We therefore believe most of the path needs
to be raised up to the same level as the road. Allowing
an additional 15cm for path surface materials and
their settlement over time, this would require about
13 cubic m of materials, not allowing for suitably
sloping flanks. Given that there will be about 18
cubic m of spoil resulting from the excavation of
the pond, we propose using this or part of it for
raising the path and the land around it, together
with the excavated planings from the initial excavation
of the road to provide a more bulky foundation for
the path itself. We currently propose using wood chips
for the surface. Would this be suitable for chair
use?
10. The area labelled 'f' is a proposed future continuation
of the path into the woodland area of plot 33, currently
dominated by a large Oak tree. Some native plants
have already been planted out there, including Red
Campion, Stinking Hellebore[currently in flower],
and Ramsons.
11. The area labelled 'g' is rough meadow of little
interest. As mentioned it may be a suitable location
for a second Portakabin. It is largely in shade in
the Winter and hence the core of the wildlife are
has been shifted a little eastward of the original
proposal, with a reduction in the extent of the marsh
area.
12. It is proposed to keep most of the established
Bramble scrub at 'A' and particularly 'B' as part
of the conservation overview, i.e. a rich network
of varied habitats and vegetation; also they are very
productive of fruit when managed. However, the dashed
line at the eastern edge of the meadow area indicates
potential for a little clearance of area B, so as
to enhance the meadow area and variety. It is here
that Ground Ivy for example would probably flourish.
COSTINGS UPDATE
1. Excavation of pond and marsh areas and redistribution
of materials in marsh and for pathway £400
2. Lifetime liner for pond [one piece] and underlay £460-00
3. Butyl liner for marsh £115-00
4. Plants other than donations £ 25-00
5.Fencing, gates, notices etc £350-00
TOTAL £1,350-00
Quote 1New Heights Construction stc
Quotations 2 and 3 kindly provided by Mark's Water Garden, Teddington.
Item 5 could possibly be funded by the Association, together with guttering relating
to a second Portakabin?
I have given up trying to attach the map here - it's in 2 portions and meant
to be A4 size; will try on a second mailing. If that doesn't work please email
me your fax number!
Chris Hill
4-1-08 |
